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Until now, the only female Stikfas was available in the deluxe Dragon set - if you wanted to add some gender equality to the world of plain, poseable interchangability and modularity, you had to spend almost $20 to get the big flying lizard. Now the Beta Female's ranks are growing, however, with the release of the Safari set.
Inside the Beta Female's sturdy white cardboard box is a Stikfas-logo ziplock bag that contains the Action Figure Kit, several promotional and instructional postcards and a sheet of stickers. The AFK comprises 34 pieces molded on a series of four plastic frames. Just snap the pieces off like you would any model kit and you're set to start putting your new toy together.
Once the basic body is assembled, the figure stands about 3" tall. This kit casts the body in a sort of tan color, probably to suggest the khakis of a stereotypical jungle expedition. The set includes an extra torso, upper arms and thighs with molded squares into which the accessories plug. All of the Stikfas' articulation is balljointed, and she moves at the wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, mid-torso, hips, knees, and ankles.
Her weapons and gear are molded from a darker brown plastic. She's got everything an aspiring tomb raider would need, starting with some sturdy clothes. The set includes some pieces designed to help sell the idea of clothing, beginning with two rugged soles that plug into the bottom of her feet to create boots. There are six tiny pockets that can be placed in any accessory spot you choose, a large backpack and even two hats: a pith helmet and an Aussie slouch hat.
Clothes may make the man, but it's accessories that make this brave Beta explorer. She's got a short curved knife, a rifie and a pair of revolvers to help fight her way through the jungle, as well as two whips - one coiled and featuring a peg to plug it in place, the other unfurled to strike at an enemy. The Aussie hat is complemented by a nifty boomerang.
When she's not shooting her guns,
the Stikfas safari female is shooting photos, so she comes with an old-style "accordian lens" camera and a tray to hold flash powder. She's got a grappling hook and a handle, though you'll have to provide your own rope for them. And what's a safari with no goal, other than a long, uncomfortable walk in the jungle? The aim of this trek is a cute little two-piece idol that stands 1 1/2" high.
Before you book your own safari, you should realize that the jungle is full of dangers: this set includes a 5" long jungle cat, only the second animal included in one of the standard sets. This killer kitty is articulated at the head, neck, shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, waist and all four ankles. There are also two joints in the tail, which help you give the feline a wide range of expressions.
The set includes a sheet of stickers to customize your adventurer however you please. With such varied items as facial expressions, boot laces, belts and indiginous symbols, the decals help you make your Stikfas your own. Of course, even without stickers you can still get a fine variety; move the pockets around, change the hats and you've got a new character.
The big idea of Stikfas is the interchangeability - all the pieces can be swapped with any other set, or combined and ignored however you see fit. Turn the idol's head into an ornate mask for a high priest, or create your own panther-headed goddess. The only limit to what you can do with a Stikfas is what you think you can do with a Stikfas.
What profession would you like to see honored with a Stikfas? Tell us on our message board, The Loafing Lounge.
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