Growing up in the 1980′s was rad. Even though video game consuls were on the rise, kids still played outside, and they still played with toys, and the toys were epic. Seems like there was a line for every taste; sci-fi and military, fantasy and sports, etc. Some of my favorite lines were the smaller, less popular ones. Sure, I liked He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Transformers. G.I. Joe is to this day my single favorite line as far as play-ability goes. But, for every toy line such as Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles there were lines that, while no less awesome, weren’t as overly popular. Go-Bots is one that comes to mind, and Battle Beasts.
Battle Beasts were yet another Takara/Hasbro import. Developed in Japan as a Transformers spin-off, the US versions had no ties to the “robots in disguise”. What Battle Beasts did have were really cool anthropomorphic animals clad in armor sporting some heavy duty weapons, not to mention heat sensitive stickers on their chests that revealed each warriors strengths.
Battle Beasts came two to a pack and since they were only about two inches tall were great for travel; any pocket would do. I enjoyed this line, and though they are probably in my parents garage somewhere with the majority of my childhood toys, I hope someday to dust them off and display them on the shelf.
Enter Diamond Select. Having acquired the rights after Hasbro let the trademark lapse, Diamond Select is proud to introduce the first wave of Battle Beast Minimates. I’ll say this, the Minimates line has sure come a long way.
Read on for more details.
After years of planning, Diamond Select Toys has opened up pre-orders for their first series of Battle Beasts Minimates! Appearing in the September issue of Previews, the first series of specialty figures will follow the IDW Publishing comic book mini-series, with characters and color schemes that will only be found at comic shops and specialty stores.
Vorin the Ram vs. the Scorpion
The leader of the the heroic band of rebels faces off with the leader of a nasty band of desert Beasts!
Merk the Falcon vs. The Tarantula
Vorin’s deadly comrade takes on one of the creepiest Beasts he’s ever encountered!
Gruntos the Walrus and Tate Reynolds (exclusive)
The trio’s good-natured powerhouse teams up with his newfound human compatriot!
Bliss Reynolds (exclusive) vs. The Snake
The human heroine is hunted by a slithering Beast for her knowledge of the Dread Weapons!
Coming this December! Pre-order the assortment today from your local comic shop or your favorite online retailer, and stay tuned to see the Toys “R” Us exclusive assortment! Battle Beasts #2 on sale now from IDW!
Tell you what though, I’m sure gonna miss those heat sensitive stickers…
