Soundwave (G1)/toys: Difference between revisions
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:Soundwave features an extensive metallic violet paint scheme, that covers a majority of his vehicle mode (as well as some robot parts like his head for example). The purple highlights on the Hasbro version are replaced with a bright pink, and the details on his chest have changed in color as well. | :Soundwave features an extensive metallic violet paint scheme, that covers a majority of his vehicle mode (as well as some robot parts like his head for example). The purple highlights on the Hasbro version are replaced with a bright pink, and the details on his chest have changed in color as well. | ||
:[[Stock photo#Takara_stock_photos|Ironically]], the action-oriented stock photo on the back of his packaging has him mis-transformed. His hinged crotch has not been pegged to his main body, with the result looking like Soundwave wearing a diaper... again. | |||
{{--}} | {{--}} | ||
Revision as of 09:54, 16 October 2011
Soundwave: popular. Amount of merchandise: sufficient for its own page.
Toys
Generation 1
- Soundwave (Decepticon, 1984-1986)
- Soundwave began life as the Micro Change toy "Cassette Man", and went mostly unchanged when he was imported by Hasbro to become part of the Transformers toyline, save for exclusion of some accessories, and the removal of a molded "Cassette Man" logo on his stomach. He transforms into a realistically-sized blue and silver microcassette recorder, complete with an opening cassette door that can accommodate any of the numerous Mini-Cassette figures, and came packaged with Buzzsaw to fully exploit and advertise this interactive gimmick. Soundwave is armed with a shoulder-mounted "concussion blaster" cannon and a hand-held rocket launcher, which both transform into imitation batteries that store in a compartment on his back while he is in his alternate mode. The Hasbro instructions mistakenly state that a pair of trapezoid-shaped stickers intended to decorate these batteries should be attached to Soundwave's legs
- Takara's release of Soundwave reinstated the extra Cassette Man accessories that Hasbro had excluded from their release: a set of headphones and a microphone, both non-functioning. To further emulate Cassette Man, Takara's Soundwave came with Rumble, rather than Buzzsaw, and a clear plastic case that he could fit into in tape mode, and his rocket launcher featured a spring-loaded firing mechanism that Hasbro had removed, as they did with all such features at the time. Takara also made a running change to the mold, re-sculpting the recessed buttons on Soundwave's pelvis into one solid, protruding piece, and moving the cassette door's hinge from inside the figure's chest to a lower, external position on either side of this new button assembly. This modification became the standard for all subsequent re-uses of the Soundwave mold.
- Aside from the aforementioned button remold, Soundwave's first notable modification was the addition of a heat-sensitive rubsign to his chest in 1985. The popularity of Soundwave and his interactive tape gimmick was evident from an early stage: his toy continued to be sold throughout 1986, after the vast majority of his 1984 brethren had been removed from toy shelves, and Mini-Cassette partners continued to be produced for him even after this, through 1988. Soundwave was subsequently reissued several times over the years, and this article lists each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.
- Grimlock vs Soundwave (1985)
- Japanese ID number: VSY
- Accessories: Frenzy, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- Prior to modifying his buttons, Takara also released Soundwave in a "versus" set along with Grimlock, lacking the additional headphone and microphone accessories and partnered with Frenzy instead of Rumble. The set also included an audio cassette, and has become the rarest of the three "VS" sets Takara produced.
- Soundblaster (Decepticon, 1987)
- Japanese ID number: D-101
- Accessories: Buzzsaw, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- As part of the Japanese Headmasters series, Soundwave was redecoed in a new black and red color scheme, and his chest door was retooled so that he could now hold two cassettes at once. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw, who now sported a new sticker which would reveal the weak spot of Fortress Maximus when placed behind Soundblaster's translucent red chest door, in the same manner that Tech Specs decoders worked. The figure's stickers, however, retain Soundwave's blue coloration instead of being changed to work with Soundblaster's black.
- Soundwave with Wingthing (Action Master, 1990)
- Accessories: "Photon Negator" rifle
- Part of the very first wave of Action Masters, Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner, Wingthing.
- Soundwave's instructions depict a different weapon than the one the toy actually comes with. The weapon depicted in Soundwave's instructions was available with Treadshot instead. As a consequence, several toy information websites and identification guides (including Generations) depict Soundwave with Treadshot's weapon, using the instructions as a reference.
