Starscream has seen many iterations over the years, and while Skybound's version is nothing drastically new, there are elements to him that show us the what cruelty incarnate is like.
I'm loving DWJ's take on the Decepticons. They're evil, but they have a sense of honor, and care about one another. Some even feel a small bit of pity for humans, even though they're lesser. Further pushing how much of a scumbag Starscream is compared to his fellow cons.
Thundercracker and Astrotrain have both shown pity towards the humans. Megatron even himself has shown some form of honor towards the humans. It's a great take for the Cons.
@@DeltaTrion I really love how the pity makes sense too. The Decepticons seem to be all about "survival of the fittest", while prime looks at us and thinks "small, yet mighty" the cons just see us as small.
And shockwave toooo!!! Like one more idiot kicks this poor man's dead robot dog and he's joining the autobots just so he can go full Jon wick on they ass
agreed 100%, whereas Shockwave is DEFINITELY more psychopathic. calm, sadistic, takes joy in hurting organisms, destroying beauty. The cons are all pieces of work in this and i am HERE for it
Fax machine 📠@@tallgollum2312 Cuz being sadistic, being pissed whiny alot of times, and overall starscream being a whiny little prick shows that he's a perfect example of a sadistic evil sociopath
Another thing that take account about Starscream's "leadership" is that he easily lies to Thundercracker about what happened to Skywarp and twisted the facts, just as well, he pretends to sound "caring" towards an wounded Skywarp or even tries to bootlick his fellow Decepticons to avoid fighting a warrior's battle. He may the best flier among the Decepticons, but his military tactics and strategist are mediocre at best, using brute force to solve his problems. Loved your analysis of Starscream, man. Wish you a happy week!
When you realize Had Starscream used Soundwave and Link him with Teletraan 1 instead Not only would he reboosted the Seekers but also would've had more warriors on his side giving the fact Soundwaves robots would've been some more firepower
Seeing Transformers with G1 cartoon designs doing such gruesome stuff feels like something taken straightly from this TV show fans most twisted nightmares. The Skybound writers and artists really did a fantastic job with such a rethorical device.
I still think that Soundwave is easily the most level headed Decepticon of them all, he's smart, cunning, loyal, he deeply cares about his cassettes, he's capable in a fight, and unlike Shockwave. Soundwave is perfectly capable of emotion. He doesn't challenge authority until he deems them unfit to lead.
Starscream is my favorite Transformer ever and this series does him justice. Starscream at his core is a guy with great ambitions but no interest in replicating what makes other leaders successful. He takes advantage of the chaos and attempts to establish himself, but he never suspects anyone to have interests conflicting with his. He dehumanizes everyone. Even his own brothers.
I wish we gotten a starscream that was like his g1 counterpart but turns into a good person and reasonable character but still being starscream (he would definitely hate it if someone see him save someone, u might think he would brag but he would be embarrassed cause he likes to do appearances and being an evil decepticon is one of them)
It was thx to Starscream this new continuity was able to showcase the rated R action that was in store. Hopefully he’ll come back like he always seems to, maybe as a ghost or maybe full restored as a human controlled weapon for Cobra or some other shadow organization.
I think so! I get the feeling that Megatron has more honor than we are used to seeing. Excited to do a video on that, but I'd like to wait until Issue 12 comes out to see if he shows up.
I have a facinating theory about Starscream. History has show him to have an immortal spark. Spark that can exist withput a body but uncapable of anything without one. Given how much the Skybound comics have diverged from the familiar cannon we all know, I thought it would be interesting if he were reconstituded as Galvatron. He would take a similiar form to Megatron with vain mockery.
A good example of Starscream just enjoying inflicting pain and misery is when Carly shouts that he killed her dad. Starscream's first reaction is to laugh, his second reaction is confusion over what a "dad" is.
