Shockwave / Longarm

Status: Not Released

Release Date: December 2008

Wave: Animated Voyager Wave 5

MSRP: $19.99

Size Class: Voyager

Suggested Age: 5+

Assortment Number: 83463

Product Number: 83718

SKU Number: 653569323174

DPCI Number: 087-06-0087

Additional Toy Info: Shockwave can transform between two distinct robot and vehicle modes, his true Decepticon Shockwave mode which can transform into a tank, and his Autobot "Longarm" spy mode who can transform into a futuristic crane rig.

Voice Actor: Corey Burton

Cartoon Overview
Shockwave is the true identity of Megatron's agent on Cybertron. Long ago, he disguised himself as an Autobot cadet, Longarm, using his ability to change size, and went on to climb through the ranks until he became a Prime, and the head of Cybertronian Intelligence, all the while preparing for the day when Megatron would return and claim Cybertron in the name of the Decepticons.

As a cadet at the Autobot Boot Camp, Longarm earned his name for his ability to stretch out his limbs. He was kind to Bumblebee, unlike his fellow cadets Ironhide and Wasp. He desired to become an intelligence officer (as a part of his and Megatron's plan to bring down Cybertron - what better place than from within Cybertron's intelligence agency?). On learning that Bumblebee knew there was a spy and suspected Wasp, Longarm "helped" Bumblebee "expose" Wasp as the spy - in reality, he played Bumblebee and framed Wasp to cover his own tracks.

Many years later, Shockwave - in his Longarm identity - was now promoted to the rank of Prime, and was head of Cybertronian Intelligence. When Bumblebee contacted him about a transmission he intercepted, Shockwave was able to cover up the evidence - as the transmission was between himself and Megatron.

When Megatron's plan to construct a Spacebridge was completed, in A Bridge Too Close, Shockwave was ready. He was waiting on Cybertron, supplying Megatron with the exit code necessary for Megatron to transfer his army to Cybertron. He was also ready to give Optimus Prime, the test subject for the Spacebridge, a warm welcome.

Because Megatron's plan was foiled, and Shockwave's identity as Longarm Prime revealed to Bumblebee and the other Autobots, Shockwave's status is in doubt. He doubtless escaped long before anyone tracked him down, however, his position within the Autobots is now compromised.

Powers and Abilities

Shockwave has an advanced ability to change his size and appearance, allowing him to disguise himself as a completely different Transformer. As Longarm, he can extend his arms and legs to many times their original length. The full extent of this ability in his Shockwave form is as yet unknown.
Perhaps Shockwave's most dangerous ability, though, before he revealed himself to the Autobots, was his position as the head of Cybertron's Intelligence Division. In this position, he could arrange to cover up or delay reports as necessary to further the cause of Megatron and the Decepticons.

As Longarm, he transforms into a hi-tech crane rig. As Shockwave, he transforms into a futuristic "H" tank.

Notes
Shockwave's "Autobot robot mode / Decepticon robot mode" spy gimmick is a homage to the Generation 1 Doublespy and Doubledealer toys, as well as the more recent Transformers Armada Sideways, all of whom featured Autobot and Decepticon robot modes. None of them, however, had unique vehicle modes to go with each faction.

Contributors
Tony_Bacala, Jarodimus, Tim Formas

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