1st Sideshow Freaks Custom Figure Challenge: RESPONSE thread

[figuremasterles]

Here, you can respond to any figures posted in the SSCF IMAGE THREAD

Please keep it concise, and quote who you are referring to from the other thread. You can quote from it to emphasize your points, both with image and written materials. But please try to limit your use of quoted photos to one, two at the MOST, so this will not be too long and confusing a thread for everyone.

This is not a contest!
There are no winners!
You can state your favorites, but try to be constructive towards all submitted figures. Even those you may or may not like as much. Try to say SOMETHING about each if you feel you want to.

No one is obligated to respond to any of the submissions, but feel free to do so if you choose.

This should be a rather organic responding to all those posts in the other thread, as they happen. Just please try to make clear which figure you are commenting on. You might even mention it first in your post.
If you are making multiple comments in one post, please make sure you are clear as to which figures you are mentioning for clarity.


International submissions are due from this posting, and you the viewer can respond after the first posted figure, or at any time in the future from here on.
Unlike the submission thread, which has a one week deadline, due to end next Sunday night (July 8th), This thread has no such time limits. You can post as much as you like.

Support your favorites and try to comment kindly on any work done. The artists involved can always use your criticisms.


Thanks and enjoy the show! :D

[rabidwolverine21]

that looks real good hurricane huge improvement:drool :drool

[figuremasterles]

To Hurricane!
MAN! I love your Shaak Ti!

I need to go back and study her a bit more, but she looks GREAT!!!!
Very lifelike! Better by miles than the released Hasbro!

And that leatherwork! And the sterling silver facial details!!!!!! ONLY YOU!

Thanks for going first buddy!

A look at her face again...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad3.jpg




And Xander, your Leia is super! I love that version best anyway. The Empire Hoth suit one. You did a great job by me, man! I am duly impressed! Thanks for going the extra mile to get her done!

Just went back and noticed her boots are the right color! Great work!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/The_Batman/hoth4.jpg


Again, everyone, try to post your reponses in here! Thanks.

[figuremasterles]

GRUFF!!!!

WOOF WOOF WOOF BRO!
I am in serious love here!

Well, I may not be so sure about my Major Babe being Cameron Diaz, but that figure of your's IS CAMERON DIAZ!!! :monkey5 :monkey5 :monkey5

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i24/Gruff_Old_Bear/Customs/AngelCREDITS.jpg

FANTASTIC face repaint bro!
I am in serious love!

Amazing! I KNEW you had this in you!
ROCK...ON!!!!

:rock

[Gruff Old Bear]

Hurricane embosses his own leather....dang me! :bow

[figuremasterles]

Hurricane embosses his own leather....dang me! :bow


I know. I don't even know how that's done....
Hurricane is awesome! :bow

[galactiboy]

I was thinking the same thing... just when you thought you couldn't be more impressed.

Great offerings so far guys... can't wait to see what else is in the pipe-line!

[figuremasterles]

I know! I literally can't wait to see Josh's, and I know there are supposed to be several from Customikey, so I know those will rule!

Let's go!

Who else is ready????

This is great!

[figuremasterles]

Gruff...I can't stop looking at that last shot in your post....
She has....um....large....um....
You know.... :D

Very nice...... :monkey5 :monkey5

[The ill Jedi]

All the figures look Bad *** fellas, keep 'em comin'!!! :rock

[The ill Jedi]

'Cane: pure dopeness! :rock

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad.jpg

Les: I wanna be spanked by her, grrrrrrowl!! :naughty

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/EVU008.jpg

Gruff: Boobies, Hooters, Funbags, Dirty Pillows!!! :drool

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i24/Gruff_Old_Bear/Customs/Angel5.jpg
Awesome stuff guys!!! :rock

[DarkArtist81]

First, I want to say.... Les, Glenn, Xander and Gruff... you guys knocked it out of the park!! LOVE every single one....

Les, dude... it's so funny how close we came to doing the very same kind of "badass chick". The black leather and cool Nazi-esque stuff.... SWEET! Love the little details like the keys and cuffs...:lol

Glenn.... embossed leather?? Silver accents?? Man, just when I think you can't possibly make my jaw drop even lower... you prove me wrong. Insanely professional work as always, and I love the new brow on her....:rock

Xander, man... here you were worried about your entry and you've gone miles and miles beyond. That is THE Leia I have been waiting for from SSC and it's cool as Hell to see her brought to life so dead on, you've done amazing work... you should be proud. :duff

Gruff... I KNEW you had it in you, as Les said before. The lips, the eyes, those...those... :naughty. And an extra clothing option? Beyond the call of duty and very much appreciated. And a dead ringer for an ample chested Cameron Diaz. Hottest entry by far! :D

Hope you guys like my Evil woman....:devil

[customizerwannabe]

I haven't seen a figure in this challenge I wouldn't be proud to own. You've all done remarkable jobs!

[The ill Jedi]

WOW Josh, these are some BAD *** B!tc#es!!! :rock :clap

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k203/DarkArtist81/Customs/DSCN2898.jpg

[creecher]

Oh so cool guys. Great response and response thread. You guys are amazing.

