Soundwave [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

Prior to the Bumblebee movie, Dark of the Moon was my favorite of the Transformers live action movies. So various Studio Series releases of the characters from that film tend to catch my eye. The Mrs. probably didn't know that when she picked up this Soundwave for me as a Christmas gift last year. It was originally released in 2019 with a Target Exclusive reissue last year.

I had completely missed out on it's initial release and the universe just made it happen. Neat! Soundwave was pretty cool looking in all his movie appearances, but his DOTM look was really slick. He changes into a licensed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which is a really expensive car. According to Google, in 2011 (when the movie was released) it cost from $169,800 to $275,000. I hope nobody scratched it during filming. 

Yikes.

This is a very well done representation of Soundwave from DOTM, looking like he just walked off the screen and very sleek. He comes with a tiny Laserbeak whom can perch on his arm or top of the car. In robot mode, Soundwave is very articulated and can be put into all sorts of poses. Like all the Bay era film designs, there are a lot of sharp points and edges. These are present... but cast in a softer plastic for safety reasons. He is very well sculpted and there is a lot of detail. More than you'd expect for a standard retail figure. I guess Mercedes had requirements for their licensees.

Transformation is the standard car mode layout you can expect, but man it is a tight fit. There's hardly any wiggle room getting everything into place and that can be frustrating. You might notice in the pics mine doesn't look completely connected in car mode. That's because it isn't, I have no clue what black magic it takes to get everything to align properly, but I gave up after taking too long trying to get everything into place. His robot mode hips are between the forearms in car mode and that tight fit meant something was clearly off just a touch right there and I could not figure it out. Even with some gaps in the panels, that is one sleek looking vehicle. Thanks to various pictures online, I don't have to imagine just how sleeker it is without those hips causing a problem. Despite the frustration, I really enjoy this figure. Studio Series is supposed to be the higher quality representation of the on screen characters and it's shows here.

Soundwave [Galaxy Version 03 The Autobot Run]

Whenever Transformers is brought up, Soundwave is one of the trademark characters to be mentioned immediately in the conversation. It's to no surprise either, he's just that cool. You've got a guy who turns into a cassette player that ejects cassettes that turn into little robots. That's as rad as it gets, then add in his signature reverb voice and he's just as iconic as it gets. It doesn't hurt that his face is the symbol of the Decepticons. This Blokees version is pretty great. It's the standard Soundwave we're all used to and that's all it takes to be outstanding.

He just looks extra by being, of course he is extra compared to your normal Blokees figure. The trademark tape door chest is present and it opens! Being a non-transforming model kit, you'd assume it's just be a sticker... but nope! There's even a little cassette to insert! The tape doesn't transform, but that's still a great little touch. He has both his rifle and shoulder cannon. Man, I swear everything about Soundwave is a trademark. I've always thought these guns formed from the tape players batteries were awesome. Of course, there's the standard open and closed hands as well as display stand with symbols you'd expect from a Blokees. Speaking of, that specific Blokees style you'd expect really lends itself to the specific look of Soundwave.

BIOS- Soundwave

"Are you ready to rock?"

After a couple of years working alongside Laserbeak, Soundwave realized it was time for a change. His new partner, Ratbat, lets him lay down multiple tracks of sound at a time, creating frequencies that can do more than just control other robots. Now, Soundwave is into straight-up mind control. Using complex synth beats he can make people - and even the Autobots - do whatever he wants.

-Invented a note that can actually rock a robot's face off.
-Recently got really into old Earth westerns.
-Ratbat synth mode fires lightning bolts.

Soundwave [AMK Mini Series]

If you ask a random person what they remember about Transformers, usually someone will bring up Soundwave. He's one of the more iconic characters from the franchise thanks to his way cool cassette partners and trademark speech pattern. It also doesn't hurt that his head is the design of the villain faction. This AMK Mini Series model of him is a really great representation of the character with plenty of articulation and hand alternatives (open, closed, or pointing) for classic poses and lot's of expressiveness. Soundwave is also packing his trademark shoulder and handheld guns. Unfortunately there's no cassette minions included to round out the package. Considering he doesn't transform, that's not surprising and it doesn't take away from the figure. Like the other Mini kits, parts snap together quickly and easily. These are really simple models that result in great results

Bios: Soundwave

"From the sky to the sea, they will fear and respect me."

