Starcom Shadow Parasite

Vintage Vault Classic Toy Review #2
Starcom Shadow Parasite (1986)



I have long contended that Starcom is the most well designed and under-rated toy line of all time. The line was never given much of a chance in the U.S. but thrived for years in the European market. Everything about it is dripping with awesome sauce and it’s a damn shame that more collector’s aren’t ravenous for them. It is my # 1 pick for retro toylines that are ripe for reproduction. For those of you not familiar with the toys, behold the awesomeness in this product demo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pZFa_E6NZI&feature=related

What always impresses me with Starcom is the inter-activity of the line. The small vehicles folding up to be stored or carried by the larger vehicles, the use of magnets to connect figures and vehicles and the self winding gear-activated action features (that never require batteries) are all the marks of a truly visionary and super intelligent toy line. Now that I’m done gushing over how insanely cool the line was as a whole, I can focus on the star of this review: The Shadow Parasite!




The Shadow Parasite is the snub fighter of the evil Shadow Force in the world of Starcom. Due to it’s diminutive size, it can only be crewed by one figure unless of course you considered attaching a figure’s magnetic boots to the metal pad on top of the canopy to be pummeled by G-forces .

The Shadow Parasite’s Dorito-shaped design allows it to be magnetically attached on the wing section of the larger Shadow Bat bomber. When in transport or regular flight mode the Shadow Parasite is basically a flying triangle and brandishes no weapons. It’s not until you hit the button that it goes into battle mode extending it’s wings and rear engine and popping out it’s twin set of front laser cannons to wreak havoc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP6X_5By1HE&feature=related

The bulk of the Starcom vehicles were the smaller fold-up class and the Parasite was one of the very best in the line. Due to the scarcity of the items domestically, finding one on ebay may be a challenge but a loose piece in good shape can be had for around $25 and it is 100% worth it.

Here are a few more pics of a Shadow Parasite from Swaf's personal collection.


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I remember this line but didn't have any. Of course by 88 I was in high school and not playin with toys much anymore.

Ya know, I think I have one of these somewhere, only it's missing the canopy. I have no clue where though

I LOVED StarCOM back in the day...I had two of these things that could attach to a larger ship but can't remember for the life of me what it was called.

StarCOM was awesome...Thanks for bringing that old memory to the surface Swaf!

I just searched...It was called the Shadowbat and two parasites would stow on each of the wings...Wish I still had them...

oh yah i had these bad boys long lost now but i had a ton of fun with these guys!!

StarCom toys rock!!!

I have the Shadowbat and a few others...

I've got a Shadow Invader packed away somewhere.

Used to have a bunch of these. Now all I have are memories ...

Starcom was awesome!!

I still remember the commercials!
My brother and I had a few, but never enough to have a full scale war with.
The use of the magnets was ingenious, not only in the figures feet but in the actions of the vehicles as well. Definitely a very underrated line of toys in my opinion. It was going up against the likes of GI Joe, He-Man, M.A.S.K. and a host of other toys so I think often times it was looked over, but man did they have playability!