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Interview with SUNSTAR: 64 Starscreams because Prowl sucks (Part 2 in a 33,424 part series)

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:58 pm
by Counterpunch
Previous Interview: FenderBender
http://www.seibertron.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18093&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=

Sunstar:
http://www.seibertron.com/members/profile.php?id=15409


CP:
To the point and for the record, care to tell your fans your name (given), your screen name, and how you came to use that handle?

Sunstar:
My given name is something I don't typically like to give out. Unless it's in a trade or special circumstances. Sunstar I came to use in the transformers fandom after using the name Morganna for about 15 years. Sunstar was actually a character in my fic Seeker of Vengeance, but after cries of "self insert" I changed the name in the fic to Sunburst and kept the name of Sunstar for myself. The funny thing was the alternate name I was thinking of using was Sunstorm. I was oblivious to the fact that Sunstorm was an actual character at the time.

CP:
Worries about internet security and people finding out who you are can be troubling in these fancy modern times, especially when you’re a girl. Thus, we encounter one of what will be the focuses of this interview: the perspective of the female (or as some might say ‘girl’) collector. Tell me; is it super-fun to be a minority in this male dominated fandom?

Sunstar:
It is not so much security issues I am worried about, just it is fun to have a different name and take yourself away from the reality of the chaotic modern world.

I do not feel that I am exactly in the minority as I know so many female fans. Being a female in a "male dominated" area is not something which is new to me anyway. I have been a tomboy all my life and I do enjoy and quite often prefer the things that the guys do. I have been the only female in a number of my technical study classes in high school. It can be fun, to some degree and irritating to others. It depends on who I encounter. I enjoy being one of the "boys"

CP:
If you really knew what guys do with their free time, you might revise that statement. I should point out that cross-gender issues came up with my first interview with Fender Bender. Is there some kind of Eddie Izzard Club I should know about? What are some of your other hobbies? Do you have anyone to share your interests with?

Sunstar:
I am unfamiliar with the term Eddie Izzard Club. My other interests and hobbies are cycling, I do enjoy riding around. I love to do artwork, although most of it is transformers related. But one of my hobbies that may actually be a close rival to transformers is Warhammer Fantasy battles. I paint the figures and occasionally play. It too, is a mostly male dominated area.

My husband is not too interested in Transformers. With Warhammer, I get into a few gaming groups and hangout at the Games-workshop store.

CP:
Miniature painting takes a steady hand and keen attention to detail. I’ve spent many hours painting battalions etc, so I can sympathize. You mentioned classes. Are you still a student or have you entered the big bad work force? How do you support your hobby?

Sunstar:
I have been out of school for over 11 years, probably closer to 12 now.

I am currently not employed but I do try to make some money "fun money" though selling bits and peices on ebay. I am hoping to find some employment in a field that I enjoy and find relaxing.

CP:
You are a character specific collector correct? Who, why, and how does your collection stand now?

Sunstar:
I am a character specific collector. I collect figures relating to Starscream and I have been since 2003. I do not have all the figures, by any stretch of the imagination. I would like to, but some are either far too elusive, or far too expensive. One day though, I hope to get even the hard to find and pricey ones.

Why Starscream? My collection stated out wanting to get a Generation One figure of him, I got the TRU reissue, then snared an E-hobby ghost and then the Mega SFC figure. I told my husband only Generation One Starscream and others wiggled their way into the picture. As for the actual why, Starscream has been a character that has fascinated me from my childhood. He, and the other Seekers really caught my attention. I like jets, I like sleek, fast machines that fly. Coupled with his rather cute drawing style of the old series and his fun personality and voice, Starscream won me over. I rather like the character type that Starscream is. Lord Chamberlain from the Movie The Dark Crystal is another favourite.

My collection is incomplete, but I am not finding a whole lot of figures and related articles that I am wanting right at this moment. I have 64 Starscream figures, (transforming, non transforming, knock off, and sundry) in my collection. As for how they stand, either on their feet or wheels. But Machine Wars Starscream, he stands on his head.

