Over 30 and Under-3

In 1996 Hasbro and McDonald's teamed up to promote the new Beast Wars line early on. Finding the regular Happy Meal toys isn't very hard, but one toy has eluded me for a long time. Simply known as Under-3, this toy was only given to parents that asked for the special pre-school toy. Now one may wonder why a 35 year old male would want a pre-school toy. Simple. It's Optimus Primal.

  

You thought the Happy Meal Transformers were simple? Under-3 is a large yellow lion head with a hinge on the top. Nothing more, nothing less.

Flip the lion head open to reveal the robot. One of the easiest transformations ever! I still can't quite put my finger on why this simple toy is so cool and why I wanted it so much. I just know that I've (somewhat) actively searched for this toy since 1996. I've seen it in mixed Happy Meal toy lots and I've seen it being offered in a complete McDonald's Beast Wars lot, but the prices have always been ludicrous...especially considering it is a pre-school toy. Anyhow my search is finally over and Under-3 now resides in what remains of my Beast Wars collection.

I know the colors don't scream Optimus Primal, but a look at the robot's head/face tells you who this character was modeled after. I also find this toy to be cool for the fact that it was possibly the forerunner or inspiration for the Beast Wars II character Lio Convoy in Japan. Coincidence? We may never know.

Fun fact: the robot's toes double as latches to keep the lion head folded up.

Transformers: Beast Wars - McDonald's Happy Meal

McDonald's has a rich history of their Happy Meal toys tying into various toy lines over the years and Transformers was no exception. In 1996 McDonald's released 5 toys to coincide with the launch of the Beast Wars brand. What I found interesting was the actual Happy Meal box had perforated "cards" of the different characters. Some of the cards were of the new characters designed for the promotion while others were of characters that would eventually be featured in the main line of toys as well as the awesome CGI rendered television show. 

What I really liked about these cards is the artwork. I don't believe I've seen  this artwork used anywhere else. The art does a good job capturing a organic feel. Also note the Transformers logo used is that of Generation 2.

No monkey here! Optimus Primal is featured in his bat form from the comic book 2 pack release.

Cheetor here looks resembles his first deluxe release action figure very closely.

Polar Claw I was surprised to see on the box. While not the greatest figure I still love the alt mode and the art.
   

Dinobot - the fan favorite. Razorback - the character that should've been in the television show.
 

Panther & Rhino - 2 of the Happy Meal exclusive characters. Panther I can live with, but I swear I always thought of Rhino as the poor man's Rhinox. Notice these cards contain the McD's logo.

Megatron, leader of the Predacons. I love Megs as a alligator - more so than a T-Rex.

Scorponok pictured here with his alternate or "mutant" head.

Waspinator - the lovable loser!

Tarantulas & Terrorsaur

    

Beetle & Manta Ray - 2 more of the Happy Meal exclusive characters. Beetle in my opinion was the best toy. Blame it on Depth Charge, but I always see Manta Ray and think of him as a Maximal.

If anyone has a lead on a 1996 Transformers Beast Wars Happy Meal box that is still intact please shoot me an e-mail.