Battle Beasts (ビーストフォーマー,Bīsutofōmā) is a line of small 2" tallaction figuretoys, in the form of anthropomorphised animals with body armor and a unique weapon. Several figures have their left hand replaced by a weapon of some kind. Battle Beasts were created and largely produced byTakara and distributed by Takara in Japan (under the nameBeastFormers) and byHasbro outside Japan, beginning in 1987.
Battle Beasts were created byTakara of Japan in 1986.Tomy Co., Ltd., akaK.K. Takara-Tomy, still owns the worldwide rights to the property. The heyday for the toyline came during the period in which it was licensed toHasbro for distribution outside Japan when Hasbro marketed the toys in America and many other parts of the world. Although in the Japanese market Takara branded the toys as a spin-off ofTransformers and even named the toys "BeastFormers", their tie-in to the Transformers universe was not part of the Hasbro story or marketing.
As part of the Takara strategy, many of the Battle Beasts appeared in the episode "Rebellion on Planet Beast" of the Japanese Transformers cartoon seriesTransformers: The Headmasters. The Battle Beasts reside on the planet Beast.
Four series were released overall. The first three contain beasts 1 - 76. Each figure has a heat sensitive rub sign on his/her chest and a hand-to-hand weapon. Three pull-back vehicles and three transforming bases were also released. The fourth series had 36 figures and was renamed Laser Beasts, the renaming corresponded with some minor changes to the figures. The entire Laser Beast line was released in Japan, and in small numbers in America and Europe. These figures have orbs in their chest instead of rubs and each came with a gun that resembled the creature who held it. Some small chariots were also released as part of the Laser Beast line in Japan. In addition to these figures, some promo figures were also made. These were made of clear plastic and were available only in special sets.
The figures were released in Japan in small boxes of individual figures and in larger multi-packs. In America Series 1, 2 and the 12 Laser Beasts were released on blister cards with two figures per card. Series 3 figures were only available in boxes of eight per package. The vehicles came in boxes and each came with a figure.
The universe history of 2011 takes place in the galaxy territory of theDecepticon's "Planet Beast".
The intelligent race of animals called BeastFormers lived in peace on Planet Beast. However, the scheming evil hand of the Decepticons bent on domination of the entire universe to the peaceful Planet Beast was fast approaching.
To defeat the Lion Family that ruled Planet Beast, Galvatron supplied Alligatron with weapons in order to overthrow the Lion family. Alligatron was given the Sharkticons, who were the military escorts of the Decepticons to fight in the rebellion. This is how the BeastFormer war began.
The Beast Star was suddenly engulfed in war. Before Alligatron the wielder of the Decepticon Power and his Decepticon Beast's could capture the Cybertron Beasts, they were able to escape into the forest. In order to ask for help from the Autobots, the Cybertron Beast's strongest warrior Platinum Tiger had to make his way to the occupied communication room of the palace.
Alligatron planted a trap there called the "Holography Mirror". As soon as Platinum Tiger unwittingly set foot in the palace, a sudden flash of light trapped the strongest warrior in the holography mirror.
Is Planet Beast going to remain under occupation? What about the fate of the Supreme Commander White Leo's Cybertron Beasts? Can Platinum Tiger escape from the power of the Holography Mirror? Right now, the battle and mystery of the BeastFormers is just beginning.
Battle Beasts came out in the late 1980s and like most toys of the era, had a gimmick to help sales. Each Battle Beast had a heat sensitive sticker on his chest which, when rubbed would reveal the warrior's strength. The symbols would represent either fire, wood or water and could be used in arock, paper, scissors type game—fire beats wood, wood beats water, water beats fire. Later a fourth emblem was added, the Sunburst, and it would beat all other types. The Sunburst was extremely rare, in a ten pack in Japan, or Pirate Leo was available in America as a variant, despite claims that there were others of that affiliation. Each Beast also carried his own distinctive weapon which could be identified to its Beast with the corresponding number.
