Stinger (AOE)
From Transformers Wiki
| The name or term "Stinger" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, seeStinger (disambiguation). |
- Stinger is aDecepticonfrom theAge of Extinctionportion of themovie continuity family.
Innovation. Efficiency. Style.KSIrolls them out as you've never before experienced withStinger,the all-new transformabledroneproduced on and exclusively for theEarthmarket. Improving on ourcompetitor's efforts,Stinger specializes in serving all your sabotage needs.[1]A combination of years of KSI's intensive engineering research with the cutting-edge styling of their partners atPagani Automobili,Stinger is as beautiful as it is functional.
Inspired by Bumblebee, butbetter in every way.KSI promotional video on Stinger,Transformers: Age of Extinction
Contents |
Fiction
Age of Extinctionfilm
Stinger was one of a number of drones created by KSI, using salvaged supplies oftransformiumfrom the remains of deceased Transformers and recycled into raw materials. Stinger was deliberately designed to evokeBumblebee;the engineers who supervised the creation of Stinger noted that their model supposedly "improved" on the many design flaws that the "antique" Bumblebee possessed.
A prototype of Stinger was displayed in KSI's headquarters whenCade,Shane,and Bumblebee infiltrated the building. Infuriated by KSI's claims, Bumblebee wound up knocking over the prototype, leaving Shane to take the heat when KSI staff arrived to investigate.
Shortly afterwards, the working Stinger unit was deployed alongsideGalvatronto chase down and apprehend the Autobots as they fledChicago,firing a missile at the fleeing Autobots. Though Stinger pursued his targets relentlessly, the arrival ofLockdownand the subsequent capture ofOptimus Primeled KSI to recall both Galvatron and Stinger before the government could discover them.
When Galvatron revealed his true nature and commandeered KSI's man-made Transformer army, Stinger was among the many drones deployed inHong Kongto seize theSeed;he pursued Bumblebee and the other Autobots, and eventually engaged his yellow doppelganger atopStrafe.The pair grappled as Strafe flew through Hong Kong, but Bumblebee emerging triumphant after impaling him in the head and then shooting him, blowing his body apart. Strafe happily gnawed on Stinger's decapitated head, while a smug Bumblebee remarked he hated "cheapknock-offs".Age of Extinction
TitanAge of Extinctioncomic
"Piss off, Titan, we're counting money."
Following a breakout at KSI's laboratories, Stinger disguised himself asBumblebeeand attacked a power plant, hoping to draw out theAutobot.He subsequently headed into a nearby forest, and set fire to an occupied house to attract Bumblebee's attention. As the Autobot attempted to rescue the house's occupant, Stinger punched him into a tree, and welded Bumblebee's battle mask down to render the two of them identical. A brief battle ensued, ending whenOptimus Primearrived. Stinger mimicked Bumblebee's beeping to confuse the Autobot leader, but he was able to identify his real comrade when the scout dived to save the human from a fall. His cover blown, Stinger pulled a gun on Optimus, but had it knocked from his hand, and quickly fled the scene.Accept No Substitutes!
Swindle's Spiel
SwindleofSwindle, Swindle and Swindlehad several Stinger units for sale, and considered them to be his best-selling drone model.Swindle's Spiel, 2015/10/05
Games
Age of Extinctionmobile game
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
Console
Stinger is not a playable character in the campaign ofRise of the Dark Spark,but is available to use in Escalation if the game is purchased fromWalmart,and subsequently via DLC. He shares his default ability with Bumblebee – the Ammo Supply Core.
Part ofLockdown's crew, Stinger was present for Drift's interrogation. He then followed Lockdown away, presumably to assist in his objective of retrieving the "amplifier".Rise of the Dark Spark
3DS
Transformers Ultimate Allstars
Toys
Age of Extinction
- Decepticon Stinger(Legion Class,2014)
- Known designers:Ramon Campos(Hasbro)
- Arepaintof theCyberverseSeries 2 Legion ClassKnock Outtoy, superficially changed to resemble Stinger. AWalmartexclusivein the United States (also available at Asda stores in the United Kingdom and at Müller drug stores in Germany), Stinger came in multi-lingual packaging, with no bio, as well as no weapons of any kind. The stock photography on the back of his packaging depicts the differently decoed "Scene Pack" version of Stinger (see below).
