Starscream and Decepticon Slipstream [Swapticons]

Seekers. Everyone loves them, especially Starscream. So of course they're perfect for the Summer of Swapticons! Usually Seekers are repaints of Starscream. However, this time these two are repaints of Ramjet and Sandstorm, who were included in the Desert Dunes 5-pack that I haven't been able to track down yet. Starscream, of course, is one of the main characters in Transformers and there's not much that can be said about him that hasn't already been said. Slipstream is a Seeker that originated in Transformers Animated and has stuck around since as a popular member of the Seekers with a really cool color scheme.

Of course, I can't help but associate her with a background generic Seeker from the original cartoon. Often generic Seekers, Insecticon clones, and Reflector bots were used as cannon fodder Decepticons. Purple Seekers were often seen, even appearing in a very cool OTFCC Exclusive Heroes of Cybertron Seeker figurine set.

One of those purple Seekers was drawn skinnier than the others, almost feminine, leading several older fans to think that one was female. The "Lady in Purple" appeared in various fan works for a while and I like to think she was one of the initial beginnings of Slipstream, influencing future creators during her creation. 

Since this is my first time with this mold set (I do hope to get that 5-pack, it's driving me crazy), it's a new experience for me and a pretty pleasant one at that.

The blocky and silly proportions Swapticons have often remind me of SD-style robot toys, but also of character sprites from older video games. Thinking about it, Swapticons would make for a fun game mechanic. Combining two individuals into one and creating unique abilities. I'm sure it's been done before, but it'd be fun.

Surprisingly, Starscream forms the rear of the jet with Slipstream becoming the front. I'd think the main Seeker would be the front end, but he is an ass... so it works.

The jet is an elongated thing that doesn't look bad, but once again feels like something out of an older game. I could see it being used on a map screen where you'd choose which area to play next.

Thanks to the silly faces, Swapticons once again feel like a spiritual successor to BotBots, and the chonky designs really make me want to look into the designers and see what else they've worked on. I'm swearing the same designer worked on Changeables and I'm not going to stop saying that anytime soon.

The colors really pop on these little sculpts, arguably giving them more character than the goofy faces. The purple on Slipstream looks legitimately nice.

They've got a small bit of arm articulation, which Swapticons generally have. It's not a lot, but it does make for a nicer toy.

Overall, this is a great little Swapticons set. Good colors, fun designs, and a surprisingly neat jet mode. Plus, any toy that lets Starscream literally be the ass-end of something gets bonus points from me.

Starscream [Galaxy Version 07-One Wave 2]

I found a little time to assemble this Starscream kit amongst the hectic nature moving has me living currently. It's a very cool Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version kit that represents his appearance in the movie Transformers One.

As I mentioned while talking about the initial wave of Transformers One Galaxy Versions, I really like the combination of the Blokees style with the specific look of the Transformers One designs.

It's a nice combination of visual aesthetics that works very well together. Not to mention, Transformers One was pretty great and I'm all in for anything from it.

One thing I can say about Blokees is that they are always tinkering with their product. You'd think the Hero 10 scale, which seems to be their most popular size, would stay consistent in its builds, but that's not the case. They're always tinkering with it and there's constant change throughout the various series while still keeping them visually similar to each other.

I think the only visual difference I ever really notice is that kits from the early waves (and repaints of those molds) have that super obvious neck, while in the mid-to-later series they've made the necks look better. I haven't gotten a full case of Series 07, instead opting to pick up a blind box or two whenever I'm at Walmart.

One thing I've been noticing is another change to the standard body frame. This one has a ball-jointed waist as opposed to the standard waist from earlier releases, or the more jointed one from more recent series. I'm not sure which one I like better, though I may be leaning toward the more jointed version.

Another change I wasn't aware of involves the joints. They've been universal up until now, but there's now a smaller version meant for the upper arms and elbows. I wasn't aware of that. I just stuck them in out of habit and kept wondering why Starscream was off balance. After I put him away, I did a little looking and... you know those moments where you just stare at absolutely nothing while you realize something? I've got to remember to go back and swap his joints out now.

Starscream has a very sharp-looking design in Transformers One and that translates really well here, making him feel like a more deluxe kit. I'm particularly fond of the metallic silver they used. Initially, I thought I had lucked into one of the special versions from the series, but no, they just made him extra nice.

He's got lasers on the wings of what would be his jet mode if he transformed, along with his trademark Null Rays on his shoulders. Aside from those joints, you've also got to pay attention to his shoulder armor during assembly. It's easy to put it on backwards and not realize it. It's not a giant issue, but if you do, you'll hide some of the painted detail.