In the U.S. Battle Beasts came in packages of two, usually (but not always) in numerical order. It was impossible to tell which figure had a rub of fire, wood, or water until the package was opened. That came in handy with marketing, as their slogan was,Fire! Wood! Or Water!... You'll never know until you own them!. Also listed on the packages starting with Series 2 was the possibility of getting the Sunburst Warrior. There was a total of three series adding up to 76 Battle Beasts beginning with #1, Pirate Lion and ending with #76, Ossified Orangutan.
Series 1 & 2 were released in Japan, Europe and North America while Series 3 was only released in Japan, the U.K. and the U.S.
The fourth and final series released was named Shadow Warriors, or Laser Beasts in Japan. The heat sensitive sticker was replaced by an orb that could be seen through, depicting which clan the Beast represented.
The Shadow Warriors had a new slogan on the American package that readFire! Wood! Water!... Only the crystal shield will reveal their strength!. Shadow Warriors carried guns instead of the hand-to-hand weapons that the Battle Beasts had, and each gun resembled the creature to which it belonged.
The entire new series of 36 Laser Beasts and new sleds were released mainly in Japan. North America only received 12 of the new Laser Beasts, which were packaged as "Shadow Warriors" in two-pack blister cards. These were mainly sold byValue City stores. No accessories, such as sleds or shields, were released, although they appeared on the packaging. Some of the lower numbered Lasers were produced in Europe and a few came with unique shields and sleds that like the guns, resembled the animal it belonged to. The sleds from Japan were available in two colors (grey and bordeaux) and both were included in the Six Shield Battler set. In France a third color, purple, appeared. This exclusive color was included in the blister packs of Laser Beasts #93 to #96, the grey one was available with Beasts #89 to #92, and the bordeaux was available with Beasts #97 to #100. The main color of the sled is not the only difference. The color of the wheels change too. The grey sled has orange wheels, the bordeaux sled has black wheels and the purple sled has yellow wheels.
Six of the 12 shields were released only in Europe; #89 Brown Lion, #92 Hustlebear, #95 Dragon Seahorn, #97 Seapanic, #98 Puzzlecolor and #100 Scope Cougar.
White Leo - An anthropomorphicwhite lion( ライオン rion) who is theeyepatch-wearing leader of the Autobot-aligned Battle Beasts and the King of Historam, North Snarl.Birth Place: Layku City.Role:(総司令官 Sōshi reikan) (Supreme Commander) His English name isPirate Lion. He is the eleventh King of the Lion family, which has existed for thousands of years. Besides excelling in martial arts, he has supernatural abilities that allow him to use the ancient arts of universal creation that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Big Serow - An anthropomorphicserow(カモシカ kamoshika) who is the King of Saitan, Kantonia.Birth Place: Saitan.Role:(副官 Fukkan) (Adjutant). During the Great War, he served as White Leo's advisor. He has an excellent mind for tactical planning, and is meticulous and systematic in his actions. He is always calm, friendly, and kind. His English name isDeer Stalker.
Golder - An anthropomorphictiger(タイガー taigaa) and the Emperor of Gun Marino, Kantonia.Birth Place: Gunmarino Plateau.Role:陸上参謀[(陸上参謀 Rikujō sanbō)]] (Land-Based Staff Officer). He has a serious and strong sense of justice, and has the physical strength and tenacity to persevere in whatever he believes in. However, he also has a stubbornness that makes it difficult for him to change his opinion once he has decided to do something. His English name isFerocious Tiger.
Fly Kick - An anthropomorphic whiteeagle(鷲 washi) who is the Emperor of Historam, North Snarl.Birth Place: Histrom Plateau.Role:(空中戦士 Kūchū senshi) (Aerial Warrior). During the Great War, he distinguished himself as an aerial warrior. Never one to dwell on anything, he has a big heart and a strong desire to improve. The downside is that he sometimes gets carried away. His English name isColonel Bird.
Elephan - An anthropomorphicelephant(ゾウ zou) who is the King of Stoll, Kantonia. He serves as the Transportation Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isSledgehammer Elephant.
Gray Sharp - An anthropomorphicrhinoceros(サイ sai) who is the King of Petra, Muland. He serves as the Land Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isRocky Rhino.
Gray Ox - An anthropomorphicwater buffalo(水牛 suigyuo) who is the Emperor of Petra, Muland. He serves as the Amphibious Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isRoamin' Buffalo.
