General Information: Images:
*Photos marked with an asterisk and text below in italics are from The Official Transformers Web Site: Its speed versus skill with this detailed SOUNDWAVE robot-to-vehicle figure! When this bot detects the slightest interference, convert him into MERCEDES–BENZ SLB mode for “crushing” velocity. Will it be enough to defeat his AUTOBOT enemies? Their fate is yours to decide! Ages 5 and up.
In "Dark of the Moon", Soundwave has come to Earth to participate in events directly. In the process, he took on a new form as well. This Legion Class figure is the first release of Soundwave in this form, although a Deluxe version is out in Japan now (as of January 2012) and due out in the US soon. Later, a Human Alliance version will be ocming out as well.
Robot Mode: All that said, Soundwave clearly still has some of these overlapping gaps and sections sculpted into certain areas. For instance, on his shoulder area are panels that overlap with a claw like end point at the top of the arm. On his lower legs, he has curved panels with tubes sculpted into them leading to his feet. Having the name "Soundwave", you need some links back to the iconic G1 character. Two details on this figure make that connection. First is the head sculpt, which is an exaggerated design based on the Decepticon symbol itself. G1 Soundwave's head was part of the inspiration for the actual Decepticon symbol itself, complete with a crest with two points, two V shaped points sticking out the sides and a pointed chin. With some extra details worked into the design it looks fantastic and a bit creepy. The other "Soundwave" styled details can be found on his arms in the form of circular details on the top and insides of his arms. These represent sonic blasters or more to the point: speakers - alluding to G1 Soundwave's form as a boom box. These two elements work well together to keep this from being some random robot that the Soundwave name was assigned to and from this long time fan, they are much appreciated. Soundwave is cast in dark silver and black plastic. Silver makes up most of the body. Black is found on the shoulder and hip joints as well as the wheels. There are four paint colors used in this form including red, dark metallic blue, light blue and black. The red is found on his eyes, matching his onscreen appearance. The dark metallic blue is actually part of his vehicle mode, but here they show on the windows that wind up on his lower legs. Light blue outlines the speakers facing front on his arms and the black paint is used for the gaps on the vehicle mode's grille on his chest. Overall the color scheme works well and matches up nicely with his on screen appearance. There are six points of articulation on this figure, four in the legs and two on the arms. The arm and hip joints are both ball joints while his legs can swivel in and out. The wide range of motion is appreciated on the legs especially since his lower legs curve a bit, making standing the figure take an extra second of fiddling than normal. Soundwave's right hand is sculpted in curved position allowing you to equip him with a Cyberverse weapon. His other fist is not able to hold a weapon, but instead is balled into a fist. I wish both his hands were capable of holding weapons, but it's not a dealbreaker by any means. Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
Vehicle Mode:
As cars go, this is a really nice combination of sporty and luxury. I do have to say that nothing about this vehicle mode says "Soundwave" to me, but in the context of the element of surprise used in the movie, it fits just fine and also expands the range of vehicles we have seen Transformers become in the series. The same plastic colors from the robot mode carry over here with appopriate emphasis on the silver. This form allows us to see a lot more of the dark metallic blue on his windows. A bit more black is found on the front end underneath the headlights and the rear lights are painted red. His headlights are painted metallic light blue, continuing the subtle "blue" theme carried over from G1 Soundwave. Overall there isn't a ton of color here - but there doesn't need to be. The Mercedes Benz car that Soundwave represents basically is made up of these simple colors, which is part of its elegance.
Final Thoughts:
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"Revenge of the Fallen" introduced audiences to the on-screen version of a classic Decepticon warrior: Soundwave. However, his involvement in the Decepticon activities focused on subversion and technical wizardry in that film.
