Starscream (G1)/toys

"Next person who says 'Dull surprise' gets a null-ray to the face!"

Many toys have been made of Generation 1 Starscream, enough to warrant this page!

Toys

Generation 1

Then about eight million redecos followed.

• Starscream (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007)
  • Japanese ID number: 22, TFC-09
  • Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear
  • Period of activity: Cartoon, Marvel Comics (US) 1–50

Starscream's first toy was taken from the Diaclone line, transforming into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet. In this mode he is armed with two cluster bombs, essentially shortened projectiles made to resemble (somewhat) the drop tanks that a real F-15 might carry. There are numerous minor construction variations on this mold, common for most of the Diaclone-based Transformers.

To transform Starscream, one must essentially take most of his plane parts off and transform his body, then reattach his plane parts on again, although if you don't mind being fiddly, it certainly can be achieved with only the fists and weapons being actually removed. In robot mode, the cluster bomb projectiles are replaced with long 'null rays.

For some reason, the stats on Skywarp's, Starscream's and Thundercracker's Tech Specs were switched around. Starscream was given Skywarp's numbers.

The first reissue of Starscream was practically identical to the original toy and was released by Takara in Japan in 2001.

Starscream was reissued in normal colors for Hasbro's Commemorative Series in 2003. The release had remolded elongated missiles and launchers so as to comply with current US toy safety laws.

Starscream's T/F Collection reissue from 2003 featured show-accurate colors and retooled fists to hold a new miniature Megatron gun-mode accessory. An Optimus Prime fist that could hold the gun was also included, as was a DVD. He also featured painted Decepticon symbols, wing and vertical stabilizer stripes, and a canopy frame.

In 2007 Starscream was reissued for the Encore line. This release featured a light yellow window (instead of gray like the original or orange like the 2003 reissue) and painted symbols (reversed from the 2003 release).

This mold is notorious for having many missing pieces due to the... modular design of its transformation. As such, an intact set is hard to come by. While it is impossible for all the pieces to fit in any one form of the toy, the landing gear can fit in the cockpit for storage in robot mode. Still, only one set of missiles can be fit into the launchers at one time.

This mold is redecoed into Thundercracker, Skywarp, and Sunstorm. It is also retooled as Dirge, Ramjet, and Thrust.

You can tell he's evil because he's spiky.

• Starscream (Classic Pretender, 1989)
  • Accessories: 2-part Pretender shell, left & right wings, left & right "lasers"/tail wings, helmet, rifle
  • Period of activity: Marvel Comics (US) 58–65

Starscream was released as a Classic Pretender with a human shell of a badly dressed man. The inner robot is a simplified version of the original toy transforming into an almost Superdeformed F-15 fighter. His arms, legs and rear wing assemblies are all cast in blue plastic, with the latter also serving as dual laser weapons in robot mode.

• Starscream (Legends, 1989)
  • Accessories: Left & right wings, left & right "lasers"/tail wings
  • Period of activity: Marvel Comics (US) 65–78

The inner robot of Pretender Starscream was also sold separately as a K-Mart Exclusive "Legends" figure, and was released with Legends Bumblebee, Jazz, and Grimlock in a Japanese giftset the same year.

He loved the gray helmet so much, he used it again.

• Starscream (Action Master, 1990)
  • Accessories: Turbo Jet, rifle, 2 missiles
  • Notable appearances: None yet identified

Action Master Starscream is a non-transforming action figure based loosely on his cartoon appearance but using a color scheme derived from the Pretender toy. His main accessory is the Turbo Jet, a small personal attack craft that Starscream can set astride like a motorcycle. The Turbo Jet rolls on three small wheels, and can transform into a gun emplacement.

This mold was redecoed as Action Master Thundercracker.

Wait a minute. Since when do ghosts have painted metal chests?

• Ghost Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22
  • Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

Ghost Starscream is an E-Hobby Exclusive release of the 2001 Starscream reissue, cast almost entirely in translucent plastics, except for those parts made of die-cast metal.

