ARCHIVE: DST Stargate SG-1 Daniel/Anubis "Ascension 2-pack"

Article originally published 08/28/2007 at figures.com

Over the past year, Diamond Select Toys has enjoyed a great level of success with their Stargate line. Already three full series of figures into the Stargate universe, DST has hit their stride and is rolling out more characters for the die-hard fans of the show. Accompanying the latest series of Stargate figures is the first multipack of the line. The Daniel & Anubis ‘Ascension 2-Pack’ features the duo as they appeared in the SG-1 season six episode ‘Full Circle’. This multipack includes a variation of the previously-released Daniel Jackson figure. However, fans will be most interested in the figure debut of the powerful Goa’uld System Lord, Anubis.

PACKAGING
DST stuck with the standard SG-1 packaging for this set, including the two figures in a blister shell with a stiff cardboard backing. As with SG-1 series 3, the cardboard has been strengthened on the packaging. This is a nice upgrade, especially for the heavier 2-pack, and allows the figures to hang on the wall with little damage to the peg hook.

SCULPT
As with the rest of Diamond’s Stargate series, the Daniel & Anubis 2-pack is sculpted by Jean St. Jean Studios. The difference with this set lies in its simplicity. Unlike the more detailed outfits of the serpent guards or SG-1 uniforms, the ‘ascension’ robes featured on these two figures are sculpted in one piece. The folds of each robe and hood are nicely done, but the focal point of the set is the head sculpts. Anubis features an entirely new sculpt, highlighting the mysterious black skull of the half-ascended Goa’uld. On the show, Anubis’ face is never completely revealed, allowing fans (and the sculptors) to create a minds-eye version of what the alien may actually look like. Daniel Jackson’s sculpt is the same that was featured on the series 1 version of the character, but a difference in paint apps makes a vast improvement.

PAINT AND COLOR
Diamond opted to use the same body sculpt for the two figures, so the paint applications are critical to give each character definition. Again, at first glance these seem like very simple figures. Daniel Jackson’s robe is a mixture of two shades of brown while Anubis is almost completely all black. However, the apps on both head sculpts are very crisp. Daniel especially shines in this section, appearing to have a bit more clarity than his series 1 counterpart.

ACCESSORIES
Some may be disappointed that this set comes with no accessories. The hoods for both figures are removable and some of the shoulder wraps on Daniel’s robes easily slide off, but there are no true items included for these figures to hold or interact with. Although, the previous two Daniel Jackson figures both included the same piece of the SG-1 Stargate, so fans may be satisfied to not get yet another copy of the same gate piece.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
This is a nice episode-specific set that hardcore Stargate fans will surely pick up. It is on shelves now for around $25, which may put off more casual fans considering its lack of accessories. I love the ominous look to Anubis and the overall simplicity of the set. With the complexity and detail that DST has put into their previous Stargate efforts, the Daniel/Anubis 2-pack makes a nice background companion piece.