- In vehicle mode, Stinger's front hood/chest and his front windshield/back panel can slightly pop out by accident if one rolls his vehicle mode by gripping/pressing his side doors/arms. The chest also slightly pops out if one pushes his vehicle mode down with a touch of a finger.
- For some reason the back of his card has aGMlogo despite his vehicle mode not being a real car design.
- Decepticon Stinger & Dinobot Slug(Two-pack, 2014)
- Known designers:Ramon Campos(Hasbro)
- Stinger is a minor redeco (possibly even a mererepaint) ofCyberverseSeries 2Mirage,itself a retool ofRevenge of the FallenLegends ClassSidewayswith standardCyberversehands sporting3mm pegholes. While the deco somewhat resembles the on-screen Pagani Huayra that Stinger transforms into, the alternate mode is a modified Audi R8, thealternate modeused for Sideways in theRevenge of the Fallenfilm.Stinger is packaged with a redeco ofBeast Wars NeoGuiledartasSlug.This two-pack was exclusively available at Walmart stores in the United States and at Asda stores in the United Kingdom.
- The original version of this sculpt was alsoredecoedto make2010TransformersOverride.
- Bumblebee vs. Decepticon Stinger with Strafe(Scene Pack, 2014)
- Accessories:Sword
- Known designers:Ramon Campos(Hasbro)
- Available only in a "Scene Pack" with aCyberverseSeries 1Bumblebeeredeco and an unchangedAge of ExtinctionDeluxe ClassStrafe,Stinger is again made from theCyberverseKnock Out mold, but has slightly different paint operations compared to his single carded release. Stinger also comes with theCyberverseSeries 2 accessory based onPrimeRatchet's scalpel in clear purple.
- This three-pack was available exclusively at Walmart stores in the United States, at Asda stores in the United Kingdom, at Müller drug stores in Germany, and at Auchan stores in Italy. Along with Bumblebee, a number of loose Stingers (often without his weapon, and his enemy Strafe) is later dumped at several Hobby Shops in Asia.
- Mega 1-Step Bumblebee with Bonus Value Decepticon Stinger(Bonus pack, 2014)
- A Walmart exclusive version of theMega 1-Step Bumblebeefigure that includes a "bonus value" Legion Class Stinger figure. Both figures are unchanged from their original single releases.
Robots in Disguise
- Decepticon Stinger(One-Step Changers, 2014)
- TakaraTomy ID number:LA12
- TakaraTomy release date:2014-08-02
- Known designers:John Warden(Hasbro)
- Stinger transforms from a licensed Pagani Huayra into a robot in a single step at the push of a button on his windshield. After transforming into robot mode, Stinger needs to transform back into vehicle in both steps: Push down the button again while clamping the vehicle parts together by hand to make it secure. Many figures feature a defect or adesign flawwhere the left ankle assembly cannot support the weight of the figure and therefore does not fully extend resulting in a slightly lopsided stance in robot mode.
- Stinger was originally solicited as a mass retail release before it was revealed atBotCon 2014that at least some of Stinger's toys —including this one— would be released asWalmartexclusives.[2]Oddly, despite sporting a "Walmart exclusive" sticker on its packaging, One-Step Changer Stinger was found at multipleTargetstores as well as online stores like Entertainment Earth.[3][4][5]The packaging also still sports the mass retail assortment number, implying a last-minute change in its release, and the factory simply went by the product code/assortment numbers on the packaging and shipped the figure with the other mass retail figures, despite the sticker.
- In Canada, Stinger was also available as a Walmart exclusive. Meanwhile, in Germany, Stinger was originally believed to be exclusive to Müller drug stores (like various otherAge of Extinctionfigures and multi-packs that are exclusive to Walmart in the US), but later turned out to be a general retail release.
