tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88996083778674999402024-03-13T11:35:08.762-05:00JACKOFTRADZE Custom Star Wars Action FiguresA blog dedicated to my custom Star Wars figure art and my collection! You will also find tips and tricks to upgrade your figures accuracy while enjoying some colorful commentary with nerdy Toy talk!JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-65796291545793283752011-09-21T10:55:00.000-05:002011-09-21T10:55:02.668-05:00New Custom - Lightside Darth RevanA few months ago I was contacted by a very nice gentlemen from Australia that went by the name of Elock. He asked me to create a Lightside version of Revan for his son's birthday. While I normally do not take commissions I actually had the right parts on hand and the figure formula in my head as soon as I looked at the reference pictures he sent me:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IsxNchPX3Q/TnoFkO83KZI/AAAAAAAACgg/JhzQgbufYFI/s1600/sflsrpreview3%255B1%255D%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IsxNchPX3Q/TnoFkO83KZI/AAAAAAAACgg/JhzQgbufYFI/s400/sflsrpreview3%255B1%255D%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmzESSqPtJk/TnoFkswJ66I/AAAAAAAACgk/k0JilBSq4sE/s1600/sflsrpreview2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmzESSqPtJk/TnoFkswJ66I/AAAAAAAACgk/k0JilBSq4sE/s400/sflsrpreview2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was such a compelling email from this kind gentlemen from Australia to make his sons birthday very special by having me create a custom figure that his son really wanted to have. I could not say no to that so I took on the job, afterall I knew right away how to make him so the Force wanted this one to happen. I felt this was a fairly easy custom to knock out and it was, I even had some fun with it by giving him some removable hair to display him cloaked or uncloaked. (FYI - I used the official Revan head which is bald so he needed to have a toupee for him if the hood was removed.) I was very happy with the end result, as mentioned I used official Revan parts that I happened had on hand (For those that do not know he is a very hard and expensive figure to come by!) in combination with some custom soft goods I made to complete the look I wanted to achieve. More importantly my friend Elock and his son were very pleased with this custom, that was the most important aspect for me given the sentimental nature of this particular custom. A father getting his son a custom Star Wars figure for his 20 something son is pretty awesome in my book! Anyway, here are the final result of my one time only Lightside Revan:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLJ-xAp4P3k/TnoGUeI4eqI/AAAAAAAACgo/-qbc5NlR2Xw/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLJ-xAp4P3k/TnoGUeI4eqI/AAAAAAAACgo/-qbc5NlR2Xw/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+1.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ0wDGlru_w/TnoGWWDB_MI/AAAAAAAACgw/CteYpNEiho4/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ0wDGlru_w/TnoGWWDB_MI/AAAAAAAACgw/CteYpNEiho4/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+2.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ahd9sf0h8A/TnoGWINpLAI/AAAAAAAACgs/5yqI5orLNQc/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ahd9sf0h8A/TnoGWINpLAI/AAAAAAAACgs/5yqI5orLNQc/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+6.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INw8so0JnA4/TnoGXpIN2PI/AAAAAAAACg4/zxf_6d4B6RY/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INw8so0JnA4/TnoGXpIN2PI/AAAAAAAACg4/zxf_6d4B6RY/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+4.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ba9aWI3brKg/TnoGYGA3dbI/AAAAAAAACg8/wv209UEVvsw/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ba9aWI3brKg/TnoGYGA3dbI/AAAAAAAACg8/wv209UEVvsw/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+5.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY4kxMFym4U/TnoGXOc5Y3I/AAAAAAAACg0/Ace-ik_qHK4/s1600/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eY4kxMFym4U/TnoGXOc5Y3I/AAAAAAAACg0/Ace-ik_qHK4/s400/LIGHTSIDE+REVAN+3.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-90019334878974549732011-07-13T11:07:00.003-05:002011-07-13T16:23:44.298-05:00The Little Differences - Snowspeeder, Medical Bay Luke Skywalker & Sora BulqIt's been a little while since my last "Little Differences" segemnt so I thought now would be a good time to post one. This week will focus on 3 figures that will help you make you collection more screen accurate and articulated. Best of all, everything is swap and pop in hot water, no tools required! Let's get started....<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #0b5394;"><u>"Screen accurate" Snowspeeder Pilot Luke</u></span></strong><br />
I know what many of you who are reading this may be thinking: "But Hasbro already nailed this figure". For the most part they did, in fact they executed this figure almost perfectly twice with the Legacy Snowspeeder Luke and the Vintage Dagobah Landing Luke. Despite those two superb figures execution there are some colors that are off from the film, at least on the standard Snowspeeder version. Take a look at the ESB still image below of Luke by his crashed Snowspeeder, notice how the pants are a dark orange and the top coat is the lighter orange.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPFvo1A43fg/Th2ddJi9dfI/AAAAAAAACY4/ftj1T23WbCM/s1600/Luke_crashed_snowspeeder%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPFvo1A43fg/Th2ddJi9dfI/AAAAAAAACY4/ftj1T23WbCM/s400/Luke_crashed_snowspeeder%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Legacy Snowspeeder Luke was molded entirely in the lighter orange, the Dagaobah Landing Luke was molded in a much darker orange that gave it the appearance of being wet. Taking the legs and head from the Vintage Dagaobah Landing Luke and swapping them with the Legacy Snowspeeder Luke's legs and head will allow the OCD driven screen accurate collectors to make the Ultimate Snowspeeder Luke. Place both of them in very warm water to soften the plastic and you will be able to swap the parts. (Disclaimer: Please, do not pull a McDonalds coffee customer move and burn yourself. <b>Fun Fact:</b> <u>Hot water is hot</u> so use some caution and common sense while handling it!) Here is the end result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUTJrFHoWoI/Th2e3zlSLTI/AAAAAAAACY8/lb7Q1Rp2-LU/s1600/ld+ss+luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUTJrFHoWoI/Th2e3zlSLTI/AAAAAAAACY8/lb7Q1Rp2-LU/s400/ld+ss+luke.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #0b5394;">Medical Frigate Luke Skywalker</span></u></strong><br />
This is a really quick head swap mod to make the Legacy Medical Frigate Luke Skywalker more screen accurate and consistent with the rest of your collection. I am a huge stickler for having the same film era head sculpts on my main heroes. In fact more so than ever as Hasbro has been nailing the main heroes heads like no tomorrow. The head included on the regular Medical Frigate release was pretty nice but pales in comparison to the Dagobah Landing Luke head. That figure sports has, in my opinion, the best ESB Mark Hamil likeness of every single Luke figure created. I attempted to swap heads with an extra Dagobah Luke I had in my cistoms bin and to my surprise the head fit perfectly! Not only that the skin tone matched perfectly as well. I absolutely love the end result and it made me appreciate the Medical Frigate Luke more. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bx7V4ffAaZU/Th2gMTEIqzI/AAAAAAAACZA/3P2o4DX_Gf4/s1600/ld+medical+luke+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bx7V4ffAaZU/Th2gMTEIqzI/AAAAAAAACZA/3P2o4DX_Gf4/s400/ld+medical+luke+1.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gCfkFCgBk/Th2gNmJ4P0I/AAAAAAAACZE/vzuEmOm7ve0/s1600/ld+medical+luke+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7gCfkFCgBk/Th2gNmJ4P0I/AAAAAAAACZE/vzuEmOm7ve0/s400/ld+medical+luke+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #0b5394;">SA Jedi Master Sora Bulq</span></u></strong><br />
Over the past few years Hasbro has made super articulation the standard, sometimes to the point of going overboard. Back in 2005-2006 we really saw this transition and an elevated attention to detail. One of my favorite figures from the Saga2 line was Sora Bulq the Weequay Jedi who turns to the Darkside after the Clone Wars begin. (FYI - I have made a lot of Darkside Customs of him and it would be a very easy redeco for Hasbro to make him without new tooling. See below for an example...) Sora's upper body is fantastic and the arms allow him to hold his Lightsaber with both hands better than most other Jedi figures. The sculpt is great and the only flaw would be his preposed legs. Interestingly enough the bulk of Sora Bulq (Pun intended) was reused with the Legacy Tarados Gon but they went back and upgraded the legs to be fully articulated. I do not see Sora being reissued or upgraded any time soon so I took matters into my own hands. When I purchased the new and flawless Vintage Kit Fisto. I sent the 2009 Target Geonosian Arena Kit Fisto to my custom chop shop. The upgraded legs on that figure are pretty close to the looks of Sora's so I decided to experiment and see if I could perform a pop/swap with the legs with zero dremmeling. Well, it worked and looks great! This is a great way to perfect a near perfect figure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo9Csp86zYY/Th2iiyMUgLI/AAAAAAAACZI/dM2e7uOaalo/s1600/ld+sora+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo9Csp86zYY/Th2iiyMUgLI/AAAAAAAACZI/dM2e7uOaalo/s400/ld+sora+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtOeHmCrX6g/Th2ikVIgfCI/AAAAAAAACZM/UGN4iCvDfWg/s1600/ld+sora+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtOeHmCrX6g/Th2ikVIgfCI/AAAAAAAACZM/UGN4iCvDfWg/s400/ld+sora+2.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br />