Transform Jr
- Soundwave (Gōkin, 1986)
- Japanese ID number: 17
- Accessories: Cassette, launcher, 2 missiles
- Released during the early portion of the Transform Jr toyline when it was still going by the short lived "Transform Gōkin" name, Jr Soundwave is a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 toy, lacking many stickers and paint applications, as well as the larger figure's retractable fists and the spring-activated release for his chest door. The chest door can still be manually opened, though, and Soundwave comes with a cassette partner to fit inside, albeit a non-transforming one (it's basically just a rectangle of plastic with a sticker on it; from the pattern on the sticker, it might be Rumble). He comes with only one gun, which can be placed either on his shoulder or in his fist, and features die-cast metal parts in his legs.
- Soundblaster (Jr, 1987)
- Japanese ID number: D-101
- Accessories: Cassette, launcher, 2 missiles
- Just as his larger toy was, Jr Soundwave was redecoed and retooled to become Soundblaster the following year, sporting a black coloration and an enlarged chest door (though the door itself remains colorless, lacking the distinctive red tint of the large Soundblaster figure). Soundblaster retains all of Soundwave's accessories and features; the sticker for his non-transformable cassette partner remains the same, looking a lot like Rumble despite Soundblaster's package art now showing Buzzsaw.
Generation 2
- Soundwave (Go-Bot, 1995)
- Accessories: Gun
- A redeco of the Go-Bot Gearhead, Soundwave transforms into a NASCAR-style Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit). His exceptionally loud color scheme, being composed of bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue, is one of the few times fans can actually get away with describing a toy as "neon".
- Soundwave was one of only three Go-Bots released in Japan by Takara, on a normal Hasbro card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. The other two releases, Optimus Prime and Megatron, were not too heavily altered, aside from the addition of Soundwave's distinctive large "T" hood deco to their own bonnets, but Soundwave himself was significantly altered: while his car shell remains fluorescent yellow, his internal parts are the same as the opaque version of his predecessor, Gearhead.
- This mold was also used to make various versions of Robots in Disguise W.A.R.S. and the Universe incarnation of Camshaft. It was planned to be used to make Generation 2 Greasepit, but that toy was canceled.
- Soundwave (Laser Cycle, unreleased)
- This planned redeco of the Laser Cycle Road Pig would have seen Soundwave transform to a blue and silver Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that became an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode. Ultimately, however, it ended up as one of several planned late-1995 Generation 2 redecos that never made it to release. The cancellation was presumably a comparatively last-minute decision, since several of these toys, including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco Jazz, were solicited in various store catalogues, such as the Sears Wish Book. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence.
- This mold was later retooled to make Robots in Disguise Axer and Robot Masters Sideways.
 Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Machine Wars
- Soundwave (Mega, 1997)
- Accessories: Giant missile, radar dish
- Originally a KB Toys exclusive, Machine Wars Soundwave is a redeco of the Predator Stalker, transforming into a grey and burgundy tracked ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) carrier of probably made-up model. His ICBM can mount on either shoulder or his back in robot mode, and retains Stalker's Megavisor gimmick; a panel on the top slides open to reveal a port for the smaller Predator jets to attach to, allowing their Megavisor slides to be viewed through the "scope" of the missile. Stalker's own unique built-in slide, however, was removed for the Soundwave version of the figure. Stalker also came with a handgun and set of firing missiles that were likewise omitted for this toy as a result of safety concerns over their small size.
- This mold was also used to make the Universe incarnation of Soundwave.
Transformers Collection
- Soundwave (2003)
- Japanese ID number: TFC-10
- Accessories: Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- The first reissue of Soundwave's original toy was released as part of Takara's Transformers Collection, and this time came with Laserbeak. The toy reinstates Soundwave's chest-mounted Decepticon symbol, relocating the rubsign to the cover of his battery compartment, but otherwise features no notable differences from the original, post-button-remold version of the figure. This was, however, many international fans' first exposure to Soundwave's modified button mold, and it was erroneously assumed by many that the change had been first made for this release as an artefact of modifying the Soundblaster mold back into Soundwave.
- Soundblaster (2005)
- Japanese ID number: TFC-18
- Accessories: Ravage, Buzzsaw, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- Not ones to waste the opportunity now that they had the mold back in action, Takara also reissued Soundblaster as part of the Transformers Collection, sweetening the deal by including not just his original partner Buzzsaw, but also the first reissue of Ravage. Despite the opportunity, they didn't change the color of Soundblaster's stickers from Soundwave-blue to black.