Battle Bear - An anthropomorphicbrown bear(ヒグマ brown kume) who is the Emperor of Saitan, Kantonia. He serves as the Mountains and Forest Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isGrizzly Bear.
Bonga - An anthropomorphicgorilla(ゴリラ gorira) who is the King of Halas in the Uorī Archipelago. He is the Land Attack Commander for White Leo's forces. His English name isGargantuan Gorilla.
Wild Thunder - An anthropomorphicwild boar(イノシシ inoshishi) who is the Emperor of Stoll, Kantonia. He serves at the Land Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isSwiny Boar.
Bea Fox - An anthropomorphicfox(キツネ kitsune) who is the King of Ringostan, South Snarl. He serves as the Reconnaissance Combatant for White Leo's forces. Her English name isSly Fox.
Yellow Giraffe - An anthropomorphicgiraffe(キリン kirin) who is the King of Gun Marino, Kantonia. He serves as the Military Intelligence Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isRubberneck Giraffe.
Hedgehog - An anthropomorphichedgehog(ハリネズミ harinezumi) who is the King of Hogland, North Snarl. He serves as a Special Forces Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isPricklyPorcupine.
Rabbit Kid - An anthropomorphicrabbit(ウサギ usagi) who is the King of Rabbihos Island off the coast of North Snarl. He serves as the Communications Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isHare Razing Rabbit.
Bowdog - An anthropomorphicdog(イヌ inu) who is the King of Bowdonia, North Snarl. He serves as a Science Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isDanger Dog.
Blue Horse - An anthropomorphichorse(馬 uma) who is the Emperor of Rabbihos Island off the coast of North Snarl. He serves as the High Speed Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isSir Sire Horse.
Giader - An anthropomorphicweasel(イタチ itachi) who is the King of Sunatoria, North Snarl. He serves as the Land Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isWar Weasel.
Violet Horn - An anthropomorphicbison(バイソン baison) who is the Emperor of Bowdonia, North Snarl. He serves as the Strong Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isBloodthirsty Bison.
Bomb Sheep - An anthropomorphicsheep(ヒツジ hitsuji) who is the King of Sheepnia, North Snarl. He serves as the Supply Line Worker for White Leo's forces. His English name isBighorn Sheep.
Alligatron - An anthropomorphic albinoalligator(ワニ wani) who is the King of Lennonia, South Snarl and the leader of the Decepticon-allied Battle Beasts. His English name isGruesome Gator.
Killer Fish - An anthropomorphiccarp(鯉 carpio) who is the Emperor of Lennonia, South Snarl. He serves as a Staff Officer for Alligatron's forces and sports an injury he gained during his fight with Big Serow. His English name isKillerCarp.
Snake Bomb - An anthropomorphicsnake(ヘビ hebi) with snake heads for hands who is the Emperor of Barāki, Kantonia. He serves as the Reconnaissance Officer for Alligatron's forces. His English name isTriple Threat Snake.
Drill Frog - An anthropomorphicfrog(カエル kaeru) who is the King of Barāki, Kantonia. He serves as the Underwater Offensive Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isHornyToad.
Devil Bat - An anthropomorphicbat(コウモリ koumori) who is the Emperor of Ringostan, South Snarl. He serves as the Airmobile Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isBlitzkrieg Bat.
Black Turtle - An anthropomorphicturtle(カメ kame) who is the Emperor of Halas in the Uorī Archipelago. He is part of the Amphibious Infantry of Alligatron's forces. His English name isHardtopTortoise.
Bad Shark - An anthropomorphicshark(サメ same) who is the Emperor of Sheepnia, North Snarl. He serves as an Underwater Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isSawtooth Shark.
Death Spider - An anthropomorphicspider(クモ kumo) who is the Emperor of Hogland, North Snarl. He serves as the Special Attack Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isWebslinger Spider.
Crab Hit - An anthropomorphiccrab(カニ kani) who is the Emperor of Sunatoria. He serves as the Underwater Attack Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isCrusty Crab.
Power Jaguar - An anthropomorphicjaguar(ジャガー jyagaa) who is the King of Arxan, Yutoranta. He serves as the Land Attack Aide-De-Camp for White Leo's forces. His English name isJaded Jag.
