Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave
Monday, December 16th, 2019 12:38AM CST
Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: william-james88 Views: 95,892
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I'll cut to the chase, this is the best representation of movie Soundwave we have ever gotten. I have comparison images to the on screen character below and looking back I am baffled that we were all so laissez fair about what came before. I know I love the Human Alliance mold (you will see it below in the comparison shots as the Movie the Best redeco) but it doesn't really convey the proportions of the character properly, definitely not as good as this new deluxe does.
The car looks fine. I really like how everything tabs in well. Everyone will be very happy that the car is covered in the appropriate silver paint (no more off white plastic, yay!). The clear windows do mean we see some of the robot junk in there, but I am fine with it. The clean interior and opening doors lead to lots of sacrifices on the Human Alliance toy so I prefer that the designers chose to favour different aspects this go around.
And it pays off, boy does it pay off, because the robot mode looks perfect. Soundwave was a stocky guy in the films, and while he had a large torso, it wasn't immense compared to some teeny tiny legs. He was more Wolverine than Johnny Bravo and we finally get that here. What impresses me most with this toy is how few steps there are to the conversion to get from two modes that look nothing alike. People often think that more steps may equate to a better design/engineering, but I never did. There can be beauty in simplicity. In fact, I would argue that it is much harder to get to a good looking and accurate robot mode, especially of a movie bot, with fewer steps. Toys can be overcomplicated just as much as they can be oversimplified and this one is just right.
The designers picked their battles well here with the alt mode integration and what parts should be real (like the chest) and which can be designed to look like alt mode detail (the front of the legs). I love how the arms are half car detail and half robot detail and each mode orients it just right so taht you think it can only belong to one particular mode. It's just a very efficient design. The car lights reorienting to give him the side panels framing his chest are the best example of that.
In terms of articulation, I didn't notice until comparing these to the new Cyberverse toys, but it's lacking for today's standards. Unlike deluxes in the Siege and Cyberverse line, this toy and many other Studio Series deluxes do not have wrist swivels, ankle pivots or even waist articulation. Which is kind of ironic since the movie look has them sculpted to make it look like they are made up of a million moving parts. Kudos to the designers for at least tricking me into thinking it is made of more parts than other lines (and I mean that sincerely).
He comes with a very important accessory, Laserbeak. While I never liked the skeletal chicken look, I can't fault it for looking the part. It latches well onto wither or Soundwave's forearms and can even tag along in the back of the vehicle mode. Those are two different type of latches and the mini figure will slightly convert to fit in whichever scenario.
It's odd how objectively, this toy may not be offering much as much as other Transformers toys at his price point (for instance, he has less steps, less height, less accessories and much less articulation than the new Cyberverse toys), but subjectively I feel more satisfied by him than many other toys. He always had a unique design for a car bot and he did not get as much representation in the movie lines in the west, and unlike Siege and Cyberverse this isn't retreading the same G1 design, so he feels more fresh. He surprised me, and I loved discovering the efficient conversion, and sometimes that's all I need for a toy to stand out. I would thus recommend him to any Transformers fan, regardless of their feel for the Bay aesthetic.
The car looks fine. I really like how everything tabs in well. Everyone will be very happy that the car is covered in the appropriate silver paint (no more off white plastic, yay!). The clear windows do mean we see some of the robot junk in there, but I am fine with it. The clean interior and opening doors lead to lots of sacrifices on the Human Alliance toy so I prefer that the designers chose to favour different aspects this go around.
And it pays off, boy does it pay off, because the robot mode looks perfect. Soundwave was a stocky guy in the films, and while he had a large torso, it wasn't immense compared to some teeny tiny legs. He was more Wolverine than Johnny Bravo and we finally get that here. What impresses me most with this toy is how few steps there are to the conversion to get from two modes that look nothing alike. People often think that more steps may equate to a better design/engineering, but I never did. There can be beauty in simplicity. In fact, I would argue that it is much harder to get to a good looking and accurate robot mode, especially of a movie bot, with fewer steps. Toys can be overcomplicated just as much as they can be oversimplified and this one is just right.
The designers picked their battles well here with the alt mode integration and what parts should be real (like the chest) and which can be designed to look like alt mode detail (the front of the legs). I love how the arms are half car detail and half robot detail and each mode orients it just right so taht you think it can only belong to one particular mode. It's just a very efficient design. The car lights reorienting to give him the side panels framing his chest are the best example of that.
In terms of articulation, I didn't notice until comparing these to the new Cyberverse toys, but it's lacking for today's standards. Unlike deluxes in the Siege and Cyberverse line, this toy and many other Studio Series deluxes do not have wrist swivels, ankle pivots or even waist articulation. Which is kind of ironic since the movie look has them sculpted to make it look like they are made up of a million moving parts. Kudos to the designers for at least tricking me into thinking it is made of more parts than other lines (and I mean that sincerely).
He comes with a very important accessory, Laserbeak. While I never liked the skeletal chicken look, I can't fault it for looking the part. It latches well onto wither or Soundwave's forearms and can even tag along in the back of the vehicle mode. Those are two different type of latches and the mini figure will slightly convert to fit in whichever scenario.
