Shockwave (G1)/toys

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Shockwave has many toys, so logic dictates that they should receive a page. Logic also dictates that they should be awesome.

Toys

Generation 1

You can try to play Duck Hunt with him all day long, but it just doesn't work.

• Shockwave (Decepticon, 1985)
  • Japanese ID number: 49
  • Accessories: "Magnetic impulse defuser" barrel

Sold boxed, Shockwave was one of the very first 1985 toys to see release, if not the first. Shockwave transforms into a large Cybertronian handgun. He has light and sound electronics activated by his gun-mode trigger and powered by a 9-volt battery. The sound effects can be switched between two (fairly generic) blaster-sound frequencies with a small toggle on his battery pack. As a robot, he has a large, if not the most, amount of articulation for the era.

Shockwave was initially sold without a rub sign; one was later added to the side of his torso.

The rubber hose covering the wires connecting his torso and arm's electronics is particularly prone to dry-rotting. Be careful!

• More information on Shockwave at TFU.info

Small and deadly.

• Shockwave with Fistfight (Action Master, 1990)
  • Accessories: Double-barreled "Turbo Rifle"

As an Action Master, Shockwave is a non-transforming action figure who combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy, with a few more details. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. Part of the third wave of individually-carded Action Master figures, He came with his small robot partner Fistfight, who combines with Shockwave's handgun to form a "Lightning Gun" cannon.

Reportedly, early "test market" releases came with a rubber hose that connects from his gun-arm to his back, like the original toy. There are holes in the toy's gun-arm and backpack; the black hoses found in many old G.I. Joe toys can fit in the holes.

• More information on Action Master Shockwave at TFU.info

Alternators/Binaltech

Guns akimbo.

• Shockblast (Alternator, 2004)
  • Alternator ID number: 12
  • Japanese release date: 4-15-2005
  • Japanese ID number: BT-13
  • Accessories: Muffler-blaster

The Alternators version of Shockwave is retool of "Meister" from the same line. Named "Shockblast" for trademark reasons, his alternate mode is a licensed, 1:24 scale Mazda RX-8, changing Meister's standard street model into a Mazdaspeed-modified version with new front and rear fenders, doors, side skirts and a spoiler (the Japanese Binaltech version, Laserwave, is specifically marketed as a "Mazdaspeed Version II"). He features rubber tires, opening doors, hood and trunk, a detailed interior including seats and a dashboard complete with steering wheel, and a working "steering" mechanism (which is not connected to the steering wheel, though). In robot mode, his muffler unfolds to become a hand-held blaster; it can also be arm-mounted thanks to the holes near the robot's elbow joints compatible with the muffler's vehicle-mode mounting peg. Shockblast also features a new head sculpt with a single eye that is illuminated using some very effective light-piping, and an arm cannon made out of clear plastic that replaces his left hand. Undocumented in the instructions is a tab on the underside of each foot that can be positioned to make the figure more stable in certain poses.

Takara's Binaltech Laserwave has quite a number of small but significant changes from the Alternators version. As per usual with Binaltech releases, his car shell partially constructed of die-cast metal rather than all-plastic, as well as having all the car body parts (including those made out of plastic) covered in a metal-flake paint. His passenger compartment has a hard-plastic steering wheel on the right-hand side of the car (as they are in Japan). He has vac-metal side-mirrors and "LWAVE" on his license plate (rather than Shockblast's "SHKWAV"). The "steering" mechanism uses a magnet assembly to connect the steering axle to the front wheels instead of the Alternators version's plastic insertion point. Plus it comes with a bonus large Decepticon insignia sticker that can be applied to a real car.

Shockblast was later re-released as part of a Europe-only wave of Alternators toys in the same packaging style as the second North American Alternators assortment, the latter of which Shockblast was not re-released in. Despite Hasbro re-claiming the "Shockwave" name by then, this re-release still calls him "Shockblast".

The original Meister version of the sculpt was also released in a Binaltech-only red version (repurposed into "Zoom-Zoom" by the official Binaltech fiction) and was later retooled into Kiss Players Autorooper. The Mazdaspeed car parts, but with Meister's original head sculpt and left hand, were later used to make the Binaltech-only Argent Meister.

• More information on Shockblast at TFU.info

Titanium Series

Cancelling me is illogical.

• Shockwave

A 6" transforming Shockwave toy was designed and displayed at BotCon 2007, but Titanium Series was canceled before its tooling could be completed.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Generations

This repurposing is very logical indeed.

• Shockwave (Deluxe, 2012)
  • Series/number: 01 / #003
  • Accessories: Two-piece laser cannon

This toy was repurposed as Generation 1 Shockwave in IDW Publishing's Robots in Disguise comics.