Smallest Transforming Transformers
- Soundwave (2003-2004)
- Japanese ID number: GTF 05
- Accessories: Rocket launcher, "concussion blaster"
- Standing at only two inches tall, Smallest Transforming Transformers Soundwave is an extremely small-scale replica of his original Generation 1 toy. Although his retracting fists, rotating head and missile accessories are left out, the figure otherwise retains a surprising amount of the original toy's functions and features, including the ability to store his weapons as batteries and an opening chest door. This opening chest accommodates Soundwave's in-package partner, Smallest Transforming Transformers Ravage, who is probably the smallest Transformer ever.
- Soundwave was originally released as part of the first Smallest Transforming Transformers wave, and was then made available again in the limited-availability "Wave 2.5" the following year, without changes. In both instances, as with the rest of the figures in the line, he was sold in blindpacked packaging.
Universe (2003)
- Soundwave & Space Case (Ultra, 2004)
- Accessories: Giant missile, radar
- The Machine Wars version of Soundwave was redecoed in blue and yellow for release in the Universe line. Sold in an Ultra-level two-pack with Space Case, it retains basically all the same neutered gimmicks from the previous release of the mold.
- Due to the lack of fiction for either toy in the set, it is possible that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly even a new character altogether.
Titanium Series
- Soundwave (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
- Accessories: Laserbeak, rocket launcher, "concussion blaster", display base
- Titanium Series Soundwave is a new toy cast in the image of his original Generation 1 figure, still transforming through a virtually identical process into a microcassette player mode. He retains his transforming weapons, which still store as batteries in a compartment on his back, and his opening chest door, which accommodates the diminutive transforming Laserbeak figure packaged with him. Soundwave comes with the standard display base that all other 6" Titanium Series figures come with, and a unique nameplate.
- Titanium Soundwave has been the subject of much criticism among fans, simply because the toy is patently inferior to the original Generation 1 figure that it seeks to emulate, despite being made with modern toy technology. In particular, its disproportionate, oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and its poor leg engineering makes it virtually impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result, the toy is barely able to stand up. The cumulative effect is a Soundwave who is not unlike a baby.
- Soundblaster (6" Cybertron Heroes, unreleased)
- Accessories: Ravage, rocket launcher, "concussion blaster", display base
- A planned redeco of Titanium Soundwave in his black and red Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new Titanium version of Ravage instead of Laserbeak. Although displayed at BotCon 2007, Soundblaster was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes, but this did not stop him from appearing as a cross-sell on the packaging for Titanium Prowl in late 2008 (which claimed he would have been "also available" as of November 2008), as Hasbro was unwilling to spend the resources on altering the packaging for these already-complete products.
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Classics
- Soundwave (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
- Accessories: Laserbeak, Battle Ravage, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- Hasbro's first reissue of the original Soundwave toy was originally intended to be part of their Commemorative Series of Generation 1 reissues, but when that line was cancelled, it was instead released as part of the Classics toyline. The phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box, though, and it remains exclusive to Toys"R"Us, as all Commemorative Edition toys were.
- Despite both the packaging's claim that it is "identical to the original toy," and the image on the packaging showing Soundwave with his traditional chest-door, the figure actually sports the double-wide door of Soundblaster (complete with extra tech-detailing), which allows him to carry both of his pack-in partners, Laserbeak and "Battle" Ravage. In an unusual move for a Hasbro release, the set also includes two clear-plastic cassette cases for the two tapes, previously only included with Takara versions of the figures. Per stringent child safety laws, his spring-loaded weapons were neutered.
- Sadly, in the Canadian markets, this version of Soundwave was pushed back over a year from the original release date, and very few Toys "R" Us' had them. Dang.
Music Label
- Soundwave Playing Audio Player (2007)
- Accessories: Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 clenched fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones
- Released as part of TakaraTomy's small Music Label toyline, this incarnation of Soundwave drags the character kicking and screaming into the digital age as a working MP3 player. Despite his new electronic abilities, Soundwave still transforms, in a manner virtually identical to his original Generation 1 figure, no less. He still comes with his trademark pair of weapons (although they no longer double as batteries, since he's got a real one in there now!) plus three sets of hands: two clenched, two for holding his guns, and two posed as if he is pressing his "eject" button.
