The Zaber Fang (also known as Saber Tiger [see bottom]) is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.
| Zaber Fang | |
 Saber Tigers from the New Century Zero anime | |
| EZ-016 Tiger Type Zenebas Empire/Guylos Empire | |
| Crew | 1 |
| Weight | 78 tons |
| Depth | 15.6 m |
| Height | 9.1 m |
| Maximum Speed | 240 km/h |
| Weapons | Killer Sabre (2), Strike Claws (4), AEZ 20 mm Beam Gun (2), Small-Bore Anti-Zoid Laser Machinegun, Anti-Zoid Three-Barrelled Shock Cannon, Anti-Zoid 30 mm Double-Barrelled Beam Cannon, SSM Pod, TEZ 20 mm Linear Laser Gun (2) |
| Equipment | Composite Sensor Unit, Infra-Red Laser Searcher |
Overview
The Zaber Fang is a Tiger-type Zoid (although it more closely resembles a Smilodon, a type of Saber-toothed cat), created by the Zenebas Empire, and used during the various wars on Zi.
The Zaber Fang was the first high-speed, large-scale Zoid ever constructed, as well as being the first of many cat-type Zoids. Its speed made it amongst the fastest Zoids of its time. While its weapons lacked capability when compared to other large Zoids, they were more than enough to deal with the numerous smaller Zoid types of its day.
While very fast and agile in its day, the Zaber Fang has since been surpassed by newer designs. Nevertheless, it is still considered to be a very capable and very dangerous opponent.
An improved version of the Zaber Fang was also developed, known as the Great Sabre. This version sported a large pack on its back that allowed it to leap and fly for short distances, as well as carrying additional weaponry.
Battle Story Appearances
The Zaber Fang was first deployed by the Zenebas army in the early ZAC 2030s, working alongside the Red Horn and other early Zoids. For its time, it was considered to be a devastating opponent against smaller Helic Zoids; anything it couldn't out-fight, it could easily out-run. The Zaber Fang was unmatched in its combination of speed and firepower. The Helic Republic did not possess a Zoid that could directly compete with the Zaber Fang until ZAC 2042, when the Shield Liger was introduced.
To address the Zaber Fang's lackluster ranged weapons, the Zenebas Empire developed a new variant known as the Strengthened Zaber Fang. This version replaced the main cannons with an Imperial Hyperbeam Launcher, giving the Zoid a potent long-range punch. In ZAC 2044, the Empire introduced another new model of Zaber Fang, known as the Great Sabre. The Great Sabre sported improved weapons, along with limited flight capabilities. The Great Sabre remained in service with the Zenebas forces until the Empire's fall in ZAC 2048.
Following the meteor strike of ZAC 2056, the Guylos Empire lost the ability to produce many of its advanced, high-performance Zoids. In response, the Guylos military began production of a new model of Zaber Fang for their forces. The new version served during the Western Continent war, where it often clashed with Helic Shield Ligers. However, the Zoid quickly found itself outpaced by the development of newer designs like the Blade Liger.
Emperor Rudolph briefly used a Zaber Fang during Regent Prozen's attempted coup. The Zoid proved to be ineffective, and was badly damaged by Gunther Prozen's Bloody Death Saurer during the fighting.
Media Appearances
Anime
Chaotic Century and Guardian Force
The Zaber Fang first appeared in Zoids: Chaotic Century. In the first half of the series, Raven used a red Zaber Fang to destroy battalion after battalion of Republican Zoids to allow the Imperial Army to enter Republic territory unhindered. He also faced off against Van's Shield Liger a total of four times, winning by his own skill the first time, and calling on his Organoid Shadow to win the second time. He never finished his third battle due to Van running off, but Van managed to damage the Zaber Fang with his Liger's shield before leaving. By the fourth battle, due to ignoring the damage from the previous fight, Raven's recklessness and overconfidence caused him to destroy his Zoid when he rammed it through Van's Energy Shield. Raven escaped using Shadow.
Raven also faced off against Irvine's Command Wolf in episode 14. Despite taking heavy damage from the temporary weapons Irvine used, and even losing one of the Zaber Fang's legs, Raven was able to overpower Irvine after fusing with his Organoid Shadow (though Irvine managed to escape before the final blow could be struck).
