A sea of yellow and spots.

Being the yellowkid-appeal character of theBeast Era,Cheetor gets a lot of toys!

Toys

Beast Wars

 

Left: Ol' Blue-Eyes is... rare.
Right: From robot... to brick.

• Cheetor (Deluxe, 1996/1997)

• Takara name:Cheetus
• Takara ID number:C-3
• Accessories: Tail-gun, "quasar canon" water-squirting gun
• Known designers:Takio Ejima (TakaraTomy),Masakatsu Saito (concept artist)

Part of the first wave ofBeast Wars Deluxe toys (sort of, see below), Cheetor transforms into an organic, big cat-like creature somewhat resembling acheetah. As such, he is yellow and covered in spots. Inrobot mode, he is armed with a rifle made out of his hindquarters and tail, along with a secondwater-squirting "quasar canon" formed out of his stomach. As with most earlyBeast Wars toys, he features a "mutant head" that replaces his face, although because the entire head is mounted on a cabinet-style vertical swivel, it is difficult to keep the mutant head set in position.

There are several minor but noteworthy variations of this toy. The initial wave-1 "rocky bubble" release features blue cheetah eyes and was incredibly hard to find due to delayed shipping; he only shipped in later, short-run "revision" cases of wave 1. The "smooth bubble" release later in the year gave him red cheetah eyes. He was released again in 1997 (what with being a popular show character) inBeast Wars' second year, this time with bright green cheetah eyes, and the gold robot eyes of the previous two versions were changed to green.

Takara released two different Cheetor toys; one that was the same as Hasbro's red-eyed version, and arunning changeversion in January 1998 that not only has various color tweaks to make him slightly more show-colored (including dark green cheetah eyes, a gold head crest instead of blue, and red robot eyes), but also has a slightmold tweak to keep the beast head pointed forward in robot mode, based onHasbro's initial release ofTigatron, which has been retained on all versions thereafter.

This mold was laterredecoed for a "Fox Kids" version, as well asboth the Hasbro and Takara 10th anniversary versions of the character.

This mold was also used to makeShadow Panther/Tripredacus Agent andTigatron. It was slated to be used forUniverseNightprowler, but that toy set was canceled.

• More information on Cheetor at TFU.info

Is it possible to win a battle of the losers?

• Saisoku no Taiketsu: Cheetus VS Waspeeter (VS pack, July 1997)

• ID number:VS-3
• Accessories: "Laser Shot" tail-gun,"Laser Shot" water-squirting gun

In Japan, Cheetor was available both separately and in a "Quickest Showdown" (最速の対決Saisoku no Taiketsu) VS pack withWaspinator. Both toys are identical to their original releases.

Currently, it is unknown if the latter "show-like" version of the two toys were ever released in the VS set.

• Gold Cheetus (Multi-pack "Lucky Draw",1998)

• Accessories: "Laser Shot" tail-gun,"Laser Shot" water-squirting gun

A one-of-a-kind, all-gold version of Cheetor was awarded in Japan for aTV Magazine contest. Where he was part of a set of other goldBeast Wars toys of the 5 main Maximals characters. Presumably, his softer joint-plastic and water bladder were unchromed gold, while everything else was blindingly gold-chromed.

• More information at Soundwaves Oblivion

NOT a Power Rangers zord.

• Cheetor (Transmetal Deluxe, 1998)

• Takara name:Metals Cheetus
• Takara ID number:C-42
• Accessories: Tail-whip
• Known designers:Masakatsu Saito (concept artist)

As with most first-waveTransmetals toys, Cheetor'sbeast mode is entirely robotic, but his robot mode has organic elements in its design. In beast mode, two rocket boosters can be flipped out (and extended, which the cartoon failed to show) of the sides of the cat torso to create a "flight mode", plus his tail rotates 180 to provide a "stabilizer" fin. In robot mode, his removable tail becomes a spiked whip, but he has no ranged weaponry, though you can put his two-fingered hands together to simulate the "gun" he used on the show. He also features an energon chip applied to the inside of the left wing. The toy suffers from a design flaw where the breast plate's hinges that holds both arms up in beast mode suffers from a lot of stress, and, over time, can't hold up the cheetah head properly anymore.

The TakaraBeast Wars Metals release of the Transmetal Cheetor toy features a number of small but notable changes from the Hasbro version. The most immediately noticeable is that the "CHEETOR"tampograph on his beast mode was changed to "CYBERTRON" and the Maximalfaction symbol. The other changes make Takara's version closer to Cheetor's show appearance than the Hasbro version: green robot mode eyes (Hasbro's version has light blue), painted cheetah teeth (Hasbro's are unpainted), and the gray plastic is more blue-hued than the Hasbro version's semi-French-gray.

This mold was used as the basis for the non-toy characterCataclysm.

• More information on Transmetal Cheetor at TFU.info

• Hayate no Taiketsu: Metals Cheetus VS Metals Waspeeter (VS pack, September 1999)

• Takara ID number:VS-42
• Accessories: Tail-whip

Once again Cheetor was packaged in a "Gale Showdown" (疾風の対決Hayate no Taiketsu) VS pack withWaspinator, this time in their "Metals" forms. Again, both toys are identical to the individual releases.

A body only Primal could love.