CP:
What’s your reaction to the collective love that Starscream gets as a character? His popularity with female collectors is well noted. Is this a bandwagon issue with ladies, or do you think there is really something there that draws their attention to him? Most male collectors are either put-off by the outpouring of attention that Starscream gets, or simply find it silly. How do you respond to these reactions from fellow collectors?

Sunstar:
I am not sure what makes Starscream as popular as he is. I enjoyed him as a kid thinking I was the only nutcase that did. It was not until re-entering the fandom did I realize how much of a female following he actually had.

As for the bandwagon issue, I don't really think it is. I have often spoken to female fans and found they liked Starscream and it was him who got them interested in the fandom. What it is that attracts them to Starscream is an enigma. It remains an enigma to me why I even like him. Some sort of "magic" in his overall mystery.

The male collectors are probably quite baffled by this interest and I can't entirely blame them. Starscream is not what would be considered really good partner material.

Basically, the best way I can put it is this way: There are fangirls who squeal and drool over Prowl. I can't stand that character; I loathe Prowl with a passion. I cannot understand why anyone would even like Prowl. However; there are folk who do and have their own reasons for doing so and they are likely not hurting anyone.

For the most part, I will respond to people who ask as best I can. If it is curiosity, I am happy to give an answer. If it is more of a malicious question, then I have to ask them, why do they care?

CP:
Personally, I just think they’re jealous of Starscream. He steals the attention of a needy fandom away from many a lonely man. Have you had to contend with any guys giving you too much attention on account of your gender? Feel free to name names. Fender Bender did. Last gender question, do you find that you get more attention your way simply because you’re a girl and is it flattering or something you have to deal with so that people get to know you as a collector?

Sunstar:
I have often felt it was perhaps jealousy and that they are lonely. Or I have wondered if they have the sort of, girls do girls things and boys do boys things and may the two never cross paths, mindset.

To be honest, I do not feel that I get any more or any less attention as the next person. I do not hide the fact I am female. The attention I get is usually related to my website, my art or my collection. I don't often get comments about my gender aside of the occasional "Cool, you're a girl who likes Transformers."

CP:
Tell us about your interest in Transformers aside from Starscream, are you old school, new school, somewhere between… What is your favorite toy line and show? Why are they the best? Why are other people’s opinions on your favorite things so incredibly wrong?

Sunstar:
I am classified as old school. If I write anything I will usually go Generation One or something around those specific characters. But I have watched a number of the different series. Energon and Beastwars are the two I could not get interested in enough to watch more than a couple. My curiosity and interest in becoming a more rounded fan set me to download a number of episodes to watch. I don't have a TV which makes it difficult to watch these when they are on. I hope they do release dvd sets of energon and Cybertron, the latter was pretty good.

My favourite toy line would probably have to be the classics and the titanium lines oh yes, and masterpiece. The classics line is quite wonderful for simple but more or less show accurate characters with great articulation. Titanium, I just have the jets (Starscream Thundercracker and Sunstorm) are nice heavy feel-good figures. The War Within Style appeals to me.

My favourite show would have to be the Original Series and Cybertron. The original series was the launch pad for all future series and it was quite neat. Also the language used in Generation One, Negative, affirmative and some of the more adult words, appealed to me. My teacher was upset with me because these were the words I wanted to learn to spell. I did not get the feeling that they were talking down to me when I first watched them and that was part of the reason why I watched it.

Cybertron or Galaxy Force, I watched both. Had quite a few funny moments. The characters were interesting and a lot of fun. Energon had Ironhide and kicker and those two drove me through the loop. Starscream in Cybertron had the get up and go and was rather bad aft and the Japanese voice actor had a great voice, even though I could not understand it.