It's odd how objectively, this toy may not be offering much as much as other Transformers toys at his price point (for instance, he has less steps, less height, less accessories and much less articulation than the new Cyberverse toys), but subjectively I feel more satisfied by him than many other toys. He always had a unique design for a car bot and he did not get as much representation in the movie lines in the west, and unlike Siege and Cyberverse this isn't retreading the same G1 design, so he feels more fresh. He surprised me, and I loved discovering the efficient conversion, and sometimes that's all I need for a toy to stand out. I would thus recommend him to any Transformers fan, regardless of their feel for the Bay aesthetic.
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Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047084)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 16th, 2019 @ 4:24am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 16th, 2019 @ 4:24am CST
That Soundwave's only flaw is the obligatory car roof backpack. But for a deluxe of a normal price point, it's forgivable. If my local TrU or Walmart end up finally having new stock on the shelves, he's a sure buy.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047097)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 16th, 2019 @ 9:07am CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 16th, 2019 @ 9:07am CST
Great review! I always enjoy reading pictorial reviews.
Soundwave does look really good, my chief complaint I think is that the chest doesn’t convert more, but the rotating headlight pieces do help with that.
I’m also going to have to figure out how to paint rubbery plastic (since I think his head is rubbery plastic and as I learned with Barricade my current paint I’m using doesn’t work).
What’re your thoughts on the new Bumblebee, william-james88?
Soundwave does look really good, my chief complaint I think is that the chest doesn’t convert more, but the rotating headlight pieces do help with that.
I’m also going to have to figure out how to paint rubbery plastic (since I think his head is rubbery plastic and as I learned with Barricade my current paint I’m using doesn’t work).
What’re your thoughts on the new Bumblebee, william-james88?
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047105)
Posted by BERSEKAEL on December 16th, 2019 @ 11:41am CST
Posted by BERSEKAEL on December 16th, 2019 @ 11:41am CST
I need that laserbeak perfect for my legion class collection 
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047108)
Posted by Stargrave on December 16th, 2019 @ 12:38pm CST
Posted by Stargrave on December 16th, 2019 @ 12:38pm CST
That was an awesome review.
To be honest I don’t have plans to get this figure, but damn you make a hard argument.
Thanks William like always really well done.
To be honest I don’t have plans to get this figure, but damn you make a hard argument.
Thanks William like always really well done.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047111)
Posted by william-james88 on December 16th, 2019 @ 2:49pm CST
Its fine but I am a bit sick of that samey transformation we've gotten for Bee ever since TLK. Fatigue has definitely set in. But he does look good in both modes. Review coming tomorrow.
Posted by william-james88 on December 16th, 2019 @ 2:49pm CST
EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Great review! I always enjoy reading pictorial reviews.
Soundwave does look really good, my chief complaint I think is that the chest doesn’t convert more, but the rotating headlight pieces do help with that.
I’m also going to have to figure out how to paint rubbery plastic (since I think his head is rubbery plastic and as I learned with Barricade my current paint I’m using doesn’t work).
What’re your thoughts on the new Bumblebee, william-james88?
Its fine but I am a bit sick of that samey transformation we've gotten for Bee ever since TLK. Fatigue has definitely set in. But he does look good in both modes. Review coming tomorrow.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047124)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 16th, 2019 @ 6:34pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 16th, 2019 @ 6:34pm CST
He looks so good, stoked for him!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047151)
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 12:23am CST
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 12:23am CST
Am I the only one getting a bit sick of Studio Series Bumblebee toys? Not in the fact that there are lots of them, but more that it's the same functional design every time. Unlike Optimus, where movie toy designers kept reinventing the transformation throughout the years, Bumblebee toys suffer from just changing incrementally every time. And that's been the case since the first deluxe toy (which you can see in a comparison shot below). That doesn't make them bad toys, it just makes them predictable and rather boring in terms of transforming figures.
That's what this toy suffers most of. It's based on the same movie Bumblebee transformation we have gotten since The Last Knight (TLK). Meaning, the car roof folds up and gets stuffed into the torso, the arms with no wrist swivels are tucked at the base of the car, you get that back window flip for the double wings, the middle of the car hood is separated from the sides and under it is a fake kibble piece for a more accurate chest and the legs unfold through a series of 90 degree pivots with the feet doing a full 180. These are all ok steps to go from a good looking car to a decent looking robot but they are all steps we did before. And the fact that it's the same steps results in robot modes that look about the same from one toy to the next, as you can see below.
I will repeat, none of that makes this a bad toy, it just makes for a boring experience. If this is your first movie Bumblebee toy, then you will probably be satisfied. What is frustrating is that this toy only comes with the battle mask, meaning that if you want a Bumblebee toy looking closer to his movie one appearance where all the Autobots meet up the first time with Sam, then you are gonna fork out some money again for another incremental change.
The car mode is fine. It's apparently not a perfectly accurate alt mode, but I can't tell. I have it compared to the alt mode his first movie toy had, which is said to be a perfect representation in car mode. Looks fine to me though. I will say that I much prefer how the car mode tabs together than other Bumblebee toys with this transformation, like the one from TLK or the one from the Bumblebee movie.
