Zoids Avatars

Zoids (Zoic Androids, animal-like artificial living things) is a franchise based around a series of plastic toy models designed and produced by Japanese toy company Tomy (now Takara-Tomy). The models resemble a range of creatures (including mammals, dinosaurs, and insects), and depending on the particular continuity are either metal-based lifeforms or are constructed with metal-based lifeforms as the base design. The vast majority of the models are designed in roughly 1:72 scale, with a wind-up or battery motor to power moveable features, and a snap-together construction. The models were first released in 1982, with the most recent line released in early 2006.

The original line of toys, resembling dinosaurs, was released in Japan, Europe and the United States in the 1980s. Initially, the Zoids had a "Battle Story" that was told in text on the back of the model boxes, and in "fanbooks" and catalogues. The Zoids franchise also includes five anime series, three manga series, multiple series of electronic game, most of which inhabit their own unique continuities. The two most recent toy lines have been tie-ins to the anime series.