Review: #65
Name: Starscream
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Reveal the Shield
Year of Release: 2011
Size Class: Legends (Wave 1)
Variations: there are two versions, one with a painted black head, and the other with an unpainted grey head, also repainted by TakaraTomy into Thundercracker and Skywarp
JET MODE:
This particular version of Starscream is based upon his Generation 1 self, so obviously, the jet mode resembles a F-15 Eagle. To be honest, it isn't exactly the best jet mode, with a lot of seams and transformation joints protruding here and there.
Considering it's a legends classed figure though, many of the compromises are forgivable. He has decent paint applications, the only major bit missing is the blue on his tail fins.
There is a decent amount of undercarriage junk (primarily his legs), and it looks bad because of the thin upper body of the jet.
You can Starscream's body contorted from the underside, his head is very visible, and if you have the black head version, it's even worse.
Starscream also features a rubsign, heating it up will reveal a Decepticon insignia, that's the only play value you'd get out of him. An okay jet mode, but clearly not his stronger mode.
TRANSFORMATION:
This is the part where it justifies the mediocre jet mode. They've tried out a different transformation scheme for Starscream (thankfully), so it's much more interesting to play with him the first time you get him as it's not what you would expect. Surprisingly, it works really well at this scale. You would have to be careful that there are pegs everywhere, so should take care not to damage him while transforming Starscream. There are some really nice aspects on how the designer incorporated the jet mode bits into iconic robot elements (the fuselage into null rays is an example of this). Funnily enough, Starscream has two cockpits, and in robot mode, the real one is behind the fake one. Also note that you don't have to fold the nose cone back, so you can get an unofficial 'conehead' mode (future remolds?). Very satisfying transformation for such a small figure.
ROBOT MODE:
Starscream's robot mode is the stronger one, with all his iconic elements present, from the back wings to his null rays (so he's a rare Legends classed figure with weapons). This is where the black headed version is superior, breaking apart the dull grey.
A surprisingly clean robot mode, he is not kibble except for the small nosecone behind his head (understandable). He is well painted, since his whole chest is red paint. Poseability is restricted, Starscream's head can turn and his shoulders are balljointed, but where he falls down flat is his hips. They're only swivel joints that swivel out to the side (for transformation) and they limit his leg poseability a LOT, not even balljointed knees will help.
The head sculpt is okay, a bit undefined, but you can see his smirk, and I don't know if this is intended or not, but one eye is bigger than the other.
A great robot mode that is quite fun to play with, since he features inbuilt null rays. Granted, they don't look much like weapons, but it's nice that they incorporated it. There are many molded details, that, if painted, would make Starscream even better.
OVERALL:
A neat little figure, the transformation scheme and robot mode is what makes this a winner. Personally, I think it's the second strongest (after Megatron) in the Reveal the Shield legends. Highly recommended.
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