Here is one of my Dark Sora Bulq customs in reference to my comment above:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub8sJlJegg0/Th2jXAW8S-I/AAAAAAAACZQ/8l34j1LoIj0/s1600/jackoftradze+SORA+BULQ+DARK+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub8sJlJegg0/Th2jXAW8S-I/AAAAAAAACZQ/8l34j1LoIj0/s400/jackoftradze+SORA+BULQ+DARK+1.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>As you can see the "Little Differences" can make a big difference to your figures! Until next time! </b></span></i></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-14345796523044822832011-07-13T10:00:00.004-05:002011-07-13T12:32:13.135-05:00Blog update - 100% Collection Room picture over haul!I have not updated my Collection pictures since March of 2011. There have been massive changes to my collection since then. I have upgraded and literally rebuilt entire key armies to a newer and superior versions of the respective troop builder. As always, new figures, vehicles and even some displays have also been added! I reshot the entire room and replaced every single picture in the page section to reflect my latest set display up.<br />
<br />
<u><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Some changes include:</span></strong></u><br />
<ul><li>The phasing out all of my old 2003 era Phase 1 Clonetrooper (Sans some ARCs and the Evolution Clone Pilots). I upgraded my entire Phase 1 army with the new Vintage #45 Clonetrooper! Currently I am up to x55, I will stop around x75. </li>
<li>The Vintage #45 Clonetrooper came with movie accurate two DC-15 guns so I used the leftover ones to upgraded battalions like my x24 Galactic Marines, white CP Galactic Marines, 327th Starcorps, Shocktroopers, Landing Platform clones & Training Clones. </li>
<li>I phased out all of my old AT-RT Drivers with the new Vintage version! </li>
<li>I phased out all of my 30th TAC Tantive BP Stormtooper army of 60 and replaced them with the new Vintage Sandtrooper (sans the gear)! </li>
<li>I phased out all of my old Geonosian Red Battle Droids with the Saga Legends (Small eye) version for consitency! </li>
<li>I created a new hanger bay display that house the new Republic Attack Shuttle, Arc Fighter and more!</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Here is a preview of a new set up:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTh34bRguwE/Th2zBHIPLeI/AAAAAAAACZU/E84xBntp8uY/s1600/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+July+2011+Close+shelf+K+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qTh34bRguwE/Th2zBHIPLeI/AAAAAAAACZU/E84xBntp8uY/s400/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+July+2011+Close+shelf+K+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I can go on but it will be more fun for you to look for all of the new details! Enjoy and LMK if you have any questions! WORD!!!</span></strong></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-55971402704468629332011-06-26T22:17:00.004-05:002011-07-13T11:13:01.303-05:00New Custom - Old Republic Return Trailer Smuggler "Cad Solo"Man, the CGI trailers for this upcoming Old Republic video game just keep getting better with each release. I personally would not mind seeing a feature length Star Wars movie in this animation style, it's just breathtaking! (It also has more realistic special effects and acting than all three prequel films!) The action is top notch and the visuals keep you coming back for more. There are so many things featured in these videos that I would love to see translated into the toy line. In all three trailers the various characters featured in them are basically carbon copies of familiar characters that we already know in the Star Wars universe. The interesting part is, at least for me, is that I do not mind it at all as they are all very likeable and have enough uniqueness to them to make them stand out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/return">In the latest trailer</a> one of the stars is a smuggler that is a cross between Han Solo and Cad Bane. I coined the name "Cad Solo" for him, until they give him a real name that is what I am calling him. "Cad Solo" has a classic 80's hero demeanor about him and like any good smuggler he has a pretty tricked out ship. I love the design of his outfit and his ship a lot! (Even his Astromech Droid is really cool!) They did this character justice as he was so bad ass taking out Sith Troopers, trying to talk his way out of his predicament and in true 80's hero fashion he made the time in between to check out the goods on the Twi'lek Sith Agent as she passes by with such coy style. I really love that he was not politically correct and the design team that produced this trailer actually had the Bantha balls to put it in for the effect of characters persona. How utterly refreshing! That earned extra props from me as you know how much I hate political correctness, AKA control of honest thought. I would happily plunk down my hard earned green for him and his ship, even if the ship was $100+! (I prefer a new Dash Rendar's Outrider first however.) I had to take a crack at him for my next custom so without further adieu here is my first "Cad Solo" custom figure:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Socy40Id9ac/TgfzqtCRX5I/AAAAAAAACU0/kfltGKqcPlI/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Socy40Id9ac/TgfzqtCRX5I/AAAAAAAACU0/kfltGKqcPlI/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+1.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JeyVL-jlR8/TgfzsTmGk6I/AAAAAAAACU4/LkoDIuST9Sc/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JeyVL-jlR8/TgfzsTmGk6I/AAAAAAAACU4/LkoDIuST9Sc/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+2.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmE5Lpuz_yg/Tgfzu9I1emI/AAAAAAAACVM/rEbWlBZ-4IE/s1600/cadsolo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmE5Lpuz_yg/Tgfzu9I1emI/AAAAAAAACVM/rEbWlBZ-4IE/s400/cadsolo1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVtPCFFZJ8g/Tgfzst6b5PI/AAAAAAAACU8/VBN6CtL_2o8/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVtPCFFZJ8g/Tgfzst6b5PI/AAAAAAAACU8/VBN6CtL_2o8/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+3.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_8Pd3SIUN8/TgfztI3H6rI/AAAAAAAACVA/vRarZQiQ2QY/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_8Pd3SIUN8/TgfztI3H6rI/AAAAAAAACVA/vRarZQiQ2QY/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+4.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yW-vCuR579o/Tgfzt_cbBtI/AAAAAAAACVE/jbkFuKrYwYo/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yW-vCuR579o/Tgfzt_cbBtI/AAAAAAAACVE/jbkFuKrYwYo/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+5.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvfv3O4q_Bo/TgfzuSnVAvI/AAAAAAAACVI/-KqLloXdF8c/s1600/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uvfv3O4q_Bo/TgfzuSnVAvI/AAAAAAAACVI/-KqLloXdF8c/s400/jackoftradze+old+republic+smuggler+CAD+SOLO+6.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome! (BTW - Do not look for me to make his ship, I do not do vehicles! Hasbro, please take serious consideration at making it, I think it would be a hit....)</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-34659203423745629842011-06-17T12:23:00.003-05:002011-07-13T01:10:43.430-05:00New Custom - Army of Light Ultimate Lord Hoth<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lord Hoth ROCKS!!!</b></span></i></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">(He rocks so much that his is my third post on him!)</span></b></span></i></div><div style="color: #8e7cc3; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I cannot say it enough, (even for the third time) that he truly is the most kick ass Jedi ever! You can read my previous in depth entries that really describe the characters greatness <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-custom-lord-hoth-from-jedi-vs-sith.html">here</a> and <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-customs-lord-hoth-v4-lord-kaan-v3.html">here</a>. There is no need for me to cover that aspect of the character again, I rather talk about the real world lessons that we can learn from the fictional Lord Hoth. I believe the main reason that this character resonates with me so much is because he encompasses the kind of role model hero that I grew up with. It also happens to be, in my opinion, the kind of role model that is severely lacking in modern society - a principled, testosterone filled leader with a moral compass of what's truly right and wrong. (Again, I know he is a fictional character but you can still be inspired by and relate things in the real world from fictional characters.) In our modern society there is just too much "emo-ness" jive running amok, especially among our so called leaders. There is also too much compromise of principle which to me is the true measure of a man. Lord Hoth is principled, he is decisive and does not compromise for the sake of getting along. He sticks to his guns and you always know where he stands whether you agree with him or not. In the end, you respect him (and people like this) for his resilience and confidence. When it comes to right and wrong, evil in particular, he understands that you cannot negotiate or pacify it, it just needs to be defeated. When he makes a mistakes he does not cry about it or try to apologize for it while sobbing in blubbering pathetic tears. He takes responsibility for his actions by dusting himself off and doing the best he can to correct the error. How refreshing would it be to see more of that kind of leader instead of the now standard "I apologize..." crap? Hopefully some of you will understand the point I was making here and appreciate it for what it was. I won't harp on that any longer and I am now ready to move onto my new custom of Lord Hoth....<br />
