22 Starscream [Collection #9]

STARSCREAM (22)
TF Collection #9

Starscream (22) was released in Japan in June, 2003 and sold for Ľ3,500. It is the tenth re-issue figure (#9) released in this new stylized packaging and the color scheme matches the true anime colors from the show. The box is made of corrugated cardboard with a front flap that is secured by two strips of velcro.

One thing that is different with this box compared to the others is the Red & Silver sticker applied to the front. The sticker states that this release comes with a Limited Premium Edition TF Special DVD-slim 2003, containing the CG opening of the upcoming PS2 Transformers game and three toy commercials of the past. The DVD is Region-2 which played fine on my PC using Win DVD 2000 set to this region. Check out the DVD screen-caps at Remy's Transformers website!

The box is mostly White with Brown trim and measures 8.75"Hx6.75"Wx2.375"D. The "Transformers" lettering is embossed on the front along with the anime Starscream created by Dreamwave Productions. The writing on the ends of the box (front & sides) allow it to be displayed on a shelf in different ways, horizontally & vertically. The top & bottom is mostly printed in English and each side panel can be displayed vertically or horizontally. The horizontal panel is mostly in English whereas the vertical is mostly in Japanese characters.

Opening the flap reveals several things--a nice layout with parts secured in a molded plastic container and data cards attached to the backside of the front flap. The cellophane cover is framed nicely with an Decepticon symbol on the front/top and "Starscream" printed on the front/bottom.

The backdrop is Grey and Yellow-Green with Starscream's name and Collection 9 above it. At the very bottom of the backdrop is "Transformers". There are no labels identifying each accessory/weapon as previous releases in this line-up.

The card catalog is almost entirely in Japanese with most of the page titles in English. The index page is glued to the front cover of the box and outlines the contents of the card catalog. This catalog can be removed from the box due to the perforated edge and can be stored in a 6-ring binder provided with the Convoy Collection #0 release. The following items were included with this release:

1. Starscream (Vehicle Mode)
2. Missile Launcher (x2)
3. Short Missiles (x2)
4. Long Missiles (x2)
5. Nose gear
6. Wings (x2)
7. Horizontal stabilizer (x2)
8. Vertical stabilizer (x2)
9. Fists (x2)
10. Megatron in Gun Mode
11. Convoy Fist
12. Character Card
13. Sticker Sheet
14. Booklet
15. Instruction Sheet
16. Special DVD-slim

The following information is contained in the booklet:

- Transformers Story 9 - Hydro-generator?
- Transformers Season-1 Episode Guide (55-63)
- Fold-out Dreamwave Poster
- Fold-out Catalog of Season-1 Destrons
(D-61 thru D-63, Runamuck & Runabout
- Blitzwing Data File
- Starscream Data File

WEAPONS: Starscream's weapons are identified as Missile Launchers with Short & Long Missiles, and Megatron in Gun Mode. The launcher connects to either arm in Robot Mode or under the wings in Jet Mode.

Starscream's Weapons

Another bonus item in this release is Megatron in Gun Mode!! This attachment is superbly detailed, painted Silver & Black, and is one heck of an addition to this Starscream re-issue! Megatron measures approximately 4" in length and is made up of two parts which separate at the top of the handle and connects with a rectangular peg hole. There is also a slot on the right-side of the handle that allows it to connect to Starscream in Jet Mode. The Convoy modified fist (rectangular peg on bottom of fist) is also included which allows him to hold Megatron as shown in the photo above. Megatron also has the Decepticon symbol tampo-stamped on both sides of the gun.

Megatron in Gun Mode

VEHICLE MODE: Starscream is an F-15 Eagle Jet with a Red, Grey & Blue color scheme and is comprised of both plastic and die-cast metal. Starscream doesn't have any pre-applied stickers, but rather tampo-stamping. The Red & White stripes have been painted on the main wings as well as the Blue vertical stabilizers. The canopy is now Amber colored with Silver paint applied as canopy joints. Lastly, the Decepticon symbols have been tampo-stamped on the wings and nosepiece. Starscream's rub-sign is located on the top, just behind the canopy.

The upper right photo shows Starscream with Megatron attached underneath. The new color scheme and attachments make this re-issue one of my favorites! Starscream measures 8.75"Lx6.5"Wx3"H in vehicle mode.

VEHICLE MODE

ROBOT MODE: To transform Starscream into robot mode, remove the nose gear and place it in the canopy if you desire. Remove the missile launchers from the wings and horizontal stabilizers from the vertical stabilizers. Re-connect the horizontal stabilizers to the opposite side you removed them and ensure the leading edge is facing to the rear of Starscream. Rotate the rear landing gear downward and remove the wings then stand Starcream on his feet.

Rotate the nose piece slightly at the joint under the canopy so that you can push out the main piece (arms) located in the middle of his body. The parts should separate into two pieces and swing outward forming arms. Next, rotate the nose piece (connected by Black arm piece) downward and push it through the center of Starscream's die-cast body. The canopy should now become his torso. Rotate the nose piece so that Starscream's head is exposed, and push it upward so that it rests above the canopy joint.

Reconnect the wings to the peg holes ensuring the leading edge is facing downward and tucked behind the Blue vertical stabilizers. You can also display Starscream with his wings outside of the vertical stabilizers which gives him the appearance of flight. Eject the short missiles and replace them with the long missiles (missiles have not been removed from their trees, therefore, not shown in my photos). Lastly, attach the fists to the end of the arms and attach the missile launchers to the outer side of the arms. Starscream stands at approximately 5.5" in height.

There were no paint applications to Starscream's head which was a little disappointing. Starscream's articulation is quite limited. His arms rotate at the shoulders and that's about it. Many collector's have complained about the loose joints, but this re-issue doesn't have that problem (or at least mine doesn't). This must have been brought to Takara's attention and subsequently repaired.

The show accurate colors and bonus items included with this re-issue should be enough to persuade you to purchase Starscream!

ROBOT MODE