The Energon Pub

So I've been pretty aggressively trying to complete my Classics collection over the past year. I was going through my wishlist and realized that I've never really considered Soundwave. While never really a favorite character of mine, he still needs to be represented (heck, I went searching for Thrust for weeks without even knowing anything about his characterization); I haven't decided on what version works the best, though.

Therefore, I'm asking for opinions as to which version of Soundwave you folks think would best represent him as a Classics Decepticon. I'm most concerned with aesthetics, but robot mode scale is also important to me. Manufacturer is not as important; neither is official toyline (e.g. I tend to lump WFC/FOC figures with my Classics). I'll also entertain thoughts on possible non-Soundwave figures that could lend themselves to be customized into Soundwave.

(Apologies in advance if this is the wrong forum for this.)

Thanks,
Glarryg

Well, if you consider WfC/FoC figures eligible, Soundwave from that line is pretty cool. Since a lot of those characters were best represented by deluxe figures, I'd say get the deluxe Soundwave, it's a very neat figure. Also, 1 of my personal favorites, due to its Geewunniness, is the Titanium Soundwave. But he might be too small in robot mode.

I've heard bad things about the titanium one, might want to investigate more before tracking one down.

WFC deluxe and FOC voyager figures are both excellent, but also are cybertronian vehicles* in design. If that doesn't bother you for what you deem classics, either one will do, though I would say if you plan to go with any of his little buddies to store in his chest, only the voyager one does that.

*there are unofficial cybertronian boom box modes you can get either of them into as well, based on a commercial for the FOC videogame. It's pretty cool, and might help make you consider him closer to "classic". Or not, it doesn't really look like an earth tape deck. Up to you.

Otherwise there's the Masterpiece Soundwave. I don't have it, but it looks (as you'd hope for a masterpiece) nearly perfect. Only problem there would be cost and possible size issues. But Soundwave was one of the bigger year one TF's, so if I could afford it, that would be my choice. Obviously you have to decide for yourself.

I don't know much about Music Label Soundwave other than it looks pretty g1 in one version. I'm guess it's not easy to come by though.


There was a leaked version of Blaster from an upcoming line sometime next year (if not later) and people assume there will be a Soundwave retool of that (even though their G1 toys were never the same mold... *sigh*) so you may want to wait and see if anything ever comes of that, if you have patience.


Finally, you could use a G1 (or rerelease) itself, if you really wanted. The only thing really wrong poseablity designwise is that robot mode his knees bend the wrong way, but he's really quite poseable otherwise.

I have kind of been leaning towards the FOC Voyager figure, since he can carry minions (probably should have mentioned that in the first post--I'd like a version that can carry accompanying minions). My issues with that one is that's it's not an Earth mode, and that the minions aren't very poseable; these aren't deal-breakers, though, so I'm still open to that figure.

I've also considered the Masterpiece version, since it pretty much negates the above qualms with the FOC version. Cost, though, is a big issue, since Soundwave isn't a super-favorite character of mine. I don't dislike the character, and there's a huge nostalgia factor present (I do own a G1 Soundwave), but it's difficult to justify the Masterpiece price, at least considering my present amount of disposable income.

There was a third party one that looked kind of neat, but I didn't hear good things about the production quality, so I've kind of crossed that off the list. I'm also thinking about a custom of my own, perhaps based on the never-produced, Figueroa-designed SUV Soundwave found here. Haven't decided on a good base figure, though.

Anyway, I appreciate the thoughts; keep 'em coming!

Glarryg

Then I would say go with the FOC voyager for now. (I also use this for now) This version is also used a lot in the IDW Combiner Wars comics so its still up to date although I know what version your probably thinking for a classics eye appealing version. I would not be surprised is something better comes along in the future with regards to Soundwave ether from Hasbro or something else.

As far as a customizable version I've seen a Reveal the Shield Preceptor re-purposed into a very good looking Soundwave which you can view here.
http://www.figurerealm.com/customfigure ... w&id=27260

This would require the purchase of the deluxe WFC soundwave and the Reveal the shield Perceptor however.

I got the Sonic Label Soundwave and his repaints. I love them all.

If you need a good base for that SUV Soundwave, may I recommend Universe 2008 Ironhide? That was used by FunPub for their version of the guy:


Transformers Convention & Club Exclusives Soundwave (Shattered Glass) Gallery

Sure, the mold has a problem with the head mechanism, but that shouldn't be much for an experienced customizer to solve.