<br />
I have not made a Lord Hoth custom figure in a long time. When I finished my last one I knew that the next one that I would make would have to be my best. I would not make another one until I gathered the right parts to do him justice making him one of my best customs ever. Well, I saved a lot of parts for a long time and I was finally ready to tackle my personal challenge. This may come off the wrong way but I really could not be any happier with the outcome, I hope you will feel the same way. If you do not you know that I love hate mail so fire away and rip it a new one. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dXu1Qc8MPg/TfuLqktnHOI/AAAAAAAACUk/sZ9IFBgyMEc/s1600/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dXu1Qc8MPg/TfuLqktnHOI/AAAAAAAACUk/sZ9IFBgyMEc/s400/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8Iiey3jazc/TfuLqEd5HBI/AAAAAAAACUg/hZIVGH3EwIE/s1600/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8Iiey3jazc/TfuLqEd5HBI/AAAAAAAACUg/hZIVGH3EwIE/s400/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+5.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS-DUuQBVIs/TfuLruUiMFI/AAAAAAAACUs/erhGnJojP98/s1600/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GS-DUuQBVIs/TfuLruUiMFI/AAAAAAAACUs/erhGnJojP98/s400/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNgoUvnaOyY/TfuLsbWQN_I/AAAAAAAACUw/ZQcyMZKvr9U/s1600/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hNgoUvnaOyY/TfuLsbWQN_I/AAAAAAAACUw/ZQcyMZKvr9U/s400/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJUlGteA6Fk/TfuLrIp5BvI/AAAAAAAACUo/YXPoFoC1PVA/s1600/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJUlGteA6Fk/TfuLrIp5BvI/AAAAAAAACUo/YXPoFoC1PVA/s400/ULTIMATE+LORD+HOTH+2.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-32988584202525247662011-06-09T17:08:00.005-05:002011-06-10T00:42:23.078-05:00New Customs - "F-Rate" Obscure Cantina Patrons: Spacer 1 & DebnoliWhen it comes to the Mos Eisley Cantina there just seems to be an endless supply of characters to tap into for future figures. Hasbro has done a really great job at producing the majority of the cantina's patrons throughout the lines 16 year run. They just released Bom Vidam, I already have him and he truly is one of the best figures ever released. Two more patrons are on the way this year that were long overdue resculpts, Dr. Evezan and Ponda Baba. Some cantina patrons are more known and desirable than others. I classify cantina patrons in five categories, A-F. Here are some examples of how I classify some of the patrons:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">A-Rate: Greedo, Hammerhead, Walrusman (Ponda Baba), Bith, Muftak, Dr. Evezan and Snaggletooth.</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">B-Rate: Wuhr, Ellis Helrot, Myo, Miiyoom, Labria, Djas Puhr and Ellors Madok.</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">C-Rate: Nabrun Lieds, Hrchek Kal Fas, Hem Dezon, Dannik Jerriko, Kabe and Deffel.</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">D-Rate: Boshek, Leesub Sirln, Kitik Keed'kak, Wisolea, Dice Ibegan, Lak Sivrak and Trinto Duaba.</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">E-Rate: Danz Borin, Garouf LaFoe, Mosep, Trvizzt, Yerka Mig and Solomahal.</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">F-Rate: Everyone else.</span></b><br />
<br />
E and F rate characters have a very low chance of ever being made, but since were are hitting the bottom of the barrel you never know. With so many fans wanting to complete their collection displays with all of the patrons I try to step up to the plate and fill the void of the missing losers. I recently made two F-listers, Spacer 1 and Debnoli.<br />
<br />
<b><u style="color: #0b5394;">Spacer 1</u></b><br />
Spacer 1 is an interesting cat as he is sporting the same flight suit as Bossk. Actually, Bossk is sporting his flight suit since ANH was made before ESB. You know that during the filming of ESB they were reusing as many props as they can from the first film. They most likely found the suit in their prop box and slapped the rubber alligator mask & gloves on some random stand in for the infamous scene of bounty hunters on the Star Destroyer bridge.(Random fact: IG-88's head was actually part of the bar distillery! So like the flight suit they reused that prop from the cantina) Unfortunately for Spacer 1 he did not get the screen time that Bossk did. In fact, you will struggle to to even find him. Even the still pictures of him have him half covered up by some of the other muppets that were lingering around the bar. <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-flashback-customs-obscure-patrons.html">I made Spacer 1 before</a> but this time I made him much more accurate with the correct helmet and adjusted the neck strap thingy. I also gave him a human head so he is more realistic and fun to display.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbMaWhL81kA/TfFAzS_9JUI/AAAAAAAACTo/Ym4elwoWxSA/s1600/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AbMaWhL81kA/TfFAzS_9JUI/AAAAAAAACTo/Ym4elwoWxSA/s400/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EjXbHevrH0/TfFA7jof2PI/AAAAAAAACT8/oYT-vLccsq4/s1600/103f7e10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EjXbHevrH0/TfFA7jof2PI/AAAAAAAACT8/oYT-vLccsq4/s400/103f7e10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZw5Fm7TBH0/TfFA1kcKWXI/AAAAAAAACTw/kEJ0Hvg2Tzw/s1600/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZw5Fm7TBH0/TfFA1kcKWXI/AAAAAAAACTw/kEJ0Hvg2Tzw/s400/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PHhksLplgY/TfFA2s7RNUI/AAAAAAAACT4/_J0I61scHx0/s1600/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PHhksLplgY/TfFA2s7RNUI/AAAAAAAACT4/_J0I61scHx0/s400/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+4.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQnsXfHEQBM/TfFA2EQ2TFI/AAAAAAAACT0/V1SVFKmLXNw/s1600/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQnsXfHEQBM/TfFA2EQ2TFI/AAAAAAAACT0/V1SVFKmLXNw/s400/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+3.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltrOqRyq6ho/TfFA1KRlfDI/AAAAAAAACTs/A3pSjYsUCwY/s1600/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltrOqRyq6ho/TfFA1KRlfDI/AAAAAAAACTs/A3pSjYsUCwY/s400/jackoftradze+SPACER+1+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Debnoli</b></u><br />
Next up is Debnoli, he actually is a more visible patron in the F-lister category. He was seated near the entrance of the cantina when Luke and the Droids entered. You actually did get a clear shot of his frowning mug as he sat with some dude with a mustache. Debnoli has a real classic 70's look about him but he really does look like the stereotypical disheveled boozer that you would find at your local dive bar. This was my first attempt at Debnoli, next time around I would like to find some better reference on his duds to get it more accurate. For now it's close enough for F-Lister, he should be happy he got this much attention. On top of that he sat his rump at a small table with some guy that had a mustache, that speaks volumes. (Did I mention that already?) I am very happy with the head on this custom, I used the G.I.Joe 25th Serpentor head as the base. From there I sculpted his balding crown making sure to get the uncombed look right. The Serpentor head sculpt really has the same constipated expression as Debnoli so it worked out better than I anticipated. The right amount of paint punches it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ7AiZIct2A/TfFCDUAevsI/AAAAAAAACUM/E6-W-WD6qO4/s1600/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ7AiZIct2A/TfFCDUAevsI/AAAAAAAACUM/E6-W-WD6qO4/s400/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+1.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXlrwzTJZdw/TfFB_12flGI/AAAAAAAACUE/AY-PBKfK6vY/s1600/77073-18163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXlrwzTJZdw/TfFB_12flGI/AAAAAAAACUE/AY-PBKfK6vY/s400/77073-18163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZh7V-fVvKQ/TfFCC7GhKpI/AAAAAAAACUI/TBi29W0nksg/s1600/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZh7V-fVvKQ/TfFCC7GhKpI/AAAAAAAACUI/TBi29W0nksg/s400/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7MsA36dORI/TfFCD60gd8I/AAAAAAAACUQ/_6KqTw9BNrE/s1600/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R7MsA36dORI/TfFCD60gd8I/AAAAAAAACUQ/_6KqTw9BNrE/s400/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+2.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXtAKt7bjLs/TfFCENqLtsI/AAAAAAAACUU/kuppct5AIXU/s1600/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oXtAKt7bjLs/TfFCENqLtsI/AAAAAAAACUU/kuppct5AIXU/s400/jackoftradze+DEBNOLIV2+3.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Rest assured I will be tapping into more E & F listers so stay tuned for more Cantina goodness! (I might even make that guy with the mustache!) </b></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7OVGmQiuXA/TfGulDdLE0I/AAAAAAAACUY/JVKkz9tTDrc/s1600/108eae10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N7OVGmQiuXA/TfGulDdLE0I/AAAAAAAACUY/JVKkz9tTDrc/s400/108eae10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjTgVaswOhc/TfGullakomI/AAAAAAAACUc/CKgSAQskZA4/s1600/1096ee10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjTgVaswOhc/TfGullakomI/AAAAAAAACUc/CKgSAQskZA4/s400/1096ee10.