Function: Warrior

Soundwave is a welcome aly to the forces. Bat mode makes him ideal for stealth aerial recon missions. Ultra-sensitive internal radar can detect even the slightest disturbances. Alligator jaws penetrate every known alloy. Tail sends seismic circuit-disrupting shockwave through terra firma. Like his fellow Mutant warriors, Soundwave is dark and brooding; has a tendency to be overly dramatic.

Strength: 6.8 Intelligence: 6.7 Speed: 8.4 Endurance: 5.3
Rank: 5.0 Courage: 8.9 Firepower: 7.7 Skill: 7.9

Soundwave (EarthSpark/1 Step Flip Changers)

I've been a fan of 1 Step Changers/Turbochangers since they were introduced, so it's no surprise that I jumped on the new EarthSpark versions. There's a difference with this new type. Despite the extremely simple transformations, the prior ones required manual change. These new toys do not. You simply push the robot over or flip it in the air and it will self convert into alt mode. It's a super neat gimmick and fun to play with. Unfortunately, they don't have any articulation (so far). The older Turbochangers had very limited articulation, but it was still there. That's probably my only complaint about these going in.

I like Soundwave a lot and tend to get as many of his toys as I can. Given that and his super cool design in EarthSpark... this was a must have. Soundwave's design is a mixture of his Cybertron toy and Armada Thunderwing with some super robot flair. With the right colors, he'd blend right on in on  a shelf with late Takara G1 or Brave toys. I like this little bot and want to get more toys of his design. I mentioned Armada Thunderwing above, which is funny as I'd really like a Tacticon version. This design just looks like it'd work well in a tiny toy. As is, Soundwave is a pleasant Flip Changer. I do wish there was arm articulation, but it's not a deal breaker in a low price gimmick toy. These make good desk bots to occasionally play with and clear out some mental fudge. Man, he looks like a 16 bit game character.

Superior to the Core

I picked up Core Class Soundwave this past weekend. I really like this new size class Kingdom introduced. Seeing as it's continuing in Legacy and being worked into Studio Series, I'm not the only one. Soundwave is a really nice toy for what's is the new basic size.

He's pleasantly articulation. Mostly due to transformation, but I'm not complaining. In fact, it almost makes him comparable to the Microman figures he originated from. Soundwave turns into his traditional cassette player and even has an opening door complete with Laserbeak in tape mode!

Laserbeak doesn't transform, but it's still a nice extra. I have no complaints with this figure whatsoever. I do wish his robot mode feet tucked away better in alt mode from abetter looking tape player. So far Core Class has had some really great figures. I'm really looking forward to more as it's been great so far. This one though, is going to be pretty hard to beat.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 2: Soundwave

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 2

There is no transmission so secure that it will not yield to the tender decryption of Soundwave. Such is the case with the conversation between Bumblebee and Wheeljack, and so, within minutes of the two Autobots blasting off for the distant asteroid belt, Megatron and Predaking also set course for the ancient weapons cache. Soundwave remains on Earth, patiently monitoring Autobot transmissions, assuring his leader that they are indeed alone. It is an opportunity to not only destroy this pair of Autobots, but also to secure weapons that ensure victory over the rest - an opportunity arranged with patient satisfaction by the Decepticon data master.

Making Soundwaves

After Christmas, like many of you, I was doing a gift card shopping spree. While doing so, I lucked up upon the new deluxe Cyberverse Soundwave figure. I've liked the warrior class version of Soundwave and jumped at the nicer toy.

The design is a cool mix of traditional G1 Soundwave and Euro G1/Early G2 styling. The old school nature of the warrior class toys made him feel like one of those late G1 European toys lost in time. The deluxe is like a modern Generations update of that toy. 

Soundwave comes with Laserbeak who turns into a cassette that can be loaded into his chest. However Soundwave turns into a type of armored truck instead of a tape deck. They don't make those anymore, shit happens. I do like this truck a lot. Not sure if it'd make a good communications truck, but it looks cool.