Strong Hippo - An anthropomorphichippopotamus(カバ kaba) who is the King of Gamborudia, Yutoranta. He serves as the Amphibious Transportation Expert for White Leo's forces. His English name isHumongous Hippo.
Wave Moose - An anthropomorphicmoose(ヘラジカ herajika) who is the King of Ellas in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Ultrasonic Mountain Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isMajor Moose.
Jungaroo - An anthropomorphickangaroo(カンガルー kangaru) who is the King of Chibara, Kantonia. He serves as the Leaping Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isKickback Kangaroo.
Sea Iron - An anthropomorphicwalrus(セイウチ seiuchi) who is the Emperor of Chibara, Kantonia. He serves as the Underwater Mobility Expert for White Leo's forces. His English name isWolfgang Walrus.
Dark Raccoon - An anthropomorphicraccoon(アライグマ araiguma) who is the Emperor of Madra, Yutoranta. He serves as the Explosives Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isDragoon Racoon.
Smileduck - An anthropomorphicduck(アヒル ahiru) who is the Emperor of Tell e-Sawwan, Muland. He serves as the Amphibious Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isRun Amuck Duck.
Undergroun - An anthropomorphicmole(モグラ mogura) who is the King of Rhodes in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Underground Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isMiner Mole.
Beavop - An anthropomorphicbeaver(ビーバー biibaa) who is the Emperor of Arxan, Yutoranta. He serves as the Amphibious Scout for White Leo's forces. His English name isEager Beaver.
Yellow Camelus - An anthropomorphiccamel(ラクダ rakuda) who is the King of Tell e-Sawwan, Muland. He serves as the Underground Attack Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isHunchback Camel.
Polar Battlebear - An anthropomorphicpolar bear(北極グマ hokkyoku guma) who is the King of North Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as the Ice Field Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isPillaging Polar Bear.
Flying Attacker - An anthropomorphicflying squirrel(ムササビ musasabi) who is the Emperor of Harriso, South Snarl. He serves as the Land and Air Attack Specialist. His English name isSquire Squirrel.
Platinum Tiger - An anthropomorphicSmilodon (saber-toothed tiger)(サーベルタイガー saiberu taigaa) who is the King of Harriso, South Snarl. He serves as the Honorary Warrior for White Leo's forces. His English name isSabre Sword Tiger.
Bullorn - An anthropomorphicBulldog(ブルドッグ Burudoggu) who is the King of Madra, Yutoranta. He serves as theSergeant for White Leo's forces. His English name isBludgeoning Bulldog.
Iguanamonss - An anthropomorphiciguana(イグアナ iguana) who is the King of Onomis in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Special Disruption Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isIcky Iguana.
Browngyro - An anthropomorphicarmadillo(アルマジロ arumajiro) who is the Emperor of Ellas in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Armored Land Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isArmored Armadillo.
Green Chameles - An anthropomorphicchameleon(カメレオン kamereon) who is the Empress of Onomis in the Uorī Archipelago. She serves as the Camouflage Attack Soldier for Alligatron's forces. Her English name isΔ Chameleon.
Red Octo - An anthropomorphicoctopus(タコ tako) who is the Emperor of Tamarahamu, Yutoranta. He serves as the Sea Mine Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isOctillion Octopus.
Scout Mouse - An anthropomorphicmouse(ネズミ nezumi) who is the Emperor of Gamborudia, Yutoranta. He serves as the Special Scout Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isPowerhouse Mouse.
Power Nozzle - An anthropomorphicanteater(アリクイ arikui) who is the King of Tamarahamu, Yutoranta. He serves as the Vacuum Attack Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isAntic Anteater.
Cuttle Deep - An anthropomorphiccuttlefish(コウイカ kouika) who is the Emperor of North Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as the Deep Sea Disruption Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isCutthroat Cuttlefish.
Juniordragon - An anthropomorphicseahorse(タツノオトシゴ tatsunotoshigo) who is the King of Agos in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Deep Sea Disruption Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isSlasher Seahorse.
Knightowl - An anthropomorphicowl(フクロウ wakurou) who is the King of Agos in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Night Warfare Commander for Alligatron's forces. His English name isKnight Owl.