You've articulated everything about the Skybound run that makes it stand out so much quite perfectly. I love when Starscream is given depth and nuance when he’s made into a sympathetic, well-meaning character- but I also absolutely loved the batshit crazy insane™ Starscream that DWJ and the team developed over the first 6 issues. His comeuppance was so well-executed, and I'm sure we definitely haven't seen his last in this run (no body, no case). I just picked up issue 10, and I wonder if Shockwave has managed to work his way up Soundwave's list after his comments regarding Ravage (Or maybe Shockwave's actual competency excuses him). As you mentioned, I think the constant juxtaposition between the heartwarming/heartbreaking panels with the Autobots and the cruelty of the Decepticons really helps elevate the severity. Your analysis is, as always, great!
@@skepticblvrr Eh, without nuance or at least scheming and plotting he's just a psycho that died off too quickly to do anything other than kill some people
Loving these videos on the Energon Universe! Agreed on the fact that Starscream isn’t dead. Too many people are gunning for him and worst case he’s a ghost. Can’t wait for the Soundwave video!
What I think is interesting is how Skyfire used to be his friend and was shocked at this version of Starscream. He must have changed at some point. Also interesting is how Jetfire said that Optimus was very young when he left Cybertron. It means that Starscream is either much older than Optimus or was also very young when Jetfire left, in which case they mustn't have had the work relationship they had in G1, likely something more familial.
From reading the very first issue, I immediately started to draw parallels between this Starscream and his Animated counterpart Sure, they're not one to one, Skybound being way more cruel of the two, but they both are tunnel visioned, only see their comrades as a means to their ends. Bark back when their methods are questioned, and hate it when someone brings up that "pompous bag of bolts" who preceded him The biggest difference is Animated Starscream actually IS combat capable around Autobots
You know when I think more about it, I remember that the relationship between Starscream and Megatron is a fickle one. Often times then not when starscream makes megaton Mad (Either through failing him or attempting to backstab most of the time) Megatron gets very violent and abusive towards starscream, and this happens a lot as portrayed through the various iterations of the Transformers Franchise. So with all that pent up anger and pain from the abuse he might look for ways to filter that angst, and what better way to do this than with one’s own enemies? Or in this case the small and fragile beings of the planet he’s on. So I think Starscream is taking out all his anger on the humans like what mega toon did to him, using them as a sort of filter for his trauma or something like that. Now make no mistake Starscream’s trauma Does not excuse his slaughter and brutalization of humans, Starscream is still an evil villain but it does show how the cycle of abuse only breeds more abuse. Well that’s just my interpretation of this subject. Please tell me what you think.
I remember there was some backlash from Starscream literally squishing Davey at the end of issue 1. But to me, it made perfect sense given his established character traits: primarily cowardice and egomania. As you alluded to, he doesn't seem like he can outright beat most cybertronians in a fair fight (at least from what we've seen in past and present in this continuity), so both traits lead to him immediately punching down when he first encounters humanity. It's a guaranteed victory to feed both traits. I also love that we get the juxtaposition (Decepticon dichotomy?) in issue 7 when we get to see Thundercracker and Soundwave confronted with the same enemies but actually stronger as they're armed (Thundercracker even has the captain in his fist ala Starscream and Davey) and they respond not with cruelty but pity, with Soundwave really only killing the naval crew to keep their actions masked for a bit longer.
Skybound Starscream felt like if they took the 80s cartoon screamer and removed the Y7 rating. He no longer threatens to squash humans like bugs, he just does it. The best/worst part is he's always elated by the act.
