My first Transformer was bought when we lived in Germany. I was five. The family went to the local store, I think a Naafi, (we're Forces brats. Dad was in the RAF.) and by younger Brother and I saw a stand of these incredible toys. We stood and looked at them and were told we could get one each the next week. He chose Grimlock, I chose Soundwave. That week was agonising!
We returned and, as promised, we could pick a robot. Grimlock was there but...no Soundwave! Crushing, I know! There was however this amazing white jet with red wings called Ramjet! He looked great and that was that! Loved that toy. It was the start of a huge collection we got over the years. Shame that when I did that pesky "growing up" that Mum gave all our toys to a jumble sale...
Years ago I got back into Transformers when Titan started reprinting the US comics from when I was a nipper and I've been collecting since I bought RiD Optimus Prime (the big red fire truck). Still selling off the collection these days as completionism just wasn't viable. These days it's just Masterpiece though I never sold the Takara bookcase or Encore reissue Soundwave. Bookcase is the first proper Soundwave I ever owned. He was worth the wait!
