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I though about this they other night and realized it could be a close call, I want to think it's Starscream, but Soundwave is up there as well, what are your thoughts?.

That's a tough one.

I want to think it's Screamer, too, but it's difficult to say. They are both indeed quite popular with the fans.

Personally, I'm more fond of Starscream. And not to step on any toes here, but I've never liked Soundwave. Never. I've always found him to be very boring. I really don't get why he's so popular.

But I love the Cassetticons. Now those little fellas are awesome.

I personnally like both but if you ask who has more charme, I would say for 100 % Starscream.

Soundwave was always (and still is) my favorite character from G1. Starscream was never a favorite of mine. I liked Thundercracker better than Starscream (that sky blue always appealed to me as a kid and I liked his voice/characterization in the show).

Both cool, such contradictory personalities, but if it came down to it, Screamer by the tip of his alt mode.

Soundwave for me. Albeit I don't hate Starscream.

Sinnertwin wrote:Both cool, such contradictory personalities, but if it came down to it, Screamer by the tip of his alt mode.

The entire portrayal of the both of them in the G1 cartoon (an others like Prime and Animated) is also very cool because they are such opposite characters.
Starscream is probably one the more human Decepticons, although a very degenerate one. He is cowardly, backstabbing, and vain, the very opposite of a "machine's personality," something no sane AI programmer would want in robot. You can easily imagine a real person with Starscream's traits, unfortunately you can see a dictator acting as real life Screamer.
Soundwave is exact opposite. In many ways, Soundwave was portrayed as "most robotic" Decepticon. In the G1 cartoon, he had the least human voice (created by a microphone effect?). In TFP, Soundwave has no voice at all and act as a like giant tape recorder. Many versions of Soundwave had no mouth and semi-cyclopean eyes, and TFP he did not even have a face. Soundwave, in his many incarnations, is very "alien" looking and his appeal might be similar as the Daleks appeal among Doctor Who fans. Soundwave might be an ideal multi-purpose (espionage + combat robot!) military machine if was not his choice of alliances.

I just can't decide.

Personality-wise, I'd have to say Starscream, though. I mean, he's a crafty, backstabbing, ambitious bastard among a sea of loyal scowling brutes that make up the majority of the Decepticon ranks. The only other one who stands out is Shockwave and his underhanded strategies.

Soundwave is interesting design-wise, with his ability to use minions and his "synthesizer" voice. He's Megatron's loyal shadow, forever at his side.

Good topic, man.

Starscream is dynamic and you always wonder what kind of catastrophe he is going to stir up. Lot’s of different angles and alliances (G1 - Triple Takeover, TFP – Alliances with Autobots). His ambition gives him some realism.

Can't argue with Soundwave being boring in a sense. But I can talk about his appeal. He is like Boba Fett. They are both mysterious. Visually they both look awesome. Not overtly intimidating, but subtly dangerous. Soundwave basically has transformer sunglasses. The mystery makes them intriguing. You never really know what Soundwave is thinking, and that makes you wonder. Then he becomes pretty interesting with his intelligence capabilities and playback abilities, some skills that the other cons don’t have. Then his minions are awesome. Who else has minions? No one but Blaster till the movie, right?” His minions are two humanoids, three fliers, and ravage, lots of diversity there (more if you count the additional toy cassettes). Sure they are independent figures but they are completely loyal to Soundwave. Soundwave is like a shadow, he has a lot going for him, but he just doesn’t jump out at you.

Starscream is a great character and entertaining but he is also obnoxious and annoying, while Soundwave is loyal, smooth, and cool. IMO

TK415 wrote:Good topic, man.

Starscream is a great character and entertaining but he is also obnoxious and annoying, while Soundwave is loyal, smooth, and cool. IMO

Indeed it is.

I was thinking, is Soundwave really loyal?
If we use TFTM as an example (feel free to add/discuss any other fiction) he gladly assists Megatron, only to stand by idly and watch him get thrown out, then claim leadership for himself. Is this an aspect of Decepticon programming, so to speak?