The robot mode looks great but I would have really liked to have a normal face, it feels a shady not to include it. While the transformation is a rinse repeat of other toys, design wise this does make it the first Bumblebee with that now iconic Camaro alt mode to have those extra little wings in the back, along with a very nice looking chest and even those small clavicle-like details next to his neck (pretty sure those are supposed to be his mirrors). I would have loved them to paint those yellow though. I mean it would go a long way and highlight the novelty to the sculpting. His robot mode is the best looking transforming deluxe representation of this Bumblebee design.
He has an arm cannon accessory which covers his hands. It feels really cheap though since it's just all in black and clashes with the rest of the deco. I mean for a line that is all about movie accuracy, the sole accessory to come with the figure looking like this is a bit lame. In terms of articulation, while he is missing some (like wrist swivels), there is a transformation joint on the leg that you can use to make up for a lack of ankle pivot.
The best thing I can say about this figure is that nothing falls apart, it tabs in as it should, nothing feels too loose and you can pose him with little issue. While this should all be a given for a toy of passable quality, it's almost a miracle for a movie Bumblebee toy of recent years. Still I'd wish for more articulation because right now even Cyberverse has surpassed Studio Series in terms of articulation for the deluxe class. Also I would have liked that additional face and some kind of effort for the cannon's deco.
That's what this toy suffers most of. It's based on the same movie Bumblebee transformation we have gotten since The Last Knight (TLK). Meaning, the car roof folds up and gets stuffed into the torso, the arms with no wrist swivels are tucked at the base of the car, you get that back window flip for the double wings, the middle of the car hood is separated from the sides and under it is a fake kibble piece for a more accurate chest and the legs unfold through a series of 90 degree pivots with the feet doing a full 180. These are all ok steps to go from a good looking car to a decent looking robot but they are all steps we did before. And the fact that it's the same steps results in robot modes that look about the same from one toy to the next, as you can see below.
I will repeat, none of that makes this a bad toy, it just makes for a boring experience. If this is your first movie Bumblebee toy, then you will probably be satisfied. What is frustrating is that this toy only comes with the battle mask, meaning that if you want a Bumblebee toy looking closer to his movie one appearance where all the Autobots meet up the first time with Sam, then you are gonna fork out some money again for another incremental change.
The car mode is fine. It's apparently not a perfectly accurate alt mode, but I can't tell. I have it compared to the alt mode his first movie toy had, which is said to be a perfect representation in car mode. Looks fine to me though. I will say that I much prefer how the car mode tabs together than other Bumblebee toys with this transformation, like the one from TLK or the one from the Bumblebee movie.
The robot mode looks great but I would have really liked to have a normal face, it feels a shady not to include it. While the transformation is a rinse repeat of other toys, design wise this does make it the first Bumblebee with that now iconic Camaro alt mode to have those extra little wings in the back, along with a very nice looking chest and even those small clavicle-like details next to his neck (pretty sure those are supposed to be his mirrors). I would have loved them to paint those yellow though. I mean it would go a long way and highlight the novelty to the sculpting. His robot mode is the best looking transforming deluxe representation of this Bumblebee design.
He has an arm cannon accessory which covers his hands. It feels really cheap though since it's just all in black and clashes with the rest of the deco. I mean for a line that is all about movie accuracy, the sole accessory to come with the figure looking like this is a bit lame. In terms of articulation, while he is missing some (like wrist swivels), there is a transformation joint on the leg that you can use to make up for a lack of ankle pivot.
The best thing I can say about this figure is that nothing falls apart, it tabs in as it should, nothing feels too loose and you can pose him with little issue. While this should all be a given for a toy of passable quality, it's almost a miracle for a movie Bumblebee toy of recent years. Still I'd wish for more articulation because right now even Cyberverse has surpassed Studio Series in terms of articulation for the deluxe class. Also I would have liked that additional face and some kind of effort for the cannon's deco.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047154)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 17th, 2019 @ 5:02am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on December 17th, 2019 @ 5:02am CST
This Bee would be awesome... for someone who doesn't have a full hive already.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047156)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 17th, 2019 @ 8:22am CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 17th, 2019 @ 8:22am CST
Thanks for the review!
I’m super excited to get this Bee, I love the reworked chest design and how the wings can rotate up now. Really glad that there aren’t any loose parts that fall off!
I wasn’t initially thrilled about how they did the plasma cannon on this one, but honestly it’ll be kind of nice not to have a spare arm floating around when you have the cannon attached. I’ll have to see what I think when it’s in-hand!
I’m super excited to get this Bee, I love the reworked chest design and how the wings can rotate up now. Really glad that there aren’t any loose parts that fall off!
I wasn’t initially thrilled about how they did the plasma cannon on this one, but honestly it’ll be kind of nice not to have a spare arm floating around when you have the cannon attached. I’ll have to see what I think when it’s in-hand!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047158)
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 8:49am CST
I much preffer how they did it here than have to pull off the arm. Which is why it's a real bummer they didn't give it a decent deco treatment.
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 8:49am CST
EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:I wasn’t initially thrilled about how they did the plasma cannon on this one, but honestly it’ll be kind of nice not to have a spare arm floating around when you have the cannon attached. I’ll have to see what I think when it’s in-hand!