Another great video! 🔥 I've been getting back into Transformers the last few months after not really following it for several years, and this comic has been an absolute blast to hop into. Starscream is such a little shit, and I love it 😂 I really like how you pointed out the juxtaposition between him and Optimus. It's a stark contrast, and makes both sides of the story so interesting to read. I'm curious to see how Megatron is portrayed when he shows back up 🤔
Behavior of this Starscream is sharp contrast to the others 'Cons in Skybound comic, too. It's required some time, but as more and more Decepticons show up, their behavior indicates that they...not horrible monsters ? Sure, they do horrible things, many horrible things, but not in the way Starscream does them. Decepticons actually hate only Autobots, they declare them bad and themselves as “ good “. Yes, it's not uncommon for some villains to consider their actions for greater good or simply disguise these awful actions as not bad. But in truth, it's all lie, of course. But with Skybound Decepticons this apparently isn't just an act, they really seem to believe that they fight against evil and make the right choice to be on the purple side. Their planet and race dying, they seek out power to replenish homeworld and humans just got unlucky to have that power. Astrotrain, who initially poses as some maniac, sincerely feels sorry for Spike and humanity, admitting these horrible actions. Soundwave is not interested in mindless carnage, and only kills humans from aircraft out of necessity, not because he can. Thundercracker fooled to think that Autobots scrapped Skywarp and spare humans, but to no avail. Other 'Cons have spirit of camaraderie with each other and even Shockwave thanks Scrapper for help during the fight But the main surprise for me was Megatron. During the comic of Special, he awakens at Cobra-La, threatens to kill scientist if he does not tell him where his limbs are, and not only spares, but even thanks ( !!! ) that guy. How many times evil Megatron just thanked somebody, eh ? So, with that in mind, Starscream poses as some beast psycho, and irresponsible coward to fulfill his hateful character. And he falsy declares that he doing things for greater good. Also, Skywarp have psycho tendencies, too Sure, it's very interesting take on this faction and now maybe too early to say something, but i'm really enjoying these changes, and will happy to see where they will lead Thank you for video
Thank you for the comment! Currently writing the video on Soundwave and it does delve into the fact that these Cons are not all monsters. They seem to have an honor code of some sorts.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Decepticons in the Skybound/Energon universe takes inspiration from both the IDW and Aligned versions of the Decepticons, with what we have seen thus far. Or maybe they take more inspiration from the G1, Marvel and Animated continuity were the Decepticons weren’t a revolt movement started by working class bots, meant to abolished a corrupt caste system. But already we’re a military faction prior to the war for Cybertron.
@@ashtonchane6126 Yeah, they clearly have some noble cause. But I hope it's not about the caste system, again. It's already become really dull. I'm like concept of Decepticons as military race, and maybe when Transformers encounter some major problem in the past, Decepticons thinked Autobots were too soft or spoiled in some ways and thus grab the matter in their own hands, or some like that But, only future will tell us all details
@@Timeliner2004TF I’m more partial towards the idea of the Decepticons being oppressed Cybertroians being abused and exploited bots who had enough of being the victims of the cast system. It gives them a little bit nuance to their motivations - not a lot for what they eventually become - but just enough to at least understand them to an extent. But I get what you mean. Having to see the same story again and again, is bound to get boring and repetitive to an new audience who has already seen it before. My theory about this interpretation of the Decepticons is that at one point they coexisted alongside the Autobots similar to the Bayverse. the Decepticons were in charged of military operations and colonization efforts. While the Autobots were the scientific and exploration faction to preserving and documenting their culture. And a threat from long ago(possibly the Quintessons) attack Cybertron leaving it in state of near collapse. And the Decepticons felt that in order to prevent another cataclysm like that from happening again, they rationalize in order to preserve their home and species. They need to conquer other races before they are conquered themselves. But that’s just theory I’ve got at the moment.
