I am pretty sure fans already saw a Missing Link Soundwave coming, but what they probably did not expect was for Takara Tomy to reveal both the anime and toy decos back to back. The Takara Tomy Missing Link D-01 Soundwave and D-02 Soundwave (Anime Version) join the elite few, which include Optimus Prime and Grimlock, to have both anime- and toy-deco versions in the Missing Link lineup. It is also the first Destron (hence the designation “D”), a.k.a. Decepticons, in the Missing Link line.
Then again, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, the unflinchingly loyal Chief Communications Officer, spymaster, and most trusted lieutenant of Megatron is one of the most popular characters in the original cartoon series. As a spymaster, he appropriately disguises himself as a cassette tape player and, also very aptly, has a cassette army that he launches from his chest.
In the tradition of Missing Link, Soundwave has been recreated in his G1 style, retaining the proportions and size fans know and love, while adding die-cast parts and more articulation, which finally allows him to kneel on one knee and strike an ejecting-a-cassette pose. This modern iteration of the G1 Soundwave toy boasts a new transformation mode and a generous selection of accessories.
The toy deco, a.k.a. D-01 [JP], also includes the first-ever figure of the Cassettebot Scout Robot, created from the ground up. The reconnaissance-drone Cassettebot appeared in “The Two Optimus Primes,” an episode of the animated series Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers, where it investigated the Corlonium Crystal. Despite its appearance in the show, the elusive character has never previously been made into a toy. Well, that is until now.
Meanwhile, the anime version, a.k.a. D-02 [JP], includes a different Cassettebot: a newly designed figure of Condor (a.k.a. Laserbeak) in Cybertron Mode and anime deco, obviously. This is the first time Laserbeak—I mean Condor—has appeared in his G1 Cybertron Mode. For those needing a refresher, Condor was the first Cassettebot to appear in Episode 1, “Journey to Earth,” of the animated series Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers.
So what’s the difference between the D-01 and D-02? Well, the former tries to replicate the original toy deco, while the latter is inspired by the spymaster’s appearance on screen.
For D-01, some of the details originally represented by stickers on Soundwave have now been recreated with sculpted elements and paintwork. Optional foil stickers are also included. On D-02, the mechanical details originally represented as flat sticker graphics have now been recreated as three-dimensional sculpted details. This version also includes optional foil stickers.
The Missing Link version of Soundwave one-ups MPG Soundwave with a third mode: the “Light Standard Mode” seen in the animated series’ first episode, “Journey to Earth.” Taking the form of a streetlight from his home planet, Cybertron, he uses the disguise to deceive the Autobots.
The figure comes with a wealth of accessories, including his signature electric launcher, vibration blaster gun, and barrier case, as well as the headphones, command microphone, and cord that were distinctive features of the original Japanese release. The headphones and mic are non-functional, obviously. The toy maker recommends not wearing them.
The Takara Tomy Missing Link D-01 Soundwave and D-02 Soundwave (Anime Version) feature connection ports for separately sold display stands, allowing them to be displayed in action poses. Finally, both Soundwaves and their included Cassettebots feature “Secret Emblems” that reveal their faction symbols when warmed with a finger—just like the OG toys.
Rounding out each package is newly commissioned artwork inspired by the original release, plus a collectible card.
The Takara Tomy Missing Link D-01 Soundwave will arrive in February 2027 for 30,800 yen (tax included) [JP] (about US$196), while the Takara Tomy Missing Link D-02 Soundwave (Anime Version) will follow a month later, in March 2027, for 25,300 yen (tax included) [JP] (about US$161). They are available for pre-order in Japan as we speak.
Images: Takara Tomy [JP].