I much preffer how they did it here than have to pull off the arm. Which is why it's a real bummer they didn't give it a decent deco treatment.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047159)
Posted by Mindmaster on December 17th, 2019 @ 9:32am CST
Posted by Mindmaster on December 17th, 2019 @ 9:32am CST
I found the new Voyagers during my Christmas roadtrip across the American Southwest. Megatron was in Barstow, California, and I finally chanced upon Mixmaster in Las Vegas. Megatron’s weapon is kinda disappointing since it’s not made of the flexible plastic. Mixmaster’s neat, I don’t mind the partsforming into head mode so much since it’s only one part and it helps stabilize the rear of the face.
Can’t wait for the remainder of the new wave!
Can’t wait for the remainder of the new wave!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047160)
Posted by FigureGunplaFan on December 17th, 2019 @ 10:48am CST
Posted by FigureGunplaFan on December 17th, 2019 @ 10:48am CST
Well, at least this saves me from hunting the Premium Series BB...
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047167)
Posted by Ironhidensh on December 17th, 2019 @ 1:35pm CST
Posted by Ironhidensh on December 17th, 2019 @ 1:35pm CST
My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was. 
Pre order is cancelled, I’ll be waiting for a sale or discount. I can’t justify full price for that.
Pre order is cancelled, I’ll be waiting for a sale or discount. I can’t justify full price for that.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047169)
Posted by no-one on December 17th, 2019 @ 1:39pm CST
Posted by no-one on December 17th, 2019 @ 1:39pm CST
It's not the size of the bot, but the duration of the transformation that mattersIronhidensh wrote:My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047171)
Posted by blackeyedprime on December 17th, 2019 @ 2:13pm CST
Posted by blackeyedprime on December 17th, 2019 @ 2:13pm CST
Soundwaves looking small as well, the car mode is a bit too panelly for my liking but it should go well with Cogman. Hopefully they will hit retail over here as the only studio series I tend to pick up are those on sale.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047174)
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 2:21pm CST
Which one are you talking about? Soundwave or Bumblebee?
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 2:21pm CST
Ironhidensh wrote:My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was.
Which one are you talking about? Soundwave or Bumblebee?
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047180)
Posted by Ironhidensh on December 17th, 2019 @ 3:26pm CST
Bee. I still want it, but I'll wait for a lower price.
Posted by Ironhidensh on December 17th, 2019 @ 3:26pm CST
william-james88 wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was.
Which one are you talking about? Soundwave or Bumblebee?
Bee. I still want it, but I'll wait for a lower price.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047182)
Posted by Short Circuit on December 17th, 2019 @ 3:29pm CST
Posted by Short Circuit on December 17th, 2019 @ 3:29pm CST
Well crud, who at hasbro didn't realize that the alt mode is way off in the front? Did GM send them a cad model of the production car and not the concept? Or NOT want the concept design? Between that and SS MV1 megatron having a the wrong chest it seems like studio series is losing track of what they set out to do. I'm kinda sad I got rid of my 07 bee now because he really is way better in alt mode. Oh well... guess I could always get a model car and add the stripes. 
Still gonna get him for my movie bumblebee "timeline" display.
Still gonna get him for my movie bumblebee "timeline" display.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047205)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 17th, 2019 @ 6:52pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 17th, 2019 @ 6:52pm CST
That Bumblebee looks pretty good! I'm excited to get him here soon
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047230)
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 9:42pm CST
Now this surprises me. Since with their whole new scale for the line, we saw straight off the bat with the first wave how small Bee is in the line. We've had a bunch of bees and they were all small and all transform similarly. So him being the same size as those other SS Bees was the least surprising thing for me.
Posted by william-james88 on December 17th, 2019 @ 9:42pm CST
Ironhidensh wrote:william-james88 wrote:Ironhidensh wrote:My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was.
Which one are you talking about? Soundwave or Bumblebee?
Bee. I still want it, but I'll wait for a lower price.
Now this surprises me. Since with their whole new scale for the line, we saw straight off the bat with the first wave how small Bee is in the line. We've had a bunch of bees and they were all small and all transform similarly. So him being the same size as those other SS Bees was the least surprising thing for me.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047233)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 17th, 2019 @ 10:44pm CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 17th, 2019 @ 10:44pm CST
I’ve started work on painting up DOTM Prime, and I’m really happy with it so far. I don’t want to spoil too much, but here’s a section I worked on today that I’m really liking! (With the original for comparison).
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047237)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on December 17th, 2019 @ 11:13pm CST
Take a bow sir.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on December 17th, 2019 @ 11:13pm CST
carytheone wrote:It's not the size of the bot, but the duration of the transformation that mattersIronhidensh wrote:My god, I never realized how tiny the figure was.
Take a bow sir.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047275)
Posted by SGMLordMirage on December 18th, 2019 @ 3:29pm CST
Posted by SGMLordMirage on December 18th, 2019 @ 3:29pm CST
An early Christmas for myself. Spotted Studio Series 53 Mixmaster and 54 Megatron at a Walmart in Chesterfield, VA.