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-23699647803739545802011-06-02T16:35:00.005-05:002011-06-02T16:46:15.341-05:00New Customs - "Store Brand" Sith Lords 2: Rise of the Sith MimesI decided to do a sequel to my <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-customs-store-brand-sith-lords-of.html">first "Store Brand" Sith Lords</a> post with some of my more recent generic Darksider customs. Unlike my other batches of Sith Lords, this batch does not have major respiratory issues. There is a catch to this batch however, they are a little heavy on the Sith mime make up! While the Dark side in the Legacy era may be very tempting with all of it's enticing totalitarian power, it really does comes at a high price: You are dyed red and given a lot of "mimeish" tribal tattoos! These Legacy era red florescent fighters are uber sub servant to the cause of the Sith Empire's quest for galactic domination that they are willing to turn into evil red galactic mimes. Everyone hates mimes. <b>Everyone</b>. That really does speak volumes to their principles, it just does not bode well for their wardrobes as they all wear black. They kind of have to, having bright red skin limits your options for the color pallet of your clothing. Lets take a look at this beefy batch of evil (I will end with the two non mime Sith Lords):<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Darth Pegwarmious</b></u></div>Based on that alien race of the legendary peg warmer Xizor (He peg warmed horribly in 1996 and on his second run in 2009. You can even still find him on pegs now!) this evil Sith Lord is ready to wait for evil orders from Darth Krayt. He is very patient and is very much used to waiting around.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLLuKN3g4Sc/Tef73C-dvKI/AAAAAAAACSk/S7iiCBD-0tk/s1600/darth+Drylock+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLLuKN3g4Sc/Tef73C-dvKI/AAAAAAAACSk/S7iiCBD-0tk/s400/darth+Drylock+1.jpg" width="352" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo3uhbNvQg0/Tef72csA0MI/AAAAAAAACSg/RFEQLHMhRO4/s1600/darth+Drylock+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo3uhbNvQg0/Tef72csA0MI/AAAAAAAACSg/RFEQLHMhRO4/s400/darth+Drylock+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DW_6MfDFNs8/Tef73mx0VGI/AAAAAAAACSo/3cJxh5LHrzk/s1600/darth+Drylock+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DW_6MfDFNs8/Tef73mx0VGI/AAAAAAAACSo/3cJxh5LHrzk/s400/darth+Drylock+2.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Darth Crabbious</b></u></div>Known throughout the galaxy as the most crabby and cynical of Sith Lords, this evil doer is ready to take his bad mood out on the unsuspecting innocent of the galaxy! This front line warrior is heavily armored in an imposing suit of full plate. What most Sith Lords do not know about Darth Crabbious is that he is actually a big softy who loves arts and crafts! He even made his own helmet to go into battle with, the inside lining is made of felt! Legend says that when he was making it it was the only time he was not crabby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhDiaOMhr0w/Tef89giG7nI/AAAAAAAACSs/Lqu-RLyxDu4/s1600/darth+krabious+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhDiaOMhr0w/Tef89giG7nI/AAAAAAAACSs/Lqu-RLyxDu4/s400/darth+krabious+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpiIZ056H4w/Tef8_qAzcVI/AAAAAAAACS0/q2zngy9keRI/s1600/darth+krabious+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpiIZ056H4w/Tef8_qAzcVI/AAAAAAAACS0/q2zngy9keRI/s400/darth+krabious+2.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIjyBVMvZj0/Tef8_HATC5I/AAAAAAAACSw/JZ7n9FIjkj8/s1600/darth+krabious+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIjyBVMvZj0/Tef8_HATC5I/AAAAAAAACSw/JZ7n9FIjkj8/s400/darth+krabious+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<u style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Sith Lord of </b></u><u><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Darkness v2</span></b></u><br />
Based on <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-custom-sith-lord-of-darkness.html">my original Sith Lord of Darkness</a> custom, this updated version has a slighly different execution on the head. For this version I used horns that resemble the real Darkness a lot closer than the evil and twisted horns of my first custom. After I finished this custom I realized I forgot to sculpt the ears. I will have to add that next time in my V3 attempt...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqNTHXFrdHk/Tef-pZVgyKI/AAAAAAAACS8/ZeBP156Fuf0/s1600/lord+of+darkness+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IqNTHXFrdHk/Tef-pZVgyKI/AAAAAAAACS8/ZeBP156Fuf0/s400/lord+of+darkness+1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Alp7ccnAI/Tef-olKzuDI/AAAAAAAACS4/EQD-LJx3pU4/s1600/lord+of+darkness+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Alp7ccnAI/Tef-olKzuDI/AAAAAAAACS4/EQD-LJx3pU4/s400/lord+of+darkness+3.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BjQsmGnBUo/Tef-pnv4_0I/AAAAAAAACTA/RLP9JFGiqSw/s1600/lord+of+darkness+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BjQsmGnBUo/Tef-pnv4_0I/AAAAAAAACTA/RLP9JFGiqSw/s400/lord+of+darkness+2.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Necron, Sith Slayer</b></u></div>This twisted and evil Sith Marauder is the bane to dissidents of the Sith Empire. Sent out to destroy Sith warriors who become a little too ambitious for their Master's tastes, Necron always finds his prey with deadly precision. Having his body severely broken from several battle this Sith Lord is a relentless hunter that will kill his target no matter what. Through the Darkside of the Force he is able to sustain his broken body until his droids repair his body to a functioning vessel.(Like the great Flanneled one I am repeating a similar back story with another character Darth Sion. He is even related to Darth Sion. All Star Wars characters are related to famous ones, it's the rule of the universe!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdzHwa56oL0/TegACMYlsOI/AAAAAAAACTI/ZZb5dtJv2nU/s1600/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdzHwa56oL0/TegACMYlsOI/AAAAAAAACTI/ZZb5dtJv2nU/s400/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90zSPD34J2A/TegACiUGUII/AAAAAAAACTM/x161vHmHFtU/s1600/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90zSPD34J2A/TegACiUGUII/AAAAAAAACTM/x161vHmHFtU/s400/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+2.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iF_qBtQuqxc/TegABsI38YI/AAAAAAAACTE/-C-d5SEKFAE/s1600/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iF_qBtQuqxc/TegABsI38YI/AAAAAAAACTE/-C-d5SEKFAE/s400/jackoftradze+sith+NECRON+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Sith Assassin</b></u></div>I am bored of writing bios. The name says it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0k_lNiwjiM/TegAZVmn2CI/AAAAAAAACTU/a0bJBcTZZVQ/s1600/sithassv3+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0k_lNiwjiM/TegAZVmn2CI/AAAAAAAACTU/a0bJBcTZZVQ/s400/sithassv3+1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IX8YmNim0dw/TegAYzGIhvI/AAAAAAAACTQ/ywN2Lx71sOE/s1600/sithassv3+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IX8YmNim0dw/TegAYzGIhvI/AAAAAAAACTQ/ywN2Lx71sOE/s400/sithassv3+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome! And rest assured more generic JACKOFTRADZE "Store Brand" Sith Lords will grace the blog in a few months in part 3!</b></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqocofOipzQ/TegB9Gtj5UI/AAAAAAAACTc/tD9iTIQxKPg/s1600/cereal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqocofOipzQ/TegB9Gtj5UI/AAAAAAAACTc/tD9iTIQxKPg/s400/cereal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-49069845155763770282011-06-01T09:50:00.004-05:002011-06-01T09:55:36.305-05:00JACKOFTRADZE "Craptacular Custom Contest" Winners<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winners of the first ever JACKOFTRADZE "Craptacular Custom Contest " have been drawn!!! See below if your name was picked and what prize package you won. I will send you an email today so I can get your address and send out your craptacular prizes!</span></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Grand Prize Winner <span style="color: yellow;">"dew71"</span>: </span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calendar Poster!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- Vintage Colt 45 Reflective Beer Sign!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- Custom Billy Dee Williams Head Pencil Topper!</span></b></div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">- Random Surprise! </span></b><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Runner up (1st Loser) prize <span style="color: yellow;">"Tetsuya"</span>:</span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calendar Poster!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- Random Surprise </span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2nd Runner up (2nd Loser) prize <span style="color: yellow;">"Daniel"</span></span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calender Poster!</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cWICzLt5og/TeZRN30l9uI/AAAAAAAACRg/aKjtxBtxHQw/s1600/file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cWICzLt5og/TeZRN30l9uI/AAAAAAAACRg/aKjtxBtxHQw/s400/file.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>"REMEMBER THE POWER OF COLT 45 WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU, IT WORKS EVERY TIME!"</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-19665072540293385992011-05-23T15:42:00.007-05:002011-05-24T11:17:38.232-05:00New custom - Darth Sion, the Lord of PainDarth Sion, the Lord of Pain was a Sith lord that first appeared in Knights of the Old Republic 2 video game. From what we know of Darth Sion he served as a Sith Marauder in Exar Kun's Sith Empire during the Great Sith Wars. He was killed several times but he kept on coming back to life as his pain and anger kept resuscitating his rotting husk of a body. He is like the Zombie Frankenstein of the Star Wars universe for his obvious crusty physical appearance. (He could really use a little moisturizer cream!) He literally is rotting away, and was kept alive by the Dark side of the Force. A small price to pay for being immortal but he is always in pain. Like the typical drug commercial ending disclaimer message, there is a big trade off with a lot of bad side affects that makes you question why bothering with it in the first place. But I digress...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXkcpQyhtas/TdrFloxAPqI/AAAAAAAACQo/spg0pQVei0c/s1600/305px-Sion_TFU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LXkcpQyhtas/TdrFloxAPqI/AAAAAAAACQo/spg0pQVei0c/s400/305px-Sion_TFU.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><br />