Who am I again?

• Black Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22
  • Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

Black Starscream is an e-Hobby exclusive release, with his colors loosely based upon Machine Wars Starsceam, though his deco has much darker shades of gray, lacks clear blue plastic and has gold as one of his primary colors. In other words, not really like Machine Wars Starscream at all. But his bio places him there fictionally! Does that count?

I'm so invisible even I don't know if I exist.

• Secret Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22
  • Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

An all-clear Starscream was made for the Transformers: Generations Lucky Draw contest. This figure was limited to five pieces, making it one of the rarest officially-released Transformers toys in the world. Four of the winners are still unknown, but the fifth figure is currently owned by Transformers @ The Moon. Secret Starscream differs from Ghost Starscream in that its plastic parts are completely clear and not color-tinted.

Generation 2

With my camouflaged wings, I'll appear to be merely a fuselage flying through the sky!

• Starscream (Decepticon Jet, 1993)
  • Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear
  • Period of activity: Generation 2

Starscream's Generation 2 release is a slight Retool of his original toy with new missiles, launchers, and an electronic light-and-sound box in the shape of a tank. The electronic box lights up with the press of either button, and emits electronic "machine gun" or "jet engine" noises. In jet mode, the sound box plugs onto his back end.

The new accessories were also used, in different colors, for Generation 2 Ramjet.

Machine Wars

File:MWStarscream Toy.jpg

Ohh! Slice!

• Starscream (Ultra, 1997)
  • Accessories:
  • Notable appearances: None yet identified

Starscream's Machine Wars release is a recolour of the Predator Skyquake with fewer missiles, no hand-held projectile launcher, and most of the gimmicks removed. He transforms into a large bomber based vaguely upon an SR-71 Blackbird. He still retains his "carpet bombing" gimmick, a rolling drum that drops his missiles from each wing.

This mold was also used to make King Atlas.

Transtech

Obscure both by design and by accident

• Starscream

Starscream would have been made available in the aborted Transtech series in 2001. Control art and early Prototype images have surfaced, showing that the toy would have been at the Deluxe scale and featured internal lighting mechanisms that changed color depending on its mode. The toy is clearly a homage to his Machine Wars body, which at the time of Transtech's intended release would have been the last form Starscream had inhabited in American markets.

In 2008, this design would be repurposed as the TransTech universe's Starscream.

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Smallest Transforming Transformers

I will rule all the redecos, Megatron!

• Starscream (2003)
• Japanese ID number: GTF-03
• Accessories: Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers/cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tailfins, left & right tail wings

Smallest Transforming Transformers Starscream is a very small-scale simplification of the original Starscream toy, retaining most of its functionality and accessories, except for his long null-rays.

This mold was, of course, redecoed and retooled into Thundercracker, Skywarp and Thrust.

Robot Masters

File:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg

I have thighs?

• Starscream (Deluxe, 2004)
  • Japanese ID number: RM-12
  • Accessories: 2 rifles, 2 missile pods

Starscream's Robot Masters toy is a re-imagining of the original toy, designed to be closer to the animation model, with greater poseability and integrated parts that did not require detachment during transformation (with the exception of his null-ray blasters). After re-engineering the design to stay roughly in one piece during transformation, Takara then gave him chromed missile pods that attach to his chestplate. Although not his usual choice of weapon, these are show-accurate: Starscream used them once in the episode "Fire on the Mountain" to attack Trailbreaker and Brawn.

File:RMBlackStarscream.jpg

Okay now I feel used. That's much better.

• Starscream Limited Black Version (Deluxe, 2004)
  • Accessories: 2 rifles, 2 missile pods

Available only via mail-order from Figure King Magazine, Black Starscream is a redecoof Robot Masters Starscream, swapping out his reds and blues for black, and some of his grey for black.

Masterpiece

And the fandom complained (and rejoiced).