Raven's Zaber Fang
Numerous variants and customizations also appeared in the series, including a Royal Sabre owned by Prime Minister Homaleff (which Rudolph piloted for a brief period), a heavily customized model mounted with a Gatling gun piloted by Karl L. Schubaltz, and the holographic, three-headed Cerberus created by the 'Trinity Ghost'. Great Sabers also appear on occasion, most notably used by the veteran Imperial soldiers known as the 'Three Guards', as well as a modified pink Great Saber piloted by Stinger, known as the "Stinger Special".
Raven's Zaber Fang notably had dark blue shoulder pads and a dark blue tail, a feature not present on the Zoid's NJR release.
New Century Zero
Zaber Fang also appeared in Zoids: New Century Zero, most notably the Tigers Team of Kirkland, Omari, and Lineback The three of them piloted bright yellow Zaber Fang that sported blue trims.
The Tigers Team would be seen mounting various weapons to their Zoids. In the first episode one mounts a Long Range Cannon, similar to the one Irvine and Brad used on their Command Wolves. Later, all three Tigers mount a combination dual-cannon/weather control device setup.
Major Polta of the Backdraft Team also piloted a Zaber Fang. Polta's was equipped with optical stealth and had a large missile launcher mounted on its back (similar to the one Irvine used against Raven in Chaotic Century).
A single Zaber Fang bearing Raven's color scheme, (albeit slightly more maroon than red and the shoulder pads and tail black instead of dark blue) would appear briefly in episode 3.
Fuzors
Keith's Holotech Zaber Fang, shown here disappearing from view using its Hologram technology.
A pair of episodes in Zoids: Fuzors featured a Holotech Zaber Fang piloted by a rogue Zi-Fighter called Keith. Keith's Zoid, utilizing a special system called Hologram Technology, was able to turn invisible, as well as evade all sensor systems and could even project holograms. This allowed him to defeat Zoids that were far more powerful that his non-Fuzor Zoid would otherwise be. Using this Zoid, he went off on a rampage, destroying several Zoids including the Dark Assassin's Killer Spiner and a pair of Blade Ligers. Keith also destroyed Sigma's Boldguard; however Sigma eventually defeated him with a Leostriker using special ammunition that allowed it find the Zaber Fang even when it was invisible. The series also featured several other Zaber Fangs in minor roles.
Keith's Zoid featured the same yellow colour scheme as the Tiger's Team's Zoids in New Century Zero, whereas the standard Zaber Fangs were seen with the usual red colouration.
The Zaber Fang's original animation model lacked a lot of the smaller weapons that the model kit features. However, in Fuzors, the Zaber Fang's 3D animation model had been altered from the version used since Chaotic Century, with these weapons added. It appears, though, that the small machine gun which is normally placed under the Zoid's shock cannon on the model kit was animated to be mounted on the Zoid's back in the anime.
Genesis
Zaber Fangs appear on several occasions in Zoids: Genesis, usually belonging to the various clans. One elite group was seen under the command of the Zuri officer, Teize, who personally piloted a Brastle Tiger.
While the above Zoids were primarily red in colour, other Zaber Fangs (from various other factions) would be seen with a new colour scheme. The were coloured primarily in grey.
The Genesis Zaber Fangs uses a completely new animation model, with a larger head and back weapon, and shorter legs when compared to previous animation models and the model kits.
Comics and Manga
UK Zoids Comic
Zaber Fang's only appearance in the UK comics was limited to a promotional flyer of dubious canonicity. The first issue of the planned "Zoids Monthly" would have introduced the character, but it never reached publication.
Chaotic Century
Shortly after Van first encounters Zeke and Raven, a Zaber Fang begins to attack Van’s village. Raven explains that he has used Shadow to infect the Zoid with a virus, causing it to rampage. Van and Zeke are able to combine and defeat the Zaber Fang, but as soon as it is disabled, Raven and Shadow merge with the Zoid, resurrecting it. Raven and Shadow, using the Zaber Fang, then face off against Van and Zeke (the Organoid) using Zeke (the Command Wolf), before Van finally uses the Command Wolf's 'Ragnarok Fang' attack and defeats the Zaber Fang.
Video Games
The Zaber Fang played a major role in both the Zoids Saga series and in the Zoids VS series. In Zoids Legacy, the player is given the option of either getting a 'Liger Type' (Shield Liger), or a 'Tiger Type' Zoid. Selecting 'Tiger Type' will give the player a Zaber Fang.
In Zoids VS II (Zoids Battle Legends), the player encounters Zaber Fangs in all three battle modes, and in multiple missions of both Republic and Empire Mission Mode. In the mission mode of Zoids: Battle Legends, the Zaber Fangs in the mission mode is referred as the Zaber Fang RT; (RT stands for Rottiger).