As for opinions, I was taught as a child that it was okay to agree to disagree because when an opinion was made, it was not likely to be changed and arguing about it was a pointless waste of energy and effort. If someone does not agree with me, that's fine, they don't have to. Just as long as they accept I think otherwise. Other than that... they are silly for not liking it too :p

So in a nutshell...heh, a big nut shell—coconut...I am somewhere in between. I will take, use or alter stuff from any universe if it catches my fancy.

CP:
How did you come to Seibertron? What has invested you in the site and caused you to stay? Am I your favorite poster on the forum, or just the most handsome? What do you want the site/community to know you for?

Sunstar:
I went to Seibertron in 2004. I am not sure why I went there in the first place, but I am primarily there to watch the latest toys news and find out when their releases are, it is convenient. As for favourite poster, I don't have one. Unless you count my best friend, Pulsar as that.

What would I want the site and community to know me for... good question—a hard one. I want them to know me as a person who has a passion and drive for Transformers, the Decepticons and most specifically the Seekers and Starscream. I take this passion quite seriously. I would also want them to know me for a person who knows how to have fun and toss reality as well as logic to the side and jump in head first.

CP:
Since you didn't name me as your favorite poster, we're all going to understand that to mean that I'm the most handsome. Now, Michael Bay's Transformers and Starscream. Love him? Hate him? Did Michael Bay destroy your childhood or did he give you the most bad-ass Starscream to date?

Sunstar:
:P I was never really sure if you were male or female.

CP:
If Fender Bender can be the Gender Bender and you can be a TomBoy, then......er....nope. I'm all man. (Everyone keep their hands to their selves, guys, girls, especially guys, I, am taken. :) )

Sunstar:
So am I. for nearly ten years.

Movie Starscream. That's a touchy subject. He grew on me, but I do not "love" him like I did the other ones. In actual fact, he barely was in the movie for me to make more than a oh, that's Starscream. The book, Ghosts of Yesterday, Starscream was true to form. His personality in that book could never be more intact that I actually prefer that book over the movie. The CG transformers were quite interesting.

The destroy my childhood... that comment always made me laugh. How could anyone destroy a childhood that came and past over 20 years ago is beyond me. So my childhood is still very much intact. My second childhood was a little shaken, but not by Micheal Bay.

My honest response is I am still very neutral in my thought of the Movie Starscream. If the Personality was true to form, then that's a definite point in his favour. But as I said, it did not come across very clearly in the movie, so on that, I may have to reserve judgment until the next one comes out. I am just quite glad Starscream managed to survive to the end of it and he did not suffer the over done cliché of him getting slagged by Megatron. As for the most Bad assed Starscream, I would have to say the Cybertron version of him was quite bad to the bone.

Toy wise, I think the protoform toy has quite a few Generation One homage’s and the Movie Voyager Toy is a rather cool looking jet with a load of missiles I need to go looking for.

CP:
Ok, ready for some quick response questions?

Sunstar:
I can try.

CP:
GeeWuner's are the only true fans, True or False

Sunstar:
Generation One fans are just one of many fans.

So false. I hate the term GeeWun btw.

CP:
Starscream would have defeated the Autobots eons ago had he been in charge. True or False

Sunstar:
Absolutely True

CP:
Cybertron the toy line is the best overall toy line ever, True or False?

Sunstar:
Neutral.

CP:
Neutral = not an answer, This is hardball sister....

Sunstar:
I have no idea actually.

CP:
Cake or Death?

Sunstar:
Pie

preferably cherry served with Icecream

CP:
You are bad at picking options when presented, True or False?

Sunstar:
True

there is always another answer

Do you expect anything less from a fan of Starscream?

CP:
If Optimus Prime came to you and said, "Sunstar, I need you to kill a man." Would you hesitate? Would you doubt? Or would problems get solved the hard way?

Sunstar:
It depends on who I am supposed to kill. Anyway, I probably wouldn't I don't take orders from Optimus Prime.

CP:
Care to have the last word?

Sunstar:
Primus, it sounds like I am about to be executed...