• Cheetor (Transmetal 2 Deluxe, 1999)

• Takara name:Metals Cheetus 2
• Takara ID number:C-49
• Accessories: "High-powered missile launcher/leap-thruster", missile, tail-whip
• Known designers:Aaron Archer (Hasbro),Yuichiro Hira (TakaraTomy),Masakatsu Saito (concept artist)

Transmetal 2 Cheetor transforms into a saber-toothed tiger-type big cat with a large rocket engine grafted into his back. In robot mode, this rocket engine becomes a spring-loaded missile launcher. As with all Transmetal 2 toys, he features aspark crystal, a small, clear-colored ball with a vacuum-metalized faction logo inside. Cheetor's spark is placed on his left hind leg.

"Metals Cheetus 2" inTakara'sBeast Wars Metals line is identical to the Hasbro release. A "presale" version sold in conjunction with1999 Summer Toei Anime Fair has one difference—the dark gray present on most of the body was changed to a bright silver.

If you want to give your Cheetor a little moreshow-accuracy, Cheetor's upper arms need to be popped off and swapped around. The forearms are already in the correct configuration.

This mold was later redecoed intoTripredacus Agent.

• More information on Transmetal 2 Cheetor at TFU.info

Ohh... I shouldn't have eaten that seventh gazelle...

• Cheetor (Fox Kids Deluxe, 1999)

• Accessories: Tail-gun, "quasar canon" water-squirting gun

In 1999, a redeco of theoriginal Cheetor toy was released, with "Fox Kids" branding on the packaging to advertise the show's move from syndication to a network. Aside from changing the black spots on his fur to a strange maroon color, at first glance, FK Cheetor seems identical to his original counterpart. However, a closer look shows that both the blue and the gold robot parts were all replaced with a metallic blue trim.

Product listings gave this toy the name "Jungle Roar Cheetor",^[1] but that name never made it to packaging.

• More information on Fox Kids Cheetor at TFU.info

First guy to say I look likeCataclysm gets a whip in the nuts.

• Cheetor (Fox Kids Transmetal Deluxe, 1999)

• Takara name:Metals Cheetus Silver
• Accessories: Tail-whip

Shortly afterward the prior toy's release,Transmetal Cheetor received a "Fox Kids" redeco, released along with a redeco ofTransmetal Tarantulas. This red-and-dark-green version of Cheetor proved to be hard to come by, as this assortment did not ship for very long at all. Shipping lists listed the toy as "Mech-Tech Cheetor",^[2] but that name never made it to the packaging.

In Japan, this toy was released as aJafCon conventionexclusive, under the name of "Metals Cheetus Silver", along with the "Fox Kids" versions ofTransmetal Airazor andTransmetal Rattrap.

This version of Cheetor wasrepurposed asCataclysm in theBeast Wars: Uprising story "Derailment".

• More information on Fox Kids Transmetal Cheetor at TFU.info

Beast Machines

You will never stand this thing up. Never.

• Cheetor (Mega, 2000)

• Accessories: Tail-whip
• Known designers:Yuichiro Hira (TakaraTomy)

Part of the first assortment ofBeast Machines Megas, Cheetor transforms into a super-leantechnorganic cheetah. In keeping with the earlyBeast Machines design trend of "articulated features", turning the beast mode head causes its jaw to open and close. His left foreleg has a gear-spring horizontal "swiping" action activated by pushing a section of the above shoulder-armor towards his body.

In robot mode, his head has the same feature; turning it left or right opens and closes his Muppet-like jaw. The "swiping"-action arm—now on his right side—is still available in this mode and can be used to swing his tail-whip around. Because of Cheetor's unusual body proportions and very small feet, he has issues standing up properly in this mode, especially with his legs positioned in the proper cat-like digitigrade style.

• More information on Beast Machines Cheetor (Mega) at TFU.info

Worst cheetah mode ever? Dude, he walks on his knees.

• Cheetor (McDonald's Happy Meal, 2000)
  • McNumber:1

This tiny, softer-plastic representation of Cheetor is great for the yung'uns. As one of nine toys in theMcDonald'sBeast Machines Happy Meal promotion, it features an incredibly simplistic transformation with no removable parts. Why does he have that sideways articulation at the knees? Why are the fins on the back of his legs oversized, making his cheetah mode look even more ridiculous than it has to? These are the questions that burn in our nightmares.

• More information on Beast Machines Cheetor (McDonald's) at TFU.info

So near, yet so far!

• Cheetor (Supreme, 2000)

• Accessories: Tail-sword, 2 missiles
• Known designers:Yuichiro Hira (TakaraTomy),Tim Bradley (concept artist)

One of the largestTransformers toys, nearly as tall asFortress Maximus in robot mode, Supreme Cheetor was heavily hyped as an "ultimate" toy. Aside from having the mostshow-accurate sculpting of anyBeast Machines Cheetor toy, he features electronic lights and sounds in both modes, articulated jaws on both his beast and robot mode heads, and raising "hackles" on his beast mode back. Each arm contains agimmick as well. His left arm has a geared up-and-down "slashing" movement, with extending fingers (yes, fingers) that can spring out of his hand. His right arm contains a spring-loaded twin missile launcher that fires two missiles out of his palm when the arm is pulled back at the elbow. Disappointingly for such a large and well hyped figure, these gimmicks sharply limit his arm articulation. Even with his wide and rubber-padded feet, likeMega Cheetor he has balance issues in robot mode thanks to his top-heavy construction and oddly jointed legs. His teeth-clenched grin in robot mode is also somewhat off-putting.