Like I said, Laserbeak can store in Soundwave's chest. What I didn't say was he can also perch on his arm or shoulder via a peg. There's also an action effect thingy that you can plug into his radar dish or gun. That's to show a sonic attack emitting from the dish or gun. It's in his name. It's a sound wave.

Laserbeak is pretty basic and hollow. Considering he's not much more than an accessory, I guess that's understandable. It would have been nice if he was a little better. He makes me think of those trays Coke vendors have the bottles in while they refill the cooler at Circle K. Like if one of those was broken and it kinda looked like a bird.

Soundwave himself is a decent figure. He's got a good bit of articulation and his transformation isn't too hard. There's some hollow parts from storage in alt mode present in robot mode. There's also that big backpack that's the trucks roof. It's a little in the way. Honestly it just feels like he needed another pass over in the design stages. Not bad though, just could have been a little better. 

It's hard not to like this version of Soundwave, those design cues just look so good. I'd love to see some repaints inspired by his Machine Wars toy or even a Stalker made from this toy. The thought of a Ghostbusters version just popped in my head and I can't ignore it. A little far fetched... but I kinda thing it'd be awesome. Admittedly, I have Ghostbusters on my mind. As usual. Afterlife yo.

Soundwave Superior

Another of my Christmas gifts from the Mrs. was the new Netflix War for Cybertron Soundwave. Like all other Netflix Transformers toys, he's exclusive to Walmart and quite the hot commodity right now. While most of the Netflix lines is repaints of prior Siege and Earthrise toys, Soundwave is a remold of his Siege toy. In Siege he had a pretty G1 faithful robot mode and turned into some kind of space ship. Now with a few remolded parts, he can turn into a very faithful version of his G1 tape player mode. 

This gives fans the best homage of the original Soundwave as a Generations toy. Prior to that was the Masterpiece toy which can command a pretty high price these days and may not be as easy to find. Now you can easily go to your local Walmart and pick one up for $40. Not a bad deal at all. Now the only issue is if he's in stock, which results may vary.

Like I said, he's a very faithful recreation of the Soundwave from G1 and looks very much like his cartoon appearance. He even comes with a Laserbeak and Ravage. Those are direct reissues of the Siege versions as far as I can tell. I'm a big fan of the Laserbeak, though Ravage is a much blockier cat than you expect going in. I don't mind it, but there's no ignoring it either.

Soundwave can store a single cassette in his tape door and the eject button opens the door as you'd expect going in. The transformation from robot to tape deck is pretty simple and not very much different from the original G1/Microman toy. You do have to get a few things exactly right or he won't tab together correctly. It's not too hard thankfully.

Soundwave overall is pretty great. I already really liked the Siege version. I can't really complain about an improved version of it. He's classic G1 Soundwave with modern toy upgrades such as plentiful articulation. When you buy this, you know 100% what you're buying it for and you're getting exactly that. 

I'm not sure if he can still change into the spaceship mode the original Siege toy has. I didn't even bother trying, I already have that toy (and Soundblaster) and wanted this for the obvious reasons. I don't really have anything to complain about either. Though have seen some complaints about some of the random gaps in robot mode from part storage in alt mode.

That's kinda a 'is what it is' thing with Transformers though, just going to happen sometimes. I've seen others complain that it's another G1 update, which is another 'is what it is' thing. Hasbro is a big successful company, their going to do what makes them money. That's just how the world works. It is what it is.

For me, Soundwave is another one of those classic characters I just can't get enough of. I don't mind when they get experimental with him or when they do something like this. He's one of the more iconic parts of Transformers and as the line approaches 40 years it's legacy is going to be more and more important. They'll make a brand new looking Batman and release a traditional one right after. They'll be a new bad guy in Star Wars and a updated Darth Vader figure on the hooks as well. That's just how legacy brands work and I don't have a problem with that. I'm happy to have another updated classic Soundwave.

R.E.D Soundwave Can Push His Own Eject Button

After waiting for quite some time, Transformers R.E.D (Robot Enhanced Design) figures finally started showing up at my local Walmart stores. The wife picked me up the Soundwave on a recent stop for a few things and it's nice to finally have one of these guys in hand. I've mentioned a few times in prior posts about my looking forward to them, so I won't go much into that intentionally in this post. When she handed me the box I had gotten so used to them not being at the store that actually having one I was truly surprised. 