Part of the first wave of 2012 Generations Deluxe Class toys, Fall of Cybertron Shockwave transforms into a "Cybertronian mobile artillery" mode. The front center fuselage of the vehicle becomes a hand-held "laser cannon" that's modeled after the Sling Shock. It can be stored on a 5mm port on his back, and undocumented in his instructions, can replace his hands by folding either one of them in, revealing a socket on his wrist that a tab underneath his cannon can mount to. As another undocumented feature, the cannon actually consists of two pieces, with a large y-shaped barrel that can be removed, revealing the sculpted ends of a triple-barreled gun. The y-shaped barrel part can also be stored on Shockwave's back, forming some sort of jet-pack exhaust.

Shockwave features two examples of faux-parts: The undersides of his heels resemble the front end of the y-shaped barrel part, effectively serving as an extension of the barrel in vehicle mode, whereas a fake replica of the top end of his head (including his signature "ear" panels) is sculpted on the top side of his vehicle mode (which ends up on the underside of his backpack in robot mode).

The figure has a "dramatic reveal" feature, where pressing the chest into place causes the head to pop up. The clasp used to hold the spring-loaded piece in place is fairly strong, and requires a small amount of force to latch if the head isn't pressed down before moving the chest assembly. Depending on the individual quality of the figure, this can cause the latch to wear out, and the spring is strong enough that the head will push the whole assembly out of place in vehicle mode if not properly retracted. As such, care should be taken on this step of conversion.

This mold was redecoed/retooled into Fall of Cybertron Air Raid and BotCon 2014 Brimstone.

• More information on Generations Shockwave at TFU.info

Shockwave regains his firearms license.

• Shockwave (Legends, 2016)

Part of the fifth wave of the Transformers Generations: Combiner Wars subline imprint, Legends Class Shockwave is an all new mold that turns into the classic laser-rifle-gun-thing! The gun-mode can he held by any five-millimeter peg, but is advertised to go with Bruticus, homaging the scene from the "The Revenge of Bruticus", where Bruticus wielded Shockwave.

Construct-Bots

• Shockwave (Elite Class, 2013)

Shockwave transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian jet, in a design loosely based on Generations War for Cybertron Shockwave. He includes a blaster that covers his fist and resembles his original weapon. Also included are two parts that connect over the gun to mimic the original Shockwave's barrel cover.

Most of his parts were used to make Silverbolt.

Cloud

Logic dictates that I should act like a psychopath.

• Shockwave (Voyager, 2014)
  • ID number: TFC-D03
  • Accessories: "Astro Magnum" gun, rocket pod, rotary cannon, missile rack

Cloud Shockwave is a redeco of Generations Whirl, transforming into a helicopter. As a Triple Changer he has a third Gerwalk-esque walking helicopter mode, called only an "alternate mode" to differentiate it from his "vehicle mode", plus an official "Shockblast" cannon mode created by fiddling around with the toy. He has a pair of mechanical pincers which his "Astro Magnum" weapon can be fitted over and all four of his "Blast Arms" weapons can attach via c-clips to various sculpted rods. Shockwave was sold exclusively through e-HOBBY and came with the comic "TFC-D03".

Q-Transformers

All are dead cute.

• Shockwave (8-29-2015)
  • ID number: QT-26

Q-Transformers Shockwave transforms from a super deformed Toyota Crown Athlete S21 to a cute little robot.

Masterpiece

• Laserwave (2016)

Merchandise

Transformers Milk Caramel

• Laserwave (1985)

A soft rubber figurine—known in Japan as a keshigomu— of Shockwave was released as part of the second wave of Kabaya's Transformers Milk Caramel candy toy range. He came packaged with chocolate-covered caramel candies, and was available in red, blue and yellow.

Decoy

• Destron Hero Collection 22 (multi-pack, 1986)

Shockwave was among the many characters rendered by Takara as part of their series of 1.5" keshigomu figurines. Like all the Decepticons in the series, Shockwave was molded in soft purple rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his Tech Specs, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. Shockwave was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets.

• Shockwave (Decoy, 1987)
  • Decoy number: 51

The 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 (51, in Shockwave's case). Like all Decepticon Decoys, Shockwave was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded Throttlebots, Aerialbots, Protectobots and Technobots 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.

• More information on Decoy Shockwave at TFU.info

Bust

Shockwave reminisces back to when he had two hands.

• Shockwave (Bust, 2003)

In 2003, Hard Hero released a six-inches tall polystone bust of Shockwave, based upon his Generation 1 cartoon appearance. It was limited to 2500 pieces worldwide, with an additional 100 specially signed by the sculptor.

• Shockwave Metallic Exclusive (Bust, 2003)

Hard Hero's Shockwave was also released in shiny "metallic" coloration. This version was in even shorter supply, limited to only 500 copies.

Mini Bust

"Yeah, I had to sell the trigger and most of the handle to feed my family."

• Shockwave (Diamond Select, 2008)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Shockwave was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces. Both his fist and "gun hand" are translucent to better match his toy incarnation.

Mini Statue

Meet me in the bank... it's going down...