Man Hurricane, she does look alive. Speaking of which, what happened to your post? I saw it earlier but now it's gone.

Aha, I getcha Les. This thread is for our floored responses. :eek I found the original thread.

[figuremasterles]

Takes a little getting used to Creech!
Thanks for sticking us out.

And Josh!

I AM FLOORED!

AWESOME! Now, THAT'S customizing!
You did yourself proud on that one. Great use of materials and unique style and design. Very cool custom! I hope you bring her the next time you visit. I need to see that one in person!
That is what you do. You customize. You are on your way man. You stayed true to your title too, the DARK ARTIST! That is one dark a$$ beeootch!

And yet another great use of THE ART BUCK FIGURE!

So, I guess the Buck hasn't stopped anywhere just yet, eh Josh? :D


By the way, I had gone to sleep. Or tried to...and was hoping you'd posted. Full moon too. Perfect for this. I didn't even know. Anyway, I got back up, turned the computer on, and voila! You didn't dissappoint!

Your chick is tops man. I am loving this!

More! Who else has some?!?!?!
There must be more! I know there's a week, but man....
This is great!

[Rogue Trooper]

Freaking awesome females, this contest is sweet. I was was like woh, oh, ah, nice.

[KitFisto]

Amazing work guys! A lot of effort obviously went into these figures.


Shaak Ti is going to look fantasic on my shelf. I SO can't wait to get her. :D

[DarkArtist81]

Thanks guys.... Yeah, Les... I got home at 10 last night and realized I had no pictures, so I frantically took a whole SLEW of pics. 90% turned out crappy, but a few gems snuck through.... and those gems were posted.

I'm really glad you liked Anna, she just came out of me. I put the scar on that buck and my mind started rolling out her story and how she should look. And thank God Dragon makes such high end stuff, cause I wanted it to be top notch. Her pants are a little big, but I made it work. I'm really glad you like her man...:rock

[DarkArtist81]

Nice work on that Zam Ian! It's not easy to make such a stunning piece from Hasbro gear, but you've certainly done it. She looks great, especially that rifle shot. I love what you've done. Certainly brought the character to life, I can't wait to see what future modifications you will have in store for her. :duff

[figuremasterles]

Yeah, that Zam is an inspiration! Now, I know I need to do that too! I have her, but never got round to ever working her into more.
Super stuff bro!
You did a great job on her.

And Josh, I like how you worked your's up with a storyline. Mine is for sure a part of a growing story for customs I have, a line, not unlike my Batman 1939 set. Makes for an interesting focus for creativity. You can create your own aesthetic, and work within it.
And, I love that her pants are large. I like all that. DON'T CHANGE A THING! She has a LOT of character. Shows your skills, and more importantly, your range and imagination. And, your creative photography is getting better too.
Love the red tones. Intentional or otherwise, it gives her a lot of anger.

All the others are great too. All show amazing skills. To see one of Hurricane's non-Vaders again, is always an inspiration. To think, he used sterling silver...
Man! We all are a step or two down in our creative thinking here.
That's what you can do.

And by the way, this is what this challenge is for, to spark creativity in all of us. I hope we see even more amazing creations this week. To think, we have a whole week to go! What further wonders await us!?!?!?
I'm ready for CW's Speederbike girl!
And, Mikey!!! You had to get special permission from Dave! Where's she at?!?!?!
I don't think King Darkness is aware you haven't posted yet! Wake him up will ya! Let's see your girls! :D

Let's see more gang! :chew

And by the way, I see some gratuitous butt shots in there too! Who asked for those again?

[Gruff Old Bear]

I see that many people had problems pasting image addresses into their posts. Had to use the image-insertion button which doubles the image tags, and that's why so many images are framed with visible tags. Today it seems an address from PictureTrail or Photobucket can once more be pasted right in.

After a night's sleep:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/emboss.jpg

Hurricane, this really is mind-blowing. You really do have an engineer's grit when it comes to breaking a vision down into physical steps. That the tasks might be mind-numbing, finger-breaking, or eyeball-splitting seems not to faze you. The use of metals is the type of decision that makes your stuff museum-quality. A machine-tooled lightsaber hilt that will accomodate a slender Sideshow blade is coming? Oh good grief. Once more, I :bow I'd like to know more about these FW Inks. I've only heard of them from airbrush artists. Can you apply them with a brush? Are the permanent, or can you clean up mistakes? Are they translucent enough for layering, and how does sealing affect them? What did you use to color the leather embossing? I've also heard wild comments about Tamiya -- any notes for using their stuff?

Xander, the new hair you've sculpted has so much detail I have to ask whether you used an apoxie-type two part medium, or Sculpey. I'm going to start my own customs thread here soon by unveiling a figure for which I too removed rooted doll hair and sculpted new hair. I didn't get the fine detail you achieved here. I've gotten myself some Sculpey and am headed out to get a cheap toaster oven before my next attempt.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k203/DarkArtist81/Customs/DSCN2892.jpg

Josh, you really have made Les' teachings your own. I wouldn't have guessed it was a Buck head. What did you use to make the scar? Did you roll your own cigarette out of Magic Sculpt? And finally, quit following me from board to board...it's not my fault I get all my stuff shipped faster than you! :rotfl You've now got me thinking about a scarface character...you're inciting me to customize again...