Ultragas - An anthropomorphicskunk(スカンク sukanku) who is the Emperor of Rhodes in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Maneuver Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isPew-Trid Skunk.
Strong Panda - An anthropomorphicpanda(パンダ panda) who is the King of East Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as the Combat Medic for White Leo's forces. His English name isPanzer Panda.
Koala Gray - An anthropomorphickoala(コアラ koara) who is the King of Lapaul, South Snarl. He serves as the commander of Grassland Reconnaissance for White Leo's forces. His English name isKiller Koala.
Black Jaguar - An anthropomorphic melanisticleopard(黒ヒョウ kuro hyou) who is the King of Nupal, Yutoranta. He serves as White Leo's headbodyguard. His English name isBlack Panther.
Dreameater - An anthropomorphictapir(バク baku) who is the Emperor of Uruk, Muland. He is part of the Special Combat Unit for White Leo's forces. His English name isTorrential Tapir.
Baboon - An anthropomorphicmandrill(マンドリル mandoriru) who is the Emperor of Nirmud, Muland. He serves White Leo's forces as the Staff Officer for Mountains and Forests. His English name isManic Mandrill.
Dog Hunter - An anthropomorphicPointer (ポインター Pointaa) who is the King of Iriano, Yutoranta. He is the commander of the High Speed Reconnaissance Unit for White Leo's forces. His English name isPixilated Pointer.
Būpink - An anthropomorphicpig(ブタ piggu) who is the King of Hilles in the Uorī Archipelago. He serves as the Food Reconnaissance for White Leo's forces. His English name isPillager Pig.
Razorkukku - An anthropomorphicchicken(ニワトリ niwatori) who is the Emperor of East Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as the Air Staff Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isRowdy Rooster.
Muskhorn - An anthropomorphicmuskox(ジャコウウシ jakouushi) who is the King of West Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as a Mountain Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isMusky Ox.
Slo - An anthropomorphicsloth(ナマケモノ namakemono) who is the King of Hamanan, Kantonia. He serves as a Staff Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isSlowpoke Sloth.
Earthhog - An anthropomorphicaardvark(ツチブタ tsuchibuta) who is the Emperor of Hamanan, Kantonia. He serves as a Grassland Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isArdent Aardvark.
White Cow - An anthropomorphicdairy cattle(乳牛 nyougyou) who is the King of Uruk, Muland. He is part of the Resource Development Unit for White Leo's forces. Her English name isBodacious Bovine.
Zebra Ball - An anthropomorphiczebra(シマウマ shimauma) who is the King of Johnston, South Snarl. He serves as the Grasslands Staff Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isZealot Zebra.
Duck Diver - An anthropomorphicplatypus(カモノハシ kamonohashi) who is the Emperor of Lapaul, South Snarl. He serves as the Underwater Reconnaissance Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isDiving Duckbill.
Mingo Kid - An anthropomorphicflamingo(フラミンゴ furamingo) who is the Emperor of Hilles in the Uorī Archipelago. He is the commander of the Air Combat Unit for White Leo's forces. His English name isFrenzied Flamingo.
Little Serow - An anthropomorphicserow(カモシカ kamoshika) who is the King of Palmyra, Muland. He is a Land Combatant Specialist for White Leo's forces. His English name isFleet-FootedAntelope. It is unknown if he is related to Big Serow.
Peguinis - An anthropomorphicpenguin(ペンギン pengin) who is the Emperor of Johnston, South Snarl. He is the Ice Field Combatant for White Leo's forces. His English name isPungnacious Penguin.
Udan - An anthropomorphicorangutan(オランウータン oranuutan) who is the Emperor of Iriano, Yutoranta. He serves as a Staff Officer for White Leo's forces. His English name isOssified Orangutan.
Shield Dragon - An anthropomorphicfrilled lizard(エリマキトカゲ erimakitokage) who is the Emperor of Zigrad, Muland. He serves as the Communications Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isLeapin' Lizard.
Demonkey - An anthropomorphictarsier(メガネザル meganezaru) who is the Emperor of Palmyra, Muland. He serves as a Demolitions Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isTarsier Tyrant.
Cobrander - An anthropomorphicking cobra(キングコブラ kingu cobura) who is the King of Zigrad, Muland. His English name isKing Cobra.