- TheTakaraTomyLost Age Seriesrelease of Stinger (a normal retail release) features darker red plastic, and that's about it for changes.
Movie Advanced Series
- ID number:AD32
- Accessories:2 throwing stars
- Known designers:Hironori Kobayashi(deco artist)
- Released as part ofTakaraTomy'sMovie Advanced Seriesline, Decepticon Stinger is a redeco ofAge of ExtinctionGenerationsBumblebee,and transforms from a robot with flip-out arm cannon and a battle mask with green paint details to resemble his "visors", to a 2014Chevrolet Camaroconcept car with a detail of his on-screen vehicle mode, rather than the actual Pagani Huayra as seen in the film. Like the deluxe Bumblebee, he includes two 'fake kibble' hubcaps, which can be screen-accurately mounted on his back, removed and held as throwing star weapons, or store underneath his vehicle mode. Stinger cannot transform into vehicle mode with the Shurikens pegged on his back.
- As with the original mold, Stinger's rear vehicle kibble and shoulder armor are mistransformed in order to fit in the package.
Construct-Bots
- Bumblebee vs. Decepticon Stinger with Strafe(Walmart exclusive, 2014)
- Pieces:44
- Known designers:Ramon Campos(Hasbro)
- Stinger is a Dinobot Rider comprisingDriftandBumblebeeDinobot Rider parts. This is done to evoke a car mode very similar but not identical to Bumblebee's just as his in-film incarnation. He comes into aWalmartexclusive three-pack with Bumblebee andStrafe.He uses a sword and has battle damage in the vehicle mode.
- Like mostConstruct Botsfigures, Stinger's rubber ball joints can harden over time, which prevents smooth posing.
Kre-O
- Decepticon Replicator(2014)
- Set number:A8601
- Pieces:77
- Kreons:Bumblebee,Nemesis Prime,Optimus Prime,"Scientist",Stinger
- Accessories:Blaster
- Available only in the "Decepticon Replicator"set,KreonStinger is (naturally) based on the Bumblebee that comes in the same set. He has the same helmet and gun, the same chest and legtampographs(just with red details instead of yellow and gunmetal instead of silver), but a different, smirking face with pupil-less eyes. He is meant to fit inside the set's cylindrical display case/replicator tube, which has a (barely) rotating base to spin him around on.
- This set was not made available in U.S. or Canadian markets, seemingly only hitting stores in Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, and China, continuing the tradition of making Stinger merchandise bizarrely hard to find in Hasbro's markets.
Studio Series
- Decepticon Stinger(Deluxe Class,2018)
- Released in the first wave ofStudio SeriesDeluxe class figures, "Decepticon Stinger" transforms from robot to licensed Pagani Huayra and back in 21 steps. He includes 4 shuriken, as well as a cardboard backdrop display depicting the Hong Kong battle inAge of Extinction.The shuriken can either be placed on his back or his forearm. They store underneath his car mode but stick out somewhat. The roof of the car transforms into the stinger he used in the film. Care should be taken when transforming the figure, since part of the stinger weapon is prone to snapping off at the hinge.
- Depending on the quality control between each sample, some units might be missing one or both of their rear view mirror pieces (this even extended to the TakaraTomy stock photo, seen in the comparison on the left), which can be identified in-package by looking at the shoulder "pylons".
- Stinger, along with the rest of Wave 1 Deluxes, was made available atHasbro Toy Shopfollowing New YorkToy Fair 2018,two months ahead of the scheduled brick and mortar release date. This mold was retooled to make aKSI Sentry.
Buzzworthy Bumblebee
- High Octane Bumblebee VS Decepticon Stinger(Battle Pack,2021)
- Series:Studio Series
- Movie:Age of Extinction
- ID number:02BB
- Accessories:4 shuriken, "Duel of the Dopplegangers[sic]"backdrop
- Buzzworthy Bumblebee"Decepticon Stinger" is a reissue of the aboveStudio Seriesfigure, released in a battle pack withHigh Octane Bumblebee.Though the backdrop included depicts their Hong Kong showdown inAge of Extinction,the pack itself better reflects their first encounter at KSI's headquarters, when Bumblebee was still in his "High Octane" design.
