The American version of the Beast Wars didn't show in Japan until a full year after we saw it here in 1996. Likely due to having to redub the whole series for the Japanese audience. Regardless, it was an instant hit in Japan with the toys selling quite briskly at their debut.
Today's Prime shot takes a look at the Maximal Leader Optimus Primal up against the Predacon Leader Megatron in the unique Versus sets that were quite popular in Japan. Takara created many sets that packaged toys from each side together. The first one of these made in 1997 was the Strongest Beast Showdown: Convoy VS Megatron VS-1 set. This set is full of fury with Primal giving Ol' Megs the one-two punch in the package. The VS-1 was so popular, Takara made at second milestone production run after selling out the first, as indicated by the green sticker on the front.
