Badmovies.org Forum

So, here's an idea I had pop into my head several years back and unlike most of my ideas, I haven't forgotten about it since then, so it must be a decent one, especially considering my low attention span...

Okay, basically the idea is a series in a "live action" style comic book form using photos of my old Battle Beast toys.  For the uninitiated, Battle Beasts were a series of small action figures that were basically animal-like humans in body armor that were introduced in the late eighties.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Beasts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Beasts) In my series the Battle Beasts are alive and aware that they are toys.  The first story arc would be the main character trying desperately to get a reboot/revival of the franchise so that he can relive his "glory" years.  The task is made more difficult by waves of ambivalence, apathy, and the not-so-useful "help" he gets from his often idiotic companions.  

Although the premise is "silly adventures of plastic toys" the series is really about nostalgia, self-identity, and longing for a past that may not have really been as great as you might remember it.

Course, there are some problems with the idea.  One, they already beat me to the punch.  I did some research, and it turns out they DID reboot Battle Beasts a few years back (note, I originally got the idea waaaay before that happened.)  So I guess I'll have to make the series take place a half a decade or so back.  

And two, I don't know.. wondering if maybe like a lot of my ideas, they might be a little too esoteric to find any kind of appeal.  I mean, it's a bit of a niche within a niche within a throwback kind of a thing.  Bit like my "Radiation High" idea or the Dr Kaidian Necromancy and Body Transplant website I used to have up.  (And if you remember that thing, God bless you, you really need more hobbies...)  :)  

Heh.. I remember them Battle Beast toys.
"FIRE!  FIRE BURN WOOD!"
"WATER PUT OUT FIRE!"
"WOOD BEATS WATER!"
I think I was just starting high school when I first saw these toy commercials.
Anything that has to do with 80s nostalgia, I say go for it!

Oh, another thing, I forgot to mention, I'm having trouble with a title.  Been kicking around "Life On the B-Side" but I think that may have been taken.

Course, I dunno, I think it fits.  I mean, B for Battle Beats, plus, traditionally, the B side of a cassette (or record) is where you often find the "dumped" songs.

Hey, how about "EARTH, WOOD & FIRE" for the title.  Like, a takeoff on the band Earth, Wind & Fire. 
(http://loyalkng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/earth-wind-and-fire-reason.jpg)
Maybe dress some Battle Beasts up in afros, unbuttoned shirts and bell bottom pants like the band in the picture does.  I personally think that would be hilarious!

Er, make that WATER, WOOD & FIRE.

You don't have to abandon the idea just because there was a revival a few years back.  It was really minor and easy to overlook.  You could even use that in your story.  Either they tried it before and it didn't work good or they want a "REAL" revival. 

As for a title, I think you need to keep BEASTS in there somewhere.  I just don't know how. 

Reboot Beasts?

I really like it.