Personally, I think he is a really dumb looking character. I also cannot get into the back story that explains his powers but that does not stop his popularity among fans. (Maybe it's me.) I was asked to make him by a really nice buyer and I could not say no to this particular gentlemen. The unfortunate thing is that someone else bought him when I posted it for this particular buyer. I have to make him again for this buyer who waited so long, my sincere apologies. When it comes to commissions I am a perfectionist I take a really long time so I have to finish the new one for him. (It's taking me forever but I will make it worthwhile!) I thought I would share this one and eventually post the improved one when he is finished. This was the first time I made Darth Sion so I like to make some more modifications on the next one to make him more accurate. Take a look and LMK what you think of this one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2O3rfWQuo/TdrGUfzs8KI/AAAAAAAACQw/JzC3sH2KV74/s1600/jackoftradze+darth+sion+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG2O3rfWQuo/TdrGUfzs8KI/AAAAAAAACQw/JzC3sH2KV74/s400/jackoftradze+darth+sion+1.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gouAItEqqho/TdrGU4GdC3I/AAAAAAAACQ0/9vvobssnx4Q/s1600/jackoftradze+darth+sion+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gouAItEqqho/TdrGU4GdC3I/AAAAAAAACQ0/9vvobssnx4Q/s400/jackoftradze+darth+sion+2.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsM9wlx97zw/TdrGVj_QMTI/AAAAAAAACQ4/ILVt3c9UPi4/s1600/jackoftradze+darth+sion+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsM9wlx97zw/TdrGVj_QMTI/AAAAAAAACQ4/ILVt3c9UPi4/s400/jackoftradze+darth+sion+3.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlX_5jwH0sg/TdrGWIpLgsI/AAAAAAAACQ8/7wCzeQ_KyRg/s1600/jackoftradze+darth+sion+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlX_5jwH0sg/TdrGWIpLgsI/AAAAAAAACQ8/7wCzeQ_KyRg/s400/jackoftradze+darth+sion+4.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndpEC6QhFsU/TdrGUGrKhPI/AAAAAAAACQs/s7aXdHzf8Ws/s1600/jackoftradze+darth+sion+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndpEC6QhFsU/TdrGUGrKhPI/AAAAAAAACQs/s7aXdHzf8Ws/s400/jackoftradze+darth+sion+5.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-67865899161292910712011-05-20T16:37:00.003-05:002011-05-22T21:03:09.446-05:00New Custom - Chalmun the WookieI love making the many obscure loser characters of the Star Wars universe, so Chalmun the Wookie was a perfect candidate for a custom. If you do not know who he is let me help "edjama-cate" you. Chalmun is the Wookie proprietor of the Mos Eisley Cantina. Not known to many, the cantina is actually named after him. (Chalmun sounds like some kind of fish bait so I guess it's fitting to name a pub something that reminds you of throw up.) He is really, really obscure, more obscure than most I make which really gives him a zero chance of ever being made. Not that anyone is asking for him so nothing lost or nothing gained. As far as I know there are only a few photos that exist of him to base a figure on or get an idea of what he looks like. Those photos were developed in the late 90's so even the few that exist are pretty dated. (It's probably best that he stays in that decades dark corners of things to be forgotten. He are the only two color shots of him that I know of:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoB_u4AEOzo/Tdbc6cAYihI/AAAAAAAACO4/kevB2AVKq9c/s1600/370px-Wretched_Hive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UoB_u4AEOzo/Tdbc6cAYihI/AAAAAAAACO4/kevB2AVKq9c/s400/370px-Wretched_Hive.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97WAfFUWD3s/Tdbc6sXyzgI/AAAAAAAACO8/LQkfMNXydFQ/s1600/376px-Chalmun_swenc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97WAfFUWD3s/Tdbc6sXyzgI/AAAAAAAACO8/LQkfMNXydFQ/s400/376px-Chalmun_swenc.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
I will give some more fun facts on Chalmun before I move on to the custom pictures, I want to torture you some more with useless nerd knowledge. Like most characters in Star Wars he is conveniently related to a main character from the saga. How original. Do you want to guess who he is related to? Yes, he is a distant relative of Chewbacca. What are the chances?.....Really? Must every single character have some relation to the main characters in the movies! Why must this be the case 9 out of 10 characters! Anyway, as far as I know I have never seen a Chalmun custom before, one probably exists but it has not surfaced on the main fan sites. Not that that is important but I do like to occasionally tackle characters that no one else does. Nothing groundbreaking about the custom here but I was really happy with the outcome. I was going to resculpt the hair like the pictures but I liked the idea of a disheveled Wookie running a dirty bar on Tattooine. The old wild west look was too much 90's cheesiness for me to handle. The Sandstorm Chewie head already had a nice drunken Wookie look so just sculpted the mustache. (It looks like he rolled out of the bed after a drunken stooper!) Take a look at and LMK what you think! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pyUKU34sVk/Tdba9WOpfpI/AAAAAAAACOk/42OWjqwZe6M/s1600/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pyUKU34sVk/Tdba9WOpfpI/AAAAAAAACOk/42OWjqwZe6M/s400/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+5.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ29T6i7PH4/Tdba-4vj-FI/AAAAAAAACOs/lDk4hFKMLhg/s1600/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ29T6i7PH4/Tdba-4vj-FI/AAAAAAAACOs/lDk4hFKMLhg/s400/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEJIGcapVsU/Tdba_Uc-GVI/AAAAAAAACOw/rROtbBS4Ghg/s1600/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEJIGcapVsU/Tdba_Uc-GVI/AAAAAAAACOw/rROtbBS4Ghg/s400/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+3.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSuljCiyxY/Tdba_yEEzVI/AAAAAAAACO0/pyyg_6oCAZE/s1600/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgSuljCiyxY/Tdba_yEEzVI/AAAAAAAACO0/pyyg_6oCAZE/s400/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+4.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rLaaqe3IAk/Tdba-IekqGI/AAAAAAAACOo/CuIy1hCzA9o/s1600/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rLaaqe3IAk/Tdba-IekqGI/AAAAAAAACOo/CuIy1hCzA9o/s400/jackoftradze+CHALMUN+1.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-36922707303488038422011-05-19T15:50:00.004-05:002011-05-19T15:58:16.682-05:00More Blog updates<div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The overhaul continues today with the following updates:</b></span></div><br />
- The <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/p/archives-of-awesome.html">Archives of Awesome page</a> has been updated with the return of the 2008 selections. It also includes some new entries and better photos of all of the previous entries. (The 2007 and 2006 selections will be added back by next week.) Here is a sample image of an updated entry:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apaaPDUGnRc/TdWB4py_CMI/AAAAAAAACN0/CMyW2Fg2yA4/s1600/FUEDAL+FURY+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apaaPDUGnRc/TdWB4py_CMI/AAAAAAAACN0/CMyW2Fg2yA4/s400/FUEDAL+FURY+1.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> - The <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/p/valley-of-shame.html">Valley of Shame page</a> has been updated with 5 new selections and some of the previous photos have been cleaned up. I will eventually fix them all to lower the bright flash I used to always have on my photos. I also adjusted the colors and format to jive with the Blog's new color pallet. Consistency is key! Here is one of the new (and embarrassing) entries:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCSiRlwmvY8/TdWASUEXd6I/AAAAAAAACNs/tK8x-zREQ2A/s1600/WAMPA+JEDI+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tCSiRlwmvY8/TdWASUEXd6I/AAAAAAAACNs/tK8x-zREQ2A/s400/WAMPA+JEDI+1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />
- Some of my most popular posts like <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-customs-kotor-armored-jedi-knight_27.html">KOTOR Armored Jedi Knight</a>, <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/06/little-differences.html">LD Lando</a> and the <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-flashback-customs-obscure-patrons.html">Obscure Patrons of the Mos Eisley Cantina</a> have had the photos cleaned up to lower the flash and improve the images. I will be adjusting pictures to enhance the quality on other popular posts where the flash is obscuring detail. Man, what a difference in retrospect these changes have made. So much detail was obscured because of the flash, I will not repeat that flash mistake again. Here is a sample of a revised picture (You can actually see his face now!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_IsEpGZD0N0/TdV_cXJSaDI/AAAAAAAACNo/cih-sX1DXPc/s1600/kotor+hero+master+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_IsEpGZD0N0/TdV_cXJSaDI/AAAAAAAACNo/cih-sX1DXPc/s400/kotor+hero+master+4.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are a lot more updates and additions that are coming to the blog, stay tuned! Next up is the hairy bartender and owner of the Mos Eisley Cantina...</span></b></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-46531537009131531852011-05-18T16:29:00.002-05:002011-05-18T16:32:43.282-05:00New Custom - Boelo, Jabba's Docking Bay 94 GoonJust when you think that you know every character that appeared in the Star Wars movies some obscure scrub of a character seems to pop up on a fans want list for figures to be made. One of those scrubs is Boelo, a goon that was with Jabba the Hutt in Docking Bay 94 when they confronted Han and Chewie. The scene was cut in the original film but was added back in the 1997 Special Edition. Most Star Wars fans have seen the SE ANH movie dozens of times so everyone should begrudgingly remember this cringe inducing added scene (you know, the one with Han's hand magically passing through Jabba's body). Boelo was in the forefront background under the Falcon with his gun drawn to back up his boss in case Han got a little too cocky. He is a fairly memorable character due to the brown lawn gnome hat and trench coat that he was wearing. (There was another memorable goon with him here with a super frothy beard but I will deal with him later...)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM7s5lao2v4/TdQ5a5bg1jI/AAAAAAAACHw/BmOUNnicWuo/s1600/Boelo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KM7s5lao2v4/TdQ5a5bg1jI/AAAAAAAACHw/BmOUNnicWuo/s400/Boelo.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br />
I love making the many obscure denizens of Mos Eisley so this guy was a great choice for me to tackle. I think there is a fairly decent chance that we will see an official figure of Boelo one day until then I am happy to make him for you! Take a look at and LMK what you think! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igxVI9OYbAU/TdQ5q9BNqCI/AAAAAAAACH0/u1VL0vJD3lU/s1600/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-igxVI9OYbAU/TdQ5q9BNqCI/AAAAAAAACH0/u1VL0vJD3lU/s400/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKOvk_9ry4s/TdQ5tiej5kI/AAAAAAAACIA/kTaniR0TcV0/s1600/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKOvk_9ry4s/TdQ5tiej5kI/AAAAAAAACIA/kTaniR0TcV0/s400/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+3.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCuumRFdtuY/TdQ5tTVPM4I/AAAAAAAACH8/-CV9oLd_FAM/s1600/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCuumRFdtuY/TdQ5tTVPM4I/AAAAAAAACH8/-CV9oLd_FAM/s400/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL2QzTA89Q0/TdQ5s-Ngm3I/AAAAAAAACH4/AHvgOTzS1Kg/s1600/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mL2QzTA89Q0/TdQ5s-Ngm3I/AAAAAAAACH4/AHvgOTzS1Kg/s400/jackoftradze+BOLEO+V2+4.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-65978075302619385772011-05-17T14:43:00.007-05:002011-05-19T16:27:58.286-05:00The 1st ever "JACKOFTRADZE Craptacular Custom Contest"<div style="color: yellow; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Are you ready to do absolutely nothing and possibly win some sweet Billy-Deelicious Colt 45 swag?</b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well get ready, because as a thank to my loyal followers I am going to give away 3 prize packages that are sure to delight the Billy Dee Williams fan in your household! I will be holding a random drawing on June 1st! I will have all of my Blog's followers names in a pot, my 2.5 yr old daughter will pick 3 name tags from the pot that will win the prizes. I will announce the winners here and contact you so I can get the shipping info to send you your loot! It's that easy! Here are the prize package details:</span></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Grand Prize: </span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calendar Poster!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- Vintage Colt 45 Reflective Beer Sign!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- Custom Billy Dee Williams Head Pencil Topper!</span></b></div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Random Surprise! </span></b><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Runner up (1st Loser) prize</span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calendar Poster!</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- Random Surprise </span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2nd Runner up (2nd Loser) prize</span></b></u></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">- 1986 Billy Dee Williams Colt 45 Calender Poster!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="color: yellow; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a picture of the 1986 poster (frame not included!) </span></span></b></div></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjB3olhVKUA/TdLPuouhmwI/AAAAAAAACHs/FKFp2q0KwAQ/s1600/crappy+contest+prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjB3olhVKUA/TdLPuouhmwI/AAAAAAAACHs/FKFp2q0KwAQ/s400/crappy+contest+prize.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-3227441297598510942011-05-17T14:34:00.004-05:002011-05-19T16:29:17.013-05:00The Blog Battle Rages on....May marks my 5 year anniversary making customs and this June will be the 1st birthday of my customs blog. With that said I decided to totally revamp the entire Blog to celebrate the events and get my Blog back to regular weekly updates! This wass the longest hiatus I took since I started it a year ago. Due to a lot of personal commitments and an honest lack of energy it's been hard to keep up and stay motivated towards it. After a good kick in the rump from my pal stocos28 I decided to get this Blog back on track in a big way. There will be updates every day this week and twice a week from now on. Here are the most recent updates:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;">- The look of the entire Blog is no longer in a plain black format. As you can see it has a more galactic space feel to set the right mood!</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- The Archives of Awesome page was deleted by accident as I was updating it. With the previous versions demise I decided to entirely rebuild it with new entries, revised figure choices and better quality photos that were previously shown! The 2006-2008 entries will be added later this week.</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- All side bar page logos and the main logo have been redesigned to better reflect the content!</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: white;"><b><u>Upcoming changes will included:</u></b></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"></div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- New custom figure posts starting tomorrow!</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- Look for video to be added to the Jabba's Palace and My Collection pages in the 2 weeks once I update all of the photos on the respective pages!<br />
<br />
- Updates to the Valley of shame! (I found some real winners when I was rebuilding the Archives of Awesome.)</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- Quarterly Craptacular contests with sweet Star Wars swag!</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">- More interactive features like Polls, Video and more!</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;">So as you will see there is a lot of stuff coming, I am very much motivated again! A big thanks to all of my loyal followers and readers for helping me make this blog successful! The update wait is over and I want to reward you with some cool swag in the next post...</div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-71739266464273297392011-04-14T16:10:00.001-05:002011-05-13T20:20:24.895-05:00New Custom - Clone Wars Micro Series Nelvaanian WarriorDo you remember the very superb Clone Wars micro series that ran 2003-2005? I am sure you do as that series was so well executed and very memorable. A real testament to that series is the fact that we have been given numerous original figures from the episodes. For whatever the reason (Most likely do to the modern CGI CW series) Lucasfilm has put a freeze on Hasbro preventing them from making any new figures from micro series. Despite the Micro CW figure moratorium a Captain Fordo figure somehow managed to slip through and will be coming out this year. Please note that he will be released under another name - "Arc Trooper Commander". That's a pretty clever loophole to get around the ban. There are still several characters from this series that collectors would love to see made, one of them is the Nelvaanian Warrior. In a key episode that literally lead straight into ROTS, Anakin had an important encounter with this alien species that eluded to his fall to the dark side. I was a bit surprised that we did not get an official figure of the Nelvaanian Warrior to accompany the 2007 Nelvaanian Tattoo Anakin. On a side note, I have been using the Hellboy 2 figure of Wink to stand in for the mutated Nelvaanians in my collection. That figure is actually a pretty good match! <br />
<br />