Ian, I'm unfamiliar with the Hasbro original, but I wonder if the metal helmet and parts were already painted like that. If the metal finish is your improvement, let's hear how you did it.

That leaves only you, FigureMaster and chief instigator of all this. Some of the sources you list I've never even heard of -- Plastic Xmen Nightcrawler?? -- and my favorite source is "I dunno, a friend gave it to me a while back." I'll bet your friends all think you're the easiest guy on earth to buy for. Now let's talk eye shadow: pastels under Dullcote? When you seal lips and eyes with gloss, are you shifting to an enamel or lacquer over Dullcote, or sticking with acrylic clear gloss? And now that you've shown us that rooted hair isn't the devil's work...any suggestions how to tame it once it starts frizzing?

I want to thank you all for your encouragement, because it's my second attempt at a female face, and obviously an example of a very small bit of painting and a lot of shopping for parts someone else made. I approached this as an opportunity to practice painting faces. The Jakks head is flesh-colored vinyl, and given the hairline with the rooted hair, I did not apply a base skin color. I added blush using ground pastel under Dullcote, and used watercolors for the eye shadow and eyebrows, also topped with Dullcote. Lips are several layers of mixed-as-I-went acrylic colors and also some watercolor at the last. I was going to use the new Perfect Body with the small breastplate, but the color match with the head was very bad and the Triad catsuit was meant for a bigger breastplate, and besides I knew I'd missed the Cameron likeness but I like how the eyes came out (it was only the second try). So I went with an older Perfect Body. When I changed over to the Scooby-Doo outfit, I used a second PB (you'll note the skin match isn't as good) and figured what the hey, she's not really Cameron anyway so use the zaftig breastplate and take advantage of the stretchy fabric of that wild-colored dress. The last photo was just to see how much drooling I could inspire, and YOU ALL WENT FOR IT. :D

I'm very surprised no one has commented yet on the next-to-last picture...you're at a party, when across the room you lock eyes with this blonde. She seems to be looking right at you over her shades, and...is she offering a slight "toast" or just taking a sip? What's she doing fidgeting with her hem like that? Well, I guess the only thing to do is walk over there and...

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i24/Gruff_Old_Bear/Customs/Libation.jpg

Big trouble. :naughty

[Darth Loki]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad3.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad2.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad1.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/DSCF0037-1.jpg




:drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

Not that I have to say it, but me like

[Xander]

Thanks guys! I'm really loving the turnout so far and am really happy to be a part of it.

Josh and Les, I love the Pulp feel to your figures and the parts lists are unreal. I think you both used stuff from every 1/6 scale company out there! :D

Bear, I love the fact you can see Cameron Diaz in the head, gives it a lot of character, and the Dafney outfit is great!!!

Ian! Glad to see another Star Wars character, and Zam at that! She's great! Awesome outfit!!!

Hurricane, WOW you did wonders to that Shaak-Ti. Gives me hope that somebody will tackle Barris Offee soon!

Can't wait to see more!!!:monkey5

[Gruff Old Bear]

Edit: Fixed. Hey, thanks Darth Loki!

[figuremasterles]

I just sent a PM over to Darth Loki :D
Maybe the response can be moved over to here.
I hope so.

Anyway, these things happen! I imagine it is not easy to notice or remember in the heat of enjoying the works.

[hurricane]

Great figures by everyone so far,nice to see some completely original pieces plus amazing SW femmes,many thanx to Les for organising this for us all.Eagerly awaiting the other contributions..........quick response to Gruffs querys,FW acrylics are pretty good stuff,premixed to airbrush consistency,great for washes etc, I use them both by brush and airbrush and have worked well on figures (handy as I have alot of them from my fine art work/leather jacket jobs)
As for tamiya, again good stuff,but for me anyway best airbrushed,or applied in thinned coats,can be a bit draggy and streaky if used straight from the jar.
...maybe a link from the other forum sections should be posted to here for a bigger audience.

[Darth Loki]

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad3.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad2.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad1.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/shaaktiad.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d93/hurricane1002/DSCF0037-1.jpg




:drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

Not that I have to say it, but me like

[Gruff Old Bear]

Customikey, those dames are dark. Real deep and dark. That Medusa is calling to a kill. Are you sure you've been playing Curly, and not Jud Fry? Brrrr.

Freakin' fantastic work! :bow

[figuremasterles]

Mikey's in!

:chew :chew :chew :chew :chew

First up, your Aurra Sing...

Love her! You did an amazing job revamping that one! I do wish you'd have posted a redo list, but looks like another Buck redo? Looks great!!!!
The mood, the finish, as always....pure Customikey!
Excellent classy finish!



Second up....

*cracks knuckles...prepares to write...*

WOW!