CP:
You should have chose 'Cake', hunh?

Sunstar:
looks like it.

I don't think I have any... last words...so, lets try to make this painless

CP:
Thank you so much for taking time with us.

Sunstar:
you're welcome.
CP:
I and everyone else appreciates the effort of the interviewees

Sunstar:
thanks.


Sunstar:
Image

My Starscream collection:
Image

My Starscream collection with the jets:
Image

Movie Starscream collection: (bad photo I know)
Image

And perhaps this one... geekitis..
Image

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:04 pm
by Sunstar
I am dead... LOL

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:22 pm
by Geekee1
Very nice to see these continuing. It's great to see what other fans motivations are, and what their other interests are as well.

The Eddie Izzard references were quite entertaining as well. Sunstar may be Church of England.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:28 pm
by i_amtrunks
Great interview again P/CP, and how about a big Hooray for Sunstorm too???

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:45 pm
by Omega-1
I enjoyed the interview. Quite an entertaining read.

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:10 pm
by zemper
great interview CP! had me snickering at my office cubicle at times, good thing the boss ain't around LOL...and oh Sunstar, you are awesome. 'nuff said milady. i hope there are many more chicks who dig TFs with a passion such as yours.

plus, the big decepticon logo at the bedroom = priceless. 8)

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:37 pm
by Powersa
great interview!

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:52 pm
by tom brokaw
nice starscream collection.... what is that huge ss in the back of the second pic?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:55 pm
by Bed Bugs
Multiple references to me = WIN :grin:

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:09 am
by Dispensor
tom brokaw wrote:nice starscream collection.... what is that huge ss in the back of the second pic?


That's Cybertron Starscream.

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:33 am
by Counterpunch
Format is good for everyone?

We did longer questions and responses this time due to circumstances of being busy people...

It definitely fun getting to hear individual sides of the collective story.

I think these solo opportunities allow us to give out more honest and real opinions without our statements getting over looked due to 'wall-o-text' syndrome*.



*Wall-o-text syndrome is the phenomenon of overlooking even high quality posts simply because they exceed 10 or so lines of text. I am...extremely guilty of this, very often... :oops:

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:41 am
by skywarp-2
Excellent Interview Sunstar, I like your collection and share your passion for that of the Seekers. I'm a huge fan of Skywarp as you can tell, so I share some of your respective passions...when it comes to that of seekers and Jets. I have run accross your collections and the links to those on numerous occasions but had no idea who Sunstar was, though I do recall a few comments and conversations on some Threads off and on. It's nice to see a Girl passionate about Transformers and is a wonderful sign that there are others out there who can relate to a childhood toy and cartoon property which finally got it's debut in the movies..

I would like to make a request that in the beginning of the thread or the ending of the interview a link be placed to the previous interviews for others to read..maybe link the thread to a number or the name of the member..???

Anyways, great interview, your a cool gal pal in my book!! ;)^

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:13 am
by Counterpunch
skywarp-2 wrote:I would like to make a request that in the beginning of the thread or the ending of the interview a link be placed to the previous interviews for others to read..maybe link the thread to a number or the name of the member..???


Good idea.

I will do that in the future.

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:24 am
by Dead Metal
Nice interview, well now I know what Geewuner means!
Well I'm so gelus of all em Screamers, I want well a few of em, and the T-shirt :P

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:05 am
by Sunstar
Thanks guys! And don't forget to stop by my Website (Shameless plug) I do come up with long winded answers and I think Counterpunch was trying to get me to answer something much simpler...with a simple yes or no, but being Sunstar, I like to give people a hard time.

Kudos to counterpunch who can stand my wisecracks. :P

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:48 am
by Starscream227
Enjoyable read. Points for the faction symbol above the bed!

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:50 pm
by kirbenvost
Nice interview, both of you! :APPLAUSE: Definitely an entertaining read.