I recently picked up the brand new Thor Movie Frost Giant to use for parts, I was not sure what I would use the body for but I usually find a use for most things I buy for customs. I came across an image of a Nelvaanian Warrior the following day and that instantly sparked a custom idea that would use this body as a base. I had an extra Bothan head laying around that was perfect for this custom, it is pretty close to the actual Nelvaanian Warrior design. As usual I repainted the entire figure giving him a more furry look but I went one step further and made him a swappable robotic arm to somewhat recreate the episode. Granted they got fatter and uglier post experiment but I really intended this custom to look closer to a generic Nelvaanian Warrior as seen in the picture. It was more of an extra accessory. Here is the final result of my first Nelvaanian Warrior:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsBB6eaeADQ/TadfUF0f3EI/AAAAAAAAB8M/VDxEUhJlxkk/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsBB6eaeADQ/TadfUF0f3EI/AAAAAAAAB8M/VDxEUhJlxkk/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+3.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slwifvwIH-4/TadfTSFr6UI/AAAAAAAAB8E/6zU8MV3JyRc/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slwifvwIH-4/TadfTSFr6UI/AAAAAAAAB8E/6zU8MV3JyRc/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldLdDxu-FwA/TadfTlXOmyI/AAAAAAAAB8I/BgTcXej9PeM/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldLdDxu-FwA/TadfTlXOmyI/AAAAAAAAB8I/BgTcXej9PeM/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+2.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmfWKQXnk4A/TadfTPqYcGI/AAAAAAAAB8A/m_ASI0n54uA/s1600/nevv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmfWKQXnk4A/TadfTPqYcGI/AAAAAAAAB8A/m_ASI0n54uA/s400/nevv.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCnKHLnftG4/TadfUSCbpCI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/hT09nQ98RM0/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCnKHLnftG4/TadfUSCbpCI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/hT09nQ98RM0/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+4.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mRmmg1P0-o/TadfU67EL3I/AAAAAAAAB8U/nKwv5stQlAM/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mRmmg1P0-o/TadfU67EL3I/AAAAAAAAB8U/nKwv5stQlAM/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+5.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYCEThZDYeQ/TadfVcDH-MI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/DpTBZDyTFhg/s1600/Nelvaanian+warrior+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYCEThZDYeQ/TadfVcDH-MI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/DpTBZDyTFhg/s400/Nelvaanian+warrior+6.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-41879612466591411492011-04-13T11:52:00.003-05:002011-04-13T11:55:18.343-05:00Supporting a young fan - The Toys for Eli Toy DriveBrian from Customs for the Kid brought a heartbreaking story to my attention last week and I want to help by spreading the word on this good cause. The fine folks from <a href="http://actionfigureempire.blogspot.com/2011/03/force-is-strong-with-him.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ActionFigureEmpire+%28Action+Figure+Empire%29" target="_blank">Action Figure Empire</a> are gathering support in the Star Wars collecting community by helping a very young fan with a rare disease. Please take a moment and read about this young fan who could use some support. Here is their blog post:<br />
<i><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Today I want to turn this blog's attention to the story of a young Star Wars action figure collector named Eli. Eli is madly passionate about all things Star Wars and Star Wars toys. He's an outgoing little guy with a great big smile and he's also into arts and crafts, and World War 2. Eli is has been diagnosed with a rare life-threatening disease called Severe Aplastic Anemia, a disease of the bone marrow. Severe Aplastic Anemia also affects the immune system making it difficult for those who have it to be out in public. You can imagine how this makes it hard to get out and do things, visit with people, or even shop for Star Wars toys. We here at Action Figure Empire call for your support for young Eli, a fan, and a collector who needs all the support he can get right now. We ask that you donate one or more, Star Wars toys of any kind to Eli. You can Include a message of your own to Eli if you wish as well. Eli will be delighted to receive your generous donations. Please send them to: </span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Action Figure Empire</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">114 Oak Street Apt. D</span><br style="color: #0b5394;" /><span style="color: #0b5394;">Maybrook, NY 12543</span></b></i><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><i>From there we at AFE will then forward your generous donations to Eli. AFE is proud to create and participate in the official Toys for Eli Toy Drive Please take a moment to contribute to Eli's Star Wars action figure collection. Every donation you give helps! Thank you for reading this and thank you so much for your donations! May The Force Be With You All! </i></div><br />
As parent myself this story is absolutely heartbreaking, no parent should have to deal with this. I am asking all of my readers to pitch in and give this little boy a little joy as he fights this disease. It would be greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yETJY4iLIw/TaXUU6lkJxI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/uEVaQvyUpKg/s1600/eli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yETJY4iLIw/TaXUU6lkJxI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/uEVaQvyUpKg/s400/eli.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-25830307452646147122011-04-08T14:12:00.002-05:002011-04-13T10:13:11.521-05:00The Little Differences - Yavin, Stormtrooper disguise, X-Wing and Rebellion Luke Skywalker & Bonus Han in Stormtrooper DisguiseIn the 16 year run of the modern Star Wars line there have been a lot of Luke Skywalker figures released. Some of them have been really great and some of them not so much. It is worth noting that after years of some disappointing releases Hasbro really seems to be perfecting each figure including the main heroes which they have always have seemed to struggle with. In my opinion the current line has never been better in terms of quality and detail. There were some Lukes that were released over the past 3 years that slightly fell short of the perfection mark. The Little Differences segment is all about fixing the flaws of existing figures using existing parts to make them as perfect as possible without a major rework. Unlike all of my past LD segments some of these do require some dremmeling on the swapped heads to sit perfectly on their respective neck posts. I always strive to avoid this but these are very easy to modify. Lets get started and see if these are for you:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Yavin Ceremony Luke Skywalker</b></u></div>Released in 2007 as part of the 30th TAC line this Luke was a really nice upgrade from the 1997 POTF2 one (After 10 years it should be!). Overall this was a well executed figure but he did miss the mark because of his mediocre head sculpt that featured really pale skin and dark hair. (The skin tone color reminded me of when E.T. was found dying in the rain.) I do think we will see a re-release of this figure in the near future with a new head sculpt and a corrected flesh tone. I cannot wait for a re-release as this was one of my favorite get ups for Luke, as usual I decided to fix him. November of 2009 gave us the best ANH Farm boy Luke head sculpt in the modern line in the Resurgence of the Jedi Battle Pack. I stocked up on that figure at the time because I knew I wanted to use the head to fix several of my older Lukes. This head will need to be dremmeled out a little to fit on the Yavin Luke neck post. To match the head flesh tone I swapped out the hands with the AOTC Uncle Owen, they are a perfect color match and fit. I know that is a rare figure as well but fear not, there are other hands that will work just as well. To finish the figure I gave him the new Vintage sculpt Lightsaber to make him as accurate as possible. Here is the final result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjlKwm-bHl0/TZ9c_FJ19WI/AAAAAAAAB7A/EDVwZYdnX2A/s1600/yavin+luke+resurg+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjlKwm-bHl0/TZ9c_FJ19WI/AAAAAAAAB7A/EDVwZYdnX2A/s400/yavin+luke+resurg+head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Luke Skywalker & Han Solo in Stormtrooper Disguise </b></u></div>Next up we have the controversial "too tall" Luke in Stormtrooper Disguise. I agree with most collectors that they should retool some parts to get him more screen accurate. While this is a deal breaker for many I have to be honest, I am not too bothered by it. I am more bothered by the terrible and very narrow head sculpt that looks more like a mouse then Luke. Like the Yavin Luke, I used the Resurgence BP Luke head again. (This mod also requires some dremmeling to get it to fit perfectly.) If you want to slap a Stormtrooper helmet on him you will need the larger sized Legacy Death Star Escape Han helmet, it's still tight. Since I use these in scene displays I have no desire to cover the head but it's really up to how you want to display your collection. I added an extra commlink from Major Panno to complete the figure. Speaking of the Death Star Escape Han figure you can swap that head out on the Stormtrooper body with no dremmeling required, it's a perfect fit. I love having consistency in my collection so these two mods solve the consistency issue. Take a "look-see" at the end results: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M0AkRMvDTc/TZ9c_lRlsbI/AAAAAAAAB7E/scRisDzvn80/s1600/storm+luke+resurg+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6M0AkRMvDTc/TZ9c_lRlsbI/AAAAAAAAB7E/scRisDzvn80/s400/storm+luke+resurg+head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Luke Skywalker in X-Wing Pilot gear</b></u></div>Do you notice a trend here? Resurgence Luke head + Dremmel + X-Wing body = A fixed X-Wing Luke. (If you use the Hoth Snowspeeder Luke Helmet it will fit perfectly!