There ya go! That's using some parts! I guess a parts list was again unneeded, as you used Pred dreads and another Buck!
(Kicks self, why wasn't this a BUCK Challenge?!?!?!!)

But man, what can I say?
Simply, gorgeous! Great, original paintwork and design. Amazing use of color and mood. When mixed with your enviable photography skills, you get one hell of a whopper!
And I don't find her all that taxing on the ratings. This is a piece of art. And a darned great one too!
Please say you will keep this one Mike.
Remember when you told me to not sell my Joker, or my Mr. Freeze, ever, as they are iconic to my portfolio? Well, you have just done the same my friend! This is one standout piece!


Fantastic work!

Please sir, may I have another? :D

Ya got a week, Mick! You got another one in ya? :rock

[galactiboy]

Wow Mikey, love the Merdusamaid entry... a really creative and exceptional piece!

This challenge is really fun to watch unfold!

[DarkArtist81]

HOLY CRAP Mikey!!!

Dude, that Medusa/Mermaid is just insane.... Love the use of the Predator dreds, they really work here... and the paint work is top notch, damn fine use of the Art Buck. The depth in the shading is what sells it to me, and those wicked scary eyes.... :rock

And Gruff, to answer your question..... The Cigarette is from the CSM figure from the X-Files line. And the scars were sculpted onto the head using magic sculpt. It was really a lot of fun and she just looks comfortable smoking a cig. Maybe right after she puts two into the back of some ambassador's head. :devil

[creecher]

Nice work Mikey, very stylistic. Nicely snapped as well. Love that splotchy paint, and you are really getting that sparkle of life into your eyes. The nips could have been a bit more sublime though. That medusa really suits the atmosphere and mood you have created. Looks like you have alot of talent for whatever you get passionate about.

[King Darkness]

:bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow


You are ALL masters here!!!!

I am so impressed, they are all high quality figures, some of which I would like to own!

Just awesome stuff here guys! AWESOME!

[King Darkness]

Holy *** crap, I just saw Mikeys entries:google

Those are gorgeous!!!!!

The paint apps on Medusa looks wonderful!

I want some steamy S&M pix with Josh and Les' chicks:rock :monkey5

And Gruffs Midnight Angel too :monkey5 :monkey5 :monkey5


The Shaaki Ti, Leia, Zam Wessels & Aurra Sing would look perfect with my SS SW collection.

Just great work by all!!

:bow

[rabidwolverine21]

hey les are you ever going to throw a male challenge? for custo making manly men figures :lol :lol

[Cocoboloboy]

I love em all but I have a soft spot for SW figs and that Shaak Ti is phenomenal. Hurricane...:bow

And just remember if you're ever ready to sell the name is spelled C O C O B O L O B O Y, look me up.:D

[Gruff Old Bear]

And they said the Jaqtilda body wouldn't work with exposed skin!

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r65/diesaturn/fem2.jpg

The pop-up on the wrist reminds me of the first hour-long Twilight Zone, "In His Image" by Richard Matheson. Guy finds wires in his wrist after being hit by a car, realizes he's a robot.

Die, opposable thumbs are why we rule and our housecats don't eat us. Take care of yours. Sounds like you'll lose the nail. If you've never done that, it'll be fascinating. The old nail stops, the new nail comes in behind it, blank exposed skin between, oh it's fun.

Safety first, because we need to see more like this...

[rabidwolverine21]

:lol :monkey3 that is one sexy piece of machinery:chew

[die]

Thanks Gruff & Rabid :D

would you believe that wrist screen came from a 3 inch Lobot figure? You can still see the image of Cloud City on the display :lol

I'm hoping I don't lose my nail, it looks better today, but hurts like crazy.


I'm completely blown away by all the figures in the fem contest. It's awesome to see people step up & deliver such cool stuff with no egos involved and no prizes involved. I'm also excited to see new people getting into customizing here lately. I hope people will continue to post their works & we all continue to share tips & tricks with each other. DON'T BE SHY, POST YOUR STUFF.

Maybe for the next contest, we could come up with several ideas & post a poll seeing what people would like to see? I'd like to see a "duo" contest. You know, like Batman & Robin together, Obi Wan & Anakin or Han & Chewie....it could be a couple like Han & Leia or Padme & Anakin...or Brokeback Mountain:lol Even something similar to the Doctor & Patient Zombies from Sideshow. Just any custom "set" of figures **cough** some Ghostbusters...tinister..cough**

[DarkArtist81]

Man, Die... that is probably one of the most imaginative figures I have ever seen. I love the little ****pits... really interesting stuff!! And a great use of that body! :rock

[galactiboy]

Holy shat Die! Your figure has won my heart!!!

I loved the crazy design to begin with, but I actually let out a little "hell yeah" when I saw the little pilot in her head!

[figuremasterles]

DIE! I knew you wouldn't let me down!
That is one amazingly creative peice of work. And you injured to boot! Well, you just kicked some serious bootay with that one. I agree, the pilot idea is a hoot and I enjoy everything about the figure. Love the heavy Metal ties too. Love that stuff!


What amazing works we have had so far.
And to think....there is more to come!