This toy was an ultimately inauspicious start for the Supreme price point. Itshelfwarmed pretty badly and ended up in blowout sales at online retailers discounted more than 75% off its original price tag.

• More information on Beast Machines Cheetor (Supreme) at TFU.info

This is totally backwards. The black repaint is supposed to come AFTER the yellow one.

• Night Slash Cheetor (Deluxe, 2001)

• Known designers:Takashi Kunihiro (TakaraTomy)

Part of the first wave of therebranded "Battle for the Spark"Beast Machines Deluxes, "Night Slash" Cheetor is a much more angular and mechanical-looking version of the character, with a more show-like face sculpt. Each bicep holds a spring-loaded sword attached by a brace that flips into his waiting hands when released. He has a Spark Crystal mounted on his upper back between his shoulders, and just behind that, a pair of thrusters on his back as well. His interior chest has a red and silver column that spins within a reflective silver dish when his Spark Crystal is pressed, meant to show the power of his Spark. However, this does not work terribly well given the opacity of the transparent plastic that normally covers it.

This mold was used to makeCatSCAN.

• More information on Night Slash Cheetor at TFU.info

• Cheetor (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)}}
  • Accessories: Container in Disguise

Cheetor was available as one of three figures in aJollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of hisBeast Machines Mega toy.

Transtech

It's an evolution revolution!

• Cheetor (Deluxe?)

A new (seemingly Deluxe scale) version of Cheetor was designed forTranstech, the proposed follow-up toBeast Machines, which would have turned into a Cybertronic F-1 race car with a cheetah motif. It made it at least as far as a resin hardcopy, seemingly with near-final engineering. Aside from featuring a launching, spring-loaded front bumper, it is uncertain what gimmicks it may have had. The toy was ultimately scrapped alongside the rest of theTranstech line.

An earlier version of theTranstech Cheetor design was the basis for theTranscendent Technomorph version ofCheetor.

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Beast Wars Returns

• Cheetus (2004-11-18)

• ID number:BR-02
• Accessories: Tail-whip

In 2005, theBeast Machines Mega Cheetor toy was released as "Cheetus" as part of the Japanese Toys"R"UsexclusiveBeast Wars Returns line. It does not appear that any significant changes were made to it. Reportedly, this item had a run of only 4000 pieces.

"Optimus, I don't wanna be mint in sealed box!"

• Cheetus Black Version (Mega, 2005)
  • Accessories: Tail-whip

"Cheetus Black Version" (チータスブラックバージョン), otherwise known as "Perfect Choice Cheetus", was theoriginal Mega Cheetor toyredecoed in black and silver as a specialBeast Wars Returns promotional contest prize. By ordering the cartoon series through the digital cable provider, you were automatically entered in a drawing for the toy, along with several other smaller merchandise prizes. All of the gimmicks from the first version are retained in this one.^[3]

For some unknown reason, the inside of itsSpark crystal house theopposite faction logo.

It is currently unknown how many "Cheetus Black Version" prizes were awarded.

Universe (2003)

My love for Primal is like the sun and the moon, knowing they can never touch...

• Night Slash Cheetor (Deluxe, 2005)

A redeco of theBeast Machines Night Slash Cheetor toy, theUniverseAutobot version gives Cheets a predominantly orangey-yellow coloration again, but this time with a lot of dark red and some super-dark blue accents. All of his gimmicks from the previous version are retained.

This toy was one of the last toys in the originalUniverse toyline sold at normal wide-release retail.

• More information on Universe Cheetor at TFU.info

Beast Wars 10th Anniversary

Guess what, I'm gonna have blue arms from now on.

• Cheetor (Beast Wars 10th Anniversary, 2006)

• Accessories: "Laser pistol"/tail, "water-squirting cannon"
• Known designers:Marcelo Matere (packaging artist)

In 2006, Hasbro redecoed theoriginal Cheetor toy for theirBeast Wars 10th Anniversary line. He was cast in a different shade of yellow, and unlike most of the other toys in the line, he was actuallyfurther off model than his original toy, the biggest difference being that the newer toy lacks the gold paint on its forearms and feet found on the show model. His right beast mode shoulder wastampographed with a Maximal sigil. He came packed with build-a-figureTransmutate's torso and a DVD disc containing the episode "Equal Measures".

At this point the mold for the gut gun had degraded somewhat, and a new mold had to be made.

• More information on 10th Anniversary Cheetor at TFU.info

Timelines

Leopard print is in!

• Dawn of Future's Past (Multi-pack, 2006)

• Accessories: Engine-blaster, left & right side-pipes, Maximal "Golden Disk Key"
• Known designers:Joe Moore (concept artist)^[4]

Timelines "Axalon Cheetor" is a redeco ofCybertron Scout ClassClocker, transforming into a low-ridin' Cybertronian race car with a large Maximal sigil on his hood and a cheetah-pattern deco for his upholstery. Stylin'! Inserting a "Golden Disk Key" into the slot on his back pops up a pair of gun barrels, which can be held in robot mode as his pre-beast Quasar gun. His head is alsoretooled from the original body to represent hisBeast Wars head more closely, making his face even more show-accurate than the original toy's.