Of course he's got the standard closed and open hands and, for some reason, I really want to give him a sword. He's just so nice-looking that it feels like one would just... look great.

Basically, this is a really nice little kit that feels more premium than it is. I wonder if they're making other Seekers from it?

Starscream [BMK Series 1]

Ending out Yolopark’s first series of BMK simple model kits is Starscream, everyone’s favorite Seeker.

Starscream might also be the most complex figure in the series, with a larger part count than the others. Like the rest, though, he’s built around a main torso piece that includes the legs down to the knees. The rest of the legs attach below that, adding some extra ankle articulation.

The arms come together separately and are fairly well articulated, as is the head. The remaining parts are his wings, which attach to the back, and the null rays that connect to the arms.

Once assembled, you get a solid representation of Starscream. Like the other BMK kits, articulation is limited, but it still looks pretty good on display.

I’ve been seeing people customizing him into the other Seekers, which is predictable—but I’ll wait for Yolopark to get around to those. There’s also been some detailing work and repainting, especially giving him the more familiar gray face. I get it—most fans are used to that look—but his original toy (and often in the comics) had a black face. That never bothered me. If anything, it brings back memories.

When I was in kindergarten, that first Transformers commercial aired one afternoon after I’d come inside from playing. The Seekers had black faces in it. The next day at school, during some kind of standardized testing, I found myself daydreaming about what I’d just seen. For whatever reason, I’d decided those “jet guys” were basically monsters. Looking back now, part of me wonders how much of those early animation models were still pulling from the original idea of the Decepticons as electronic life-forms.

Anyway, this is a great little simple model that’ll look good on my future display—something that’s now shifted from “end of a long organization project” to more of a “when I get moved in” kind of thing.

Starscream [Cyberworld/Cyber Changers]

There are just certain things you accept in life, and Starscream being in a Transformers toy line is one of them. For Transformers Cyberworld he’s a standard Cyber Changer, which is a size class I’ve been enjoying very much. Interestingly enough, he shares a mold with Mirage, who I talked about a few weeks ago. With Starscream, it’s safe to assume other Seekers will come, so Mirage was a weird surprise. A welcome one — I liked that toy.

Starscream uses the same mold with the exception of a different head and, of course, different colors. Cyber Changers are neat little simple figures full of DNA from older robot toy lines. With Starscream I can’t help but mentally compare him to older G2 jets and GoBots like I did with Mirage. And thanks to his head sculpt, I’m also getting some Machine Wars energy. One of the fun things with cheaper toys like these is the variety of recolors they tend to get. Here’s hoping we get some fun ones in the future.

Seekers are easy enough to predict, but with this design I’d love to see some of the weird camo patterns toys like Machine Wars Thundercracker or Soundwave had. I also found myself imagining various jet bots from Robot Masters while typing this. A simple jet with a unique silhouette like this can be reworked into so many interesting characters.

As said above, Starscream uses the same toy mold as Mirage, so there’s nothing majorly different in how the toy works. Cyber Changers are such pleasant little figures that I don’t mind a mold reuse this early in the line. I will say my Starscream transforms a little rougher than Mirage. I doubt it’s mold degradation this early, so I’m thinking there’s some excess material left from the sprue somewhere. It’s in the compression mechanism in the torso that all Cyber Changers seem to use for transformation. It just kept sticking. I may try to clean that up a little — hopefully it’s just a QC quirk with mine and yours works better.

I really like the jet mode they’ve come up with for Cyberworld. It’s a mixture of jet alt modes we’ve seen in the past that somehow feels fresh thanks to the downward-bent wings. I do wish he had a weapon. In the cartoon, Starscream uses a spear that looks pretty similar to his Dark of the Moon Mech Tech weapon. Once again, the weapons in the show not being included makes me wonder if they were cut at some point in development. Same for the multiple ports on the figures’ bodies. One day I hope to find out there was some gimmick planned that used them. I also hope there’s still one coming.

I’ve probably said it before, but I hope Cyber Changers remain as a size class for the foreseeable future. I think it’s a good format for a mainline series intended for kids (despite my adult ass loving them) and would allow older figures to be compatible with future ones. The setting could change — they can’t stay trapped in the Cyberworld forever — but they can go on new adventures.

