WereBear

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WereBears were plush stuffed toy bears, created by George Nicholas Creations in 1983. Their heads and paws were reversible, allowing them to change from "nice" to "nasty", much the same as a werewolf. They were based on a weekly comic strip published by Clearmark Productions in New Malden.

Originally there were four bears named Fang, Grizzler, Howler and Gums. A fifth bear called Growler was created later, and he featured a voice-box that would produce a howling noise if the button was pressed. A set of smaller, non-changing, bears were also produced. In 1986 a second set of toys called the TerrorTeds were created to complement the original WereBears.

Each WereBear also came with a story cassette that was narrated by Oliver Postgate of Bagpuss fame.

Hornby manufactured the toys under license in Korea until the late 1980s, when they were discontinued. They have since become increasingly rare and collectable.

At the height of their popularity, Universal Pictures were in discussions with the creators to make a film of the bears.