Bumblebee (Transformers IDW comics)

Bumblebee G1.

Bumblebee was born on the edge of a changing era. His youthful enthusiasm was dampened, but never entirely lost, when war gripped his homeworld, forcing him to change professions, from civilian messenger to lawman, sniper, and scout. Bumblebee also failed to shake off the youthful image and even after millennia of bitter conflict, it would be hard to find someone who didn't still see him as a friendly, wide-eyed "little brother." Bumblebee was so respected that when the opportunity unexpectedly arose, he was democratically elected leader of the Autobots. It was a job Bumblebee neither asked for nor wanted, but one he nonetheless attempted to carry out to the best of his ability. He quickly learned that being liked was not the same as being respected, and his tenure as leader was marked by indecision, impasse, and crisis. Tragically, it may have been Bumblebee's new position of authority that interfered with his natural affinity for forging bonds and bringing others together. In fact, it was Bumblebee's company that finally made even Megatron and Starscream begin to truly question their lives of malice and deceit. Despite all the hardships he has endured, Bumblebee's innate sincerity and heroic nature still shine through, and Optimus Prime's unwavering faith in him was finally vindicated.