- It is unknown whether this release of Stinger still suffers from missing 1 of the side view mirrors.
Merchandise
Pop!
- Stinger(2014)
- ID number:135
- Released as part of thePop! Moviessegment and exclusive to Walmart,Funko'sPop!Stinger is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his...well, not exactly his screen-accurate appearance inAge of Extinction,but more of aCliffjumper-ishlook since this is just the red version ofBumblebee's body, given the mask-less look.
Battle Brigade
- Stinger(2014)
- This plush version of Stinger was exclusive to Walmart.
Prime 1 Studio
- Stinger(
201?)
- Movie:Age of Extinction
- ID Number:MMTFM-??
- Prime 1 StudioMuseum MasterlineStinger was going to be a huge statue probably featuring light-up LED eyes and some swappable parts. A single prototype image was revealed in late 2015, but the statue never came to fruition.
- There is a chance that this statue was actually going to beAge of ExtinctionBumblebee, but given how it was grouped withothervillainouscharactersfor the announcement and was revealed with the battle mask deployed, it leans a little more to it being Stinger. Or, you know, maybe they would've released it as both characters anyway, so we'll just leave it at that.
 Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Hot Wheels
- Pagani Huayra(Transformers, 2024)
- Transformers ID number:5/5
- Made in collaboration withMattel,this redeco of theHot WheelsPagani Huayra casting is made to resemble the color scheme of Stinger. The packaging makes use of stock images of evergreen Megatron and Starscream.
Notes
- The Pagani Huayra was at one point intended as the alternate mode of a female robot with the working nameWidow Maker.[6][7]
- The Legends/Legion Class Stinger toy from the two-pack with Slug marks the third time this sculpt is used to represent an on-screen movie character, even though all three of them used different alternate modes in the films themselves:Revenge of the FallenSideways, the original release of the sculpt, transformed into an Audi R8 (the toy is modified to avoid having to acquire a license),Dark of the MoonMirage/ "Dino" into a Ferrari 458 Italia, and Stinger into a Pagani Huayra.
- Hasbrorepresentatives atBotCon 2014noted that a fullretoolof the 2014 Camaro Deluxe Class Bumblebee toy as Stinger was planned, but ultimately did not get beyond theprototypestage.[8]This is corroborated by toy listings "leaked" to the public in late2013,which included a 'Decepticon Stinger' toy in the mass-retail Deluxe assortment.[9]
- "Stinger" was previously an early working name forRevenge of the FallenSideswipe.
- Prior to the release of the 2018Studio Seriesfigure, literally every toy and piece of merchandise made of the character that was available in the US was exclusive toWalmart.Even his appearance in the console version ofRise of the Dark Sparkwas initially a pre-order bonus specific to Walmart. Not evenLeadfoot,who hasTargetlogos on him, was as thoroughly associated with a single retailer as Stinger.
Foreign names
- Japanese:Stinger(スティンガーSutingā)
- Mandarin:Shìcì(Taiwan, thích thứ, "Sting" )
References
- ↑Age of ExtinctionStinger packaging bio
- ↑"Rumor - Some Age of Extinction Stinger Toys to be Wal-Mart Exclusives"at TFW2005.
- ↑"Age of Extinction One-Step Changer Stinger Released - Walmart Exclusive Found at Target?"at TFW2005.
- ↑Another TFW2005 postabout One-Step Changer Stinger at Target.
- ↑AnotherTFW2005 postabout One-Step Changer Stinger at Target.
- ↑Age of Extinction concept art by Vitaly Bulgarovat TFW2005, including "Widow Maker".
- ↑Age of Extinction concept art by Steve Jungat Comicbook.com, including "Widow Maker".
- ↑Sabrblade posts on The Allspark forums
- ↑User:Monzosummarizes the 'customer service leak' on The Allspark forums
