If you love Transformers you will flip for Soundwave - kinda like a casette tape! This 7" vinyl beauty in multi-color is 5.5" wide and incorporates unique style and design from artist Wade Schin and produced by the good folk of WeLoveFine.com, purveyors of a wide range of designer goods (clothing, housewares, collectibles) -- it's like a much classier Hot Topic minus the goth pretense and disposables. They are artists and craftspeople, fans/lovers of all things off-center.
Let's Look Inside: So, first, he comes in this cool, minimal design outer box depcting the shape of what is to come once you open the top flap. This is a Limited Edition, and a version that came with Schin's artbook SOLO has now sold out. The figure was featured at Seattle's Emerald City Comicon - one of the nicer cons for those who have traveled up to the Pacific Northwest. Now, let's open the box....
Once you open the clamshell case which holds this boxy beauty in place you will note there is a separate "accessory" - a black casette that has the Transformer logo stamped in silver. The object actually fits inside the front end "tape deck"! :)
As you can see there are all sorts of cool gadgets that look like controls on the front of the figure, he won't rewind of FF>> though, that is left to your imagination. He's a stalky, fella that grasps the spirit of the growing phenomenon that has become the multi-purpose Transformers.
Along the backside the Transformers logo is emblazoned/embossed. And from the rear this figure sort of resembles a US mailbox ( a "disguise"?) or some other very minimal utilitarian recepticle. On any other figure I might roll my eyes at the lack of design aspects, but here, as he is a transformer after all, it's a perfect dichotomy from front to back. The attention to detail on the multiple parts that make up this figure is phenomenal, it looks painstakenly pieced together, and the colors pop with a bit of drama. Nice contrast between the blue and bright yellow.
RATING
Paint/Parts: 9.5/10
Sculpt/Design: 9/10
Packaging: 8.5/10
Overall there have been many variations on this particular character over the years - but this one stands out as our new favorite! Soundwave would make an irresitable addition to your collectible shelf. We recommend checking out WeLoveFine early and often as they have call for entries and contests - and they love cosplayers too! It's a one-stop fun destination.