I only purchased Mixmaster, have to snag Megatron later on.
SGM
I only purchased Mixmaster, have to snag Megatron later on.
SGM
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047282)
Posted by william-james88 on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:36pm CST
Is that a sale? I thought voyagers were 29.99
Posted by william-james88 on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:36pm CST
SGMLordMirage wrote:An early Christmas for myself. Spotted Studio Series 53 Mixmaster and 54 Megatron at a Walmart in Chesterfield, VA.
I only purchased Mixmaster, have to snag Megatron later on.
SGM
Is that a sale? I thought voyagers were 29.99
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047284)
Posted by SGMLordMirage on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:39pm CST
Posted by SGMLordMirage on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:39pm CST
I guess so, I wonder the same thing when I rang it up but I didn’t see anything about a sale.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047286)
Posted by no-one on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:51pm CST
Posted by no-one on December 18th, 2019 @ 4:51pm CST
Could be a markdown or rollback. I checked their website and app and saw at least one voyager at the same price with a slash though the normal price. The app showed the same price at a few of my local stores (varied based on stock). But to be honest, I kind of remember the SS line always being a little less at WM, but I may just be remembering that wrong.william-james88 wrote:SGMLordMirage wrote:An early Christmas for myself. Spotted Studio Series 53 Mixmaster and 54 Megatron at a Walmart in Chesterfield, VA.
I only purchased Mixmaster, have to snag Megatron later on.
SGM
Is that a sale? I thought voyagers were 29.99
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047295)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 18th, 2019 @ 6:01pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 18th, 2019 @ 6:01pm CST
Nice finds! Seems the wave is hitting stores right at the right time.
I'm super stoked for both voyagers. Megatron has a fantastic finish
I'm super stoked for both voyagers. Megatron has a fantastic finish
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047339)
Posted by Keelan on December 19th, 2019 @ 8:51am CST
Posted by Keelan on December 19th, 2019 @ 8:51am CST
I love the fact that you can open the panel behind Shatter's cockpit and see VTOL air intakes like the actual Harrier Jump Jet, as a soon to be pilot, definitely picking this one up.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047343)
Posted by no-one on December 19th, 2019 @ 9:18am CST
Posted by no-one on December 19th, 2019 @ 9:18am CST
That silver paint they're using is really nice. Can't wait to get my hands on Soundwave.D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Megatron has a fantastic finish
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047345)
Posted by Trocheman on December 19th, 2019 @ 9:27am CST
Posted by Trocheman on December 19th, 2019 @ 9:27am CST
i got the new Megatron and mixmaster last night at wallyworld $26.86 +tax
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047379)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on December 19th, 2019 @ 5:25pm CST
Posted by Rodimus Prime on December 19th, 2019 @ 5:25pm CST
I haven't seen the new Megatron in stores yet, do I went ahead and got him from Amazon. I had some Prime points saved up so it didn't cost me anything.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047387)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 19th, 2019 @ 6:08pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 19th, 2019 @ 6:08pm CST
These 2 look pretty dang good together. Love the alien/dreadlock look. Now make a Hatchet dammit!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047404)
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on December 19th, 2019 @ 11:59pm CST
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on December 19th, 2019 @ 11:59pm CST
Got the deluxes (minus Hot Rod for now) and voyagers, and they’re all pretty great except for one problem - my Soundwave can’t transform. Got the same door piece on both shoulders. So I’m hoping I can hang onto this one until Amazon can send me a replacement or just get ridiculously lucky and spot him at retail.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047420)
Posted by Inactive_____ on December 20th, 2019 @ 6:08am CST
Posted by Inactive_____ on December 20th, 2019 @ 6:08am CST
Well, look who rocked up.
I've only really been able to mess with him for a bout an hour so this is more of a first impressions type thing than a serious review.
From my limited time I can say that I like him quite a bit. He's a marked step up from ss01 despite their similarities. As WJ has already pointed out, the engineering is fundamentally very similar. He is going to feel familiar to anyone who has picked up any of the previous Bumblebees from TLK onward.
That being said,he's still great. Everything that I have a problem with on ss01 had been rectified for me. He doesn't look like he's drowning in his own chest any more, and his backpack flattens down so much more cleanly. His build is better too, he feels bulkier but still lean, and not gangling and clunky like his previous Bayverse figures. Nothing falls off him at the slightest breath (hooray) especially not his roof or his right arm, the latter of which is more annoying than the former.
His deco looks fine, but limited. Or at least it looks it. There's actually quite a lot of yellow paint that being thrown around here. The problem is it's yellow, like the rest of him. There's a decent amount of clear plastic here, (which does make me wary) and I wish that maybe the paint and budget that was used painting out those clear sections could have been used somewhere else. The gun as WJ mentioned is unfortunately just all black plastic, and looks a little odd. However, my major deco gripe is with his feet. Why are they black? It just looks like he's wearing loafers.
As an aside, I do prefer the weapon storage and usage here though. The swappable arm is interesting, but at least on my ss01 copy; the arm is a little looser than I'd like, plus storing the gun tends to just limit his backwards leg mobility. It is unfortunate that there isn't really a better way to store the weapon when in alt mode, other than just slapping it on the back bumper and calling it a day, but I guess that's a limitation of the mold.
