Strong Hippo

Strong Hippo is a Beastformer from the Generation 1 continuity family.

With monstrous strength rivalling that of Elephan, incredible skill in underwater combat, and a weapon that can fire beams that encase enemies in ice, Strong Hippo (ストロングヒッポ Sutorongu Hippo) could be a terrifying force on the battlefield. But frankly, he'd rather just get things done as quietly as possible without drawing attention to himself in any way. Though he never backs down from a job and does his best to complete whatever is set before him, he is incredibly shy, often turning beet red in public, which can hamper his performance as he tries to avoid making a scene.

He is ultimately a gentle giant with a fascination for fairy tales, having written several books on them. As King of Gamborudia, he has begun to overcome this shyness thanks to his close friendship with his subordinate Emperor Scout Mouse. The extroverted Mouse has helped bolster Hippo's confidence, while Hippo's kind and gentle nature has earned the Mouse's loyalty.

Fiction

Legends comic

Strong Hippo was enslaved by Scorponok to build the second BlackZarak transtector. Bonus Edition Vol. EX

Toys

Transformers: Beastformers

• Strong Hippo (Beastformer, 1987)
  • ID number: 32
  • Pack: C
  • Accessories: Axe

Part of the second series of Takara's Beastformers toys, Strong Hippo is an anthopomorphic hippopotamus in blue robotic armor. The Battle Emblem on his chest reveals one of three symbols when warmed up; Fire, Water or Wood.

He usually comes with a gold axe weapon marked with the same ID number as on his back. However, Beastformers is notorious for toys coming with someone else's weapon; it's unclear if this was just originally poor QC, but in the sequel series, this semi-random weaponry was actually turned into a "gimmick".

He was only available in the "C Pack" assortment, and came in a green-grid generic "Cybertron Beastformer" box. He came with a bio card with a painted character image on a jungle backdrop, though there was a chance his bio card would instead be replaced with the rare "Secret Photo" card featuring White Leo.

Beastformers

• Shocking Shark (Fortress, 1988)
  • ID number: 32
  • Accessories: "Aqua Hippo" MVP Weapon

Strong Hippo was also packed in with the Shocking Shark Fortress in Beastformers' post-Transformers sequel series. He is unchanged from his original release, though he comes with a new, more filled-out bio card with comic-style line-art for the character image. This card also gave his weapon, now branded an "MVP Weapon", the name "Aqua Hippo" (アクアヒッポ Akua Hippo).

It is possible that later runs of this toy gave Strong Hippo the full-color rubsign found in the later "RPG" series Beastformers, but this has not been confirmed.

Notes

• His 1988 Beastformers bio card gives him the nickname "Hippo" (ヒッポ).

Foreign names

• English: Humongous Hippo