Starscream (Armada)/toys
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Starscream has many toys, a testament to the enduring popularity of this Unicron Trilogy version of the character.
Toys
Armada
- Starscream with Swindle (Max-Con Class, 2002)
- Takara/Sonokong ID number: MD-02
- Takara release date: December 26, 2002
- Accessories: Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles
- Known designers: Aaron Archer (Hasbro), Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)
- Released in the first wave of Armada Max-Cons, Starscream transforms into a Cybertronic jet fighter, loaded with electronic sound effects that function in both modes. Pressing down on his cockpit canopy activates a laser-pulse sound effect; his pack-in Mini-Con partner Swindle can also snap into place under his nosecone, and pops free with an explosion effect when the canopy is pressed down hard. Pulling back his rearmost Mini-Con Powerlinx plug activates a take-off sound effect, while holding it follows up the sound with an extended engine roar that lasts a few seconds. Placing a Mini-Con on the plug (Swindle is of course sized perfectly to fit into this small space) releases two spring-activated over-shoulder spring-loaded missile launchers, and pulling back on the port with a Mini-Con attached triggers a laser-firing noise that lasts just long enough to be too long. His robot-mode head pops up automatically during transformation by connecting his waist to his upper torso. His left wing detaches and unfolds to form a large sword for use in robot mode.
- The Takara Legend of the Microns version of this toy uses a much brighter light gray plastic, and gold paint instead of yellow. He also has more detailed, contiguous paint applications on the wings, and a "separated" Decepticon sigil deco rather than the solid block of purple on the Hasbro version. He's also slightly retooled: the nosecone is parallel to the rest of the jet mode, while the Hasbro version was retooled to slope downward for safety reasons, making it "collapse" easier if pressed point-first into, say, your little brother. Despite being much more accurate to the final animation model, he still has some inaccuracies: his forearm collar is not painted red, his forehead is in red and not grey, and the fins are not painted correctly: the the animation model is red with a white outline, whilst the toy has this reversed as well as the outline wrong.The animation model also depicts his forearms much more recessed on the toy, as well as omitting the black on the wings. It also colors the cockpit with a deep blue/grey, with black accents on the sides and on the back, and his chest vents and the surrounding area of the torso red.
| Transformers: Armada mold: Starscream | ||
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- Starscream Super Mode (Max-Con Class, September 2003)
- ID number: MD-09
- Accessories: Port wing/sword, 2 "fireblast" missiles
- In the Takara Legend of the Microns line, the Hasbro Thundercracker deco (with slight alterations) was released as Starscream's powered-up form, as seen in the Armada cartoon. "Starscream Super Mode" uses more vivid blue and red plastics, has "separated" Decepticon symbols with white outlines, and has the parallel nosecone like the regular Takara Starscream.
- Similarly, his Mini-Con partner was the powered-up version of Swindle, dubbed "Spark Grid", rather than Zapmaster.
- You can, of course, use your Armada Thundercracker toy as "Powerlinx Starscream" if you want. Nobody can stop you.
Built to Rule!
- Starscream with Swindle (Built to Rule!, 2003)
- Accessories: 2 missiles
- Built to Rule! Starscream is a building-brick set centered around a "Trans-Skeleton", a generic core that changes from "robot" to vehicle-mode-base and back. His robot and Cyertronic fighter jet modes are built around each of these configurations. He features two missile launchers that use a "twist-block" trigger mechanism for the spring-loaded launchers. He also has a 2x2 "Powerlinx" plate that can mouth any BTR vehicle-mode Mini-Con or normal-series Mini-Con, though the grip on the latter is not very good.
- His jet-mode build as depicted in some of the stock photography differs slightly from the mode shown in the set's instructions. But as it's a building-brick set, do what you like!
- He comes with a building-brick version of Swindle.
- This set was later released in different colors as Thundercracker and Zapmaster.
- Starscream (Built to Rule!, 2004)
- Accessories: 2 missiles
- The Energon version of Built to Rule! Starscream was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic jet fighter with pressure-launch missiles, to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.
- Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the Built to Rule! line overall, the Energon versions only had a limited, test market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many "Tuesday Morning" chain discount stores at drastically dropped prices.
Energon
- Starscream (Combat Class, 2004)
- Takara ID number: SD-01
- Accessories: Energon sword, energon rifle, 2 missiles
- Known designers: Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)
- Energon Starscream transforms into a jet fighter loosely based upon the F/A-22 Raptor (which would later be used as the alt-mode of other two Starscreams), cast mostly in dark clear-green plastics to emphasize his "energon ghost" status. The toy also features numerous spots down the right-hand side of the robot mode's front, back, shoulder and wings where Starscream appears only partially-constructed, along with asymmetrical plastic-color layouts, to further enhance the "half-formed" effect—though Aaron Archer would later remark that he felt these design cues did not come across properly. He comes with two very large accessories, a sword and a non-firing blaster, which can combine to form a really large sword. In jet mode he has two wing-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers, which can flip up over his robot-mode shoulders for "Hyper Mode".
- The Japanese version of this mold, called Nightscream, uses gray plastics instead of stony-blue, a lighter shade of red paint, and darker blue plastic and paint.
- This mold was also used to make Timelines Skyquake and Leozack and served as the model for the non-toy Wings Universe incarnations of Hellbat, Guyhawk, and Hooligan.
| Energon mold: Starscream | ||
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- Prowl with Longarm & Starscream with Zapmaster (Multi-pack, 2004)
- Accessories: Port wing/sword, 2 missiles
- Part of a Sam's Club exclusive set, the Armada Starscream toy was redecoed in primarily dark gray with burgundy and black accents, patterned after the color scheme of his Deluxe Energon figure. His Mini-Con partner was Zapmaster this time around rather than Swindle. The set also included Energon Prowl as an Armada Red Alert redeco with Longarm.
| Transformers: Armada mold: Starscream | ||
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- Energon Starscream (Combat Class, 2004)
- Takara ID number: SD-19
- Accessories: Sword, rifle, 2 missiles
- Representing Starscream in a powered-up form following his immersion in Super Energon, Energon Starscream was redecoed into a more Generation 1-inspired color scheme, primarily light gray with blue and red accents. Though the sculpted "half-formed" sections remain, the figure's new paint layouts ignore them, sometimes painting directly over the top of them, which coupled with the figure's new lack of translucent plastic seems to suggest that this is a non-ghosty version of the character, though his asymmetrical arm coloration remains due to the use of unpaintable plastic needed for structural support. He was released under the name "Energon Starscream", thus making him Energon Energon Starscream, though when he was first listed in Walmart computers it was under the name "Skywarp Interceptor", perhaps indicating an aborted intent for the toy.
- The Takara "Nightscream Reverse" release of the toy is almost entirely different, using clear-blue plastics in the place of some of the solid-gray in the Hasbro version. Gray plastic was used in place of black, and many paint details were different. It also came with a yellow version of Energon Insecticon's energon drill weapon and Decepticon-style energon chip. This was the deco used for Starscream's powered up appearance in the Energon cartoon.
- The Hasbro deco of this figure was used as a reference for the unreleased Attacktix vehicle-mode Starscream piece.
| Energon mold: Starscream | ||
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Cybertron
- Starscream (Voyager Class, December 28 2004)
- ID number: GD-03
- Accessories: Missile launcher, missile, Cybertron Decepticon Force Chip
- Known designers: Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy), Don Figueroa (concept artist)
- Exclusive to Takara's Galaxy Force line, this version of Starscream draws much of its influence from Don Figueroa's design for Generation 1 Starscream in Dreamwave's The War Within, transforming into a Cybertronic starfighter. In both modes, plugging a Cyber Key into his back end flips out a spring-loaded blade from each arm. His spring-loaded missile launcher can be used as either a hand-held weapon, or mounted under his jet-mode nosecone. Another port for the weapon can be found behind the rear landing gear, allowing it to be stored horizontally in robot mode, along with a port under each forearm (though these are loose due to being molded across two parts).