He was available only as part of theBotCon 2006 "Dawn of Future's Past" box-set, with "Axalon" versions ofOptimus Primal,Rhinox,Rattrap, and "Darksyde"Dinobot.

This toy—with the retooled head—was used to make "Unit 2". The original version was also used to makeCybertronSwerve andmovie-verseClocker. It was also the basis for many many non-toyMaximal Command Security Force members.

• Designer commentary on Axalon Cheetor from Joe Moore on Twitter
• More information on Axalon Cheetor at TFU.info

A knightand a pirate. A knirate, if you will. Or a pight.

• Knight Alpha Trizer (BotCon 2014 add-on)
  • Accessories: Two swords, transforming blade/claw, beast-foot/claw

Part of a Knights souvenir set that includedApelinq andFlareup,Timelines Alpha Trizer is aredeco ofPrime Voyager ClassThundertron, transforming into a mechanical lion that homages the never-madeAlpha Trion redeco out ofBeast MachinesSnarl. His right robot mode foot can detach to reveal a bladed "peg-leg", with the original foot converting into a claw-weapon. Like his mold-mateGo Prime, Alpha Trizer also comes with a redeco of the twin swords that originally came withKenzan, which he can hold or plug into his beast mode's hip/wings. The toy also includes Thundertron's original weapon, a claw with swing-out sword-blade, though the electronic light-up feature has been removed.

This toy was also redecoed intoLeo Prime.

• More information on Alpha Trizer at TFU.info

Beast Wars Telemocha Series

Now THAT'S gorgeous!

• Cheetus (Deluxe, 2007)

• ID number:TM-03
• Accessories: "Laser Shot" tail-gun,"Laser Shot" water-squirting gun

In 2007, Takara did the 10th Anniversary thing for theBeast Wars Telemocha Series line, except much more show-accurate than Hasbro, with a high number ofpaint applications in order to be show-accurate.

This release came with a DVD of "Convoy Disappeared", the Japanese dub of "Chain of Command" which was an episode that didn't feature Cheetor in any sort of meaningful way, despite episodes that do being easy to come by.

• More information on Telemocha Cheetor at TFU.info (scroll down)

Titanium Series

Do you remember a time when Cheetor was technorganic? Pepperidge Farm® remembers.

• Cheetor (Cybertron Heroes, 2007)

• Accessories: 2 scimitars, display stand
• Known designers:Don Figueroa (concept artist)

Part of the sixth wave ofTitanium Series Cybertron Heroes, Cheetor is based heavily on the design of Cheetor seen in theBeast Machines cartoon, albeit with some differences, notably much thicker limbs, making him far more stable in robot mode. His twin scimitars can peg onto his hips for storage and are made of softer, rubbery plastic. Hisdie-cast metal is limited to his shoulders, torso, and thighs.

Care must be taken when transforming Cheetor into beast mode. His robot headmust be pushed back into his beast mode's neck until itclicks. Failure to do so will cause his robot mode head to get stuck inside the chest after the cheetah mode's neck is pushed into it, and may require disassembling the torso to get it out again.

This figure is the first transforming toy commemorating theBeast Machines story, designs, and faction symbols. According toTitanium Series concept designerDon Figueroa, makingTitanium Cheetor use the BM body was his idea. It seems he was told simply to make "Cheetor", but hisHasbro supervisors never specifiedwhich Cheetor to make.Aaron Archer corroborated this, saying Hasbro had not meant to produce a Beast Machines figure: they had simply put Cheetor's name on a list, and the toy ended up being, as Archer put it, "the wrong one".

Like mostTitanium Series Cybertron Heroes, Cheetor includes a display stand.

• More information on Titanium Series Cheetor at TFU.info

Universe (2008)

He went through five bodies... and then back tothis.

• Cheetor (Deluxe Class, 2008)

• Series:Beast Wars Series
• Accessories: "Battle Club", "Triple-Bladed Battle Discs"
• Known designers:Bill Rawley (Hasbro),Takio Ejima (TakaraTomy)

First available in the fourth wave ofUniverse Deluxes, this version of Cheetor is based on the originalBeast Wars Cheetor, transforming into an organic cheetah that's much closer in proportions to the real animal than any previous attempt, with a robot face sculpt based much more on the CGI show model. Alas, the compromise is that he has a farlessshow-accurate robot mode due to a markedly different transformation scheme that involves his entire beast-chest ending up as a huge hunchback in robot mode. When a lever is pulled on his beast mode back, the cheetah head's jaw opens and the cheetah's eyes change colors from green to red, a bizarrehomage to not just the differing eye-colors theoriginal Cheetor toy went through in its many releases but also to how his cartoon model's cheetah head had green eyes in beast mode but red eyes in robot mode. His tail becomes a whip-weapon, plus he comes with a pair of triple-bladed throwing stars that store in compartments on his legs.

• More information on Universe Cheetor at TFU.info

Henkei! Henkei!

Chromed, but not Transmetal.

