My First Beast Wars Impression!!

It is 1995 and I have just slipped slowly out of the Generation 2 line. I wasn't yet a collector (since I really didn't display or take good care of them) but bought some because it brought back childhood memories. Mind you....I didn't have Internet access so I was not up on any new toy line developments from Hasbro/Kenner. Therefore I was quite shocked, on this bright Toys R Us afternoon, when I saw the first releases of the new "Beast Wars: Transformers".

While I always preferred the cars and planes aspect, I felt animals were unique ideas. So.....I snagged six figures: Rattrap, Razorbeast, Iguanis, Cheetor, Waspinator, and Optimus Primal/Megatron (bat/croc 2 pack). I ripped the cards open with a razor blade and pulled the figures from the molds. Unfortunately my first impression was not very good. I didn't like the "automatic transformations" of the smaller figures. I also was Generation 1 "die-cast metal" spoiled and was disappointed with the all plastic figures. Poseability didn't really hit me as an important factor when assessing my first opinions of the toys. I felt the packaging was pretty slick and the fact that the weapons were placed directly on the figure itself was nice (prevented loss of them in the future). However, it wasn't enough for me to appreciate the toyline. So....the spark faded!!

My Beast Wars Second Chance!!

But I gave Beast Wars a second chance a couple months later. One day I was walking through Hills Department store and saw the first boxed BW figures: Scorponok and Polar Claw. I really liked the box designs (with the "see through" window) and the fact that these were larger than previous ones. Nice transformational steps, cool "shoot out" weapons, and okay designs. But I got too far from Beast Wars to turn back. So.....that was it. Unfortunately that's the way it began and ended!!

Reeled into Beast Wars!!

I began Transformers collecting in May of 1996. I stuck mainly with Generation 1 stuff since that's what I grew up with. I got away from the hobby in November of 1996 to concentrate on my LaserDisc collection (my smaller hobby). However, when I received the Internet in May of '97, that is what sparked my Transformers hobby once again. What does this have to do with Beast Wars??? Well.....I'm getting there!!!

The Internet not only helped rekindle my excitement for Transformers Collecting, but it also reeled me into Beast Wars. I checked out tons of BW pages and read the many appreciations for the toy line. I think my main problem (and the problem of many others) is lack of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the figures. The chance Hasbro/Kenner took flipping our idea of the Transformers and turning it into a whole different aspect was huge!! Something new doesn't always work out.

I also thought that the Beast Wars were there to replace what we knew as Transformers. However, it really is an extension. The same Universe, the same idea, but different war!! Everything is part of the same Universe: the Transformers!! It brings up new factions fighting for the same cause....to conquer evil and protect the innocent (kind of like Robocop).

After reading BW pages for quite a while, I ran to Toys R Us to check out the new combiners!! To my surprise I was impressed. The fact that they came in a gift set was awesome (especially since I don't own any giftsets as of yet). I also was impressed with the complex transformations and how sturdy they combined together. Awesome!!!! This definitely began to ignite a Beast Wars spark in me!!!

However....the main turning point would have to be at Botcon '97. This convention was a big help in the process of tugging me into Beast Wars. I got to converse with tons of people who had a great respect for this toy line. I had the ability to understand what I had previously not and appreciate what I never thought I could. This definitely was the main reason I started becoming a Beast Wars fan (I also began watching all the episodes in Dolby Surround every week....).

After Botcon....the first thing I did was rush down to Toys R Us. I saw some of the new molds and designs. I definitely was impressed!! Kenner/Hasbro did a wonderful job with detail in the newer figures (of which was missing slightly in the first releases). This impressed me and I picked up everyone they had there!!

And there you have it!! I just had a hard time turning my head from G1 and looking into something new!! But....the 80's will always be remembered for starting the greatest toy line ever!! The 90's will be remembered for continuing this excellent idea!! I can't imagine what's in store for 00!!! Till then.......let's Transform, Maximize, and Terrorize until the energon freezes over!!!