It is arguably the best Bumblebee that exists outside of Masterpiece. But the idea of being burnt out on this mold is fair and vaild. For me, the jump from 01 to this is large enough that it doesn't bother me, in fact I think this may well be one of the better deluxes in Studio Series as a whole. Jazz takes the crown for best, imo, and I can't decide whether Dropkick ekes out just a little. But he is very solid, and well worth the extra couple £s I paid to get him early.
I've only really been able to mess with him for a bout an hour so this is more of a first impressions type thing than a serious review.
From my limited time I can say that I like him quite a bit. He's a marked step up from ss01 despite their similarities. As WJ has already pointed out, the engineering is fundamentally very similar. He is going to feel familiar to anyone who has picked up any of the previous Bumblebees from TLK onward.
That being said,he's still great. Everything that I have a problem with on ss01 had been rectified for me. He doesn't look like he's drowning in his own chest any more, and his backpack flattens down so much more cleanly. His build is better too, he feels bulkier but still lean, and not gangling and clunky like his previous Bayverse figures. Nothing falls off him at the slightest breath (hooray) especially not his roof or his right arm, the latter of which is more annoying than the former.
His deco looks fine, but limited. Or at least it looks it. There's actually quite a lot of yellow paint that being thrown around here. The problem is it's yellow, like the rest of him. There's a decent amount of clear plastic here, (which does make me wary) and I wish that maybe the paint and budget that was used painting out those clear sections could have been used somewhere else. The gun as WJ mentioned is unfortunately just all black plastic, and looks a little odd. However, my major deco gripe is with his feet. Why are they black? It just looks like he's wearing loafers.
As an aside, I do prefer the weapon storage and usage here though. The swappable arm is interesting, but at least on my ss01 copy; the arm is a little looser than I'd like, plus storing the gun tends to just limit his backwards leg mobility. It is unfortunate that there isn't really a better way to store the weapon when in alt mode, other than just slapping it on the back bumper and calling it a day, but I guess that's a limitation of the mold.
It is arguably the best Bumblebee that exists outside of Masterpiece. But the idea of being burnt out on this mold is fair and vaild. For me, the jump from 01 to this is large enough that it doesn't bother me, in fact I think this may well be one of the better deluxes in Studio Series as a whole. Jazz takes the crown for best, imo, and I can't decide whether Dropkick ekes out just a little. But he is very solid, and well worth the extra couple £s I paid to get him early.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047438)
Posted by notsoalex on December 20th, 2019 @ 11:36am CST
Posted by notsoalex on December 20th, 2019 @ 11:36am CST
It's been two weeks since Studio Series Roadbuster was revealed, and thanks to Seibertroian PrimeVsPrime, we have an early review of this Scottish fella!
PrimeVsPrime showed great content for this figure, citing its superiority to the Deluxe Class Roadbuster, which is shown through comparisons. We also have a nice comparison between this and the other two Deluxe Wreckers from Dark of the Moon, in which the toy fits in nicely. Since this is an early review, there is unfortunately no view of the figure's backdrop or box.
If you have any interest in Roadbuster or PrimeVsPrime's reviews, than we suggest watching the video, and telling your thoughts in the Pub forums below!
PrimeVsPrime showed great content for this figure, citing its superiority to the Deluxe Class Roadbuster, which is shown through comparisons. We also have a nice comparison between this and the other two Deluxe Wreckers from Dark of the Moon, in which the toy fits in nicely. Since this is an early review, there is unfortunately no view of the figure's backdrop or box.
If you have any interest in Roadbuster or PrimeVsPrime's reviews, than we suggest watching the video, and telling your thoughts in the Pub forums below!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047449)
Posted by william-james88 on December 20th, 2019 @ 2:10pm CST
I wonder about this. The others I can think that could be better are the Human Alliance, Battle Blade and Battle Ops. I'm not sure this one beats them.
Also, oddly enough, I have a soft spot for the AOE Bee, but I know that's just me. This new figure is objectively better than that one, I know.
Posted by william-james88 on December 20th, 2019 @ 2:10pm CST
Gemstonegemini wrote: It is arguably the best Bumblebee that exists outside of Masterpiece.
I wonder about this. The others I can think that could be better are the Human Alliance, Battle Blade and Battle Ops. I'm not sure this one beats them.
Also, oddly enough, I have a soft spot for the AOE Bee, but I know that's just me. This new figure is objectively better than that one, I know.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047453)
Posted by no-one on December 20th, 2019 @ 2:43pm CST
With most of them beeing so similar, "better" is pretty subjective. For me first and foremost is transformation/how well it tabs/pegs together, articulation, general aesthetics/shelf presence, deco, plastic feel/build quality - in that order.
As far as SS49 is concerned, I don't need any more Camaro Bees (even though alt mode looks nice) and the always on battle visor bugs me.