- Soundwave runs on a single AAA battery, lasting for about six hours of continuous play, and operates using a miniSD card; the packaging claims it can only support up to 1GB, but reports indicate it can actually take up to 2GB. The distinctive buttons on Soundwave's pelvis are now working buttons that control the player: play/pause/power, next, previous, volume up and volume down. Naturally, the player also comes with a set of headphones, but an optional accessory, sold separately, can take their place: a set of transforming headphones in the image of Rumble and Frenzy.
- Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional iPod color scheme. When the toy received a second production run later in the year, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with a new Soundblaster-inspired "Blaster Black" deco.
- The "Sonic White" version was later repurposed as the mirror-universe Shattered Glass Soundwave.
Encore
- Soundwave (2007)
- Japanese ID number: 03
- Accessories: Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- The original Soundwave toy was made available once again as part of TakaraTomy's Encore series of reissues. Aside from a slightly lighter shade to his blue plastic and similar changes to his accompanying stickers, the figure remained unchanged from its previous reissues.
Universe (2008)
- Soundwave (Exclusive, 2009)
- Accessories: Laserbeak, Ravage, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"
- In 2009, Hasbro released yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the Universe line, this time as a Hasbro Toy Shop exclusive that was prominently offered at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. After Hasbro's last reissue of the figure had used the double-sized Soundblaster chest door, this version of Soundwave reinstated his original door, and came packaged with no less than four tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and Ratbat.
United
- Soundwave Cybertron Mode (Deluxe, 12-25-2010)
- Japanese ID number: UN05
- Accessories: Rifle, missile launcher
- Part of the first wave of United series, Soundwave is a redeco of the War For Cybertron Soundwave toy, transforming into a Cybertronian SUV-type vehicle. Soundwave comes with his classic shoulder launcher and rifle, both of which can store inside his opening chest, approximating the visual of cassette spools. The weapons can also attach to either side of the vehicle mode.
- Soundwave features an extensive metallic violet paint scheme, that covers a majority of his vehicle mode (as well as some robot parts like his head for example). The purple highlights on the Hasbro version are replaced with a bright pink, and the details on his chest have changed in color as well.
- Ironically, the action-oriented stock photo on the back of his packaging has him mis-transformed. His hinged crotch has not been pegged to his main body, with the result looking like Soundwave wearing a diaper... again.
Merchandise
Transformers Design Center
- Design Center (1984)
- Manufactured by Arrow, the Soundwave Design Center was a box in the general shape and likeness of Soundwave which contained various arts and crafts projects for young tykes to entertain themselves with. His head pulled out to reveal a ruler, one arm contains a hilariously dinky and useless pair of "scissors", his lower legs contained rubbing-transfer panels, and the entire back worked as a sort of pantograph machine - attaching a nib to one end of the large mechanical armature ostensibly allowed you to 'remote draw' designs on the included plates.
Transformers Cassette Player
- Cassette Player (1985)
- A non-Transforming cassette player in the shape of Soundwave in his robot mode (oh the irony!), made by Hasbro in 1985. It runs on 3 C batteries (not included, of course).
Transformers Milk Caramel
- Soundwave (1985)
- One of Kabaya's first Transformers candy toy lines, the Transformers Milk Caramel series featured small rubber figures, similar to the later-released Decoys, but smaller, flatter and based more on the toys, rather than their animation models. Soundwave was available in numerous different colors.
Transformers Gum
- Soundwave (1985)
- Accessories: Rocket launcher, rocket
- A model kits of Soundwave was available as part of Kabaya's Transformers Gum range of figures. Released in the first wave of the series and standing at about four inches tall, he was moulded from red, black and grey plastic and featured stickers for detail. Although armed with only one of his guns and lacking the ability to store it in his battery compartment like the original toy could, he retains his opening chest door. Although Transformers Gum versions of some of Soundwave's cassettes would later be released, they proved too large to fit in Gum Soundwave's chest; he could, however, accommodate the smaller cassettes released as part of Kabaya's other candy toy model kit series, Transformers Choco.
- This Soundwave figure was later re-released in 1997 by a Korean company named Toon Town, in a two-pack with the "Transformers Gum" version of Optimus Prime.
