The Werebears were originally designed by our Director George Nicholas as a toy for his son, so that boys could have cuddly toys that weren't seen as being for "wimps". As people started to find out about the bears, more people became interested in their characters and so we began to produce a WereBear comic in George's shed! A large number of companies were interested in buying the rights to the bears, but Hornby were the ones who finally got the deal and produced the four main characters, Howler, Grizzler, Gums and Fang.
The plush toys of the WereBears had heads and hands that could be turned inside out to show claws, teeth and fierce expressions.
A fifth WereBear, Growler, was added who had a voicebox built in. Hornby also produced the WereBears' enemies, the Terror Teds - Snapper, Munch, Chomp and Grunt.
Universal Pictures were interested in making a film of the bears, but were unable to strike a deal, and soon after the marketing period for the bears expired. Gums was discontinued first, as he was the least popular bear in the shops, although he was apprently the most popular with girls. Therefore, after the last few bears were sold, that was the end for them.
All the WereBear toys came with a cassette tape with an audio adventure on it (some of which can be heard using the player below) Oliver Postgate (Clangers, Bagpuss) was the narrator, with guest voice artistes.
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