For the last time, these toys do not Transform. I don't want that to be the focus whenever I talk about these. That's not the point. These are show accurate versions of the characters that have the features nicer action figures intended for adult collectors generally have. I get it. The lines name is Transformers. I know. It is what it is and these are what the are.

Ok then.

Out of the box, Soundwave is a solid feeling figure with quite a bit of articulation. You can put him in a variety of poses, no shit. Included in the box is his signature shoulder cannon and laser gun as well as alternate hands and Laserbeak in cassette form. Soundwave has four different hands. Two fists and two that allow for holding his laser gun and pointing to mimic the famous pushing eject pose. 

The hands can be swapped out with a simple peg system that locks the hand into place. I did have a little trouble keeping his shoulder cannon in place. Not sure if that's a plastic issue or maybe mine was a little tighter fit. Hell, it could have been just me. Same with getting that gun in his hands, that took a little more work than I thought it would. Either the plastic was to rigid or my fingers were too big. I can't do anything right. Shut up.

I said recreate the eject button pose right? You totally can and the eject button even works! Just push that mofo and the chest door opens! 

I'm totally serious, it fucking does!

 

Since it does that we might as well have a tape for commanding to eject. In this case we get Laserbeak, who's usually the first for Soundwave to deploy. It could have just been a little plastic cassette tape painted in his colors, but instead they sculpted the underside of the tape so his birdy robot parts can be seen. They literally didn't have to do that, but it adds a little more niceness to the toy. Laserbeak can be stored inside Soundwave's chest and ejected. Hell yeah.

I doubt these new R.E.D figures will take SCF's place in my heart. They're on the way to being a proper replacement for a line that's been over for a pretty long time though. So far from what I've seen and with Soundwave here in hand the sculpting is pretty similar. It feels like a natural evolution of that Mega SCF I keep comparing these too. 

Maybe unfairly as I've taken other similar ideas separately as their own thing and not compared them to something I've held in high regards as a fan. The mind works as it's going to work I suppose. It's that SCF mindset though that's been kicking in since the introduction of these guys and the one I can't shake. I don't think I want to either. Even though I'm not hunting down blind boxes and ordering figures from Hobby link Japan... it's a similar kind of fun with the figure. I know that probably doesn't make sense to anybody but me, but this is a blog and a not a review. Y'all just reading my thoughts and the occasional bad joke. It's hardly an expose. You think Laserbeak shits in Soundwave's chest?

I like my R.E.D Soundwave toy. It would be pretty cool to have a shelf of these guys representing the classic cast. I generally don't do the big displays, I kinda just stick them on a shelf where they fit. With these guys though... I'm kinda tempted. I don't know if it'll fade later, but right now my enthusiasm is pretty high for the R.E.D line. Soundwave is a pretty good representation of how he appeared in the classic cartoon and a nice figure in general. Which is what I wanted, so yay me.

Soundwave Is A Discount Store Alpha

They call these larger 7 inch Authentics 'Alpha' class. I don't know why. They do the naming, I do the buying. Call it taco class for all I care. Recently my wife picked me up the Authentics Alpha Class Soundwave from the Dollar General near her work. Thankfully so as I've been looking for him. As far as the Authentics figures have gone, I've been getting the Alpha (7 inch) and Bravo (5 inch) class figures happily. For a low price they're just the thing. I haven't bothers with the Titan Changers or that big ass Bumblebee. I may later, just right now I don't feel compelled to. 

Like other Authentics, Soundwave uses the 'Evergreen' design. Evergreen is a newer Transformers design aesthetic used for oddball things like gift cards and random toys without being attached to a current cartoon. It's basically traditional Transformers, just a little modernized. Safe to throw on that party balloon or discount toy that may be on a shelf for a few years without looking dated. I think it's a pretty good idea. You've got generic Spider-Man, Generic Batman... why not generic Transformers? 