Both games feature several variants of the Zaber Fang, namely
Zaber Fang Old: Speed 200km/h - Old Zenebas Zoid Zaber Fang: Speed 240km/h - Guylos Empire, old Zaber Fang AT: Speed 250km/h - Renovated Zoid, with higher mobility Zaber Fang SS: Speed 240km/h - Schubaltz Special Zaber Fang RS: Speed 240km/h - Raven Special Zaber Fang TS: Speed 250km/h - Tigers team Special Proto Zaber: Speed 245km/h - A prototype used for CAS research
Trading Cards
The Zaber Fang was featured in two of the Zoids Trading Cards releases, the Original Battle Game and Zoids Card Colosseum. Zaber Fang Holotech was also featured in the Zoids Scramble release, and Zaber SS was available as part of the Empire Booster Packs for the Original Battle Game.
Models
Original Japanese Release
OJR Sabre Tiger
- Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
- The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint.
The Sabre Tiger (as it was originally known) kit comes on five frames (one of which is a weapons frame also shared with the Death Saurer, Dimetrodon and Red Horn), along with a battery-powered motor, a semi-transparent canopy cover, sixteen rubber caps, a small chromed pilot and label sheets. The Sabre Tiger is moulded in maroon and black, with silver weapons and smoke-coloured canopies. The motor and two of the frames would be later re-used by the Shield Liger.
The Sabre Tiger’s construction isn’t overly complex or difficult, putting it roughly in the middle of the range for Zoid complexity. The Sabre Tiger uses a single "AA" sized battery for motion. Once activated, the Zoid walks forwards with its jaws chomping. The Sabre Tiger's mechanisms were later copied by the Shield Liger and, by extension, the Blade Liger and Liger Zero.
Like several other Zoids of the time, the Sabre Tiger could use a number of different optional weapons that were included in the Empire Customise Set. The Sabre Tiger was released in 1984, and was produced up until about 1987.
Original European Release
The Sabre Tiger was released in the UK and Europe in 1987, with the name being changed to Zabre. The model was recoloured in black and light grey, with blue caps and a gold pilot. The label sheet was altered to give the Zoid Helic logos instead of Zenebas ones, to show its allegance with the Blue Guardians.
Great Sabre
Great Sabre
In 1987, TOMY introduced a new version of the Sabre Tiger, replacing the existing one in production. This version had a new color scheme, with black armor and bright red structure in place of the original maroon and black, as well as a red canopy. It also featured new parts, with a large backpack, wings and missile launcher added to the Zoid's back. This later became the CP-02. It is also included in the Old and New Imperial Customize Sets. It was meant to oppose the Shield Liger MKII.
Zoids 2
Z2 Sabre
A version of the Sabre Tiger was released in the Zoids 2 line, under the name Sabre, in the UK and Europe in the mid 90s. This version was colored chrome purple, black and red.
Zoids 2 Prototype Sabre
Z2 Prototype Saber
Believed to be the only existing prototype. It is recolored in dark green, dark gray, and red-orange with the weapons in gray, silver, and gold. The pilot is silver-chromed. No sticker sheet was included.
Zoids2 Sabre Version2 label
The Zoid was originally thought to be the original Technozoid version of the Zaber which was cancelled before it reached mass production. A label came with the Zoid which was mistranslated as Sabre 2. Correctly translated as Zoids 2 with the remaining characters translating to Sabre Version 2, most likely meaning Zoids 2 Sabre Version 2.
Technozoids
The Zoids 2 version of the Sabre Tiger, the Sabre, was also released in the US and Canada as a part of the Technozoids line, with no changes made to the product.
New Japanese Release
NJR Zaber Fang
The Sabre Tiger was re-released as a part of the New Japanese Release in 1999. The new Saber Tiger (Different in spelling from the OJR Sabre Tiger) incorporated several changes from the original version. The red was a darker colur, the canopies are green and the pilot was now a flat blue colour. The battery lid was modified to have a screw-down cover, rather than the clip-down one of the original.
TOMY also released an upgrade kit for the Saber Tiger, the CP-02 Assault Unit. This unit is based on the flight unit that was released with the original Great Sabre.
Later production runs of the NJR Saber Tiger have somewhat blunted teeth, a hold-over from the New European Release version.
