Transformers Timelines - FLAREUP (FIRESTAR)!

Transformers Timelines - BotCon 2005 Souvenir 2-Pack - Flareup - Hasbro 2005

Once again, the BotCon 2005 offerings blew my mind. In addition to the large 7-figure Decent Into Evil boxset, there was a two-figure Souvenir set with Ratchet and Flareup. They came in simple unadorned polybags with separate trading cards and instantly cost bank on eBay. Flareup is a rebranding of the G1 character Firestar, one of the original members of Elita's Army introduced in The Search for Alpha Trion (1985). No toys of Firestar ever have her original name. There is, of course, the Marvel mutant Firestar (similarly merchandised by Hasbro) and also the orange cat from the popular Warriors book series, so her aliases are understandable (Flareup and Novastar so far). Firestar was always a standout for me because she embodies several characteristics that are so rarely applied to female characters. Firstly, her orange color palette is almost non-existent in my toy room, and similarly firefighter characters are so rarely female. For both those reasons and more, she is iconic. Let's check out Flareup below!

Flareup comes with an assortment of Energon Armor pieces in translucent orange. The piece at the top is the Energon Star which attaches to the Spark Crystal on each figure's chest. The remaining pieces form rocket thrusters for her motorcycle mode or can assemble into a large Energy Arrow. The opaque missile piece can be used in either formation.

Flareup also comes with a collector card.

Firestar had a fun version introduced in the IDW comics a few years ago as Nautica's roommate. 

I really like her design with the flaming hair.

Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!

Here are my three "Firestars" together: Novastar from 2013, Flareup from 2005, and Flareup from 2014.

Here are all the Energon Arcee molds together. From Left to Right: Flareup, Flamewar, Paradron Medic, Ariel, Arcee, Chromia (Moonracer), Arcee (Movie), and Elita One (Movie). Note: I've picked up a lot of these loose on eBay over the years and I just realized that two of them have mis-matched Energon accessories, specifically the two on the far Right: Arcee (Movie) and Elita One.

Cheers!