Transformers: Animated – Soundwave

I don’t know if any of you all have seen this new Soundwave toy, but it is freakin’ great. Yeah, I know some might be thinking it is a bit out of character to feature this toy on the blog, but when I saw this guy, something just called out to me, so I thought I’d share it with my readers.

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This Soundwave (with Laserbeak) is a figure from the new Transformers: Animated cartoon. I don’t know too much about it other than the fact that it is on Cartoon Network, and the cartoon and its toys are specifically designed to be have a simplistic “animated” look.

Doesn’t it seem a bit redundant to call it “Transformers: Animated?”  Haven’t all the transformers series been animated?

Anyway… the toy counterparts to the new series are supposed to be a more true likeness of the cartoon versions I guess.

Here’s a little look at Soundwave in action in the new series. Is it just me, or is the animation in this video really pathetic?

The most immediate notable difference from the original, Generation 1 Soundwave is that he is no longer a transforming Walkman. He is now a cool, sleek, evil, music-thumping Scion lined with speakers and whatnot to blast some malicious musical melodies.

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Also, Laserbeak is no longer a cassette. Now he’s a guitar…

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… which as you can see, Soundwave uses to rock out at Decepticon parties.

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I’m not quite sure how Soundwave’s guitar plays into the cartoon (no pun intended), but I’ll assume he creates disruptive sounds or something… probably crumbling buildings, deafening humans and scrambling Autobot microchips. Ya know, stuff like that.

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One of the most pleasing things about this toy is the robot modes’ character design. Soundwave is much more poseable. he also has a broader, more imposing body style. His coloration is a darker/duller variation of his original color scheme, which is accentuated by the vibrant, almost neon, contrasting pinstriped highlights.

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And to tie it all into the original Soundwave design, they’ve included some graphic elements which allude to his original tape deck chest and walkman playback buttons.

I’d say the only real drawback of the toy is Soundwave’s hands. They hinge at the wrist, but his hands aren’t really open, making it virtually impossible for him to actually hold the guitar or a weapon or anything. Luckily, there are pegs on Laserbeak that allow him to attach to Soundwave’ arms and back (roof).

I just love how Hasbro and its team of character designers have evolved this character into a more relevant (should I dare say “hip”) and fun incarnation of the “music robot” by continuing the character’s focus on sound and its peripheral equipment.

Oh, and for all of you who’ve been wondering what Soundwave’s been up to all these years, I think I’ve found your answer.