• Cybertron Cheetus (December 27,2008)

• ID number:C-12
• Accessories: "Battle Club", "Triple-Bladed Battle Discs"
• Known designers:Naoto Tsushima (packaging artist)

Henkei! Henkei! Cheetor replaces some of his yellow plastic—including his arms and stomach among other parts—with gold plastic. He has more elaborate and varied paint applications, including painting the insides of his beast mode kibble for a greater contrast. As with allHenkei toys, he has vacuum-metalized plastic parts, specifically his entire head and the bodies of his throwing blades.

Device Label

Cheetus wearsKitten Mittens.

• Device Cheetus (May 29, 2010)

• Known designers:Masakatsu Saito (concept artist)

Aredeco ofDevice LabelRavage andTigatron, Cheetus transforms from a working USB 2 gigabyte thumb drive into a yellow mechanoid cheetah.

Stored on the USB drive is an installable program called "Transformers Desktop Defender". When the Cheetor device is plugged in, a Cheetor avatar appears on the screen, transforming from thumb drive to cheetah mode as the program is activated. The program's setup allows you to rename your cheetah to anything you desire, alter the avatar's movement speed and his personality, decide whether he eats your desktop icons, and view his function, mission, andtech spec numbers. Whether he appears as Cheetor, Ravage, or Tigatron can be selected as well.

Kre-O

Like an ambulatory block of cheese...

• Cheetor (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2013)
  • Collection:3
  • Bag number:***** 59
  • Accessories: Stand brick, small pistol, katana

• Known designers:Ed Masiello (Hasbro)

As part of the third wave ofblindpackedKre-OMicro-Changers, Cheetor is aKreon that can be rebuilt into abeast mode very very vaguely representing a cheetah. He reuses the animal helmet which debuted withRazorclaw's team. His handgun originally comes fromBumblebee while his sword used to beBludgeon's. Amusingly, his gun forms his beast mode tail, evoking the "tail gun" from the original toy and show model.

This Micro-Changer assortment was the last one to appear atTarget, with later waves showing up only atToys"R"Us or drug/discount stores.

• More information on Cheetor at TFU.info

• Cheetor (Kreon Micro-Changer,2017)
  • Collection:Collection 3
  • Accessories: Logo plate, small pistol

In 2017, the Collection 3 Micro-Changers were re-released in a whole new production run, first appearing atWalgreens stores in the US. These releases use the almost-entirely-retooled 2015 Kreon (making most parts incompatible with older Kreons), with slightly-differently-hued plastics than the originals. Cheetor gained a newtampograph on his back, adding black spots so his beast mode looks more cheetah-y (what you can see of it anyway).

Sadly, this release has no individual-identification code on the bag, requiring you to use the feel-through-the-bag method or just buy blind and hope.

Masterpiece

Welcome to Masterpiece Cheetor.

• Cheetus (Beast Wars) (February 25, 2017)

• ID number:MP-34
• Accessories: 3 cheetah heads, 3 cheetah eyes, 3 robot faces, Laser Shot A,Laser Shot B
• Known designers:Yuki Ohshima (concept artist)

Masterpiece Cheetus transforms from a show-accurate cheetah to a show-accurate robot, albeit taking a few shortcuts (such as using a faux cheetah head for the robot mode torso). He comes with two different guns: his traditional "gut gun" and his secondary "rump gun" which saw sporadic use in earlyBeast Wars episodes. Additionally, he sports three different robot faces (serious, angry and smiling), three different cheetah heads (neutral, angry and shocked) and three different pairs of cheetah eyes (looking straight, looking left and looking right). Both weapons can stow on his backside. His hands are completely removable at the wrist, which makes it much easier for you to put his "rump gun" in his hand.

He takes show-accuracy to a dedicated extreme, including having fuzzy, dotted spots on his cheetah parts to mimic the stretched textures of thecartoon CGI model. This is also the first beast-mode Transformers toy to implement realistic whiskers, though the nature of the figure's transformation scheme means that these whiskers are prone to deforming. Unfortunately, the figure is known to suffer from paint chipping.

Preorders supplied by Hasbro Asia come with a die-cast Optimus Primal minifigure, as opposed to thecollector coin typically accompanyingMasterpiece releases from Hasbro Asia.^[5]

At some point earlier on in development, two comlink accessories (one for beast mode, the other for robot mode) based on the episode "The Web", were planned to be included with Cheetus, but were ultimately scrapped.^[6] These pieces eventually found release withMasterpieceShadow Panther.

This figure was reissued by TakaraTomy onMarch 31,2019 to coincide with the release ofMasterpieceBeast Megatron.

As briefly mentioned above, Cheetus was redecoed intoMasterpiece Shadow Panther.

War for Cybertron: Kingdom

Like... y'know, nya.

• Cheetor (Deluxe Class,2020)

• Hasbro ID number:WFC-K4
• TakaraTomy ID number:KD-03
• TakaraTomy release date:March 27, 2021
• Accessories: Tail-whip, Golden Disk card
• Known designers:John Warden andMark Maher (Hasbro),Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy),Dennis Chan (sculptor),Ken Christiansen (concept artist)

Released to commemorate the 25th anniversary ofBeast Wars,War for Cybertron: Kingdom Cheetor transforms from a robot accurate to his appearance in the first season of theBeast Wars cartoon into a realistic (if extremely bright yellow) cheetah. Cheetor's tail can detach to become a whip, similar to his Transmetal toy. In cheetah mode, he features an articulated jaw.