I hope I can do another one, but with so much work to do, I may not. Glad I had mine mostly done weeks back, or there's no way I could have gotten her done.

I think we need to let this Challenge breathe a bit before deciding the next one. I do agree, a poll is a must, and if nothing else, some suggestions are already coming in these responses.
Let's wait a while after this week to decide such, and how long we have til the next one. I would hope we have a longer period next go round, but again, let's please let this one play out. It's not even done yet...:D

But, so glad to see all the enthusiasm, both from the participants and the viewers. All of you are still free to contribute, right in here! There may still be time even!

Crank one out! Post her by next week! :chew

And again, amazing stuff guys!

[Nyhargo Dirge]

:drool :drool :drool :drool :drool

Not that I have to say it, but me like

Ditto that, dude. I'd like to see Glenn do all of the Jedi chicks. You are the Jedi Master, Hurricane!

[DarkArtist81]

Wow guys, keep it coming.....:rock

I love what everyone has done, the level of customization... the photography.. It's really overwhelming. You guys rule. :duff

[Anzik]

Les, this was a brilliant idea. All of these submissions are incredible.
Mikey your paints on that Medusamaid are just downright creepy.

The creativity involved in these is just mind blowing.

[amarcord]

This Custom Figure Challenge thread is eye-candy - first read/watch everytime I log in.

[figuremasterles]

MUDSHARK: Great work so far on your's bro! I get you on the level of custom thing, but being mine is about the same thing, a more or less cobbled Triad type toy, or Cygirl, your's and mine show the levels from costumed basic figure, compared to the more extreme customs we have seen in this Challenge. There are no limits, and that goes both ways. I love your figure so far, and will comment further if/when you get her more to your liking.
Otherwise, so far, she rocks! :rock

BINKY: WOW! You really have me hot and bothered with that Vamp Willow. I have the basic vamp figure with the head of "good" Willow on it, but not like the one you have posted! That one has that "aspect" that drives me nuts! :D But I love how you have her decked out, and her attitude is perfect.
And your Tara is a great too. I wanna see the hair one, but this one is tops too! You have a super set here dude! Very nice work! And lots of work in them too!

(Is that Vamp Willow head available? If so, I'd love one! :monkey5 )

GREAT contributions so far, guys!

[die]

Finally got a chance to give everybody some feedback....


hurricane- Awesome figure & excellent choice. You made a custom so many of us here have wanted to see for forever now & you did a killer job with it. The leather work is incredible!

Xander- "One man's trash is another man's treasure!" You took a figure alot of people have always dismissed & turned it into something that those same people would treasure. It reminds me of what first got me interested in reworking Hasbro figures: Tony Diterlizzi's work on Rebelscum.com. I love that figure.


Les- THOSE EYES! What a super cool figure. I think she would make a great Vampire Hunter! I love all the attention to detail & the neat little things that you added like the keys, the sunglasses, diamond, handcuffs, etc. Oh, and that cattleprod is freaking sweetness.


Gruff- Incredible work, not only is that a cool figure with a cool Triad suit but you made those Barbie clothes look like gold! Those are my favorite shots, your photography skills are excellent, love the presentation!


DarkArtist- Wow... That expression says it all. She really looks like a chick that has been through hell & now dishes it out. It looks like Sigourney Weaver + Bridgette Nielson + The Punisher! Her story is awesome & I completely love your choices of weapons & gear. I could totally see a comicbook with her in it!

Ian- SWEET! You basically took a Barbie & turned it into a killer action figure. That 3rd pic of her standing with the gun aimed just does it for me. You make me to track down a Zam and give it a try, that figure belongs in everybody's SW collection! I never knew Zam could look so good.

Customikey- Aurra's face looks REAL! You and Ian both have taken "dolls" & turned them into something amazing. And that Medusa figure is completely mindblowing. Her face is so wicked yet calm...but like if she got mad, the sight of her face would kill you...or turn you to stone? Not only did you manage to turn out 2 figures, but you turned out 2 amazing figures. It would be hard to pick a favorite out of those 2.

Mudshark- Really glad you made it! I'm loving that figure! She looks like the female Terminator. Very clean & detailed, everything works on this figure, nothing out of place. Can't wait to see what else you do with this one!


binky- I'm glad you showed up, otherwise it would've been a female competition with no Buffy characters! That would've been horrible! And you really brought some nice stuff to the table! I really like that Willow sculpt and I can't wait to see more of what you have planned. You used some top-notch parts on both of them, those boots rock!!!

bring on the next one!

[Customikey]

This project has been a blast. I've been so excited to show off the Medusamaid (?) for a while, and I'm glad she went over so well. I had sculpted a ****** for her, but I thought pics of her "showing her wares" would have overshadowed the rest of the work.

Les's work was a deep inspiration for her, with some of of his outrageously detailed paintwork on the Preds and other pieces. Those eyes have been a dream of mine for a while, and it's nice to finally have a project to ferature them in!

Aurra was a bit of a cheat, as she's the third one I've made. But this is by far the best one. I wanted to do a third figure, but the base figure belongs to my wife, and she's afraid to let me mess with it. Where's the faith, I ask ya?

