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Sinnertwin wrote: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?

It's probably 1 of the fundamental programs, 1 Starscream also posesses, probably even more effectively than Soundwave. Between Soundwave and Starscream, I've always identified with Soundwave much more. He's personality is a lot like mine. I've never been a fan of Starscream in ANY continuity, though he does have the coolest death scene in all TF fandom. Overall, I think Soundwave was much more useful (even if boring) to Megatron and Shockwave, while at the same time projecting a believable scenario that he could effectively replace either of them as leader. I never took Screamer seriously as a leader. I couldn't. He's too much of an egotistical screwup. Also, Soundwave is the only character to make it through the US Marvel comics from #1 to #80 (and even G2!) without getting killed or even deactivated. That's an admirable feat. Maybe ReGeneration will change that. Also, having an army of specially trained midgets at his disposal makes him more effective than Starscream.

To quote, "Soundwave superior..."

And Starscream is a douche. Maybe that's why fangirls love him so much.

I have always loved starscream even he's an ass all the time, just something about his personality that stand out more than the other transformers. On both sides Auto and Decp there's no one like him. I think Chris Latta the voice actor for starscream (also if you didn't know Cobra Commander too)did it for me, he sounds so evil. One day just one day Megatron will bow before STARSCREAM.

I always liked Starscream because his personality was so in-your-face.

I'm a Starscream fan overall, but I started appreciating Soundwave with the movies and really didn't care for Starscream in them. While I like G1 Starscream the best, I thought, like others, that G1 Soundwave was boring.

Has to be Screamer for me.

Starscream is by far the more complex character, with all his flaws he's just more human. While Soundwave on the other hand is just to one dimensional for my liking.

Sinnertwin wrote:

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?

Soundwave is only loyal to Megatron because his place in the Decepticon hierarchy is secure and unlterable that way. He needs Megatron to stay where he is because Megatron's position in power assures his own hold on his position. His toy's bio also notes he is an opportunist, so I'm not surprised that when it made more sense to stand idly by than intervene, that's exactly what he did. He does what's best for him in every G1 incarnation, and that's usually but not always to be Megatron's loyal subordinate. In the Marvel comics, especially in Marvel UK, he deftly maneuvers between sides, feigning loyalty to both Megatron and Shockwave, and usually ends up as second-in-command as a result. He plays both sides and always ultimately benefits from the Decepticons' internal politics.

In the Aligned continuity, Soundwave seems to legitimately believe in Megatron as the savior of their race, and hence follows him out of ideology rather than simple pragmatism. He was once a gladiator like Megatron, and wanted to change the caste system along with his leader.

I find I prefer the G1 interpretation, but Aligned Soundwave has yet to show too much of his personality. There's still a lot that can be done with him.


Starscream, on the other hand, is a whole other matter. While I find he's often not in my list of favorites, in my opinion, Starscream is the only other Decepticon, besides Megatron, who has to be there. The internal conflicts and struggles for leadership of the Decepticons are precisely what makes them interesting and popular characters, and Starscream is insubordination made manifest. I vastly prefer his Prime and Cybertron interpretations, where he carefully schemes to become leader, rather than his G1 self, who is incompetent at virtually every turn. His live action movie version is okay, but only really competent in the first film and ancillary media like the comics. In ROTF and DOTM he was basically a bungling suck up.


In short: Soundwave is the character I like better, but Starscream is the more necessary one for the sake of the fiction's drama.


I echo earlier sentiments: great thread!