Titanium Starscream

Series: Titanium
Allegiance: Decepticon
Year: 2007

One of the first warriors recruited to the Decepticon cause, Starscream is a vicious warrior and gleeful killer. Most Decepticons keep score of how many Autobots they take out, but Starscream carves himself little trophies out of their pelvic gimbals. As leader of the elite Seeker squadron assigned by Megatron to launch high speed, surprise assault on Autobot strongholds, and one of the old guard among the Decepticon leadership, he enjoys more freedom of opinion than many other Decepticons. Megatron is tolerant of his sarcasm and belligerent ambition only because Starscream is simply too efficient an engine of destruction to do without. It is not only his skill as a fighter that gives his Autobot victims pause. Before the war, he was an explorer and scientist, with many friends among the Autobots - Jetfire and Grimlock among them. Even then he was a bully and a manipulator, but few who knew him suspected he could be capable of the atrocities now attributed to him.

Robot Mode: Titanium Starscream is a near-perfect replica of the Starscream we saw in Dreamwave's War Within comic series. His shoulders aren't quite as high, but that's the only major difference I can see. Design-wise the robot mode has a lot of similarities with Galaxy Force Starscream, which isn't surprising, seeing as that version of 'Screamer was also modeled after the War Within design. Starscream has very broad shoulders and his partially metal construction makes for a very broad, solid robot. Posability is good, no complaints on that front, and the detailing is also nicely done, despite the fact that there is a lot of white involved (which tends to swallow details).

One thing that does bother me a bit about this version of Starscream is the weapons. He does have his trademark nullray cannons, yes, but they are very short, barely peeking out of his shoulders. At first I though they could be pulled out and extended, but that isn't the case. So we're left with two very short, barely visible weapons. That could have been done better. Apart from that, though, I have nothing to complain about. A very nice version of Starscream.

Alternate Mode: Starscream's vehicle mode is also pretty much as we saw it in War Within and also bears some similarities to the pyramid-shaped Seekers we saw in the original cartoon series' pilot episode "More Than Meets the Eye". And once again, there is also something of a resemblance to Galaxy Force Starscream, both in the jet mode and in the transformation sequence that gets you there.

The jet features a landing gear and looks pretty wholesome, all the various parts clicking together nicely, making him appear almost seamless. At least until you look at it from the rear. Because if you do, you not only see Starscream's robot hands, you also see his head. I'd have wished for a panel or something similar to close off the rear of the jet and hide those robot parts.

All in all a nice vehicle mode that looks like it's supposed to, but with a little more effort it could have looked good from all directions.

Remarks: Dreamwave's War Within series told the story of the beginning of the Cybertronian civil war, long before the Transformers ever heard of a place called Earth. For that series all the familiar Transformers, Autobots and Decepticons alike, were retro-designed to sport nifty Cybertronian alternate modes, which of course affected their robot modes as well. Starscream is one of several War Within designs to be adapted for the Titanium series, others include Optimus Prime and Jetfire.

As a figure Starscream is good, but not exceptionally so. The figure could have done with some improvements, such as extendable weapons and a better rear for the jet mode. As it is, he's still good, but not as good as he could be. Recommended to Screamer-fans and those looking to get War Within designs.

Rating: B-