Don't worry CP, I think you're handsome. ;;) :lol:

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:28 pm
by skywarp-2
Counterpunch wrote:
skywarp-2 wrote:I would like to make a request that in the beginning of the thread or the ending of the interview a link be placed to the previous interviews for others to read..maybe link the thread to a number or the name of the member..???


Good idea.

I will do that in the future.


Actually, what i was talking about was placing a link to the previous interview with fender bender for those who missed it, so they could go back and read his.. and then placing sunstar's thread link on the next one, so people can read hers.. that way we can hopscotch backwards to the first posting to read others that came before it..

Also if we kept adding each person's name to the posts we'd have a list too long to scroll down before the next interview, that's why i suggested just the previous one, on the current interview...???????

Confused yet????



sorry.... :(

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:30 pm
by Counterpunch
skywarp-2 wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
skywarp-2 wrote:I would like to make a request that in the beginning of the thread or the ending of the interview a link be placed to the previous interviews for others to read..maybe link the thread to a number or the name of the member..???


Good idea.

I will do that in the future.


Actually, what i was talking about was placing a link to the previous interview with fender bender for those who missed it, so they could go back and read his.. and then placing sunstar's thread link on the next one, so people can read hers.. that way we can hopscotch backwards to the first posting to read others that came before it..

Also if we kept adding each person's name to the posts we'd have a list too long to scroll down before the next interview, that's why i suggested just the previous one, on the current interview...???????

Confused yet????



sorry.... :(


Want to find that link for me?

I'll post it too.

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:31 pm
by City Commander
When the list of interviews is big enough, I think they warrant their own forum.


The 'Interview forum'





























Then again, I think a lot of things should be made into their own forums :P

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:33 pm
by skywarp-2
Counterpunch wrote:
skywarp-2 wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:
skywarp-2 wrote:I would like to make a request that in the beginning of the thread or the ending of the interview a link be placed to the previous interviews for others to read..maybe link the thread to a number or the name of the member..???


Good idea.

I will do that in the future.


Actually, what i was talking about was placing a link to the previous interview with fender bender for those who missed it, so they could go back and read his.. and then placing sunstar's thread link on the next one, so people can read hers.. that way we can hopscotch backwards to the first posting to read others that came before it..

Also if we kept adding each person's name to the posts we'd have a list too long to scroll down before the next interview, that's why i suggested just the previous one, on the current interview...???????

Confused yet????



sorry.... :(


Want to find that link for me?

I'll post it too.


I just spent over an hour looking back through pages.. I found your first idea suggestion somewhere around Page 15 to 18.. but sadly for the life of me I couldn't find Fender's response.. it's maddening!!! :sad:

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:34 pm
by skywarp-2
The Master Blaster wrote:When the list of interviews is big enough, I think they warrant their own forum.


The 'Interview forum'





























Then again, I think a lot of things should be made into their own forums :P



agreed 8)

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:35 pm
by First Gen
Good work CP. It must be difficult finding questions to ask without sounding redundant yet maintaining your humor factor. Very nice.

Nice collection Sunstar, but there's no way in heck that the Decepticons would have gone anywhere under Starscreams lead. Sorry.

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:40 pm
by Counterpunch
First Gen wrote:Good work CP. It must be difficult finding questions to ask without sounding redundant yet maintaining your humor factor. Very nice.


Thanks dude, that is very true though. I try to avoid having pre-scripted questions so that the talks don't end up sounding the same.

...and I believe Skywarp-2 is my next victim,...er victim, yea, that's it.

EDIT:

FOUND Link

PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:44 pm
by First Gen
Counterpunch wrote:
First Gen wrote:Good work CP. It must be difficult finding questions to ask without sounding redundant yet maintaining your humor factor. Very nice.


Thanks dude, that is very true though. I try to avoid having pre-scripted questions so that the talks don't end up sounding the same.

...and I believe Skywarp-2 is my next victim,...er victim, yea, that's it.

EDIT:

FOUND Link


Sweet, Skywarp-2 is the man. Can't wait for that interview.