Soundwave as a robot isn't too bad. He's a discount store toy sold for a low price and there's some cost cutting measures in full view. He's $10 for a 7 inch toy, which is about the size of a Generations Voyager class Transformers. Those sell for $30 for perspective. Soundwave is pretty hollow. Like, know how the buildings in a movie studio are just a facade? The walls you see are the only ones they've built and that's the level of hollowness Soundwave has going on here. It doesn't bother me much. I know for the discount price there's going to be some cost cutting measures. I know a cup of ramen noodles isn't the same as an expensive steak dinner and I'm not going to kid myself about it. At the same time, I still love a good cup of ramen noodles. This cheap Soundwave? Yeah, I dig him. He's cool.

 

They don't make tape players anymore. I'm sorry, it's just a fact and those don't change unfortunately. Modern toys of Soundwave are generally tasked with working around that and a common alt mode for him is a communications truck of sorts. That's what they did here and it works pretty well. It's blocky and works with his role as communications officer. 

This particular communications truck is some kind of armored sports crossover SUV. Considering the low cost of the toy, it's a pretty solid alt mode with hardly any visible lines. You transform Soundwave by arranging his arms and legs much as you normally do car based Transformes and his backpack snaps over to create the hood. All you really have to do extra is arrange his gun and uh... sound receiver dish (?) into place on the roof of the truck. 

I'm kind of not sure what to make of the truck. It looks good, but could use a little extra color that the discount store toy budget isn't going to allow for. Thanks to it's angles I can't get Machine Wars Soundwave out of my head when I look at it. Stalker from Euro G1, Machine Wars or Universe Soundwave. That toy mold. The colors those toys came in are the ones I'd really like to see on this toy. It'll never happen, but it'd be neat. I see this truck and think there's another toy coming that'll use the mold tooling. Blaster or Sounblaster probably.

 

I mentioned his gun and communications thingy right? They can be used in a variety of ways. Either held in hands, on shoulder mounted pegs, or the roof of the truck. The communications dish thingy has a flat peg with specific flat peg holes for it's placement... but still fits just fine in round holes. The gun has a standard round peg and won't fit in the square holes. I shouldn't have to explain that, but there's always that one dude.

If you put the gun in Soundwave's shoulders like I have in the picture up top, you'll get a more classic Soundwave look. It looks right in hand ready to blast somebody too. The plastic used on the toy is different than what's used on normal retail Transformers. It's pretty hard and despite the hollowness of the toy gives it a feeling of solidness. You can probably see the stress lines on the gun in the picture. They were like that right out of the package without any visible reason why. It's not broke and there's no white in the plastic that would lead me to believe the plastic is weakened. I have no clue.

I'm pretty happy with Soundwave overall. He might be hollow, but he's a big chunky robot toy and I do love those. Without any doubt he's Soundwave and he nails the classic look. Like I said, for the low price these Authentics are just the thing and fun to buy. He's got a fair amount of articulation and I had fun playing around with him in my living room. You really can't ask for more than that. Unless you're an asshole.

Bios- Action Master Soundwave

Cries and screams are music to my ears!

A smooth-talking opportunist who uses his eavesdropping abilities on friends and foes alike. Equipped with advanced radio wave and energy sensors, photographic memory and newly improved 2,000 mile range transmission capability. Wingthing, his loyal, lethal cohort, is all too eager to carry out Soundwave's every vengeful whim and diabolical scheme. Upon command, Wingthing turns into a metal-piercing concussion cannon. It's difficult to say which one is more despised by the other Decepticons.

Latam Fan Summit Studio Series Reveals

 

Transformers Studio Series –51 Deluxe Class Transformers: Dark of the Moon Soundwave (HASBRO/Ages 8 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/ Available:01/01/2020)The 51 Deluxe Class SOUNDWAVE is a 4.5-inch collectible action figure inspired by the Transformers: Dark of the MoonSerengeti Hideout scene where SOUNDWAVE and LASERBEAK patiently await orders from MEGATRON. This Studio Series 51 Deluxe Class Transformers: Dark of the Moon SOUNDWAVE figure is highly articulated, features vivid, movie-inspired deco and converts from robot to car mode in 19 steps. Fans can use the removable backdrop to pose and display the SOUNDWAVE scene with their own style. Also included is 1 detailed LASERBEAK figure accessory that attaches to SOUNDWAVE’s arm. Reach past the big screen and build the ultimate TRANSFORMERS collection with Studio Series figures, inspired by iconic movie scenes and designed with specs and details to reflect the TRANSFORMERS movie universe. Each Studio Series figure sold separately and subject to availability at most major toy retailers on01/01/2020

