In the scheme of things, Beast Wars fans were incredibly fortunate when the 10th Anniversary of the toy-line and TV series rolled around back in 2006. Hasbro could easily have let the anniversary pass by without so much as a bat of the eyelid - but instead, they really got behind it to celebrate the anniversary, and I've always taken that as Hasbro recognising the importance of the show in saving and revitalising the Transformers franchise back in the mid-90's.

Hasbro produced:

• A series of 6 repainted deluxe toys (Though the colours chosen were haphazard at times...)
• A new version of Optimus Primal and Megatron (Though clearly destined for the Cybertron line)
• A Trans-Mutate Build-A-Figure - Hasbro didn't have to produce her, but they did, and she's a very nice piece to have in your collection.
• Models of the Axalon and the Predacon Vessel - Again, Hasbro didn't have to produce these little models, but they did, and as far as I'm aware (though I'm happy to be corrected) it's the first time Hasbro have ever produced models of TF ships in such a way.

Takara also got into the swing of things, producing their Telemocha line - again repaints, but repaints done by people that had clearly watched episodes of the TV series (unlike Hasbro and their version of Dinobot). They also gave slight retools to the ultra-sized Optimus Primal and Megatron molds, giving them accurate head-sculpts and fixing up Primal's chest panel. They didn't have to do this, but they did, and they're wonderful pieces. Hasbro even imported some and sold them too.

But perhaps the biggest excitement came when it was announced that IDW were jumping on board also. To add to the euphoria, Simon Furman and Don Figueroa would be behind the project, producing Beast Wars: The Gathering - a 4-part mini-series. It was soon followed by another 4-part mini, Beast Wars: The Ascending, as well as a set of 4 profile books, giving insight into the wealth of Beast Wars characters that hadn't previously been given any time to shine.

The comics were given a mixed reception and the profile books had some glaring errors in both details and artwork - but again, there was no obligation to produce these works, and any time Don Figueroa gets to draw Magmatron is a good thing.

To recap, the 10th Anniversary saw us receive:

• 20+ toys
• An exclusive figure
• Model ships
• 8 Comics
• 4 Profile Books

It's perhaps worth noting that no other individual Transformers line has received any kind of recognition of an anniversary, as far as I'm aware - at least not to the scale of this.

So, this (finally) leads me to my question: Should we expect anything from the 20th Anniversary in 2016?

The short answer for me is - Yes, but not on the same scale.

The Comics produced for the 10th Ann. were used to expand the BW story forward, filling in a gap (that didn't previously exist) between Beast Wars and Beast Machines. I'm of the opinion that instead of moving forwards with Beast Wars in any future fiction, we should go back. Do away with the toys and profile books and just give us a set of 4 or 5 (so as to fit into a trade) Spotlight issues, delving back into the pasts of some of our favourite Beast Wars characters.

If that's not to IDW's fancy, then take us even further back, and through the use of a mini-series (again, perfect for filling a TPB) help explain the genesis of the Maximal and Predacon factions, answering the single question that has persisted but never been fully explained: What happened to the Autobots and Decepticons? The history of the Beast Wars universe is a goldmine for future TF fiction in my opinion - that's why I've spent so long musing and writing upon it myself.

I'd love to hear all your thoughts on what Hasbro/IDW could possibly do for fans to celebrate the 20th Anniversary, because if anything is to actually happen for it, they'd have to start planning it in the next year or so, right?

 

Well for start they made reissues the Dvds with New releases of Beast Wars 2,Beast Wars Neo, & Beast Machine. Than they might releases The Generations Line for Beast Wars, Finally we've maybe had a New TV Movie that based the IDW Beast Wars Comics.

 

I'd love a few more update figures, namely first body Primal, Dinobot, Blackarachnia and Terrorsaur. They're the only characters left in desperate need of good updates.

Anythign else would be gravy.

 

release telemocha primal with whatever the most show accurate ultra megatron was in a boxset.

or a domestic release of metals megatron with a golden disk and a rubber ducky.

 

For the 20th, I expect for Hasbro to at least make a new Primal and Megatron. Hopefully we can get a few other things, like maybe a TM Cheetor to replace the meth kitty, or a really nice Black Arachnia.

