I feel that many fans don't acknowledge what the live action Transformers movies have done for the Transformers brand. Transformers post-2007 became much more oriented towards nostalgia, and about delivering exactly what the fans want. Fan favorite lines such as the 2008 Universe and 2010 Generations lines would not have been able to exist without the awareness and money brought in by the film franchise. Even the 2006 classics line existed only to prepare nostalgic fans for the boom about to take place in the Transformers world. Now on its third film, the franchise is as devisive as ever, but it is difficult to deny the fact that the movies brought something for every Transformers fan.
The massive success of the first movie line caught Hasbro by surprise, meaning that what later waves were filled with was basically filler. After Revenge of the Fallen, more preparation was made, and the Hunt for the Decepticons line was rolled out.
Starscream was the largest truly new figure in the line. Fans had been asking for a leader class Starscream for some time (those who weren't moaning about how the movies had ruined the brand forever), and he was a popular enough character in traditional markets (i.e. children) for it to happen. Starscream is based on his appearance in Revenge of the Fallen, his otherwise accurate F-22 Raptor mode covered in Cybertronian markings. The jet mode is nicely detailed and decently proportioned; although in order to avoid parts sticking out the fuselage is somewhat bulkier than would be realistic, the shape is about right but it has been stretched vertically to a degree in order to fit all the robot parts. There are three landing gear components that can be unfolded, each features a rolling wheel. Underneath there is also a deployable missile launcher and a compatible missile is stored under each wing. Pressing the decepticon logo behind the orange cockpit activates lights and sounds.
Converting him to robot mode is complex, but not as awkward as that of the otherwise stunning leader Optimus. The robot mode accurately represents the unconventional design, and whilst it looks a little off in his static 'in the box' pose, once he starts moving he really starts to shine. There is a huge amount of detail carried over from the CGI model and many parts move in tandem with joints, helping poses look natural. His legs have all the neccesary motion, and the arms do okay other than the forever absent rotation at the wrist, but it is the shoulder joints that truly make this figure. As well as traditional joints, there is a second swivel to allow for shrugging motions and a third torso joint on each side that allows him to flex his entire chest inwards. These joints perform what wold have before seemed impossible and allow for very natural stances for the strangely proportioned body. This is the first figure I have which can convincingly fold it's arms - in a normally shaped figure this would be quite something, in a figure with as broad a chest as Starscream it is quite frankly astounding. As well as his posability, features include additional electronics activated by pulling down on his cockpit, weapons hidden in his arms, and the ability to deploy the missile launcher from vehicle mode by attaching it to his folded up hand. The launcher and both missiles can be stored on his back when not in use.
Movie leader figures have been a bit hit and miss for Hasbro, whilst Optimus Prime tends to turn out well, other characters rarely feel as worthwhile. After Jetfire, I was hesitant to pick up another leader class jet, but on clearance at a third of his RRP I finally made the purchase and am glad I did. This is a fantastic figure for those who like the movie styling, and for those who don't, stop complaining and go play with your Generations Darkmount that this guy made possible.
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