Everyone's work has been so cool to see. This was a great experience. Thanks Les.

[DarkArtist81]

I have to agree with you there Mikey, this really was a blast... I was so excited to see everyone's work, it was like Christmas. And not a single one of you let me down. It was just an extravaganza!! I LOVED it all... :rock

I can't wait to see what challenge we do next, this has really helped me a lot. "Pushed me out the door" so to speak, got me started making my own full on figures and not just repainting. So Les, thank you.

You guys rock, all of you. :duff

AND Ed!! Holy freakin crap man... love that Speeder Bike work. Alex rules! The whole think just reeks of excellence. Love what you've done, especially getting in so late in the game. Great work bro.

[figuremasterles]

Don't speak in past tense just yet, Josh! :lol
There's FIVE MORE DAYS open to whoever wants to contribute a figure!
I hope we see some more. Even more from the entrants already having posted.

So, let's see some more!

And Ed (Customizerwannbe), I am floored dude!
I LOVE the bike, the accessory on it is a hoot! And, I LOVE the girl!
Her head, costume, that ROCKING COAT! :Rock The works! This is one wicked chick! My first thought was, I wish I could get a shot of her together with mine! They look like a tag team! :D (I see why you said something about a Vampire Hunter now....)

But man, I love her! That head is just terrific. You made her look super!


Again guys, thanks to all so far! And those of you out there, watching, post a comment! You're free to. This is not limited to contributors. I for one hope to hear from more of you as time goes by.
Drop by the image thread and check out the works in there, and post some stuff here about what you think.
And, if the mood hits, make one yourself!
There's plenty of time!

Glad to see everyone enjoying this.
Be thinking of some categories for us all to try out, and we'll talk next Challenge details when this one gets finished up next week. :D

[customizerwannabe]

Thanks fellas. The past few weeks have revitalized my desire to customize and I owe it to the group here. Great people. Very supportive and nurturing. The work I've seen from the others on this female challenge is nothing short of incredible. Congrats to all who have posted a work so far. More homeruns than even my beloved Detroit Tigers can produce in one game!:lol Can't wait for the next one so I can take my time and do it right.

[DarkArtist81]

HELL YEAH DIE!!!

Dude, I love the Zombie Batgirl.... she looks so sick and disturbing. The hair and eyes really help, it makes her look "otherworldly". And you know I love Zombies anyway, but to make a DC comics character into one?? Instant GOLD in my eyes. Amazing work!! :bow:bow:bow

[figuremasterles]

DIE!
What can I say!
Thanks so much for keeping the new stuff fresh and rolling in there bro! :rock
That is one SICK figure! Both, literally, and figureatively!
I almost spilled my drink when I saw that one!
You and Josh need to do a Zombie-off some day! (food for thought for a next theme??? :naughty )
Just amazing! I was like, BATGIRL! Man's insane!
You rule buddy! Keep 'em coming! Even with a sore thumb, the man keeps cranking out customs!

Let's go people! ON THE READY LINE! :D

I know there's more coming....

Great turnout guys.

[die]

Thanks Josh & Les! I'm glad that both you guys liked it since you guys were both a big inspiration (Les for making it a female contest & Josh for his latest pics in the zombies thread). It made me realize what I wanted to do with that Barbie Batgirl suit that I had in my parts box for forever.:lol

Zombie Batgirl was fun to make. The eyes were so flat on the head that I used that I had to come up with an idea to make them look more real & rounded. So I built up some paper glaze on it & it formed a rounded eyeball look and with a little stretching & strategic cutting, the Barbie suit went right on the Jaqtilda body.

customizerwannabe! Very cool chick! I really love the look of that speederbike, the demon skull on the front looks great too. I'm glad you got your figure up for the competition!

[Doctor T]

Great stuff guys! Way to go!:chew

[jungle jom]

You win Dr. T

That Jessica Alba is the bomb...

You win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game Over!

[hurricane]

You win Dr. T

That Jessica Alba is the bomb...

You win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Game Over!
nope ,dont agree, lovely amazing figures awsome work, but we all made our figures for this competion (mine aside) and as the figuremaster says no one 'wins',and for most of us females are out of our field, so an expert from outside isnt a fair game.

[customizerwannabe]

Great work on Batgirl Die. Love a hot zombie! Doc, your chicks are smokin and there's not much else I can say...just in awe!

[Gruff Old Bear]

Hey Doctor T...
:welcome :fireworks

Glad you made it!

[figuremasterles]

DOCTOR T!
I don't know who you are, but I will! :D
We must communicate! :D


First off,
Your three figures are stellar!
STELLAR!
I love all three! The first one had me panting, the Ayla had me drooling, but that Jess Alba....WOWSAWOWSAWOWSA!:monkey5 :monkey5 :monkey5
She has me completely won over! I LOVE her head! You did a great job on her. Even the barcode is there!

You do superior work my friend! I love every inch of all three! The details are unreal! Ayla's costume, as with the others, is immaculate! Amazing detail! I think we've about hit all the major Star Wars babes that have everyone up in arms now! Amazing works!