• Starscream (2006)
  • Japanese ID number: MP-3
  • Accessories: 2 null rays, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot figurine, gun clip (for the Megatron pistol from Masterpiece Convoy/Optimus Prime), display stand

Masterpiece Starscream is a high-quality, highly-detailed Transformers toy. He transforms into a mostly-accurate F-15E Eagle, with weapons options ranging from a rack of Sidewinder missiles to his trademark null ray cannons. In robot mode he is a highly detailed, well-articulated (especially the hands), yet stylized version of his original robot mode. His chest turbines flip up to reveal a bank of missiles each, and his face can be rotated so as to display either a stern or a smirking face. His wings can also be angled to 90° to make him take the look of his original G1 toy. Amusingly, the transformation allows the pilot's seat to stay straight in robot's mode.

He comes with a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville, his partner-in-crime for several early episodes of Generation 1; a display stand that can be used in both fighter and jet modes; and an extensive sheet of sticker decals, including variously sized Decepticon symbols, squadron numbers and squadron markings, including one of Waspinator!

Masterpiece Starscream was the second all-new sculpt in the Masterpiece series of toys, and was envisioned as the finest toy representation of the original Starscream ever created. To this end, famed Japanese mecha designer (and former Diaclone toy designer) Shoji Kawamori was recruited to oversee the design and engineering of this toy. The first prototype design was essentially a much more complex version of the original toy, based upon his cartoon and then-recent comic appearances, with a much more accurate F-15 Eagle fighter mode. However, Kawamori felt the design could be improved, particularly the details and underside of the fighter mode, as he did not want what would have basically been a new version of the old toy.

Based on Kawamori's suggestions, a new prototype design was made, with major structures located in his legs now moved up to his hips (though they can be detached and put on his legs), with his transformation and design streamlined to create an even more realistic F-15 design. Even so, Kawamori was still unhappy with the amount of robotic parts visible underneath the plane, but conceded that too many changes would essentially not make the toy look like Starscream in robot mode.

On his control art, there are pictures of Starscream that have him wearing his Decepticon Crown of Leadership, as seen in the coronation scene of the original animated movie. On the toy itself, his head and shoulders have notches for parts to attach to, suggesting that TakaraTomy have reserved Starscream's coronation parts for a later release of this toy.

Oddly, Starscream's fighter colour scheme is inaccurate to real F-15E hull colours (Gunship Gray, colour code FS 36118), in that it has more of a green-blue tinge, which has made collectors wonder why TakaraTomy bothered changing Starscream's colours in the first place, especially as Starscream's original pale grey is a very close match to FS 36375, the main grey used on real F-15s of the 1980s. Additionally, his missiles are painted in the wrong colours (they should be the same grey) and are mounted sideways on their pylons, which is why they only have three fins on the back instead of four — they couldn't fit the fourth fin as they mounted the missiles themselves incorrectly.

Classics

Fear my extra-long null rays!!!

• Starscream (Deluxe, 2006)
  • Accessories: 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

Classics Starscream is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He still transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by photolab-edited photographs of the prototype F-15 Eagle, as the original photos and the actual colors of the prototype fighter were actually sky blue with bright orange markings.

In robot mode, Starscream is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode, with many design elements that would also find their way into Masterpiece Starscream. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

Later versions of Starscream saw a Retool in the jet intake area first seen on Classics Skywarp. The slope of his shoulders was decreased, and a rectangle added to the vertical area, making the number now five instead of four. This version of Starscream is the harder to find of the two. This retooled version was used for Classics Skywarp, Ramjet, Thundercracker, Thrust, and Dirge, as well as Universe (2008) Acid Storm.

One should note that certain plastic sections such as Starscream's back panel and tailfin assemblies are made of unusually rigid gray plastic that is slightly prone to cracking or breaking. Said parts should be handled with care.

