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Starscream - Transformers; Energon, Hasbro
Meat and Potatoes; 4.8
Perks; 4.0
Homer Facor; 5.0
Description; Starscream gets the Energon treatment!

The figure is based on the F-22 Lightening II fighter plane.  When it's in 'bot mode, the figure is very similar to it's G-1 form.  The base red and blue paint is back, although the hues are much darker.  The figure has an amazing amount of articulation like the other Energon pieces.

Starscream comes with a biiiiiig gun and biiiiiig sword which can be combined to form a REALLY big sword.  The plane is also equipted with a pair of missile launchers that can be used in 'bot form. 
What I remember most from the old 'Transformers' TV show, besides the funky, mechanical buzzing noise they made when they transformed, was Starscream's very very very very very VERY annoying voice... which was perfect!  Even as I read the new stories by Dreamwave, that grating voice goes perfectly with the stab-you-in-the-back-while-shaking-your-hand personality of Starscream.  The Decepticon's Air Commander has gone through a number of changes over the years, from F-15 fighter to the black bomber in 'Machine Wars', to the large Fighter form in 'Armada'.  And now Starscream has come full circle in 'Energon'.  How does this new form measure up?  Not bad... well, aside from a SMALL problem.

Meat and potatoes are good over all.  The sculpt and articulation, which are the hallmarks of Hasbro's work with the 'Transformers are great as always.  Starscream goes from 'bot to a version of the F-22 Lightening II fighter, and both forms are very well sculpted.  The figure captures a multitude of details in both modes, such as assorted vents and panel lines.  In addition, the 'bot mode looks a lot like the G-1 Starscream we all enjoy.  And this hasn't come at a sacrifice of articulation.  In 'bot mode Starscream is able to move very well; hips knees, shoulders, elbows, all work well.  There is one SMALL problem... this dude is TINY.  Well, not tiny, but at about 5", this dude isn't exactly a tower of power, either.  Considering how large Scorponok is, a similar size would have been nice to see. 

Perks are solid just the same.  The transformation from jet to 'bot takes a little tinkering since some of the pieces slide around in an awkward fashion, but it's not that difficult.  An interesting touch are the two Energon weapons he comes with; a sword and a large gun.  Each of them combine to form a biiiig sword.  Both piece  scan be carried by Starscream in either 'bot or vehicle mode.  on top of that, both pieces have extra pegs so that they can be mounted on other Transformers, such as Scorponok.  And on top of all this, Starscream has  a pair of missile launchers that can be used in both modes.   

Homer factor is high on this on, naturally.  Hey, it's STARSCREAM! 

In the end, this is a very solid piece to add to your shelf.  Sure, it could be a bit larger, but you can't win them all.  Besides, Starscream has always been that annoying guy at the playground.  You know the one, the guy who whined all the time, kinda small... but ALWAYS knew hot to get trouble started.