Thanks so much for contributing to our little Challenge! And, needless to say, Welcome aboard! I hope you are here to stay!

Excellent works! :chew

[figuremasterles]

nope ,dont agree, lovely amazing figures awsome work, but we all made our figures for this competion (mine aside) and as the figuremaster says no one 'wins',and for most of us females are out of our field, so an expert from outside isnt a fair game.


I can respect your feelings Hurc. I don't know who Doc T is, but his work is inspirational. I can only marvel at it. Is he a pro? Well, so are we! :D No one touches your Vaders, NO ONE! And this guy obviously makes chicks for breakfast, so he comes in and shows us his way. I still say, our efforts don't pale in his shadow, no, far from it. I am proud of each and every one. I think we have room for growth, I know I do, but I didn't limit the Challenge to current site members only. Can't do that. If Doc is a pro from "the outside" well, he's welcome too.
I think we all have put our best feet forward, and NONE of us, none, has to bow his head in shame. Every figure is tops to me. I would take, with honor, any of them. ANY.

I welcome in Doctor T, and hope he can teach us some of his method. He has skills to be sure, but, so do we all, even the untried. I bet we have only seen the beginning from our brethren here.

I am just proud to be here myself. With you guys. Amongst you. You guys all show us what it's all about. This has been a magnificent opportunity for us all.
I have gotten PMs and emails from so many now, not even contributors, saying how they all want to start customizing now. THAT is the goal.
Imagine, from all this effort, what we can see in the next challenge!!!!

I know it's not over yet, one day to go, but I want to thank everyone so far. You guys have been so stellar here. This is such a cool thing to behold. I for one, salute you all! :duff

[Cowboy]

Doc T!!! those figures are drop dead sexy!! I love the black widow!! The head sculpt is gorgeous!! Max is sweet too! I like them all!! What other forum do you hang out in? Like to see more of your customs!

[Doctor T]

jungle jom: Thanks! Glad you like her.

customizerwannabe: Thanks! From seeing your very cool Alex the Vampire Hunter, and I think you need to drop the "wannabe" part ;)

nope ,dont agree, lovely amazing figures awsome work, but we all made our figures for this competion (mine aside) and as the figuremaster says no one 'wins',and for most of us females are out of our field, so an expert from outside isnt a fair game.
I appreciate that you say what you feel, but man, I'm definitely no "expert". Never took any art classes, nor did any form of art for money. Just a family man with a regular day job and a casual 1/6 hobbyist in my spare time. Most of my projects are misses than hits (I just don't show the "misses" - LOL). I guess I am an "outsider", but I apologize if whatever I did doesn't seem "fair" to anyone, I never meant to step on any toes. I got lots to learn - like embossing leather ;) Dude, I really like your Shaak Ti!! I gotta admit I was never really found Shaak Ti attractive, but damn, your version really looks hot! Really nice paint job and work overall.

Gruff Old Bear: First of all, lovely repaint on your Midnight Angel gal!! I wasn't even aware of the Jakks pacific heads and now I want to check them out. Thanks for the welcome! As you probably guessed, it was your post that prompted me to check this place out - glad I did!

DOCTOR T!
I don't know who you are, but I will! :D
We must communicate! :D

No worries bro, I'll see ya in September and we can talk shop in person... ;)

Actually we kinda communicated 2 years ago but I'm sure you don't remember: you signed my guestbook (http://www.geocities.com/doctor.t@rogers.com/viewgb2.html) and then I went and checked out your site and signed yours - LOL. Awesome website btw, definitely blows my little site out of the water. Your Chris Reeves superman is my favourite though. He's damn perfect! I appreciate the kind words. I think you're too kind though - LOL, I always feel my work needs improving, but thanks anyway.

Thanks having this thread and welcoming me! Wow, lots of great work I've never seen before. Glad to be here! Oh yeah, Elsa Von Ubel rocks!

cowboy: I most often hang out a OSW and MWD. I won't post the links because as a new guy here, I don't know the rules yet and I don't want to seem like I'm promoting other forums. But you can go to my site (http://www.geocities.com/doctor.t@rogers.com/) and I got the links there in the "About Me" section, or just check out my stuff there. Thanks for kind words!

And again, just want to say to all the people who posted their femme figs: awesome work! And I really enjoyed looking at them all.


cheers,
Rob

[customizerwannabe]

Dude, you did absolutely nothing wrong and please continue to post your stuff here. You are not an outsider. Welcome to the club!

[pjam]

Really great stuff Guys! And a nod to the Figuremaster for making it happen. I have to say the Characterizations and backstory for some of these figs is even more dope to me. Way to go.. :cool:

[Rogue Trooper]

Lots of cool new stuff since the last time i looked, espeacially since females figures an all scales are the hardest to achive. We going to have another ones of these challenge in the future, it was fun and great to see everybody's entrys.