A major design flaw is found within the cheetah’s neck. The plastic used there isextremely thin - you can actually see the paint on the other side - and it is commonplace for specimens to develop visible cracks around the pins at the base of the neck as soon as they are transformed. In addition, the small plastic tab meant to secure the head/neck of the cheetah into the back is prone to breakage. Hasbro issued a running change to address the latter problem, making the tab smaller and sturdier.

Cheetor comes with aGolden Disk card that "reveals a possible destiny of a key character", with each character having three possible destiny variants.

This figure was retooled intoShadow Panther and also heavily retooled intoCollaborativeKurama, and then redecoed intoLegacyNightprowler. The mold's robot and beast mode legs were also reused on the Hasbro PulseCon-exclusiveWar for Cybertron Trilogy "Covert Agent Ravage".

War for Cybertron Trilogy

It's not easy being cheesy.

• Cheetor (Deluxe Class, 2021)

• TakaraTomy ID number:WFC-18
• TakaraTomy release date:March 26,2022
• Accessories: Tail-whip
• Known designers:Mark Maher (Hasbro)

Promoting theKingdom season of theWar for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon, Cheetor is a redeco of hisKingdom toy, closer resembling hisBeast Wars animation model. As such, his yellow parts are more of an orange-gold shade, and his blue parts/paint are a darker and metallic blue. For closer accuracy to hisBeast Wars animal mode, his cheetah eyes are now green and he lacks the blue paint on his legs, at the cost of having unpainted, yellow shins in robot mode. For unknown reasons, his whip lacks all blue paint and his crotch-plate is only partially blue. Much like hisMaximalcompadres in the wave, Cheetor features no toyline-staple battle damage.

The design flaw present in the originalKingdom release is still present. The running change in the neck tab of the original feature has also been found in this version of the figure.

This toy, like most of the NetflixWar for Cybertron Trilogy toys, was aWalmart exclusive in the U.S. and Canada.

Vintage Beast Wars

• Cheetor (Reissue,2021)

• Accessories: Tail-gun, "quasar canon" water-squirting gun

In celebration of the 25th anniversary ofBeast Wars, the original 1996 Deluxe Class Cheetor was reissued under theVintage Beast Wars lineup. Cheetor features all the same accessories and functionality as the original toy but differs slightly in deco: most noticeably, the cheetah eyes are green while the robot eyes are orange, which is a combination not present on earlier releases. The shoulder joints have also been mildly reinforced from previous releases.

Bizarrely, the second set of Hasbro stock photography, which is the one used on the cross-sell, is of theBeast Wars 10th Anniversary toy instead.

Much likeVintage G1, Cheetor is packaged in a "rock bubble" blister card styled after the originalBeast Wars toy packaging,package art and all. Also similar toVintage G1, the time disparity since the original release has the toy reasonably set at double the price of the toy's 1996 release, $20 versus $10. This version of Cheetor was exclusive toWalmart in the United States and Canada, but sales ended up being so poor that unsold stock was eventually sold on clearance as low as its original $10 price.

Authentics

Who's the Big Cat now?

• Cheetor (Titan Changer, 2023)

• Accessories: Tail-whip

Part of the fourth wave ofAuthentics Titan Changers, Cheetor is a 28cm figure with a very simple conversion from robot to mechanical cheetah. The tail comes off to become a whip.

The design of this toy has a striking resemblance to the early concept/toy designs ofRise of the Beasts Cheetor, and would also berepackaged for that movie'stoyline.

Beast Wars Again

• Shunsoku no Taiketsu (Multi-pack,2023)

• ID number:BWVS-03
• Release date:October 28, 2023
• Accessories: Tail-whip
• Known designers:Hisashi Yuki (TakaraTomy),Hidetsugu Yoshioka (packaging artist)

Released as part of TakaraTomy'sBeast Wars Again line, the "Instant Showdown" (瞬速の対決) set contains Cheetus andWaspeeter. Cheetus is a redeco ofKingdom Cheetor in more cartoon-accurate colors, featuring painted pupils for the beast mode head, but opting to paint the eyes red instead of green unlike the Netflix toy. The tab on the cheetah neck that proved so fragile on prior releases has now been removed altogether.

Legacy

Bringing the Evolution Revolution for a whole new decade of fans!

• Cheetor (Core Class, 2024)

• TakaraTomy name:Cheetor (チーター)
• TakaraTomy ID number:TL-71
• TakaraTomy release date:2024September 28
• Accessories: 2 swords
• Known designers:Evan Brooks (Hasbro),Shuhei Umezu (TakaraTomy)^[7]

Legacy Cheetor is based on hisBeast Machines design, and transforms into a relatively show-accurate cheetah. He comes with two swords, that can combine into the double bladed configuration used in theBeast Machines episode "Fires of the Past".

Designer commentary from Evan Brooks on LegacyBeast Machines Universe Cheetor.

Swapticons

SWAP Cats: The Cubical Squadron

• Tigatron / Cheetor (Two-pack,2025)

• Swapticons number:6

Part of the first wave ofSwapticons two-packs, Cheetor transforms into the front half of a semi-organic/semi-robotic cheetah. While his nominal placement is as the front half of a full loaf-like robo-cheetah with his pack-in partnerTigatron, he can attach to any other Swapticon, front or back, to make whatever silly abomination you feel like unleashing.