Wait, you say the Hasbro version is the slavishly 'toon-accurate one? Your credibility is on shaky ground, Wiki.

• Masterpiece Starscream (2007)
  • Accessories: 2 null rays, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot figurine, gun clip (for the Megatron pistol from Masterpiece Convoy/Optimus Prime), display stand

A Wal-Mart exclusive, Hasbro's release of Masterpiece Starscream has been redecoed extensively to resemble the animation model of Starscream, down to the orange canopy and the silver nosecone (as opposed to the original toy's blue). In an effort to bring out detail in the sculpt, he has also been given an extensive paint wash to bring out his panel lines. Starscream includes the same accessories included in the Takara release of this toy, including a display stand, sidewinder missiles, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville (which now has the correct skin color), and the clip to hold Masterpiece Convoy's Megatron gun while in jet mode. Starscream was finally given the correct tech spec stats he was originally supposed to have back in 1984 for this release, Skywarp's stats.

The tips on the Starscream's vertical stabilizers were shortened and rounded for the U.S. release, and the plastics used overall have greater resilience to impact and damage than the fragile Japanese release.

This version of Starscream was also released in Japan as an exclusive item in the same packaging but with different paint applications. It uses the unmodified version of the mold used for MP-3 Starscream and MP-6 Skywarp.

Titanium Series

Stop, in the name of love...

• Starscream (Robot Masters, 2006)
  • Accessories: Display stand

Released in wave 2, the first Titanium Series Starscream is a small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine, based upon his Generation 1 cartoon appearances. He is sculpted holding Megatron in gun mode in his left hand, and holding up his palm outward with his right, while using his jets to fly up. EXCITEMENT.

This mold was also used to make Thundercracker.

"How dare you make me a redeco?! Do you know who I am?!"

• War Within Starscream (Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
  • Accessories: Display stand

War Within Starscream is a redeco of "War Within" Thundercracker (talk about irony). He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as re-imagined by Don Figueroa. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

This mold was used to make the "War Within" versions of Sunstorm and Skywarp.

Henkei! Henkei!

He feels much better in the boring ol' stripes.

Tech specs 7 7 9 7 9 8 7 5 STR INT SPD END RNK CRG FPW SKL

• Starscream (Deluxe, 2008)
  • Japanese ID number: D-02
  • Accessories: 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

Henkei! Henkei! Starscream is a redeco of Classics Starscream. He features considerably different paint applications that more closely mimic the original Generation 1 cartoon model, as well as a more opaque grey plastic base, a lighter blue, and orange translucent plastic instead of yellow. Like all Henkei toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive Rubsign that the Classics counterpart featured, but has two vacuum-metallized barrels on his missile launchers.

Universe (2008)

Classic Series

• Starscream (Legends Class, 2008)

The first Universe toy of Starscream is a Redeco of the Legends of Cybertron Thundercracker, transforming into an SU-37 fighter jet.

This mold was also used to make the Classics Legends-class Jetfire and Universe Silverbolt.

Generation 1 Series

File:Universe2008 deluxe G1Starscream.jpg

Yep, he's still feelin' good in the stripes.

• Starscream (Deluxe, 2009)
  • Accessories: 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

The second Universe Starscream toy is a redeco of Classics Starscream, in a colour layout quite similar to (but not the same as) the Henkei! Henkei! version of the mold but using the Hasbro Masterpiece colors.

Merchandise

Decoy

• Starscream (Decoy, 1986)
  • Decoy ID number: ?

Coming packaged at random on carded Transformers toys during 1986, Decoy Starscream is a tiny soft-rubber figure of Starscream in his robot mode. Like all Decepticon Decoys, he was available in both purple and red, although the red Decepticons were only used in some early products and are therefore considerably rarer.

Heroes of Cybertron

The Heroes of Cybertron PVC figurine line is an adaptation by Hasbro of Takara's own Super Collection Figure line. The main difference between the two lines is that Hasbro cast Autobot and Decepticon figures in clear blue or clear red PVC respectively, then completely painted the figurines. This allowed the eyes to 'glow' when placed in front of the light source.