I’ve also seen these as something of a follow-up to the Beast Alliance toys from Rise of the Beasts. Considering their similar sizes and the use of an older movie toy already in Cyberworld, some of those molds would be a welcome addition here. Those Beast Alliance toys already had all those ports — let’s get some more Battle Masters! In the end, this is a fun little toy that makes my mind run through tons of possibilities. And that’s something I really enjoy.

Starscream [Legacy United/Voyager Class]

Starting off our annual 3 months of Halloween is the newest version of Starscream from the Transformers Legacy United toy line. This version of Starscream is an update of his appearance from the Cybertron/Galaxy Force series that ended the Unicron Trilogy and pretty much lead up to the release of the live action movies (with Classics rounding out the toys). This version of Starscream is perfect to start our spooky season with. Not only did he spent the majority of Energon as a ghost, but also lead a force of Ancient Deceptions at one point. Whom were hidden on Earth for a long time posing as monsters of our folklore and myths! Super robots and monsters go hand and hand!

Starscream's design in Cybertron was heavily influenced by his depiction in the War Within comic series, which was influenced by the Cybertronian Tetrajet Seeker design seen in the original cartoon. It's a really cool look and fun to see the update improve upon the original toy which I've always held in high regard. Honestly, it's not that different from that original toy. Maybe not as chonky and the Cyber Key gimmicks are removed. Thanks to modern engineering, Starscream has more articulation than before, though the original wasn't lacking in that department. All around, this toy is an improvement, though I do like that chonk the original had. It's just satisfying. Starscreams arm mounted swords fold out without the need for a Cyber Key like the original, however this toy does come with a Cyber Key! That's really neat as they were so heavily ingrained in the original Cybertron line. This one is much smaller and not backwards compatible. It really doesn't serve any function other than appearances and that's fine. The throwback is cool. While I had a love/hate relationship with the original Cyber Key gimmick, I always liked the keys individually. The Cyber Key can be placed either in the docking location behind Starscream's head or on his rifle.

Transformation to jet mode isn't hard and not terribly unlike the original. I don't know if this is a common problem, but my Starscream's right arm kept coming off at the shoulder and constantly found myself re-attaching it. This led to some annoyance in transformation as that area has to be configured in a certain way. The extra articulation added some aggrivation in transformation as I found myself constantly re-adjusting parts to make them fit just right. The extra movement is cool in robot mode, but was a little troublesome in conversion. That could be a personal issue admittedly. Once transformed the jet looks great and holds together firmly. You can attach his rifle on top or underneath the jet (I choose underneath) and everything just works well. I've always liked this design and it works well updated here. While I had a little trouble (mentioned above), overall I'm happy with this new version of a classic design. I've been a big fan of the Unicron Trilogy since it's introduction and these new toys of the characters are very appreciated.

Starscream [AMK Mini Series]

Starscream is one of those Transformers characters that people just can't get enough of. When he comes to mind I remember my initial impression, which is part of why I like his Yolopak Mini kit so much. I've mentioned before the commercial that's pretty much responsible for my initial interest in Transformers before. The Seekers all had black faces and for whatever reason, that stood out to me. Their toys did as well. However when it came to cartoons and comics, there was gray added. Of course this made the face distinct from the helmet, but I always remembered those solid black faces. This toy, while cartoon accurate, has that black face.

It's a small detail, but appreciated. Here at the 40th anniversary, it means something a little extra to me. Just a little reminder of that commercial I saw 40 years ago that lead to a lifelong fandom.

Of course there's more to this Starscream than just his face as it is a pretty nice AMK kit. Being a Seeker, there's extra parts that are needed. The wings, his null rays,  those shoulder hood vent... things. There's a lot of extra detail they could have phoned in, but didn't. These mini AMK models are simplified compared to the larger premium ones Yolopark also produces. That clearly doesn't mean any skimping is performed. The finished product is very nice and has me reconsidering the idea of making a specific display as opposed to mainly storing my toys and just keeping more recent ones out. Starscream has the same amount of hands as the other AMK Minis. Open hands, closed fists, and pointing fingers combined with the plentiful articulation allow for expressive poses. Yolopark really has a great product.

Skywarp [Galaxy Version 01 Roll Out]

Skywarp is a Seeker I've always had a bit of an affinity for. Mostly because of the colors, but I also like his teleportation powers. His bios always depict him as a little dumb, little sneaky, and likes to pull pranks. That's often played up more in bios and fandom than takes place in media, though it does happen. Aside from his special ability, he's not too different from Thundercracker a lot of the time. Guess it depends on who's writing. Like Thundercracker, his original toy mold comes from Diacalone roots. Though unlike Thundercracker, his colors are original to The Transformers. It's widely believed that Skywarp became Cyclonus in the 1986 movie, though it's never very clear or certain if it was him or an Insecticon. Back in the day I stood by the 3H BotCon/OTFCC comics as it was an official stance.