Pangol - An anthropomorphicpangolin(センザンコウ senzankou) who is the Emperor of West Yutoranta, Yutoranta. He serves as an Armored Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isTanglin' Pangolin.
Eagle Killer - An anthropomorphichawk(鷹 taka) who is the King of Nirmud, Muland. He serves as the Sky Maneuver Soldier for Alligatron's forces. His English name isHarrier Hawk.
Crow Max - An anthropomorphiccrow(カラス karasu) who is the Emperor of Nupal, Yutoranta. He serves as the Air Staff Officer for Alligatron's forces. His English name isCrooked Crow.
TheLaser Beasts are a formidable race of anthropomorphic animals that live beneath the surface of Planet Beast and were created by the mighty Three Wise Ones. The lenses on their chest armors can absorb and store artificial solar energy and power itself. After their underground city and artificial sun were destroyed, the Laser Beasts made their way to the surface to take in the solar energy from the real sun which led them into conflict with the Battle Beasts.
Tiger Burn - An anthropomorphictiger(トラ tora who is the Emperor of the Laser Beasts.
Skull Grotess - An anthropomorphicdragon(ドラゴン doragon) who is the Assault General of the Laser Beast army and a second-in-command of Tiger Burn.
Blue Eagle - An anthropomorphiceagle(鷲 washi) who is the Air Strike Officer of Laser Beasts.
Brain Mouse - An anthropomorphicmouse(ネズミ nezumi) who is the Underground Maneuver Officer of the Laser Beasts.
Brown Lion - An anthropomorphiclion(ライオン raion) who is the commander of the Ground Assault Unit of the Laser Beasts.
Condorashin - An anthropomorphiccondor(コンドル kondoru) who is the Air Attack Officer of the Laser Beasts.
Dino Gator - An anthropomorphiccrocodile(クロコダイル kurokodairu) who is the head of the Marine Attack of the Laser Beast army where he answers to Skull Grotess.
Dragon Seahorn - An anthropomorpicnarwhal(イッカク ikkaku) who is the Underwater Maneuver Specialist of the Laser Beasts.
Fight Horn - An anthropomorphicreindeer(トナカイ tonakai) who is one of the Shield Battler-6.
Flying Dragon - An anthropomorphicdragonfly(トンボ tonbo) who is a member of the Aviation Force of the Laser Beast army.
Fly Sailor - An anthropomorphicflying fish(トビウオ tobiuo) is a Marine Attack Officer of the Laser Beasts.
Green Rayfer - An anthropomorphicstingray(エイ i.e.) who is part of the Underwater Maneuver portion of the Laser Beasts.
Sky Bat - An anthropomorphicbrown long-eared bat(ウサギコウモリ usagikoumori) who is the commander of the Air and Intelligence portions of the Laser Beast army and answers to Skull Grotess.
Slag King - An anthropomorphicPteranodon(プテラノドン puteranodon) who is the commander of the Ground Forces of the Laser Beasts and answers to Skull Grotess.
Spark Shark - An anthropomorphicsawshark(ノコギリザメ nokogirizame) who is a Marine Attack Officer of the Laser Beast army.
Strong Hurricane - An anthropomorphicEurasian scops-owl(コノハズク konohazuku) who is the commander of the Shield Battler-6 and answers to Skull Grotess.
Surr (Surreal) - An anthropomorphiccentipede(ムカデ mukade) who is the Underground Maneuver Officer of the Laser Beast army.
Unarchy - An anthropomorphicmole(モグラ mogura) who is an Underground Maneuver Officer of the Laser Beast army.
Zariganian - An anthropomorphiccrayfish(ザリガニ zarigani) who is an Underwater Maneuver Officer of the Laser Beast army.
A number of vehicles were released throughout the line. For the Battle Beast line, three chariots and three bases were released that looked like animals, and each came with one figure that was not unique to the vehicle. The chariots were able to hold up to three figures comfortably and each had its own name:Tearin' Tiger, which looked like a tiger,Big Horn which looked like a ram andDeer Stalker which looked like a deer. All the chariots had a pull-back motion that would spring the vehicle forward when it was released.