- This toy was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final version has no electronics. In fact, no version of this mold would have electronics either.
- Although essentially the "standard" version of Cybertron Starscream, this figure was not released in the Cybertron toyline, presumably so it would not interfere with the sales of the much larger (more expensive) Supreme Starscream toy (see below). A redeco would be made available later in the line (again see below).
- This toy was redecoed to create Shattered Glass Starscream and the 2008 Universe Dirge. This mold also served as the model for the non-toy Shattered Glass incarnation of Skywarp.
- Starscream (Supreme Class, 2005)
- Accessories: Missile, "Crown of Leadership", Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key, Earth Cyber Planet Key
- Cyber Key Code: s5a3
- Known designers: Eric Siebenaler (Hasbro), Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)
- Sold in the first wave of Cybertron Supreme-class toys (yes, there was more than one!), this Starscream is a colossally-upscaled version of the Voyager-class Starscream toy, with quite a few changes. The most notable is the change in his Cyber Key gimmick: each arm has a separate Key jack in it rather than the Voyager's single joint-jack. While the right arm still deploys a blade, the left arm now reveals a spring-loaded missile-firing "null laser cannon" with expanding prongs. The original back-mounted Key jack is still present, though it does not activate any gimmicks and merely serves as a Key storage space (a rarity among Cybertron toys). A second storage-only jack is found on the underside of the same assembly. The two small guns on the sides of his cockpit can swivel up to firing position in robot mode, and he also has several electronic light and sound gimmicks, including one activated by moving his sword-arm. His eyes are, for some strange reason, green.
- He comes with a Decepticon "Crown of Leadership", based on Generation 1 Starscream's crown from The Transformers: The Movie that fits over his noggin (which, together with his considerable size, has earned him the nickname "King Starscream" among fans.) He is also the only Cybertron toy to come with two Cyber Keys, a Decepticon Cybertron Key, and a gold-bordered Earth Cyber Planet Key. Both Keys have the same Key Code tampographed on their backs. The placement of these accessories in the box varies in later releases.
- Supreme Starscream was released in the first wave of Cybertron toys, long before Starscream was transformed into a giant in the third quarter of the Cybertron cartoon. To sell this large, expensive figure at this early stage, a few other toys in the Cybertron line were changed—predominantly, the standard Voyager Starscream figure went unreleased in Hasbro markets.
- In Japan, this toy was released as a Toys"R"Us exclusive, basically unchanged in US packaging.
- This mold was later redecoed to make Platinum Edition Supreme Starscream.
- Starscream vs. Vector Prime (Multi-pack, 2005)
- Accessories: Missile launcher, missile, Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key
- The Voyager Starscream mold was made available by Hasbro in a two-pack with an unaltered Vector Prime, now sporting a predominantly-burgundy paint job. The two-pack was exclusive to Toys"R"Us stores, and was sold for slightly less than the cost of two Voyagers. Just like the Takara release of the Voyager, this Starscream lacks electronics.
- Starscream (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)
- A colossally downscaled and simplified version of the Cybertron Starscream figure was released as part of the first wave of the Legends of Cybertron series. He transforms into the same Cybertronic starfighter altmode, and has flip-out weapons (one sword, one non-firing blaster).
- In Japan, the toy was sold as part of the very short-lived "EZ Collection". It was given more extensive paint operations than the Hasbro version.
- This mold was used to make Legends of Cybertron Ramjet, Skywarp, and Sunstorm, Universe Ramjet and Thrust, War for Cybertron Starscream, and Dark of the Moon Cybertronian Starscream. Phew!
- EZ Collection Clear Set (Multi-pack, 2005)
- A Japanese exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" Starscream, Megatron and Optimus Prime recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Starscream's case, both his greys became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to TV Magazine in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.