In those stories, Skywarp had survived and Bombshell was remade into Cyclonus. These days I'm more open to interpretation. Whomever it is in that story is whoever it was in that story. I love this stuff, but it's got all the inconsistencies. Doesn't help that Bombshell and Skywarp continue to appear after Cylonus is created. This Blokees figure is pretty much the same as Thundercracker but with another color deco, which is true to form regarding Seekers. I like it a lot, once again I'm partial to Skywarp's colors and am finding it impossible to dislike a Blokkes Transformers kit.

Hotlink, Heartburn, Heatstroke. Yeah, The Bot's a Fire Bomb

Another of the Christmas gifts from my wife was the ultra cool Hotlink with Heartburn and Heatstroke set. If you find yourself wondering who Hotlink is, he's that random purple Seeker that sometimes shows up in Transformers cartoons.

He's the one with a flame thrower who was next to Sunstorm on the very first episode of the original cartoon. At BotCon 2013 they finally gave him an name. Prior to all this, I'd had always thought Hotlink would make a good name for a Transformer. It just works.

This version of Hotlink uses the Siege Seeker mold, which is super appropriate because it's based on that original cartoon tertrajet. This is a super accurate toy of the guy as he appeared originally. He also appears in the Netflix War for Cybertron series and has popped up from time to time in other TF media.

I had only gotten the Starscream version of the Siege Seeker mold prior to this. While I thought it looked cool, hunting down various other Seekers in the past has worn off the novelty of completing the team each and everything. Usually I'm happy to get one or two of them. Not to mention, my Siege Starscream had the chest issue early versions had. 

For whatever reason, the chest piece would come off very easy. Which could be super frustrating during transformation or just occasional clumsiness. I was aware they had fixed the problem, but I didn't forget the annoyance.

So getting a 'fixed' version of the mold after the fact was pretty great. In fact with the fix, the Battlemasters, and the paint job. Hotlink almost feels like a completely new toy.

It's not a new toy, it's 3 prior used molds that feel like 3 new toys. It's a wonder what a new paint job can do. Hotlink is joined by Battlemasters Heartburn and Heatstroke. The two are seemingly identical aside from their visors. Their included action effects thingies look a lot like flames.

Hotlink's flamethrower in the original cartoon was light blue like these two. It's easy to see they're supposed to be living incarnations of that. It's a cool little touch that makes me think of older fandom days. I strongly remember a friend on an old message board who had this thing for Headmaster Seekers. They didn't exist, but he would bring up the idea often. A Battlemaster is an updated Targetmaster, so this isn't too far from his idea. I wonder if he likes this toy?

My Cyberverse Coat Of Many Colors

Sometime last night a siren rang out the most wonderful news, a song of new Cyberverse box sets. Not long ago I talked about the newer Warrior Class Starscream that seemingly transformed into the Vic Viper. As I said then and have said since, I'm not a seeker completist. Somewhere during the SCF/Heroes of Cybertron and Classics run... I had my fill. Though also like I said, this mold in multiple colors would change my mind. I'm very glad they're not 100% traditional in their colors.

Variety is the spice of life and man look at those seasoned space jets! I think Thrust and Skywarp are my favorite so far. They just pop. Thundercraker and Starscream ain't too shabby themselves. I kind of wish they were all new characters since the colors on the mold make them look like new characters. It's not a major gripe though. I'm just going to post that Gradius commercial again for good measure.

I am so bad at that game, but I love playing it.

Another bit of wonderful news from yesterday, is the sightings of a Repugnus box set. From the episodes with the swarm of Repugnus bugs on Cybertron is this set of various members of that swarm. That beautiful green Repugnus is a recolor of the Turbo Changer I raved about not long ago and man is is sharp looking! The other members of the swarm (Pesticons!) are tiny new molds, not unlike the Sharkticons from the prior Hot Rod set. They may be from Tiny Turbo Changer origins, but the Sharkticons were a hard plastic and not rubbery. These look a little bigger as well, so I'm not sure. Maybe.