[hurricane]

Hey doc, sorry for my wee hissy fit, nothing personal at all, just having a bad night ,my sincere humble apologies,and welcome aboard.:o

[Doctor T]

No apologies necessary bro. Thanks for the welcome! :chew <-- Damn, I love this smiley!

cheers,
Rob

edit: customizerwannabe - forgot to mention I appreciate the sentiments and thanks for the welcome!

[binky]

Hi guys!

Sorry I’m late to the feedback party. I went off for vacation for the Fourth and came back to a bunch of Sideshow boxes. Spent yesterday checking for damage and taking photos, then emails, jump onto the forums, and saved this one (the best) for the last. I spent the first hour looking at the pictures thread. Wow! All the figures have something to recommend them. Quite a few I’d pay for. That says a lot, considering I can be a real cheapskate. Then I hopped over here, and laughed through the next half hour.

I like the four Star Wars upgrades. Knowing how much the stock mass-produced stuff from a toy company like Hasbro can be improved with some work and time is inspiring. I might have to steal—er, borrow some of my nephew’s and my niece’s Barbies to experiment on myself. I really enjoyed the original back story guys like Les, die, and Josh put into their entries. I guess I’m not built for original characters because I personally find I tread water a lot not having a canonical story to guide me but you guys—wow. It must also be extremely liberating, cause the creativity really shines in those original characters. I think die’s Miner robot and Mikey’s Medusa/Mermaid are my favorites so far—just off the wall Sci-Fi, my favorite genre. I think die gets extra chops for finding uses for the 21st body. That body puts the whole Buck thing in proper perspective, eh? Who’da thunk you could do anything with it?

Thanks, Les and die, for commenting on my entry. It was a lot of fun showing pictures to a wider audience than what I normally have (I post mostly over on Whedonville here and on a couple Buffy fanfic sites (as a writer)). I’m going to work a little more on the Willow head and hope to offer copies eventually.

I have to say, the tips and ideas I picked up about methods and supplies made this challenge more than worth the last minute scrounging and picture taking to participate and finish before leaving for my vacation. Now I’m curious about how to emboss leather and mill metal (turned on a lathe?), how to wig a resin head (which I have been trying to learn how to do for the past month, AARGH!), not to mention the painting—the painting, my God! This board is justly already known for the painters/repainters, there are awesome examples in this challenge. I think, with time and more practice, sculptors will be right up there with the painters as far as quality—as a sculptor, I’m hoping, anyway. If anyone kept project pages of their entries, I’d love to read them. I’ve been kind of keeping a project page for my own, at http://home.att.net/~binky2k/12-BTVS-bash.htm, but it’s out of date now. Usually I take it down and put up a photospread after I finish a project.

Great big thanks to Les for organizing this challenge, and of course to the contributors. It really is inspiring, and was fun to participate in, too. I love the camaraderie in this thread. Female figures are hard!

Bring on the next challenge!

binky

[Doctor T]

Hey Binky,

Really nice job on those sculpts! I didn't follow BTVS much (which is kinda odd since I'm sure I'd be my kind of thing - I loved Firefly/Serenity). I'm not familiar with Tara, but Willow looks right on! I think women are really hard to sculpt, let alone likenesses and you did great. Kudos man.

cheers,
doc t

[DarkArtist81]

Wow, I missed a lot lately... Dr T! Welcome!! Love the ladies, especially Aayla... she looks phenomenal. You really did a bang up job on all of them, very professional.

And Nice work as well Binky and Mudshark.... you guys have really brought forth your skills on this challenge. Ghost in the Shell rules! And it's cool to see some Buffy figs here too, we don't see much of them anymore. :rock

[figuremasterles]

Stuck my head in again to see what's up...
Thanks again Binky, for your fine work, and the comments.
I appreciate all the great comments so far, as do all the contributors I bet.
I go over them all and mull over them and enjoy them over and over.

Mudshark, thanks for your fuller input post. That helps and makes your figure even more fun. Thanks for the extra trouble you went to.

I will be back to wrap this up later this evening.
I guess there are not many more contributions then????
Not one more???
There's still time.

Whatever the case, Thanks again guys.
Back in a bit....

[Doctor T]

Hey Dark Artist,

Thanks for the welcome bro. I really dig your Anna Gumilyov and her scars. A very cool and gritty take on the KGB femme fatale.

-- doc t

[DarkArtist81]

Hey Dark Artist,

Thanks for the welcome bro. I really dig your Anna Gumilyov and her scars. A very cool and gritty take on the KGB femme fatale.

-- doc t


Thanks man! That is very high praise coming from you, I really appreciate it. She was a lot of fun, one of the most rewarding figs I have ever created. :rock

[RD13]

Nice looking stuff

[figuremasterles]

Great job on Nikki, Anzik!
SHE ROCKS! :rock

Thanks for posting her. Late is great! Thanks! :D

[Anzik]

Thanks Les. She was truly a lesson on what things are beyond my abilities.

[Doctor T]

Nice job on Nikki, Anzik. I feel a bit left out not being familiar with Buffy lore or the characters, but your conversion is nice and sculpting a 'fro isn't easy. Keep it up and you'll find that the list of things "beyond your abilities" will get less each time.