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One of the things I like about transformers is that each version gives you a different take on the war between the autobots and the decepticons. Whether it was the campy, yet fun 80's show, to the more realistic look and cinematics of war/fall of cybertron, to the marvel and IDW comics, each has had their own take on the tale. The 80's cartoon version of Starscream is the one that most people will picture when they think of the decepticon backstabber, but he's been viewed differently in other games, comics, and other universes.

I think my favorite version of starscream is the War/fall of cybertron version. It seems that he's much more competent in those games, but at the same time, he's still a hilariously petulant child. I like the irony in that he's actually a threat when he's not leader of the decepticons in FOC, being perfectly capable of slaughtering several autobots and being able to capture Optimus, but when he does assume leadership, the one position he's wanted but never got, he's completely incompetent. It's funny that he works better carrying out orders than giving them. Also, when you see little bits of him like in the levels where you're Optimus Prime, he seems like he's got everything together and sounds kinda tough, but in the decepticon levels, his self centeredness really shines through. I laughed so hard when the combaticons were discussing what their plan of action would be, then Starscream just pops into the frame and yells that they should collect "his" energon. You'd think the scene would be out of place tonally because of the dark nature of the game, but it fit the character like a glove. The Marvel Comics starscream gets an honorable mention for commiting a killing spree that exceeded the kill count of the 1986 animated movie.

Armada Starscream was the best Starscream we've gotten or ever will get. The way they portrayed his character there was so beautiful and to an interesting extent unique.

I've always wanted something smarter than the G1 transformers show, fun and campy it may be. I wasn't really sure where to go. I'll be sure to check out Armada. I didn't watch armada growing up, but I did remember getting a happy meals toy of megatron (who looked more like scorponok looking back). I have a friend who is a big starscream fan, he'd probably love armada.

I'm not really a huge fan of Starscream.
I hated the fact that Screamer was always so incompetent. The G1 show made it a point to have him fail every time, and even if he wins, he fails immediately after due to something stupid. The character will always be limited simply because Megatron exists.
Fall of Cybertron too. I agree he was a bit more competent. But that scene where he ignores the Combaticons strategy was not convincing.
I think the RID IDW version of Starscream is a very good rendition (nothing before that though, just RID, no AHM, basically with his FOC design). He chose his side only , and ran for elections. That showed his true backstabbing abilities, and his manipulations. At one point before Megatron's return, I thought there might have been a huge change for screamer, to truly depart from his boring position as traitor and as a Decepticon.
The other screamer that was balance is Transformers Prime version. He's funny, afraid, agile, and well voiced.
Having SS in Armada as Thundercracker's colors ruined it for me. Cool toy though.

To be honest, I like only Armada and Prime's Starsream. Both are multidimensional, dynamic characters. In G1 I don't like the fact that he is essentialy a traitor, a coward... and nothing else. In Bayformers he seems to have any kind of personality, and in Cybertron and Animated he is dull, boring and uniteresting. In Energon it's sad that he's plot don't lead to anywhere.

Hmm, as a child of the 80s I'll always have a soft spot for G1's over the top and all too obvious Starscream. I'm not a huge fan of IDW's interpretation (I much prefer how they tackled Thundercracker), but perhaps the most nuanced version is Prime's - he's clearly operating according to his own agenda, but doesn't actually say it to Megatron's face on a weekly basis.

It's his geeky shrill voice that makes people underestimate him in G1. Try listening to the G1 Japanese voice actor of him...........waaaaaaaay different. He sounds like a competent usurper rather than a geeky one. But that's what gives him his charm.

Chris Latta FOREVER!

P.S. Armada/Micron Legend Starscream did a 360 on the characterization, which isn't that bad too..............more like a disillusioned but competent follower. But the backstabbing, shrill and geeky usurper still wins out for me.