Shoestring budget air commander.

So, I managed to get Lord Starscream even though the Authentics been selling out quick. On paper it makes sense; they’re decently sized, decent looking, official Transformers that are sold at prices similar to KOs.

Despite pretty much everyone online hating the Authentics line, they seem to be doing very well here in Malaysia. Maybe not to the level of the Machine Boy KOs but it’s a start.

Packaging

Vehicle mode

Yeah, this is very obviously where the budget restrictions hit the worst. Lord Starscream is not a good looking jet. I mean it’s understandable and it is recognisable as a jet but if there were a few more steps to the transformation, I feel the jet mode could have been awesome.

Oh well.

For playability, Lord Starscream can be armed with his null-rays underneath his wings. Or you can leave them on his arms. It’s a nice surprise that Lord Starscream includes removable weapons.

Transformation

Just looking at him, you should already be able to tell how Lord Starscream transforms. Basically, just stand up the jet and rearrange his parts.

Robot mode

Now this is where things are looking up for Lord Starscream and the Authentics line. While he’s under-painted, he’s sculpted very nicely and is pretty beefy for the price. While he is lighter than modern Legends figures even though he’s the same size, he doesn’t feel too cheap and is surprisingly not very hollow.

Lord Starscream is also much more posable than you’d expect from a budget Transformer aimed at kids. He can swivel at the head. His shoulders, elbows, hips and knees are all ball-jointed.

Toy or collectible?

This Lord Starscream is a toy.

And he’s a lot of toy for the price of entry. He’s twice the size of a Legion Transformer and costs about 2/3 the price of said Legion Transformer. You get a basic, chunky, easy to carry Transformer for the low price of RM25 ($6.25).

That’s a some great value right there!

Closing

Lord Starscream here does what he’s supposed to do perfectly and that’s incredibly in character for someone of his stature. Get him as an affordable gift or as a budget friendly pick me up!

6/5 stars!