This mold was also used to makeShadow Panther.

Merchandise

Beast Wars puzzle

• Beast Wars Transformers 200 piece puzzle (puzzle, 1996)

A200-piece puzzle fromMilton Bradley featured art of Cheetor fighting Megatron andIguanus. It was very chrome-foil-y![1]

Beast Wars sweatshirt

• Beast Wars Transformers sweatshirt (1996)

A sweatshirt depicting a jovial Cheetor, inrobot mode, crouching behind some rocks and firing his gut-gun. Hisbeast mode's head is drawn behind him, the Beast Wars logo layered over the explosion that is leaving his gun's barrel, and the name "CHEETOR" is spelled out at the bottom of the image.

Beast Wars magnet set

• Beast Wars magnet set (1997)

The original cast of ten from theBeast Wars cartoon was rendered in adorablesuper-deformed style for a set of magnets. Awwwww.

Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game

Wait, so the cheetah mode isslower?

• Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game (1997)

Cheetor was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Warscard game.

Kabaya

• Cheetus (candy toy, 1997)

A tiny plastic Cheetor figurine molded onto an irregularly-shaped stand was released by Kabaya. Labeled toy 4 of 6, the other characters in his wave were Dinobot, Rattrap, Megatron, Optimus Primal, and Rhinox. As always, terrible candy is included.

• Cheetus (candy toy kit, 1997)
  • Accessories: Gut gun, tail gun

Part of a set of fourKabayacandy toys, this version of Cheetor, based onthe original toy, is an unpainted and unassembled plastic kit that transforms (and partially re-assembles) from cheetah to robot mode, though much smaller (and cheaper) than the original toy. It is cast entirely in pale yellow and grayish-tan plastics, as are the other three toys in the set:Dinobot,Rattrap, andTerrorsaur.[2] A handful of paper decals are included for some small amount of detail.

• Cheetus (candy toy, 1997)

A tiny superdeformed Cheetor was also available from Kabaya.[3]

• Cheetus (snap-together model with candy, 1999)

Kabaya released a set of models based onMetals characters, of which Cheetor was one. He came with candy! He also came in translucent plastic, if you wanted it.

• Cheetus (figurine with candy, 1999)

A tiny statuette ofMetals Cheetor on a rectangular stand was available with candy, alongside otherMetals characters.[4]

First 4 Figures

• Cheetor (2006/2007 unreleased)

This was to be a 7-or-8-inch tall resin bust of Cheetor released as part of aBeast Wars tenth anniversary series by model companyFirst 4 Figures. Cheetor would have been sculpted to be accurate to hisBeast Wars cartoon design, and would likely have been depicted from the waist and upwards on a base or pedestal. Unlike most of the other mini busts in this range, Cheetor's sculpt has never been shown publicly, with the figure's existence only being known due to First 4 Figures allowingBigBadToyStore to solicit him for sale.^[8][9]

Mini busts in the plannedBeast Wars line were designed to reflect the scale of the characters as seen in the cartoon, and each was set to be limited to 1,996 pieces, in a nod to the franchise's year of origin.^[10] Unfortunately, Cheetor and the rest of theBeast Wars bust line were cancelled, with First 4 Figures citing a challenging marketplace and lack of retailer interest.

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

3D Battle-Card Game

Probably more involved than the actual toy's transformation.

• Cheetor (3D Battle-Card, 2007)

A 31-point character in the3D Battle-Card Game's "Energon Wars" expansion, Cheetor "transforms" into a Transmetal 2 cheetah. He uses the same parts layout asRavage andRampage.

Robot Heroes

...Nimbus?

• Cheetor & Blackarachnia (Two-pack, 2008)

• Known designers:Bill Rawley (Hasbro),Marcelo Matere (concept artist)

Part of the first wave ofUniverse-brandedRobot Heroes, Cheetor is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. He is depicted in a running pose and is articulated at the shoulders and neck. He has a Maximalfaction symbol on his butt.

He was only available in a two-pack withBlackarachnia.

This mold was also used to makeTigatron.

• More information on Robot Heroes Cheetor at TFU.info

Proudly wearing his faction symbol on his knee.

• Cheetor & Tankor (Two-pack, 2008)

• Known designers:Bill Rawley (Hasbro),Marcelo Matere (concept artist)

Cheetor is part of the fourth wave ofUniverseRobot Heroes and is designated as from the "Beast Machines Series", along with his packmateTankor. His sculpt and color scheme is derived solely from his television show appearance. Cheetor has articulation at the neck and shoulders, though his left arm's large sword inhibits movement.

Rather than using theBeast Machines Maximal and Vehicon symbols, the embossed faction logos on the top of the Cheetor/Tankor packaging are the pre-existingBeast Wars Maximal and Predacon symbols found onBeast Wars-themedUniverse Robot Heroes packs.

• More information on Robot Heroes Beast Machines Cheetor at TFU.info

Tiny Titans

• Cheetor (Tiny Titans, 2016)
  • Series:6
  • Number:4/12

Part of the fifth assortment ofTiny Titansblindpacked figurines, this version of Cheetor is a very small, soft-plastic figure of him in his robot mode from theBeast Machines cartoon.