New American Release
Zaber Fang
The Saber Tiger was re-released in North America by Hasbro in 2001 now as the Zaber Fang. While based on the NJR version's mould, the Zoid was recoloured with bright yellow armor to match the Tigers Team Zaber Fangs in the New Century anime. This version also sported painted shoulders and tail, a unique feature amongst Zaber Fang variants. The Zoids coloring of the painted details has been known to be somewhat inconsistent and have been seen in several color variations. Some Zaber Fangs have blue or even bluish-purple painted parts while others can be jet black.
The Zaber Fang was featured as part of the Hasbro Action Figures line. It had a Japanese red color scheme, despite the fact that it was cast in yellow for the New American Release
The Zoid was also released in the New Pacific Release, in near-identical packaging. Additionally, the Zoid was released in Japan with American packaging and Japanese instructions. Leftover stock from the NPR was shipped to the UK to become a part of the NER line.
Holotech Zaber Fang
NAR Holotech Zaber Fang
In 2003, Hasbro released a second version of the Zaber Fang. While similar in colour (and retaining the painted parts), the yellow frames were moulded in semi-transparent plastic.
The Zoid was also a part of the NPR. Leftover stock was shipped overseas from Australia and sold in the UK as a part of the NER line.
New European Release
TOMY released the Zaber Fang in the NER line in 2003. This version was identical in colouration to the NJR version. This version featured stubby, blunted teeth, apparently a moulding change to conform with UK safety laws. This change was carried over to subsequent production runs of the New Japanese Release version and all further releases.
NAR-Style (yellow) Zaber Fangs as well as the NAR Holotech Zaber Fangs were later released in the UK, most likely leftover Australian stock. These ones did not have blunted teeth.
Limited Saber Tiger
Sabre Tiger Gold
In 2004, TOMY released a limited edition Saber Tiger. Also known as the Saber Tiger SCV, this version included the CP-02, and was moulded in gold, black and gunmetal. The model sports the same blunted teeth as the NER version. This release has suffered from inconsistent mould quality, with some having noticeable defects and signs of wear.
Holotech Saber Tiger
Later in 2004, TOMY also released a version of the Holotech Zaber Fang. This version is distinguishable from the NAR version by the color of its armor (being slightly more yellow) and also having the blunted teeth. This model is based off the Zoid that appeared in the Zoids: Fuzors anime. The zoid was addressed by its NJR name rather than the NAR name.
TDP Great Sabre
In 2005, Toy's Dream Project re-released the Great Sabre in a version near-identical to the original. It does have the blunted teeth of the other recent releases, and has experienced poor mould quality.
NER Holotech Zaber Fang Prototype
Supposodly, a Holotech Zaber Fang was planned for the NER line. Unlike the Holotech Zaber Fang from the NAR and Holotech Sabre Tiger from the NJR lines, this Zoid would have been a clear red version of the original Zaber Fang to go along with the Red Zaber Fang that was released during the NER, opposed to the NAR having the yellow Zaber Fang and yellow Zaber Fang Holotech. It is unknown if the Zoid ever reached production.
HMM Saber Tiger
Kotobukiya's sixth release as a part of the HMM line. The Zoid is based off of the NJR variant of the Zoid. The Zoid has a red, black and gray color scheme and has gray fangs and claws as well as black and gray weapons. In essence, due to the new articulation design, the whole Zoid is poseable.
As the ninth release in the line, a second version of the Zoid was done, but in black and red and gray with gold fangs and claws as well as black and gray weapons. This variant sport the same color scheme as the one Karl L. Schubaltz had in the original anime series. It also has new pre-painted details as well as extra parts, including a redesigned CP-03 Gattling Unit and CA-01. The Zoid was made around the same time Takara-Tomy made the Schwarz Iron Kong for the Rebirth Century Line in 2009.
The Great Saber was released as of May, 2010. The Zoid is mostly colored in black, dark gray, and dark red with a red canopy and silver fangs and claws. It includes a redesigned CP-02.It uses the spelling from the NJR version.
A prototype is shown on Kotobukiya's site. It is colored in all white, most likely to display poseability in grayscale, as the Saber Tiger is one of Kotobukiya's most articulate Zoid HMM kits.
External Links
Name
The Zoid is fairly consistently named the "Saber Tiger" in Japanese Media, and is fairly consistently named the "Zaber Fang" in written Western Media. However, the English dubs of the anime the names are used interchangeably (the Tigers team also use Zaber Fang as their team name). The spelling "Sabre" appears in the Zoids 2 release and in the OJR name "Sabre Tiger", but these appear to be the only times that variant was used. Due to this relative consistency, the English name (Zaber Fang), rather than the Japanese one (Saber Tiger), was as the default name used in this article.