Generations
- Armada Starscream (Deluxe, 2014)
- Series / Number: 02 / #011
- Accessories: 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles
- Part of the eighth wave of 2012-onwards Generations Deluxe Class toys, Thrilling 30 "Armada Starscream" is a modern update of the original Armada Starscream figure. He comes with two "Energon Swords" which he holds via 5mm post, and can fold up and store on his wings, as opposed to the wings themselves detaching and forming swords. He has numerous Powerlinx plugs on his forearms and turbines, though they do not activate any features. In place of his spring-loaded cannons, his turbines can each fire a missile in either mode via pressure-launch, and can be positioned in robot mode to either face forward or lay flat on his back.
- While his bio paints this toy as this Starscream, IDW Publishing repurposed this toy as a new body for Generation 1 Starscream, debuting it in the issue the figure comes packaged with.
- This mold was heavily retooled into Generations Jhiaxus, differently retooled into Timelines Skywarp and Timelines Ramjet, and redecoed into Legends Armada Starscream Super Mode. This mold was also the basis for the non-toy Wings Universe incarnation of Eagle Eye and the Beast Wars: Uprising incarnation of Jetstorm.
| Generations mold: Armada Starscream | ||
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Generations (Japan)
- The TakaraTomy release of Armada Starscream, part of the fourteenth wave of Japanese Generations toys, features a deco more accurate to his original cartoon appearance, most obviously by casting much of his arms, legs, wings, and launchers stark white. Other changes include use of a darker shade of red plastic and paint, a thoroughly-painted red cockpit, red-painted toes, a black-painted canopy, and a silver face with painted "chinstrap".
| Generations mold: Armada Starscream | ||
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Legends
- Armada Starscream Super Mode (Deluxe, 2016-01-30)
- ID number: LG18
- Accesories: 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles
- A redeco of the Generations Starscream figure based on the super mode coloration Starscream had in Armada.
- This toy was repurposed as Armada Thundercracker in Fun Publications' Armada Volume 5.
| Generations mold: Armada Starscream | ||
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Legacy
- Armada Universe Starscream (Voyager Class, 2022)
- Accessories: Energon Sword, Star Saber
- Known designers: Mark Maher (Hasbro), Ittoku Kuwazu (TakaraTomy)
- Part of the third wave of Legacy Voyager Class toys, "Armada Universe Starscream" is a remarkably faithful recreation of his character model from the Armada cartoon, yet oddly with colors based on the Thrilling 30 toy, but with a less tomato-ish red. Due to this, He transforms into a futuristic jet that closely resembles the Thrilling 30 incarnation in 18 steps, but with grey cannons (with missing red paint) instead of the black cannons. Unlike the Thrilling 30 toy, he has black paint applied on the sides on the yellow vents of his chest, but it is insufficient enough to replicate either the original toy or animation model.
- The only cartoon accurate improvements compared to Micron Legend version above are ommitting the black on the back of the wings, his forearm collar finally painted in red, the cockpit having some metalliac blue, and his forehead being in grey instead of red. Rather than having a detaching wing piece transforming into his weapon accessory, his wing sword (referred to as an Energon Sword by the official product description) is a seperate, non-converting accessory. The original promotional pictures depict it painted in red, which is to accurate to the show... until one realizes the sword morphs into a completely different shape when lit up, rendering the Legacy sculpt inaccurate. The red paint operations were removed during production in order to paint Inferno's eyes blue. Starscream also comes with a simplified, much smaller version Star Saber accessory, allowing him to dual-wield swords in robot mode. Like the original Armada toy and Thrilling 30 versions of this character, Starscream features articulated turbines that double as over the shoulder cannons. Unlike the original toy, he does not have a minicon port at the back of the jet mode.
- Mark Maher suggests that if you buy two swords, you can untab the underarms and place the swords as extensions to the wings. Why would anyone buy 2 of him just for a more incoherent jet mode is anyone's guess.
- This figure was officially revealed by UK retailer In Demand Toys before any announcement by Hasbro.
Merchandise
Happy Meal toy
- Starscream (2003)
- Part of the McDonald's Armada promotion, this version of Starscream is based on his larger toy and features a pull-back motor gimmick that propels his jet-mode forward, then leaps up to instantly convert to robot mode, like the Generation 1 Jumpstarters.