Regardless of mold origin, the multiple colors are absolutely wonderful. I love the Cyberverse rendition of Repugnus and am looking forward to adding more of him to the shelf my current one will eventually sit on. I just moved last month, I'm getting there. Since this one is so similar to the Hot Rod, I'm assuming it'll cost around $20. The seeker pack... that was an ebay leak, so who knows? I kinda imagine it's a Christmas item and wagering around $40-$50. Hoping they're easy to get as I must own these.

New Transformers Earthrise Target Exclusives

Transformers: Generations -- War for Cybertron: Earthrise WFC-E30 Decepticon Clones 2-Pack

(Ages 8 and Up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/ Available 7/24/2020)

Here comes double the trouble! The Decepticon Clone figures, Pounce and Wingspan, come together in this one exciting pack. Inspired by the classic G1 cartoon, these figures are brothers with twin robot modes, both standing at 3.5 inches. The vicious infiltrator, Decepticon Pounce, converts to puma mode in 9 steps and the driven Decepticon data processor, Wingspan, converts to eagle mode in 7 steps.

Build the Battlefield Beyond -- The siege is over, but the War for Cybertron has just begun. The Autobots and Decepticons have left Cybertron, but their battle rages on as they speed through space in pursuit of the Allspark. Now, fighters must instantly adapt to battle anywhere in the cosmos. With the advanced A.I.R. (Adaptable Interconnection Retrofitter) Locks system, fighters don’t head to the battlefield -- they become it. Bots capable of converting into Modular Battle Stations can A.I.R.-Lock together in custom configurations to fit the needs of battle. Available at Target.com and in-store 7/24/2020.

Transformers: Generations -- War for Cybertron: Earthrise WFC-E29 Voyager Seeker 2-Pack

(Ages 8 and Up/Approx. Retail Price $59.99/ Available 7/3/2020)

Add key Seekers to expand your Seekers army collection! Skywarp and Thundercracker join the Earthrise Seeker lineup in this special Seeker 2-pack! Standing at 7-inches, the Decepticon Seekers, Skywarp and Thundercracker, convert into classic G1 jet modes in 30 steps and each come with 2 Null Ray blaster accessories that attach to the figures in both robot and jet mode.

Thanks to Rogers & Cowan for providing Zone Base readers with this news.

Nemesis Takes On A New Meaning

This is Starscream. You know who he is. This version you're looking at is from the upcoming Cyberverse season with Cybertronian based forms. Instead of doing the standard Tetra-Jet design they always do with Seekers, they did something different.

Pretty neat huh? Looks enough like the classic jet you're used to, but spacey and sci fi like. Hey, you guy's ever play a Gradius game? Somebody at Hasbro sure has.

Well howdy there Vic Viper, famed ship from the Gradius series of games, nice to see you in my Transformers. Usually I'm not a Seeker completist, but I might make an exception here. Not only does this design look great, but having a bunch of multi color Vic Vipers would be neat. I wonder if there will be any homages on the show? I've long thought Cyberverse (and RID before it) felt like they should be a game by Konami for Super Nintendo, and I guess I'm not alone on that.

The Real & Robo Aerial Division

An actual F-15 Eagle can change as needed to a high-speed aerial combat robo! The Real & Robo aerial division troops stop Waruder guerrilla activity by monitoring from the sky.
Jet Fighter Robo F-15 Eagle
Silver (Super High-Speed Fighter Type)
Blue (Acrobat Type)

pic credit https://micromanclub.tumblr.com/

Cyberverse Starscream (Ultra Class)

He has a face, but I super screwed up with my lights

One of the Christmas gifts from my mother was this neat Strarscream from Cyberverse. The Ultra Class version, Starcream is a big chunky version of the classic character. I've pointed out before how much this toy reminds me of Skyquake and hold out hope for a repaint that plays homage to it or one of it's repaints (a black version would make for a good Machine Wars homage). The toy is fun to play with. Even though it's hard to look past the hollow nature of the figure, I found myself enjoying it.

As you can expect, Starscream transforms into a jet similar to his past alt modes. It's a fun toy that has a cool firing gimmick in those huge gun pods.

A little switch above his cockpit deploys his cluster missile attack with a loud pop that will scare the cats. It's a fun play feature that the toy is obviously based around. Starscream is a fun toy intended for a kid to fly around the living room. Though, this goofy adult still enjoyed it a lot.

Cyberverse Acid Storm (Warrior Class)

So bright, he reflects light inside the package

Possibly giving Action Master Thundercracker a run for the brightest colored Transformer ever, Acid Storm from the Cyberverse line is practically a light source. Which a more clever writer would use an an analogy for how bright of a shinning star he is.