The Energon Pub

I am a Canadian, so I went on Ebay at the news that MP Starscream was not likely to make it to the great white North. I won an auction in which, I'll tell you, the exchange rate was totally working in my favour. MP Starscream arrived today, one day before my birthday. Sweet timing.


For all pictures, click the thumbnail for a larger version.

BOT MODE

First off, I love the packaging. Sure, the box is big, but it looks impressive and almost monolithic. In keeping with the classics-style package design, Hasbro brings us a winner. I don't know how collector-friendly the packaging is because I keep nothing MISB. Screamer's package was one of the easiest packages to open without destroying the box that I have had in a long time.



Here he is posing out of the package with the Megatron gun that came with my 20th Anniversary DVD Prime. Although I do find the sides of his jet-mode cumbersome as they hang off his waist, I have not found Starscream difficult to stand. If you position his thrusters/heels, you can get some fairly stable poses. If not, there is always that fantastic base with clear plastic support.




The double-face is an interesting feature. I worry about changing his face around too much and scratching the paint off his face with my fingernails, so I'll probably leave him with the smirk most of the time.



His hands are interesting. I had assumed each of his fingers would be articulated and seperate like MP Prime, but MP Starcream's thumb and index finger are the only separate digits. The rest are clumped together. Although articulated at the knuckle, you can not spread them out. Also, here is a shot of his elbow pistons.



Starscream comes with a scantly painted Dr. Archeville. Don't lose him. He's a tiny bugger. Although there is nowhere to store him on the display base, I just leave him in the cockpit and fold him up into Starscream when I convert him to bot mode.


Another cool feature is that if you don't like Starscream's long guns on the side of his arm, you can take them off and switch them with the pack of missiles instead (see below in poses)

More bot poses:




I do have one question, though. Does anyone know what the opening panel on his back is for? I can't figure out why it is there or why they bothered putting a metal piece in it.



ALT MODE

I had a heck of a time getting MP Starscream into jet mode. I don't think I lined up the arms correctly during transformation. I have only transformed him once, so I'm going to try again; I am afraid of breaking something. In jet mode, however, he is an impressive sight. I love the crown symbol on the outside of the cockpit.



As far as first impressions go, I really dig MP Starscream and I am glad I shelled out for him on Ebay.

Finally, a MP Starscream and Classics Starscream comparison

Magnimus,
Congratulations on your Screamer! Thanks for sharing your pics. I got mine a few days ago and totally love him.

ignore:The metal bar inside the nose of the jet is the landing gear; you can pull it out when you put the jet on a flat surface. -I misread your question.

I keep my little pilot tucked away under the base, grasped by the little round clasp that comes with it --although I really like what you did with Starscream holding Dr. Archeville in his hand!
Again, congrats and enjoy!

Magnimus wrote:I do have one question, though. Does anyone know what the opening panel on his back is for? I can't figure out why it is there or why they bothered putting a metal piece in it.

It's for his alt mode. It's the airbrake, and it's an actual part on the real plane. That's why they included it.

Autobot032 wrote:

Magnimus wrote:I do have one question, though. Does anyone know what the opening panel on his back is for? I can't figure out why it is there or why they bothered putting a metal piece in it.

It's for his alt mode. It's the airbrake, and it's an actual part on the real plane. That's why they included it.

Ah, cool. Thanks for the enlightenment.

How bout the covers on his thrusters/heels, do they just fold back to look cool in robot mode? or is that something related to a real jet?

Nice pictures man!

I want one for myself!!

Barrelass wrote:How bout the covers on his thrusters/heels, do they just fold back to look cool in robot mode? or is that something related to a real jet?

I'd like to answer, but I'm not sure what you're asking.

Magnimus wrote:

Barrelass wrote:How bout the covers on his thrusters/heels, do they just fold back to look cool in robot mode? or is that something related to a real jet?

I'd like to answer, but I'm not sure what you're asking.

i think he means the silver flaps on his "calves"

Bumblebee-otch wrote:

Magnimus wrote:

Barrelass wrote:How bout the covers on his thrusters/heels, do they just fold back to look cool in robot mode? or is that something related to a real jet?

I'd like to answer, but I'm not sure what you're asking.

i think he means the silver flaps on his "calves"

Also part of the airbrakes, though I'm not sure why they made 'em silver.

Magnimus wrote:Starscream comes with a scantly painted Dr. Archeville. Don't lose him. He's a tiny bugger. Although there is nowhere to store him on the display base, I just leave him in the cockpit and fold him up into Starscream when I convert him to bot mode.

I used one of the clear rubber bands from the packaging to tie him sitting in one of the indentations on Starscream's shoulders in robot mode. Seemed appropriate somehow.

rpetras wrote:

Bumblebee-otch wrote:

Magnimus wrote:

Barrelass wrote:How bout the covers on his thrusters/heels, do they just fold back to look cool in robot mode? or is that something related to a real jet?

I'd like to answer, but I'm not sure what you're asking.

i think he means the silver flaps on his "calves"

Also part of the airbrakes, though I'm not sure why they made 'em silver.

You are correct, they are part of the airbrake system. On the color issue, I believe the real deal has the same setup on those panels.

It would seem we're in need of Google.

Google and Wiki: A winning combination.



As you can barely see (could've used a brighter picture there, folks!) the panels are a silver color. If I were to guess, I'd say they're bare metal. Not sure about that though.