Stag Beetle & Rider

I’m taking a “less is more” approach from my last project (HERE).

I envisioned a world of tiny brave men, where everything is giant to them in comparison. Think 1:1 ratio or a bit smaller.

They live in the woods floor and tame bugs as their rides, living the craziest adventures as they avoid being seen, eaten or caught; however, their biggest threat are birds or other bug-eaters attacking their rides while at flight.

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The one from this project is Mike Alden. He’s a skilled bug rider, always has been, and tamed a great Stag beetle upon which he crossed path while exploring afoot. Boy, was that a fight, until the beetle gave up and accepted his new master unwillingly.

Mike’s new ride was able to hit top speeds of 6 Km/h (almost 4 miles per hour). While this wasn’t particularly fast in terms of flying bugs, its mandibles were useful to lift heavy stuff, and it gave Mike what he considered to be a mighty self-image.

Recently, in an unfortunate turn of events, a chameleon creeped upon them and attacked just as they were lifting off, sending Mike to the ground. Mike’s combat training hit off and a fierce battle took place against the color-changing wizard dragon. In the end, the chameleon decided to prey on an easier lunch while Mike tended to his beetle until full recovery. They were inseparable since then.

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I’m going to make a series of these, as these fully articulated bugs are super fun to work on. I was aiming for an original idea for a set with great playability, but idk, I grew up playing with all kinds of bugs as a kid. I was no city child.

The stag beetle features:

• 6 posable legs (with knees and shoulders, rotating parts).
• The mandibles can be opened and closed.
• Eyes and antennae are the same piece (the antennae can move in all directions).
• The wings can be taken so that it seems the are retracted.
• The saddle handlebars can be adjusted.

I intend to work on a female rider and her treacherous praying mantis next.

Hope you like.

- Rafs