Decoy
- Destron Hero Collection 22 (multi-pack, 1985)
- This small purple rubber figurine of Soundwave was released in Japan as part of a large multi-pack of similar figures, which were used as playing pieces for Transformers board games. The figure features a number etched into its back which is the sum total of Soundwave's Tech Spec ratings, which served some function in the gameplay the figures were used for. A peach-colored version of Soundwave could be found packed in various other multi-packs the following year, and in numerous other colours as part of the blindpacked Transformers Ramune line.
- Soundwave (1987)
- Decoy number: 36
- The Soundwave figurine was later brought over to Hasbro markets as part of the Decoy promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number (36, in Soundwave's case). Like all Decepticon Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded Throttlebots, Stunticons, Combaticons and Terrorcons, and was, very early on in the promotion, available in an alternate red coloration that was only packed in with the Throttlebots. Unsurprisingly, this red figurine is much rarer.
Super Collection Figure
- Soundwave (2001)
- A three-inch tall PVC figurine of Soundwave was available in the third wave of Takara's Super Collection Figure line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a colorless clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve blindpacked figures. Additionally, in eight out of every ten cases, the color version of Soundwave came with the right arm of the wave's collectable Fortress Maximus "build-a-figure".
- Soundblaster (2002)
- Soundwave's PVC was recolored into his black Headmasters incarnation, Soundblaster, for the sixth SCF wave. This time, the figure was available in a variant metallic silver "pewter" color scheme, at the same ratio of one each per standard case. Pewter Soundblaster came packaged with the right leg of this wave's Grand Maximus build-a-figure.
Heroes of Cybertron
- Soundwave (2003)
- The original Soundwave SCF figure was later released by Hasbro as part of the third wave of the Heroes of Cybertron series. Like all figures in the line, this release of Soundwave differed from his SCF counterpart by being cast entirely in translucent red plastic and then painted over, save for his eyes, allowing for a light-piping effect. Rather than being blindpacked, Soundwave was sold on an individual blister pack with a profile card included.
Hard Hero
- Soundwave (2002)
- The fourth in Hard Hero's series of Transformers busts, Soundwave is 6 inches tall and made out of cold-cast porcelain. 100 copies of the bust were signed by sculptor Jason Ray.
MyClone
- Soundwave (2003)
- Japanese ID number: MTF012
- Accessories: Blue display stand
- Released in the second wave of the MyClone line of Transformers PVC figures, this super deformed Soundwave comes with a hexagonal blue display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
Q-Robo Collection
- Soundwave (2003)
- Accessories: Laserbeak
- A super-deformed PVC of Soundwave was released as part of theQ-Robo Collection, and included a removable Laserbeak figure that could fit into his chest, as if in mid-ejection. Like all the figures in the series, it was sold blindpacked in a plastic capsule, featured articulation in the neck and shoulders, and was also available in a translucent purple color scheme.
Generation 1 Figure-Collection
- Soundwave (2003)
- Japanese ID number: C-3
- Accessories: Display base
- At only one inch in height, this Soundwave "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers Generation 1 Figure-Collection. The figure was rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.
History Collection
- Soundwave (2004)
- Accessories: Display base
- Takara produced this PVC figurine of Starscream as part of their History Collection set. Despite its diminutive size, this two-piece full-color figure features articulated shoulders.
Palisades
- Soundwave (statue, 2004)
- This statue of Soundwave by Palisades Toys stands at 6" tall, and was limited to 2000 pieces worldwide. Palisades later released mini-statues of Laserbeak and Ravage which were scaled to fit with Soundwave; the Laserbeak statue was capable of perching on Soundwave's outstretched arm.
Titanium Series
- Soundwave (3" Robot Masters, unreleased)
- Accessories: Decepticon stand
- Soundwave was also planned to be released as a 3" Robot Masters non-transformable figurine, though it never saw release.
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
- Soundblaster (3" Robot Masters, unreleased)
- Accessories: Decepticon stand
- A 3" Soundblaster was also advertised on catalogues included with some of the last Titanium toys to be released, and was also canceled. In fact, this figure has never even been seen... but we feel pretty confident saying it would have been a redeco of the unreleased Soundwave figure.