@@ashtonchane6126 Well put. Actually, my long-time fan theory that strategy like " Kill them, before they kill us' ' was the reason why Decepticons were born in the G1 cartoon. After the exile of Quintessons, warrior robots among young Cybertronians were too afraid of another species across space, who might attack them again and refuse to give potential aliens any chances. So yeah, it's good story Yes, villains who were victims are a great source of sympathy. But, in my opinion, villains do not always need sympathy. Decepticons might be great delivers of “ very cruel good with fists “. They are also protectors like Autobots, but different kind. They will use force, they will conquer. They may want to create a rich empire to Cybertronians and no cost is too high. When Autobots claim the virtues are free will and spirit with unity through many voices, Decepticons may claim the virtues are order and obedience, unity through one voice Galvatron from Beast Wars II is a good example ( ok, he is actually Predacon, but leader of an antagonistic faction still ). He genuinely believes that peace through the universe can be achieved only by force and desire to collect unthinkable power to inflict that vision. In his mind, more pacific way is nonsense While their harsh actions hardly gave them some huge sympathy, they sure gave some degree of respect, not because they suffered in the past, but because they are brave enough to try and fulfill dare tasks for noble ends. But, yeah, they bunch of scary guys, anyway It’s just my thoughts how Decepticons might be like or in how way i’m more like them
A. Your videos are absolutely amazing, you deserve a LOT more subscribers B. Starscream being crushed by Devastator in the final fight with the Autobots was SUCH a satisfying way for him to be defeated, being flattened by a being much larger than himself. Looking forward to more, I hope you do a character anaylsis on Soundwave!
Starscream really is just a bully. Im surprised you don’t have more subs, so I'm pressing the button. Keep up the good work! Spoiler for Issue #10 (will keep it vague), but i really love how this comic adds depth to the deceptions without excusing their villainy. They clearly have a sense of morality- after all, they call the autobots evil, and megatron and thundercracker have been shown to spare humans that pose no threat to them- but it's misaligned to what the Autobots see as right and wrong. There’s a clear philosophical debate between the two sides that goes beyond good and evil. It seems to me like the Decepticons take a darwinistic approach to life, where only those who can prove their strength are worthy of existence, which makes sense considering the energy rationing and shortages their homeworld has suffered. Even Astrotrain expresses some level of remorse or regret at the fate of earth, saying that extraction of its resources is "the fate of lesser species". Again, they're still the bad guys, they’re still mostly irredeemable, but they have these elements of virtue and reflection that make them far more interesting than if they were just, well, cartoon villains.
I watched this probably 3 times already along with the rest of your videos. Skybound's Transformers has been one of the best comics I've read and I started at issue 3 (read from the beginning however there was only 3 issues when I started). This series feels awfully special, and you do the greatest job with these... explorations if you call them that? On top of that my girlfriend for 4 years Karly looks exactly like Carly from the comics so I joke with her why she hates cliffjumper (she hated the transformers movies because I watch them all every 4 months even though they are iffy if not bad, but I was 17 when those stupid movies came out and I loved themever since). hope in a year when there is even more than 10 issues now you get a lot more viewers. Faaaaantastic!
This is my favorite Starscream right below Animated, and this is the only video ive seen talking about him. I have no clue what happens in the Skybound comics, but I want to find out one day.
I like this new Transformers comic and glad I found this channel discussing it! I really like how they been doing Optimus here especially. It shows how much the creators cares about the characters And Starscream being Starscream of course 😂 but didnt expect to see such an evil version of him as shown here! Obviously he is not dead and will come crawling back like he always does...
Its crazy that you have less than a thousand subs with this level of editing and hard work. You deserve way more man, hope to see the day you hit your first 100k
Humans out of their league to Cybertronians aka transformers Power level, Tech level & weapon level Show us unlike Bayformers Human forces (army force & police force) can't hold up to Autobots and Decepticons at all!
Meh, this take on Starscream's boring. We have enough mindless psycho decepticons. Starscream usually gets a bit of depth and time to shine as a backstabber to megatron or maybe have slight signs of redemption or motivation outside of either faction but not this time, just a boring, mindless sociopath with no depth that dies almost immediately. Honestly my least favorite part of what's mostly a great comic.
@@Sentinel009-d7p Have you not seen Armada where Starscream became an Autobot? IDW where he confessed to all of his crimes after becoming leader? The depth and decision making of Prime's Starscream? No? Just going to laugh at me for wanting to see a character have development and become a better or worse character? Instead of just some psycho?