Posted by no-one on December 20th, 2019 @ 2:43pm CST
I've never been a fan of the AoE design. Of the non MP options, the SS Bee movie Bee and the TLK Premiere Bee are my faves. They do feel like transforming the same figure though, which is basically what you've been saying.william-james88 wrote:I wonder about this. The others I can think that could be better are the Human Alliance, Battle Blade and Battle Ops. I'm not sure this one beats them.Gemstonegemini wrote: It is arguably the best Bumblebee that exists outside of Masterpiece.
Also, oddly enough, I have a soft spot for the AOE Bee, but I know that's just me. This new figure is objectively better than that one, I know.
With most of them beeing so similar, "better" is pretty subjective. For me first and foremost is transformation/how well it tabs/pegs together, articulation, general aesthetics/shelf presence, deco, plastic feel/build quality - in that order.
As far as SS49 is concerned, I don't need any more Camaro Bees (even though alt mode looks nice) and the always on battle visor bugs me.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047464)
Posted by Treetop Maximus on December 20th, 2019 @ 5:08pm CST
Watch them remove the battle mask and call it Bumblebee- ROTF version.
Posted by Treetop Maximus on December 20th, 2019 @ 5:08pm CST
carytheone wrote:I've never been a fan of the AoE design. Of the non MP options, the SS Bee movie Bee and the TLK Premiere Bee are my faves. They do feel like transforming the same figure though, which is basically what you've been saying.
With most of them beeing so similar, "better" is pretty subjective. For me first and foremost is transformation/how well it tabs/pegs together, articulation, general aesthetics/shelf presence, deco, plastic feel/build quality - in that order.
As far as SS49 is concerned, I don't need any more Camaro Bees (even though alt mode looks nice) and the always on battle visor bugs me.
Watch them remove the battle mask and call it Bumblebee- ROTF version.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047466)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on December 20th, 2019 @ 5:13pm CST
lol, i actually always hated his normal face, so this would bee optimal for me, plus, I haven't bought a bb since battle blades anyways, so it might be time for an update
But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
Posted by Hellscream9999 on December 20th, 2019 @ 5:13pm CST
Treetop Maximus wrote:carytheone wrote:I've never been a fan of the AoE design. Of the non MP options, the SS Bee movie Bee and the TLK Premiere Bee are my faves. They do feel like transforming the same figure though, which is basically what you've been saying.
With most of them beeing so similar, "better" is pretty subjective. For me first and foremost is transformation/how well it tabs/pegs together, articulation, general aesthetics/shelf presence, deco, plastic feel/build quality - in that order.
As far as SS49 is concerned, I don't need any more Camaro Bees (even though alt mode looks nice) and the always on battle visor bugs me.
Watch them remove the battle mask and call it Bumblebee- ROTF version.
lol, i actually always hated his normal face, so this would bee optimal for me, plus, I haven't bought a bb since battle blades anyways, so it might be time for an update
But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047476)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 20th, 2019 @ 6:49pm CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 20th, 2019 @ 6:49pm CST
I would say that Human Alliance Bee was the best movie Bumblebee until the MPM came along, I unfortunately never got a hold of the battle blade Bee, and it does have some really cool features, but also has some weird proportions. The DOTM deluxe was my go-to Bee for a long time, and is still pretty good. The TLK mold had some good upgrades going for it, like the smaller wings and more compressed backpack, but the chest was really wide and wasn’t very screen accurate.
My favorite deluxe Bumblebee is currently the SS 76 Camaro, it takes all the good things from the TLK mold but has a more compressed chest and an easier way to remove plasma cannon. The only gripes I really have with the mold are the arms are thin and the head sculpt is a little off.
The new Bee looks really cool, can’t wait to get it. I am hoping it shows up in stores really soon though so I can paint it up while I have a chance.
If it’s a new head sculpt like the one on WWII Bee (and some slight mold tweaks for the ROTF Camaro) I’d be on board. I’d prefer a DOTM remold, but I’d be up for that.
Also, here’s some of today’s progress. Loving the silver!
My favorite deluxe Bumblebee is currently the SS 76 Camaro, it takes all the good things from the TLK mold but has a more compressed chest and an easier way to remove plasma cannon. The only gripes I really have with the mold are the arms are thin and the head sculpt is a little off.
The new Bee looks really cool, can’t wait to get it. I am hoping it shows up in stores really soon though so I can paint it up while I have a chance.
Treetop Maximus wrote:Watch them remove the battle mask and call it Bumblebee- ROTF version.
If it’s a new head sculpt like the one on WWII Bee (and some slight mold tweaks for the ROTF Camaro) I’d be on board. I’d prefer a DOTM remold, but I’d be up for that.
Also, here’s some of today’s progress. Loving the silver!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047484)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 20th, 2019 @ 7:25pm CST
The AOE deluxe is one of my favorites, I love the ninja design. I liked the unique one shot look.
The new bee looks pretty dang good too. Also, it's perfectly ok with me that he has a full time face mask. Almost all of his other figures have had his normal face, or the facemask option
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 20th, 2019 @ 7:25pm CST
william-james88 wrote:I have a soft spot for the AOE Bee, but I know that's just me. This new figure is objectively better than that one, I know.
The AOE deluxe is one of my favorites, I love the ninja design. I liked the unique one shot look.
