Beast Wars Packaging
Beast Wars Packaging
The first thing I'll attempt to explain (if I can understand it) is: what is a "rock bubble" and a "soft bubble". Or.....some say blister instead of bubble or others say hard/soft.....nevermind. The very first batches of Beast Wars figures were released on "rock bubble" cards (these included Rattrap, Terrorsaur, Iguanis, Razorbeast, Tarantulas, Waspinator, "Blue Eyed" Cheetor, Dinobot, and Op/Meg 2-pack)!! What this basically means is that the bubble itself attached to the card had a very rough edge that made it look rocky or prehistoric in a sense. In fact.....all you have to do is take a peak at the Optimus Primal VS Megatron (bat/croc 2-pack) cards and you'll see what I mean. Second batch releases and beyond were printed with "soft bubbles". This just means that the bubble has a smooth outer edge. In fact....many of the first run figures were also reproduced with these "soft bubbles". The exact same figures were repackaged!! Therefore making the "rock bubble" version a more valuable and collectible piece!!! Hope this clears up that whole thing!!! Now on to the designs....:)
There are different types and sizes of packaging in the Beast Wars line. Of course....this goes the same for the figures as well. Some are small and some are large. All depends on which figure we're talking about (regular, deluxe, etc) and how much money you are willing to pay!! Tee hee!!!
The "regular" figures come on a card (here's an example of a regular card)!! These are the smaller figures (the first of which had "automatic transformations"). The cards are reasonably sized and have a small bubble in the middle displaying the figure!! At the top left corner is the Beast Wars logo and the top right corner has a character drawing of the figure. Also....the very tip has the figure's name and allegiance!! On the back of the card is a plate with the figures available in stores now, the figure's tec specs, and instructions on transformation. Pretty basic but unique!!! The "deluxe" figures have identical packaging designs as the "regular" ones but the cards themselves are bigger as are the bubbles on the outside. The backs on the "deluxe" pieces are also the same (here's an example of a deluxe card). One thing to note....the new Deluxe Transmetals have a different bubble design. It is sort of a "mechanical" looking bubble mold. Kind of slick :)
The "mega" figures come in boxes. These boxes remind me of the excellent Generation 1 designs with the cool "see through" window and wonderful shape (here's an example of the mega box). The figures are displayed on a yellow backing (except for Polar Claw who was in a plastic insert) and are strapped with twisty ties. The top left includes the Best Wars logo and the character drawing is on the right. On the back of the box is a plate with the figure's available and the figure's tec specs. The newer models (starting with B'Boom) have the Challenge Level of Conversion meter. It kind of determines the challenge level of transformation (the carded figures are beginning to include this chart as well)! Neat touch!!
The "ultra" figures also come in boxes. However, these are larger in size than the "mega" (here's an example of the ultra box). The items are in the exact same places (tec specs, etc). Some of the "ultra" boxes have the available figure strip on the bottom!
Unlike like carded figures, the boxed Beast Wars have a packet inside. This packet has the instruction manual as well as any extra missiles or pieces. It may also have a Kenner catalog!!
The designs of each card and box is very well done. However (as I mentioned in the introduction), the second batch of releases had really cheesy looks!! They were a light tan color and showed really no detail at all. The robot figure were also poorly done. But......this got much better and has been improving with each batch of figs. The newer cards have a black faded strip running across the top that gives it a slick look. It also has a darker design and better figure drawings.
However.....the Transmetals take what we know as "brown" Beast Wars and flip it around. The cards and boxes are a silver/black mechanical color. The character drawing is in front of a green background (even the trademark "Beast eye" is mechanical looking). They really stand out in your collection among the rest. I must point out that the new figures (TMs and Fuzors) have the Transformer name printed above the "Beast Wars" title. Before it was below. Makes the fact that they are true Transformers a lot more prominent!!All in all the Beast Wars packaging is nice. They are doing a wonderful job making sure the newer figures stick out from the action figure crowd!! Very nice job Kenner......keep it up!!
