Astrosnik
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Astrosniks, called Sniks for short, are fictional characters comparable to the Smurfs, but with a science fiction theme. They were made by a German company named Bully beginning in 1975. Astrosniks toys are highly collectable, especially plastic figurines.
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Anatomy & Culture
A Snik is about 5 to 6 cm (2" to 2.5") high, and possesses enormous strength and intelligence. They have antennae and prominent buckteeth. There is a notable racial diversity; although most Sniks have green skin (with yellow or orange hair), some have orange (with yellow hair), black (with silver hair), or pink skin.
A subspecies of Astrosniks, Marsmen Sniks (also known as Walkman Sniks), do not have any arms or visible noses. They too have a wide range of skin tones; blue, orange, red, yellow, green, black, and white.
Sniks are frequently described as happy, loveable, and friendly. They are said to be eager to learn and "they always take time to play, to be funny, and to enjoy life and friendships". Sniks are called "friends of mankind", but the nature and extent of their interaction with Humans has not been revealed.
Astrosnik transportation includes dune buggies, rockets and flying saucers. Their design has a retro-futuristic look.
Backstory
The Astrosniks have an ancient culture, said to have developed rapidly due to their communication system called "Sniknet" (not to be confused with their language, "Sniklish"). They possess space travel as well time travel technology.
The Sniks originate on the planetoid Snikeria, which is close in size to Ceres, Pallas and Vesta. This means Snikeria is between 469 and 950km in diameter. The planetoid is mobile, powered by the mysterious "quasar-force". Millions of years ago, it was moved to the Sol System, where it settled into orbit behind Mars; it is permanently occulted by the planet, and not visible from Earth.
In time, Snikeria became overpopulated, so many Sniks slowly immigrated to Mars, and developed a subterranean system of paths and supply lines. Besides a Head Office of administration, other important locations include store rooms and lecture halls.
Toys
Released as several sets of figurines in Germany in the 1970s, the Astrosniks were licensed to about 50 manufacturers to produce memorabilia in 1983 and 1984. The Snik figurines were reissued in 1999.
List of Astrosniks
Airport, Astralia (female), Astro, Baby, Banner, Baseball, Bob, CB, Commander, Copter, Diogene, Drill, Frigo, Galaxo, Golf, Hockey, Jet, Jockey, Jog, Junior, Kick, Mechanic, Perfido, Potamus (dragon), Pyramido, Quick, Racing, Robo, Scout, Ski, Space, Surf, Tennis
Books
- Astrosniks and the Quasar Caper, The ISBN 0394863925
- Astrosniks in Snikv ISBN 0394862473
- Astrosniks in Space ISBN 0394862279
- Astrosniks Stamp Fun ISBN 0394866061
- Bully Reference Book - pictures and describes all Sniks and their history, as well as all Bully figures made up to 1998.
- Junior's Day in Space ISBN 0394863933
Bibliography
- Astro's Treasure Chest (http://www.astrostreasurechest.net/sniks.htm)
- Toyline.com (http://www.toyline.com/bripvc/astrosnik.html)