The new bee looks pretty dang good too. Also, it's perfectly ok with me that he has a full time face mask. Almost all of his other figures have had his normal face, or the facemask option
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047517)
Posted by NTESHFT on December 21st, 2019 @ 4:17am CST
Posted by NTESHFT on December 21st, 2019 @ 4:17am CST
Slightly off topic but I was out yesterday hunting for a Siege Astrotrain (no luck) and I came across a Studio Mixmaster....I thought these guys weren't due out until around March...
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047522)
Posted by william-james88 on December 21st, 2019 @ 7:51am CST
Their official releaae date is January 1st so it makes sense that some retailers already have them.
Posted by william-james88 on December 21st, 2019 @ 7:51am CST
NTESHFT wrote:Slightly off topic but I was out yesterday hunting for a Siege Astrotrain (no luck) and I came across a Studio Mixmaster....I thought these guys weren't due out until around March...
Their official releaae date is January 1st so it makes sense that some retailers already have them.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047524)
Posted by Inactive_____ on December 21st, 2019 @ 9:09am CST
Ultimately, I don't really think there'll ever be a clear cut 'best Bumblebee' as what makes something 'best' is going to be subjective.
Por ejemplo, I don't like the battle Blades Bee for his weird elbows, and he's too big. Whereas with this Bee, I quite like his smaller size and the perma battle mask, which I prefer more, helps differentiate between ss49 & ss01.
Unfortunately, I think this is an issue with the line as a whole with it striving for accuracy.
Posted by Inactive_____ on December 21st, 2019 @ 9:09am CST
william-james88 wrote:Gemstonegemini wrote: It is arguably the best Bumblebee that exists outside of Masterpiece.
I wonder about this. The others I can think that could be better are the Human Alliance, Battle Blade and Battle Ops. I'm not sure this one beats them.
Also, oddly enough, I have a soft spot for the AOE Bee, but I know that's just me. This new figure is objectively better than that one, I know.
Ultimately, I don't really think there'll ever be a clear cut 'best Bumblebee' as what makes something 'best' is going to be subjective.
Por ejemplo, I don't like the battle Blades Bee for his weird elbows, and he's too big. Whereas with this Bee, I quite like his smaller size and the perma battle mask, which I prefer more, helps differentiate between ss49 & ss01.
Hellscream9999 wrote:
But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
Unfortunately, I think this is an issue with the line as a whole with it striving for accuracy.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047527)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 21st, 2019 @ 10:05am CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 21st, 2019 @ 10:05am CST
Double post, sorry.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047528)
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 21st, 2019 @ 10:05am CST
Posted by EvasionModeBumblebee on December 21st, 2019 @ 10:05am CST
EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
What if they did Generations selects for Studio Series? That’d be a cool way to get updates on figures like Nightwatch Optimus, Recon/off-road Ironhide, or stealth Bumblebee.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047532)
Posted by Ig89ninja on December 21st, 2019 @ 12:23pm CST
That actually sounds awesome, I would personally love an update to Fireburst Optimus Prime
Posted by Ig89ninja on December 21st, 2019 @ 12:23pm CST
EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
What if they did Generations selects for Studio Series? That’d be a cool way to get updates on figures like Nightwatch Optimus, Recon/off-road Ironhide, or stealth Bumblebee.
That actually sounds awesome, I would personally love an update to Fireburst Optimus Prime
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047540)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 21st, 2019 @ 1:39pm CST
Me too, I love that deco!
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on December 21st, 2019 @ 1:39pm CST
Ig89ninja wrote:EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:But I really miss the liberties the movie lines always took with the bee repaints, one of the biggest things that I think this line misses out on, I would love an inverted color scheme of yellow stripes on black, or the murder-bee deco
What if they did Generations selects for Studio Series? That’d be a cool way to get updates on figures like Nightwatch Optimus, Recon/off-road Ironhide, or stealth Bumblebee.
That actually sounds awesome, I would personally love an update to Fireburst Optimus Prime
Me too, I love that deco!
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047547)
Posted by doz on December 21st, 2019 @ 3:14pm CST
Posted by doz on December 21st, 2019 @ 3:14pm CST
Hello, all. Here's a thought,
Has anybody talked about creating a third-party head for this? I have only a lukewarm interest in the Bayformer mold. But if a G1 style head could be swapped out for that one, this would be kind of an awesome CHUG Bumblebee at that scale and detail.
Has anybody talked about creating a third-party head for this? I have only a lukewarm interest in the Bayformer mold. But if a G1 style head could be swapped out for that one, this would be kind of an awesome CHUG Bumblebee at that scale and detail.
Re: Pictorial Review of Studio Series SS 51 Soundwave (2047552)
Posted by Sabrblade on December 21st, 2019 @ 4:45pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on December 21st, 2019 @ 4:45pm CST
If you just want a Movie-styled Bumblebee with a G1-styled head, then there exist many other official options, including the newly-released Deluxe class Cyberverse Bumblebee.doz wrote:Hello, all. Here's a thought,
Has anybody talked about creating a third-party head for this? I have only a lukewarm interest in the Bayformer mold. But if a G1 style head could be swapped out for that one, this would be kind of an awesome CHUG Bumblebee at that scale and detail.