• Starscream (2002)

Repaint of the Japanese SCF Starscream figure. Non-transforming, true to the animation model. Distinctive from the Japanese release with its glossy paint and "light-up" eyes.

• Starscream (2002)

Originally a chase figure in Japan, this remold of the regular figure includes a cape, newly molded limbs, and a head with the crown as seen in the movie.

• Starscream (2003)

Above, but part of a six-pack of figures which also included Thundercracker, Skywarp, and three Clones from the OTFCC 2003 convention set.

Mega SCF

• Starscream (2002)
  • Japanese ID number: MegaSCF TF 07

File:Mega SCF Starscream.jpg

Just keep it away from any reformatted megalomaniacs.

Starscream is a highly articulated non transforming action figure. He comes with removable shoulder pads and cloak. He has a choice of normal head or a head with a crown. He also includes extra hands, one of which holds Megatron in gun mode.

Hard Hero

• Starscream (2002)

A cold-cast porcelain Starscream bust measuring six inches in height with a nine-inch wingspan. The bust was fifth in Hard Hero's main series of Transformers busts, and was limited to 5000 pieces. An additional 100 pieces were signed by sculptor Jason Ray.

MyClone

Every Transformers fangirl owns this.

• Starscream (2003)
  • ID number: MTF003

A tiny "Super deformed" Starscream was created as part of the first wave of MyClone Transformers in Japan. These toys could be disassembled and their parts mixed-and-matched thanks to a generic base body.

This mold was also used to make MyClone Thundercracker.

Robot Heroes

• Starscream (Mirage Vs Starscream, 2007)

He's cute when he betrays you.

Starscream is a two inch high figure sculpted in a super deformed style and articulated at the shoulders. This figure was later redecoed as (guess what) Thundercracker for the Jazz vs. Thundercracker set. It also was redecoed as Skywarp in the "Decepticon Sneak Attack" set.

Attacktix

• Starscream

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

3D Battle-Card Game

• Classic Starscream (2007)

A 42-point "rare" character in the 3D Battle-Card Game's "Energon Wars" expansion, "Classic" Starscream "transforms" into a grey and red fighter jet with a color scheme based on his Classics toy. He uses the same parts layout as Movie Starscream and Dreadwing.

Revoltech

Let's just hope Pat Lee didn't get royalties from this.

• Starscream (2008)
  • Yamaguchi Series number: 046
  • Accessories: Megatron gun mode, 2 closed fists (left & right), open right hand, pistol grip right hand, pointing left hand, display stand

A non-transforming but highly articulated Starscream action figure, Revoltech Starscream uses the Revoltech "revolver joints" for maximum articulation. It comes with his twin null-ray cannons, a gun-mode Megatron, a posing stand, and three extra hands (a Megatron-holding right hand, an open-palmed right hand, and a left hand for pointing or disco-dancing).

Transformers - Mini Bust

• Starscream (Diamond Select, 2008)

Only half here and I still look this good.

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Starscream was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 1,000 pieces.

• Coronation Starscream (Diamond Select, 2008)

Coronation Starscream? This is bad comedy.

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Coronation Starscream was an exclusive to on-line retailer Action Figure Xpress. He was sculpted by Mark Wong of Art Asylum and limited to 600 pieces. It features Starscream decked out in the royal crown, cape, and big honkin' shoulder pads he wore (albeit briefly) in The Transformers: The Movie.

Mighty Muggs

• Starscream (2009)
  • Accessories: Wings

This super-deformed, non-transformable PVC figure uses the standard Mighty Muggs body template, with swivel joints in Starscream's neck and limbs. Although Hasbro stock photography (right) shows him with his wings pointing down, they are detachable and are meant to be put in the standard upwards position.

External links

• Starscream at TFU.info