• Shockwave (Mini statue, 2005)

Diamond Comics Distributors also released a small, six-inch polystone statue of Shockwave made by Palisades Toys, based upon Pat Lee's rendition of the character in Dreamwave's Transformers comic books. An image of this statue made a cameo in the 2009 film Revenge of the Fallen, featuring in a newspaper that was sucked up by Devastator.

Attacktix

• Shockwave (Booster, 2007)

Shockwave was likely to have been one of several Transformers Attacktix Booster pieces, using a wide, powerful, spring-loaded "blaster" missile launcher attack. He was to be a 40-point Leader-class piece. Though displayed as part of the Attacktix display at the Star Wars "Celebration IV" convention, Shockwave was ultimately never released as the Attacktix toyline was put on ice.

Game over. This Attacktix item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Robot Heroes

He's logical and cute.

• Grimlock & Shockwave (Robot Heroes, 2007)

The most adorablest Shockwave ever, Robot Heroes Shockwave is a stumpy PVC figurine that combines toy and animation model details into a single package. He has limited articulation (neck and shoulder swivels only), but he's so cute it doesn't matter. He was available in a two-pack with a similarly lovable version of Grimlock.

• More information on Robot Heroes Shockwave at TFU.info

Boss Coffee

• Laserwave (2008)

A non-transforming PVC figure of Shockwave 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. Shockwave 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.

• More information on Boss Coffee Laserwave at TFU.info

Mighty Muggs

Cute and frightening plus angry about my big head

• Shockwave (Mighty Mugg, 2009)

Part of the third wave of Mighty Muggs, Shockwave is a super deformed, non-transformable PVC figure with articulated arms and head. As all Mighty Muggs are made from the same mold, he has a really weird-looking round head. His left arm, however, is retooled to include his trademark gun hand.

Shockwave was briefly believed to be canceled, but Hasbro revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2009 that his wave would be released. Along with the rest of his wave, Shockwave was eventually released as an exclusive at Diamond Distributors and Toys"R"Us stores.

G.I. Joe and the Transformers

"The Terrordrome will remain exactly as you leave it!"

• Shockwave H.I.S.S. Tank with two figures & Energon (2012)
  • Accessories: Soundwave cassette deck, three "MiniCon Deployers", and energon cubes

An exclusive release for San Diego Comic-Con 2012, this is a redeco of the 2012 new-mold G.I. Joe: Retaliation HISS tank meant to represent Shockwave, with an additional cannon piece meant to emulate Generation 1 Shockwave's gun barrel. It includes the Cobras James McCullen Destro XXIV and a Battle Android Trooper with a trolley for carrying Energon cubes. Destro's accessories include Soundwave in the form of a non-transforming tape deck, various guns, a suitcase of money, and three micro-casettes capable of being placed within the Soundwave toy. The toy's press release identifies the tapes as Laserbeak, Ravage and Ratbat, but since all three sport the sculpted details of the original Laserbeak toy and are colored red, gold, and orange they visually appear to be Laserbeak and his redecos Buzzsaw and Sundor, respectively.

Notes

"Shackwave"? "Shackwave"?! RADIOWAVE, you idiots!

• Although Shockwave was depicted in the very first episode of the original cartoon series, he did not receive a toy release until early in 1985. Unlike the bulk of early Transformers that drew their molds from Takara's Diaclone and Microchange toys, Shockwave's original form was first produced by ToyCo as the "4 Changeable Astro Magnum". As such, similar non-Transformer toys using the same mold were released in 1985, including a RadioShack exclusive called "Galactic Man". A minor but amusing difference between the RadioShack version, humorously called "Shackwave" by fans, and the Hasbro version, is that Shockwave's inconveniently placed trigger was remolded and appears less... inconvenient.
  • A 1985 Hasbro briefing binder gives Shockwave's toy the name "Spark Man," which probably was a name attached to the toy, considering its similarity to Radio Shack's "Galactic Man," rather than being an early name for the Hasbro character. He still hadn't settled into his finalized name at the time the script for "More than Meets the Eye" was written; in it, he is referred to as Flash Beam.
  • Shockwave was released by ToyCo in Korea in the 1980s at the same time Hasbro released him elsewhere. The only difference between the Korean version and the Hasbro release is a large "ToyCo" sticker on the front of the box.
• The Astro Magnum mold also appears to have been licensed to a small company called Village Toys in the 1980s, where it showed up in their Convert-A-Bots line under the name "N-4-SR" (..."Enforcer", get it?). There are at least two variants; one was dark grey, with purple highlights, the other pale green, also with purple highlights.

Product and colors (and franchise) may vary.

• Shockwave bears the rather strange distinction of receiving a number of particularly high quality knockoffs, all of which known retain the electronics and some even having odd Flash Gordonesque retools.
• One of the earliest pictured versions of Action Master Shockwave features some awkward proportions and Fistfight with reversed colors. Another oddity of this version is that Shockwave's right hand is sculpted in an open position.
• A silhouette of Action Master Shockwave's card art appears on the back of the G.I. Joe Star Brigade action figure cardbacks... as Hawk!