Soundwave Transformers Studio Series 86 Leader Class Preorder
Huge thanks to Toy Habits Crew Member and 3D printer extraordinaire Carnage717 (visit his Etsy Shop & eBay Store for all of your 3D printing needs) for the heads up that we now have our very first look at the Transformers Studio Series 86 Leader Soundwave, courtesy of the TFW2005 Forums. I’m always pumped when new Studio Series 86 figures, and this one has me especially excited as Soundwave is such an iconic Decepticon. The provided photos give us a nice early look at both his robot and alt modes, and he’s also shown with his trio of cassette minions: Ravage, Laserbeak, and Buzzsaw. It’s always fun to see how Hasbro handles these classic companions in modern form, and this set feels like a real treat for collectors who’ve been waiting for a proper update. While these are just early images for now, stay tuned as we wait for the official reveal to drop and confirm all of the details around this highly anticipated release!
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Soundwave is shown here in his robot mode with clean, blocky lines that call back to his G1 design, complete with his chest-mounted cassette deck that features a Decepticon insignia in the center. He’s armed with his classic shoulder cannon and a handheld blaster, ready for action. Off to the side are his minions in cassette form, including Ravage in black, Laserbeak in red, and Buzzsaw in yellow, all sculpted to fit inside his chest compartment.
Soundwave converts into his cassette player mode with his classic chest window that carries the Decepticon insignia front and center. Off to the side, Ravage takes shape as a mechanical panther with silver legs and thrusters, while Buzzsaw and Laserbeak unfold into their winged forms. Both birds sport metallic beaks and black wings, but the angled wing design paired with the bulky, box-shaped head compartment gives them a noticeably odd and blocky look compared to their sleeker appearances in other versions.
The front of the Studio Series 86 Soundwave box shows him packaged in robot mode with Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, and Ravage secured neatly alongside. On the back, the packaging highlights his transformation into cassette player and product shots showing off both modes and the included cassette figures. The layout also provides close-ups of Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, and Ravage in their transformed states.
Soundwave and Ravage
Soundwave is one of Megatron’s most reliable troops, and he has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in the Decepticon upper command structure. Though “only” Communications Officer, Soundwave stands at Megatron’s side as a confidant, comparable in rank to Starscream and Shockwave, but unlike them, entirely loyal to his leader.
Ravage is one of Soundwave’s most reliable spies, Ravage believes unwaveringly in the Decepticon cause, and Megatron embodies that cause. To better serve Megatron and the Decepticons, Ravage has become the most efficient and deadly war machine under his command. He hides himself in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike with grim accuracy. His name is synonymous with stealth. His survivors are few.