Great Value BotCon 2019 Soundwave

News floated out this morning of a Soundwave seemingly joining Optimus in this years Walmart vintage Transformers selection. So far this years selection of G1 reissues is pretty fun and well suited for the 35th anniversary of Transformers (despite the lack of hoopla being made for the occasion). If I'm going to speculate the selection based on the 2018 batch, that's 2 average sized figures (one a little bigger), a larger figure or gift set, and 4 basic sized figures. Optimus seems to be taking Hot Rods spot in that with the omission of his trailer and Soundwave seemingly taking Starscream's place.

These would be similar sized boxes on that store shelf and hopefully for around the same price (there's been a lot of throwing numbers around, but I'm waiting for the actual price). So wondering who the larger figure/set would be and going by the reissues Takara has put out in more recent years as a guideline of what molds are most likely available. I'm wondering if maybe a Bruticus box set isn't too much of a stretch to expect for a gift set or maybe a Skylinx for a larger figure. Kinda hope more cassettes get released for the smaller sized guys to match up with Soundwave. Though I'd not be surprised if there's more Minicars as they'd probably try to keep the numbers of good guys/bad guys somewhat equal. I kinda hope they'd shoot for something a little bigger, but not too bigfor the larger figure to keep the price down. Something like Sixshot would be awesome.

I always see a lot of folks hope they wish for ~insert random slightly obscure or rare character~, but I don't see that really happening. I'd love to, but realistically they're going for the nostalgia crowd. Sure Transformers fans are a sure thing, but the more mainstream crowd that's likely to buy a G1 Transformer in retro packaging is going for Optimus, Starscream, or any of the other generally recognizable bots. I'd love something like Turbomasters... but that's a stretch.

I had a bunch of fun buying the last batch at Walmart and even though I've got multiple of some of these guys, look forward to walking into a Walmart after work and finding Soundwave sitting there on the shelf. That's a lot of fun for me. I don't look forward to explaining the term Great Value BotCon though, but will continue to use it. It's not my fault some people are oblivious to an obvious joke.

Bumblebee trailer (even newer one)

It's extremely hard to not get excited for this movie.

Pepsi is more than meets the eye!

I had completely forgotten about this commercial until seeing it again just now. I remember marveling how much the Coke machine looked like Soundwave. 

I swear it's just a coincidence that I prefer Pepsi!

Robots in Disguise One Step Soundwave

After putting it off forever, I finally bought the One Step Changer Soundwave from Robots in Disguise and boy are my arms tired. Mainly because I've been changing him back and forth over and over. I had been intending to get Heatseeker before Soundwave, but as I never see him anymore, I just grabbed Soundwave and don't regret it at all. Soundwave is a classic Transformers character that's Robots in Disguise design just looks great.

In vehicle mode Soundwave is some sort of boxy truck/SUV/Crossover thing that fits for a modern update. He looks like he'd fit in with late Euro G1 or with most G2 toys. Which I've noted before is my draw to these more simple toys in that they're seemingly lost toys from that era. Soundwave transforms extremely simply (per the gimmick). Just pull the front of the truck over the robot and the parts mostly arrange themselves into place with a small amount of adjustment. They really should call these One Step and a little fiddling Changers, or as they're known these days, Turbo Changers.

Soundwave looks great in robot mode. Like most of these Turbo Changers, he's limited in articulation, really just arms and head. Which is fine as it's a simple toy and like I said... it feels more like an older toy. He's got a decent paint deco going on, looking like classic Soundwave well enough. I can't help but to wish his cannon fired or he had some sort of other weapon. He just needs some big honking accessory to polish off the presentation. Either way, for the price and for just the toy on it's own, it's pretty great.

Look man, I know that guy

Soundwave has the most beautiful voice

I never get tired of Soundwave's voice in the Chinese dub of Transformers. Instead of his standard reverberated tones, we instead get a sultry lounge singer. Ravge eject? Well, I think Ravage would rather stick around and let your soothing voice hold him tightly.