He includes a collectible card that renders him in the2015Robots in Disguise styling. The card includes a scan-badge for theRobots in Disguise mobile game, which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

R.E.D. [Robot Enhanced Design]

So you're saying there's anineties we can tap for nostalgia?

• Cheetor (2021)
  • Accessories: 2 sets of alternate hands, 1 "tail blaster", 1 Energon crystal, 2blast effect accessories

• Known designers:Dennis Chan (sculptor)

Released as part of the second wave ofTransformers R.E.D. toys, Cheetor is a non-transforming 6-inch action figure akin to the ones from theMarvel Legends andStar Wars The Black Series lines. He features 26 points of articulation and extensive paint operations in an attempt atshow-accuracy, though he owes much to aconcept art design byKen Christiansen, which had also inspired hisKingdom toy andWar for Cybertron Trilogy animated series appearance.

Cheetor's cheetah head chest plate can be removed to reveal details meant to represent his "inner workings". He comes with three pairs of hands altogether: two closed fists, two hands for holding weaponry and accessories, and two clawing hands. He also includes what his product description calls a "tail blaster", though it is more closely based on his traditional "gut gun"quasar rifle, with two compatible translucent purple blast effects. Finally, he also comes with a smallEnergon crystal accessory.

As with allR.E.D. toys, Cheetor was a Walmart exclusive in Canada and the United States, and was later made available onHasbro Pulse in limited quantities.

Authentics

Squeezelings

• Cheetor (Series 2, 2023)

Squeezelings Cheetor is a non-posable figure made of soft plastic, released byForever Clever. He was released inblind bags, or in a blister pack on his own.

Jada Toys

• Transformers Series 2 18-pack (4 cm Die Cast Figure Multipack, 2022)

Released byJada Toys,Nano Metalfigs Cheetor is an incredibly small die-cast figurine molded doing an action pose. He has a little base attached to his feet for balancing reasons.

He is marketed as an Autobot instead of a Maximal and comes in an impressive multipack withseventeen other figurines.

ReAction

Let's see what you can see... This article is in need of images.

• Cheetor (2023)
  • Accessories: gun

Released in the seventh wave ofSuper7's line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures,ReAction Cheetor is a non-converting figure based on his season 1Mainframecharacter model, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips). He includes his traditional "gut-gun."

Cheetor comes packaged on a small cardback that mixes the design of the originalBeast Wars packaging with some nostalgic elements resemblingKenner'sStar Wars action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

Transformers Character Card

• Cheetus & Waspeeter Set (June,2024)
  • ID number:87 & 88

Released as part of the twelfth wave of thee-HOBBY exclusiveTransformers Character Card series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of the "Cheetus" and "Waspeeter" along withcharacter profiles andtech specs.

• Translation of Cheetor's Transformers Character Card

Pop!

• Cheetor (2024)
  • Rarity:Legendary
  • ID number:266

Released as part of the second wave of thePop! Digital segment,Funko'sPop! Cheetor is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original cartoon appearance.

This figure is limited to 2000 units and can only be acquired by collecting and redeeming digital tokens.

Notes

The original guns, featuring realistically painted cheetah guts. Hooray!

Cheetor's control art. Yes, that IS Cheetor, not Shadow Panther. Yes, it's not a cheetah.

• The first Cheetor toy was originally intended to be part of the first wave ofBeast Wars Deluxes released, but experienced a delayed initial release, coming several weeks afterward. This was likely due to a change made to his "tail gun", which on the toy is much different from the version glimpsed in catalogues, commercials, and toy packaging cross-sells. The prototype gun is held via a handle on the top side of the tail rather than underneath the haunches and has a small blue gun barrel that flips out. Why this change was made and whether it was the actual cause of the delay are currently unknown.
• Cheetor's design art seems to indicate he wasn't originally designed to be a cheetah... or was at least designed to be generically big-cat-like enough to be other types of feline.
• Transmetal Cheetor's torso panel hinges went through several iterations during development. The resin hardcopyprototype started off with the panels' hinges being on the inside of the hinges connected to the torso. The second iteration in the test shot phase swapped this orientation, having the outer hinges be on the panel and the inner hinge be connected to the torso. By the final point of development, the hinges were kept the same as the second iteration, but were reinforced at the base to prevent breakages.^[11] Coincidentally, some test shot copies of the toy were molded in colors similar to that of theArmadaCheetorretool which was released six years later.
• An earlier unreleased prototype deco ofTransmetal 2 Cheetor, dubbed by fans as"Feral" Cheetor, based on his first appearance in the "Feral Scream"episodes of theBeast Wars cartoon, replaces most of the yellow plastic used on the original figure with a paler shade that included a metallic swirl in it. The main body, thighs, robot and beast heads were also replaced with a burnt red plastic with a slight golden swirl. The paint colors of this variant don't seem to be 100% finalized, as the paint apps are almost identical to the regular retail version, minus the gray paint apps which were a lot darker. This version was only a pre-production sample and very few were made. It would seem as though this could have been the colors the figure would've been released in originally had the burnt red and pale yellow plastics not been swapped out with the all-yellow plastic on the final figure.^[12]

References