Summary
When it comes to villain sidekicks in pop culture, there aren’t many that come to mind over Starscream, the deceptive yet useful second-in-command to Megatron. He pretty much embodies his faction’s title and is among the most memorable characters in theTransformersfranchise.
What stands out about Starscream’s design across the franchise is its consistency. From animated series to live-action films to anime to comic books, there are many different forms of Transformers media, but Starscream’s design has remained consistently similar across all of them, with a few notable exceptions.
This one’s a real mixed bag. The reason it’s on this list is because it also has some cool moments. On the other hand, it’s also very uncharacteristic of Starscream’s general appearance. To put it simply, Starscream, in his robot form inMichael Bay’sTransformersfranchiseis quite ugly. His torso is way too big for his body and his face, with his teeth visible and moments where he even spits as he talks. It’s quite unlike the character that fans of the series have come to love for so many years.
On the other hand, the sequences in which he transforms into an F22 raptor are incredibly cool. Especially the one where he takes out multiple US Air Force jets and wreaks havoc on the battlefield in Chicago, sending the Autobots scurrying with his hit-and-run attacks. Charlie Adler also puts in a fantastic voice-acting performance that remains true to the original character.
Transformers Oneis the latest piece ofTransformersmedia to be released, taking the series back to its roots with a fresh look in the form of an animated movie series. While the movie explores the origin stories of the Autobots and the Decepticons, Starscream, voiced by Steve Buscemi has an interesting design asthe leader of the High Guard.
While it does appear to pay tribute to the original G1 design of the character in some ways, the Starscream inTransformers Oneis more silver than red and blue. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get a lot of screen time other than his introduction as the leader of the High Guard. The design has potential and could grow on fans over time with future sequels as the character is developed.
5IDW Comics Starscream
Well Drawn, But Not Very Different From The Original
Comic books often tend to have noticeably better designs than animated media or live-action films. Artists are given a lot more freedom to get creative with the designs. This especially comes through with the IDW series ofTransformerscomic books.
Starscream’s design in these comic books is no exception either. His lines are sharp, and his face is a lot more expressive than any other form ofTransformersmedia out there in the comics. However, it doesn’t try anything unique and sticks to a very similar design to the original G1 Starscream. Not to say there’s anything wrong with this. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
4War for Cybertron Starscream
A Familiar Design With More Nuanced Characterization
Popularly known as the “Netflix Trilogy”, theTransformers: War for Cybertrontrilogy features a Starscream that looks verysimilar to the Generation 1 design. Yet, modern animation and a very cool transformation into an aircraft that looks like a fancy fighter jet make this design work brilliantly as a homage to the original.
Furthermore, the series' characterization of Starscream is quite interesting and gives his character a certain degree of nuance and depth. While he retains his cunning persona, he also has strong emotions about the Decepticon cause and their war against the Autobots.
Transformers: Primeis arguably the most popular variant ofTransformersoutside the live-action films. This Starscream design is a noteworthy departure from Generation 1 Starscream and all the designs the original inspired. And this departure is what makes this Starscream work so well.
Starscream retains all his qualities as a backstabbing, sniveling lieutenant in the long-runningTransformers: Primeseries. What makes his character design tick in this series is that his Decepticon model is a lot sharper, slender, and more angular. He doesn’t look physically imposing, buthe can’t be underestimated either.
2Generation 1 Starscream
An Icon That Inspired The Character
Starscream fromThe Transformerspopularized as Generation 1 is the original design for the character and an icon in theTransformersfandom. While the character himself was known for repeatedly trying to usurp Megatron and gain command of the Decepticon, his design as a transformer who could become an F-15 fighter is among the coolest in the franchise.
Furthermore, his transformation animation is seamless and quick, and kids back in the day enjoyed playing with his figurines because of this very reason. Generation 1 Starscream is etched into fandom folklore as one of the most consistent characters in theTransformersfranchise. Both in design and characterization.
1Armada Starscream
Starscream Gets The Anime Treatment
Starscream fromTransformers: Armadais widely regarded as the best rendition of the character, right from his design, to his story and Michael Dobson’s impactful voice-acting performance. His character design inTransformers: Armadais quite different from his conventional design, but also remains true to its roots. His combat posture and energon sword are cool additions to his arsenal.
But what makes Armada Starscream stand out is his tragic, yet inspiring characterization. He’s constantly struggling with an internal conflict and moral conundrums. The show also gives him some meaningful interactions with humans and the Autobots.