The club is likely setting up for it with this whole alternate universe for their Protoform X. I really want that BM Rattrap.

 

Since we've gotten a pretty good number of Beast Wars figures just in the main line so far, I don't think it would be hard to believe at all that Hasbro would do something special for the anniversary. Perhaps that rumored new mold BW Megatron?

 

Telemocha Optimus is too small, smaller than deluxe sized.

We need a Voyager of him and Dinobot to get an accurate-scale season 1 cast.

Realistically, most BW toys hold up remarkably well, especially the Transmetals. (due to the request by Hasbro that new charatcers into Season 2 were more accurate) Blackarachnia really needs a new figure, as does Terrorsaur. (though Terrorsaur's not AS important as BA) Dinobot's Henkei figure is too small and skinny and innaccurate. Dinobot was huge and buff. Primal also needs to be Rhinox sized. But the Ultra Megatron still holds up in size and design, as does most everyone else. (at least as well as the newer BW figures are accurate to the show. Even Rhinox, Waspinator and Rattrap have incongruities, but it just means they fit in better)

I'd personally love a Leader class TM1 Megatron because that design is just incredible.

 

I certainly wouldn't say no to a celebration of what remains my favorite Transformers series.

As for how they could celebrate, I'd just love either a new mold or reissue of Transmetal Megatron. I want a new roller skating robotic T-rex. I don't care if they make a new mold for him, or just re-use the original with modern, non-GPS susceptible plastic.

 

If they make anything, I'll buy anything as soon as I see it.

Saying that, it really makes me feel old. Doesn't seem that long ago that I was eight years old and watching the first episode before school.

 

Beast Wars introduced me to Transformers, so some 20th-anniversary stuff - even if it isn't a lot - would definitely pique my interest.

Some pre-Beast Wars comics would really be cool. However, I would be okay with the Great Upgrade and early Maximal-Predacon conflicts just being referenced through bits of dialogue and/or maybe a short prologue.

 

Yeah I was just thinking about this too, and how young I must have been when this (not to mention Reboot) first aired.

 

SPLIT LIP, I don't see why we need a voyager Primal. Just track down a version of the Ultra class figure.

 

You're all feeling positive about Hasbro producing a new toy or two. What about new fiction?

 

Beast Wars could do with a few more updated Season 1 characters. Beast Machines, however, is in desperate need of new molds.

 

Only 2 years until the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars,this thread is making me feel really old lol.

 

I'm in for the Beast Wars 20th Anniversary! If TakaraTOMY were to release Masterpiece Beast Wars toys in Japan, they should be like a cross between Transformers (for transformation) and Bandai's S.H. Figuarts line (for both modes' body articulation).

Although it's a shame a potential MP Optimus Primal ranked 6th place and lost to MP Star Saber in the Fan's Choice poll. Maybe for Beast Wars 20th Anniversary, perhaps?

 

I just hope we get more figures. Hasbro can do whatever else they want for the anniversary, but as far as I'm concerned, figures are the way to go. If they want to do a thematic line of beasts (which seems to be the way they're pushing what with the hinted new faction logos for 2015/6 and push for Dinobots lately) that's fine by me too. But I want updates of my classic characters, and if they take some liberties like the S1 Rattrap it's not so bad provided they still look really good and I can get my full show-accurate cast of BW figures.

Especially the Predacons. Love of God just scale them right and make them not suck.

 

With how well the beast wars generations toys are selling I'm sure we are going to get more figures. I hope Rattrap will be easy to find with the movie line coming out.

 

Hopefully They do something really big. for it.

Leader BW Megatron please.

 

The Takara retools of Ultra Primal and Megatron are wonderful with their new headsculpts, but I think they could still do more.

For Optimus Primal:

• Remove the spring-loaded launcher and mace holder from his forearms and replace them with non-spring-loaded cannons.
• Create a better system for his shoulder-mounted cannons.
• Give him some jets in his back.
• Maybe some chrome swords if they have the time.

For Megatron:

• The dino-tail must become removable, revealing an articulated hand in robot mode.
• Remove the water squirter from the dino-head
• Rework the hip launchers to be non-firing.
• Give him a rubber ducky. It's time.