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Transformers - Wall Plaque
- Soundwave (Diamond Select, 2006)
- Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2006, Soundwave was sculpted by Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. He is seen emerging from the space bridge with Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage in tow. Despite the being solicited as a Wall Plaque this piece can not be placed on a wall in any way.
Transformers - Mini Bust
- Soundwave (Diamond Select, 2007)
- Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2007, Soundwave was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features both his concussion blaster gun and shoulder cannon with Laserbeak perched on his left shoulder. His tape deck altmode is sculpted on the base of the bust.
- Sound Blaster (Diamond Select, 2008)
- Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Sound Blaster was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum, limited to 1,000 pieces. He comes with Ratbat perched on his shoulder, and a scale version of Frenzy in tape mode that can be freely removed. This is Sound Blaster's first North American release. His name has been changed from "Soundblaster" to "Sound Blaster".
- His Tech Spec contains some interesting new information, notably that his body was reconstructed using technology stolen from Nebulos and his shoulder cannon is now an "electric launcher" capable of firing charged particles at 38,000 volts. His tech spec stats are STR 10 INT 7 SPD 8 END 10 RNK 9 CRG 10 FBL 10 SKL 8 and are completely different from the ones on his original Japanese release. His motto reads "Volume the same, destructive power doubled."
Robot Heroes
- Bumblebee & Soundwave (2007)
- Robot Heroes Soundwave is a soft-plastic figurine sculpted in a super deformed style, with joints at his head and shoulders (although his shoulder cannon prevents his big head from turning to the right). He came in a two-pack with Bumblebee.
Boss Coffee
- Soundwave (2008)
- A non-transforming PVC figure of Soundwave was released as part of a promotion by Boss Coffee. The small figure was randomly included with single cans of the company's "Rainbow Mountain Blend" coffee, contained in a plastic capsule affixed to the top of can which then became a display base for the figurine once removed. Soundwave features articulation at the shoulders and waist, and came with a small catalog leaflet that could be folded up and attached to the lid/base to form a diorama background for added display value.
Attacktix
- Soundwave (Booster, unreleased)
- Part of a planned second series of Transformers Attacktix boosters, Soundwave was to be a 30-point "Leader" class piece.
 Game over. |
Mighty Muggs
- Soundwave (2009)
- Accessories: Gun
- This super-deformed, non-transformable Soundwave figure uses the standard Mighty Muggs body template, with swivel joints in his neck and arms. His colors are based on those of his original toy, including yellow eyes and even having a painted "screw" behind his head, and he comes with a super-deformed version of his concussion blaster.
Notes
- According to an interview in the magazine Otaku USA (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director Shinji Aramaki. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe Insecticons, Reflector, and Perceptor.
- Including the Microchange "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
- The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
- For the initial Transformers release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
- When Takara released the Transformers version of Soundwave in Japan, they retooled the hinge so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been retooled. Both versions of Soundwave were available in Japan, making the retool a running change variant.
- The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.
- The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head, or vice versa.
- Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)
- "Years ago", Don Figueroa created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy — either for Alternators or Classics, he no longer remembers — which went unused.[1] Despite the fandom's immediate assumptions, Transformers Animated character designer Derrick Wyatt has said that this particular design did not in fact influence the Animated version of Soundwave, meaning any resemblance between the two is coincidental.
- During one of Hasbro's designer panels at BotCon 2008, an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing the Music Label Soundwave toy in the 2008 Universe toyline, but without the expensive MP3 player electronics. Bizarrely, Hasbro design director Aaron Archer gave a seemingly prepared statement that did not answer the question at all, and instead stated that Hasbro were unlikely to release Music Label Soundwave in their markets due to the obscurity of the MiniSD memory card format. (For what it's worth, Hasbro's Greg Lombardo had given an actual answer to the same question at BotCon 2007, when he stated that ML Soundwave's innards are so devoted to electronics that removing them might adversely impact the leftover toy's appearance and stability.)
Categories:
- Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls
- Pages with broken file links
- Pages with image sizes containing extra px
- Unreleased toys
- Unreleased Attacktix
- Action Masters
- Classics Decepticons
- Decoys
- Generation 1 Decepticons
- Generation 2 Decepticons
- The Headmasters Decepticons
- KB Toys exclusives
- Machine Wars Decepticons
- Music Label
- Robot Heroes
- Titanium Series
- United Decepticons
- Universe (2008)
- Universe Decepticons
