Saberback (BW)

Saberback is a Predacon from the Beast Wars Neo portion of the Generation 1 continuity family's Beast Era.

I summon my Sabersaurus in attack mode!

Saberback (セイバーバック Seibābakku) would have you believe that he's a powerful shaman or sorcerer or warlock or whatever. Sometimes he mixes his themes up, but the point is that he is one of the rare Transformers with a knack for channeling the ill-defined forces of magic. Saberback can cast spells, create deadly illusions and even divine the future by reading tarot cards. This ability has given him a dark and mysterious reputation amongst the other Predacons, who tread lightly around him in superstitious fear.

The reality, though, is that Saberback uses his reputation to mask his own insecurities and shortcomings. An absolute coward in the face of danger, Saberback relies on "magic" because it's something he can either cast from a safe distance, distract enemies with while running away or just plain ole use to conceal himself until it's safe to come out. Saberback tries to maintain his front as a creepy and unfathomable mystic, but the Predacons who know him best can see through the illusion. His true nature is most prominently on display when he "breaks character" to bully the downtrodden Sling, a scrawny nerd who is easy-pickings for the cruel stegosaurus.

Fiction

Beast Wars Neo cartoon

Voice actor: Kazuki Yao (Japanese)

Hihowareya! Hihowareya! Hihowareya!

Beast Wars comic continuity

Beast Wars Neo comic

Nice try, but by attacking my Sabersaurus, you've activated my trap card!

IDW Beast Wars comics

Saberback is a compulsive liar, unable to trust anyone, not even himself. Beast Wars Sourcebook

During one of his astral journeys, Magmatron witnessed Saberback throttling Dirgegun, only for Killer Punch to clobber Saberback in turn. Moments later, Saberback was seen punching Killer Punch in retaliation. The Ascending #1

Toys

Beast Wars Neo

Feeeeed me, Seymour!

• Saberback (Deluxe, 1999)
  • Japanese ID number: D-30
  • Accessories: Tail-weapon

Saberback transforms into an organic stegosaurus. He also has a dubious (well...okay, lame) third "Claw Trap Mode" that basically involves splaying out the dino-limbs so he's on his belly, then raising up the dino-spine and tail so the opening panels on the tail-claw face forward. His tail detaches to become a hand-held (non-firing) blaster/claw-weapon for robot mode. Saberback's robot mode has a rather Aztec feel to it, what with the headdress, loincloth, and skull chest decoration.

This mold was also used to make the Beast Machines Dinobot Striker and the Walmart-exclusive Dinobots Snarl.

• More information on Saberback at TFU.info

• Showdown in the Desert: Corrada VS Saberback (Deluxe VS set, 1999)
  • Japanese ID number: VS-30
  • Accessories: Tail-weapon

Saberback was also available in a two-pack with the Maximal Cohrada. The two toys were identical to their individual releases.

Notes

Foreign names

• Korean: Stegorat (스테고라트 Seutegorateu)