If there were ever a time to really complicate matters between two people, the lives of Snowbird and Sasquatch rank right up there in the confusion category. This is one of those times when a scorecard is truly needed in order to connect the dots in a linear fashion. The merging of these two characters into one result in a hybrid combination as seen with the Bowen Designs: Snowbird Sasquatch Transmutation Mini-Bust. In order to understand how this came to be, a bit of a history lesson is needed.

Dr. Walter Langkowski, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a renowned physicist, and a professor of both physics and biophysics. This interest led him to try and recreate the Hulk's accident as he bombarded himself with gamma ray particles near the Arctic Circle. This resulted in his transformation into a super-strong, orange-haired beast resembling the legendary Sasquatch, which he dubs himself. And this transformation can be triggered by his will. However, the result wasn't from a science experiment. Instead, it opened a portal between our world and the "Realm of the Great Beasts." The mystical beast Tanaraq invaded Langkowski's body and was the source of his powers. However, Langkowski managed to retain control of his own personality for a time. Eventually Tanarq took over resulting in Langkowski's death at the hands of Snowbird. However, his soul was saved even though his body had been destroyed.

Snowbird is the product of a union between a human male and the Inuit goddess Nelvanna. As Snowbird reaches adulthood, she finds that her destiny in protecting the mortal realm and defending it against the evil, mystical Great Beasts of Canada. Her supernatural abilities include the ability to transform into any animal native to Canada's Arctic and possessing its attributes while in creature mode. She can also fly, sense magical power, has limited precognition skills, and limited super strength. But despite all of these abilities, she cannot leave Canada without taking ill. But she was killed in the line of battle when an evil demon possessed her body.

But here's where the strange part occurs. Langkowski's spirit is transferred to Snowbird's body, while Snowbird's spirit passes into the realm of the Inuit gods. Walter can now transform between Snowbird's female human form and a white version of his Sasquatch form. Eventually they both returned to their original state but that's another story.

This white-furred Sasquatch version is a variant of the original orange Sasquatch mini-bust. It's a pretty easy variant as well with a switch of paint application. While I do like the original orange hued furball, I love the white version even more. There is something pure with this white version that radiates a mystical presence. And it's a huge presence as this Snowbird/Sasquatch hybrid is monstrous in size in comparison to other mini-busts. Everything is in scale so it's great to see the size differential.

I really love the paint application on this one using a light grey/powder blue to give tonal quality in emphasizing musculature and details in both the face and fur. The face is amazingly done well while the furry areas look natural completely natural

I also love the nice touch of adding the same base used for Snowbird's mini-bust. It's an intricate relief sculpture that depicts the spirits of the Great Beasts all around the base. This really is a marriage of the two characters with Sasquatch's form and Snowbird's base.

Bowen Designs: Snowbird Sasquatch Transmutation Mini-Bust is definitely an excellent variant of an already existing mini-bust. Yes, it's a bit of cheat but it's also one that makes a lot of sense for those who have followed these characters and their storylines. It's interesting to note that this one came out a couple of months before the actual Snowbird mini-bust. I guess this was a great way for fans to anticipate her coming by reminding everyone that this occurrence actually happened. Now I just have to convince my son that this isn't the Wampa and Luke Skywalker didn't cut off both his arms, but I think that story is easier to explain than the truth.


Product Details
Sculpted by: Rick Force
Base Sculpted by: Jim Maddox
Released: April 2006
Order of Release: Phase III (bust #130)
Edition Size: 2,000


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Bowen Designs Mini-Busts
Phase I: Bucky  ||  Captain America  ||  Daredevil Red  ||  Green Goblin  ||  The Incredible Hulk || Iron Man Silver Age  ||  Juggernaut  ||  Loki  ||  Spider-Man ||  Thor  ||  Weapon X  ||  Wolverine 25th Anniversary  ||  Wolverine Brown Variant
Phase III: Iron Man Hulkbuster  ||   Iron Man Original Armour  ||  Shaman  ||  Snowbird 
Phase IV: Aurora & Northstar 2-Pack 


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***This is part of both my 2011 Funny Pages and 2011 Canadiana Write-Offs. Come join the festivities until the end of July.

CANADIAN FACT: Sasquatch is from Vancouver, British Columbia. Snowbird is from somewhere near Resolute Bay in the Northwest Territories. They are both created by writer/artist John Byrne (Edmonton, Alberta).





Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 30.00