- In jet mode, he has two Mini-Con ports molded into his underside which allows him to combine with the other three Happy Meal Decepticons to form a goofy-looking Mighty Vehicle. The ports can also be used to access Mini-Con gimmicks on mainline Armada toys, but given his size and weight, it would be an awkward fit on most figures.
Super Collection Figure
- Starscream (SCF, 2002)
- Act: 9
- Accessories: Display base
- A three-inch tall non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released in the Armada-specific ninth "Act" of Takara's Super Collection Figure line. The figure came in both full color and metallic silver "pewter" variants, available at an equal ratio one each in every case of twelve blindpacked figures.
- Care may need to be taken with the pewter variant when moving "joints" or popping parts off the main body. It is distressingly common for pewter SCF figures to have the connection pegs painted as well, which can lead to sticking and tearing of the soft-plastic pegs keeping the figure together. A little shaving of the socket interiors with a thin hobby knife is usually enough to solve this, once the peg has been removed.
Mega Super Collection Figure
- Starscream (2003)
- ID number: 13
- Accessories: Swindle figure, sword
- A five-inch tall non-transforming, highly-articulated PVC figure of Starscream was the thirteenth and final release in Takara's Mega Super Colleciton Figure series. Like other toys in the line, he came with a few extra pieces, like a separate wing-sword, and a mini-PVC of his Mini-Con partner Swindle. The miracle of universal pegs also allows him to wield weapons belonging to other Mega SCF figures, most characteristically appropriate being the Star Saber that came with Optimus Prime.
Transformers Figure
- Starscream (2003)
- A non-transforming PVC figurine of Starscream was released by Omron Entertainment as part of their simply-named Transformers Figure line of gaming arcades prizes, standing around 5" tall. Despite there being a nationwide commercial for the figures, their distribution was poor, and not many arcades actually wound up carrying them.
Battle for Cybertron Game
- Transformers: Armada - Battle for Cybertron Game (2003)
- A small figurine of Starscream was among the eight Transformers character playing pieces included with the Milton Bradley Battle for Cybertron board game.
Bubble Twist
- Starscream (2003)
- A small solid-color PVC figurine of Starscream was among the blindpacked toys available with Bubble Twist bubble gum, produced by Hasbro's subsidiary Cap Candy and only available at Toys"R"Us. Like all figures in the series, Starscream was available in red, blue, purple, grey and black.
Attacktix
- Starscream (Booster, 2006)
| ID number: | TF08 |
| Rarity: | |
| Faction: | Decepticon |
| Class: | Captain |
| Special: | Rally - 14/26 (54%) success ratio |
| Point Cost: | 10 |
| Base Speed: | 6 |
| Attack Type: | Shooter (Large Missile) |
- Attacktix Starscream is based on his Cybertron incarnation. His Special Power, Rally, enables a player to return any one of their already-defeated Decepticon pieces to play. If Starscream's speed wheel reads 8 stop moving him there—you'll be able to move him 2 extra tix next turn and even if he gets shot down his special power is always white when he's on 8 speed.
- A Captain figure Starscream works very well with his own redeco, Skywarp, supporting his Infiltration power.
- Starscream (Booster,
2007)
| ID number: | TF11 |
| Rarity: | |
| Faction: | Decepticon |
| Class: | Captain |
| Special: | Transform |
| Point Cost: | 30 |
| Base Speed: | 4 |
| Attack Type: | Shooter (Small Missile)/Flight |
- This unreleased Starscream is a missile launching piece based on his "Energon Energon" form's vehicle mode. His vehicle form can detach from his base and fly on a string, enabling him to get better shots at opposing pieces, or even airlift allies (or enemies... is that a legal move?). His "Transform" power would probably allow you to bring any Starscream figure into play from your back-ups—making Starscream an even more effective figure when working with Skywarp. But as the toy was never released, we'll never know.
- Several pieces of this mold would also have been used to make Generation 1 Skywarp, who also went unreleased.
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