Starscream (Primax)/Toys

Many toys have been made of G1 Starscream, enough to warrant this page!

Toys

Generation 1

• Starscream (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2004)
  • Japanese ID number: 22, TFC-09

Then about eight million redecos followed.

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.

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

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 and retooled into Dirge, Ramjet, Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thrust and Thundercracker.

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

• Starscream (Classic Pretender, 1989)

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

• Starscream (Legends, 1989)

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.

• Starscream (Action Master, 1990)

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

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

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

• Ghost Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22

Ghost Starscream was 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.

• Black Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22

Who am I again?

Black Starscream was also an e-Hobby exclusive release, with his colours loosley based upon Machine Wars Starscream, though his deco has much darker shades of gray, lacks clear blue plastic and has gold as one of his primary colours.

• Secret Starscream (2001)
  • Japanese ID number: D-22

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

An all-clear Starscream was made for the Transformers: Generations Lucky Draw contest. This figure was limited to 5 pieces, making it one of the rarest TFs 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

• Starscream (Decepticon Jet, 1993)

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

Starscream's Generation 2 release was a retool of his original toy with new missiles, launchers, and a sound box. His colours are essentially a combination of G1 Ramjet, his own original colours, and a replacement of his dark blue plastic with light grey.

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

Machine Wars

• Starscream (Ultra, 1997)

Ohh! Slice!

Starscream's Machine Wars release was 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.

Smallest Transforming Transformers

• Starscream (2003)
  • Japanese ID number: GTF-03

I will rule all the redecos, Megatron!

This version of Starscream was 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

• Starscream (Deluxe, 2004)
  • Japanese ID number: RM-12

I feel correct. That can't be good.

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.

• Starscream Limited Black Version (Deluxe, 2004)

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

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

Masterpiece

• Starscream (2006)
  • Japanese ID number: MP-3

And the fandom complained (and rejoiced)

Masterpiece Starscream is a high-quality, superbly detailed collectable Transformer 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 allow 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 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

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

Fear my extra-long null rays!!!

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.

• Masterpiece Starscream (2007)
  • Accessories: 2 null ray cannons, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville figure, Megatron gun clip, display stand

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

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

• Starscream (Robot Masters, 2006)

Stop, in the name of love...

Released in wave 2, the first Titanium 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 is palm outward with his right, while using his jets to fly up. EXCITEMENT.

This mold was also used to make Thundercracker.

• War Within Starscream (Cybertron Heroes, 2007)

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

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 "War Within" Sunstorm.

Attacktix

• Starscream (200?)

Revoltech

• Series No. 046 Starscream (2008)

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).

Henkei! Henkei! Transformers

• Starscream {Deluxe, 2008)
  • Japanese ID number: C-03
  • Accessories: 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

Henkei! Henkei! Transformers 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. 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)

• Starscream (Legends Class, 2008)

This toy 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 will also be used for a Universe Legends Silvebolt as part of a group of Legends classed Combiner leaders.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.

Unreleased

• Starscream (Transtech, 2001)

Obscure both by design and by accident

Starscream would have been made available in the aborted Transtech series. 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 an 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.

Merchandise

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 differences 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

Just keep it away from any reformatted megalomaniacs.

Starscream is an 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.

Robot Heroes

• Starscream (Mirage Vs Starscream, 2007)

He's cute when he betrays you.

Starscream is 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.

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.

Transformers - Mini Bust

Only half here and I still look this good.

• Starscream (Diamond Select, 2008)

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