The three bases were theBlazing Eagle (known as theFirebird in a toy commercial for the vehicles),Shocking Shark andWood Beetle. Each base had a unique symbol theme that matched the "Fire, Wood, Water" concept that the line was based on. Each base could hold several figures and had a jail-cell with which to hold captured Beasts.
The Laser Beast line had several vehicles as well. Three Battle chariots which were smaller than the Battle Beast chariots could be purchased with a unique figure, and several types of Drills were released as well.
To date, there are four known types of Drills to exist, all of which are the same design but feature different colors; Gold, Maroon, Yellow and Blue. The Blue Drill is the rarest, with only three or four known to exist.
There were several promotional figures released in Japan throughout the run that could be obtained in certain ways, mainly through mail-aways or by purchasing special sets.
Most of the figures weren't exactly new, as most of the premium figures were just repaints of previously existing molds. Figures that were repaints were theStone Cobra,Clear Gator,Clear Carp and theStriped Carp. The only exception to this rule was the mail-away offer for the #101Skull Grotess figure, which was a completely original figure.
Premium figures were available in various ways. The Clear Gator and Sunburst Lion could be obtained by purchasing a Japanese 10-pack set that contained either one figure or the other although the owner couldn't tell until he or she opened the package. The Stone Cobra could only be obtained through the mailing of the two halves of the "Stone Tablet". One half could be found in the Japanese Fire Phoenix playset (which was the Japanese equivalent to the American Blazing Eagle set), while the other was in the Sunburst Lion set. The Stone Cobra was sent out in two different waves due to a larger demand than Takara originally expected. The first way came with no rub, the second came with a sticker that had White Leo's face on it.
The Clear and Striped Carps could be found in the Japanese "Punch Box" set, which was basically a box that had covers which the owner would "punch" to find a figure. The Striped Carp was much more rare than the Clear version.
The Skull Grotess figure could be purchased (along with a Gold Drill) through a mail-away offer exclusively. An order form advertising the figure could be found in almost all single-figure packages sold in Japan.
Starting with the second series of figures in America, a 23" x 30" poster was available via mail order featuring drawings of all the Battle Beasts as well as their names.
A strap called theBandolier was introduced for children to hold and carry around their Battle Beasts figures, in the middle of it was a box that has the Battle Beasts logo on it and all over it are compartments to hold several figures.
A comic series simply titledBattle Beasts was published byBlackthorne Publishing from February through November 1988. There were only four issues published by the company before it was canceled on a cliffhanger. All four issues were published in black-and-white. The stories were written by John Stephenson, penciled by Andy Ice, and inked by Jorge Pacheco (issues 1 and 2), Shepherd Hendrix (issue 3), and Rachel "Fuzzy" Haze (issue 4). They centered primarily on seven characters: Horny Toad, Knight Owl, and Gargantuan Gorilla dealing with the betrayal of Chameleon, Rocky Rhino, Blitzkrieg Bat, and Cutthroat Cuttlefish, who interrupted a ceremony with the Soulspirit causing madness and constant sign changes among their people. A sludgy devil character called Ruhin was also featured. The final issue implied that Pirate Lion, piloting the Shocking Shark with first mate Webslinger Spider, was the Sunburst Warrior who would be able to set things aright. Two annuals were published as well, although by a different company and they were only released in Europe. The stories are unrelated to the Blackthorne series.
In 2011 Takara Tomy announced theBeast Saga line, a spiritual successor to the original figures. The line focuses on three factions - land, air and sea. The fire/wood/water battling mechanism was replaced by a dice launcher which enables a dice battle game between figures. The series was released in September 2012. Figures include shields in addition to weapons and have been released in monthly waves. Shonen Jump produced a manga based on the toy line and an anime was released in 2013.
At the 2009 San Diego Comic Con, Diamond Select Toys acquired the Battle Beasts brand name after Hasbro allowed the trademark to lapse. They displayed a playset featuring a Minimates version of their new Battle Beasts line. The playset was to become available for sale on December 31, 2009, but was cancelled. Several repaints of the figure were sold in 2010, and at C2E2 2012 the company confirmed they would be going forward with a full line of figures. Additionally, a comic book based on the Minimates franchise was released byIDW Publishing in May 2012.
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