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxMNuAPRkhA/TZ9dAHZsFFI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Q5JLT5WKPok/s1600/xwing+luke+resurg+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxMNuAPRkhA/TZ9dAHZsFFI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Q5JLT5WKPok/s400/xwing+luke+resurg+head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Luke Skywalker in Rebel Stealth Gear from the Rebellion comic </b></u></div>I really liked the Rebellion comic series, they featured some great EU stories that filled in story gaps during the Rebellion era. The particular issue that this figure was based on was pretty good, I also liked the stealth outfits even though they did not look too "Star Warsish". This was a cool comic pack but Luke's head was a so-so sculpt that looked little too old, it also looked too much like it came from the ESB era. The issue that this was based on actually took place before the ESB, so Luke should look pre Wampa attack with his 70's feathered hair. The head sculpt on Luke was the deal breaker for me with this figure, I hated it. Fear not, I find the perfect head to fix this and it's not the Resurgence Luke head sculpt (See, I can still throw you off!) I did not like the new Vintage Death Star Escape Luke head as much as I did the Resurgence one, They are actually different sculpts which is quite puzzling as to why Hasbro felt the need to redo it again after they finally nailed it. Nevertheless I am glad they made it because it fits this body perfectly without the need to dremmel and it is also more accurate to the comic than the head it came with: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5w7dBnz9-E/TZ9c9gMiUDI/AAAAAAAAB68/hdNsqQbWfTw/s1600/black+luke+resurg+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C5w7dBnz9-E/TZ9c9gMiUDI/AAAAAAAAB68/hdNsqQbWfTw/s320/black+luke+resurg+head.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYJYaQZtKE/TZ9eh7KfabI/AAAAAAAAB7M/KaV27x6au84/s1600/406px-SWREB3-FC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYJYaQZtKE/TZ9eh7KfabI/AAAAAAAAB7M/KaV27x6au84/s400/406px-SWREB3-FC.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>As you can see the "Little Differences" can make a big difference to your figures! Until next time! </b></span></i></div></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-33034238356097426832011-03-23T11:35:00.003-05:002011-04-13T10:13:57.460-05:00New Custom - Obscure Cantina Patron Tzizvvt "The Bar Fly"If you ever need to find an obscure Star Wars character look no further than the Mos Eisley Cantina. It's everyone's favorite galactic Muppet drinking hole filled with some of the biggest C-Listers in the Star Wars universe! It's also worth noting that it's home to a lot of D-Listers as well, one of those happens to be Tzizvvt "The Bar Fly". He is a character that is so obscure that you literally have to pause the movie at a specific time frame and squint very hard to even see him! But fear not friends, thanks to that magical thing called the Information Super Highway (otherwise known as the Internet) you can get a clear look at this cheap 70's inspired alien. I have seen some really lame aliens over the years (Star Trek: the Next Generation anyone?) but I consider this one to be "<b><i>under the bottom of the barrel</i></b>". Surprisingly, I have seen this guy rank in some of the wish list polls on the various fan sites. He is one character that I actually root against being made because of the sheer stupidity of him. I also do not want to see a slot get wasted on him, save it for someone more deserving like Ackmena!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5_FmDQJKQNE/TYog5ZXKglI/AAAAAAAAB6s/pOPS1bWm9kw/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5_FmDQJKQNE/TYog5ZXKglI/AAAAAAAAB6s/pOPS1bWm9kw/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I had someone contact me on eBay to request that I take a stab at him. Despite my very upfront bias against him, I can honestly say that I was intrigued by the challenge of making him. His timing was perfect as I was looking for new characters to tap into and once I looked at the picture of him I knew exactly how I would execute my custom. It only required two figures (Wisolea and Yavin Rebel Tech) and a lot of sculpting on the head. As I was sculpting the head I decided to give him a special beverage that only a fly would love! I sculpted some Bantha Poodu to top off his glass off with, I felt it completed him. (Plus it rounds out his stupidity!) Take a look at my first Tzizvvt custom , would you want this character in your collection? I still don't!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rCfKOmkmc0Q/TYog1IPebJI/AAAAAAAAB6k/Hvhe_ny0cy4/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rCfKOmkmc0Q/TYog1IPebJI/AAAAAAAAB6k/Hvhe_ny0cy4/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+1.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2_ZY-gU9x38/TYog3nGfO0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/MNOS-xzDwa0/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2_ZY-gU9x38/TYog3nGfO0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/MNOS-xzDwa0/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kTEfWopQfzw/TYog6BvRWuI/AAAAAAAAB60/rVEQH4fvc6U/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kTEfWopQfzw/TYog6BvRWuI/AAAAAAAAB60/rVEQH4fvc6U/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+4.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lYPunM1F5j8/TYog5_W2h7I/AAAAAAAAB6w/B1ZT_RfeIRM/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lYPunM1F5j8/TYog5_W2h7I/AAAAAAAAB6w/B1ZT_RfeIRM/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+3.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3oY9e3Y7l_8/TYog6cGN1jI/AAAAAAAAB64/eWbzLEubsFs/s1600/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3oY9e3Y7l_8/TYog6cGN1jI/AAAAAAAAB64/eWbzLEubsFs/s400/JACKOFTRADZE+TRZIZVVT+5.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-48731066708743058782011-03-15T15:50:00.002-05:002011-04-13T10:14:38.334-05:00Introduction to my new statue company - Kozak Designs!I want to spread the word on a special project that I have been working on over the past few months in addition to my custom work. If you are Ukrainian or know someone who is you will want to pass this information onto them, they will not want to miss this! While I am not of Ukrainian descent my wife and in laws are. I was inspired over a year ago to design a collectible line of Kozak warrior statues after recognizing a vacuum in the marketplace. My Father-in-law and I teamed up to produce a professional line of statues that could fill that void. For those who are not familiar with the Kozak warriors they are members of a people that descended from a group of runaway serfs who set up a semi-independent military republic in Ukraine in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Kozaks became noted for their military prowess and a symbol of Ukrainian culture.<br />
<br />
Each of our Kozak warrior statues will all feature a very dynamic sculpt that has the most accurate details that symbolize the pride and strength of the Ukrainian Kozak. To find a quality Kozak statue in any medium is very difficult to track down and if you do find one be prepared to spend a kings ransom to get it. Most Kozak statues look like cheap Christmas decorations that are often times portrayed as drunks. What if we can offer a statue with superior details, a dynamic stance and something that represents a true Kozak at an affordable price? That's what we have set out to do and that is the mission of Kozak Designs! I would like to introduce our first statue called "Taras"! <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/ukieduke/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=50">He is on sale right now</a> and you can see huge pictures and video on the <a href="http://kozakdesigns.blogspot.com/">Kozak Designs Blog</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUJ3MyDLYKU/TX_LlI3LZUI/AAAAAAAAB54/AwhIXGQ6gkU/s1600/Kozak+Warrior+1+Shot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUJ3MyDLYKU/TX_LlI3LZUI/AAAAAAAAB54/AwhIXGQ6gkU/s400/Kozak+Warrior+1+Shot+1.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
We have a lot of exciting product ideas in the pipeline and will eventually expand into a full website as we get this line fully up and running. I know this is not related to Star Wars customs but the collectible statue genre is somewhat relevant. (I also figured I needed to utilize every avenue I have available to generate interest, awareness and sales!) We are looking at offering a Bronze version and possibly fully painted ones. The Blog will have news, sneek peeks and a lot more content coming soon! LMK your thoughts and please pass on to your Ukrainian friends & family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxNvknJBjig/TX_LigTBEpI/AAAAAAAAB50/QBIqrNgi5sU/s1600/Kozak+Warrior+1+Close+Up+Shot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxNvknJBjig/TX_LigTBEpI/AAAAAAAAB50/QBIqrNgi5sU/s400/Kozak+Warrior+1+Close+Up+Shot+2.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PXC8JOOpevc/TX_LvYRZi6I/AAAAAAAAB58/45A43cwslzs/s320/Kozak+blog+Logo+2.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank you and please pass the <a href="http://kozakdesigns.blogspot.com/">Kozak Designs Blog </a>along to friends!!</b></span></div><br />
</div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-28091857785433868142011-03-11T15:12:00.001-06:002011-03-11T15:16:03.683-06:00New custom - Tales of the Jedi Exar KunExar Kun is one of the earliest and most well known EU characters in the Star Wars universe. For years fans lobbied Hasbro for an official figure of this powerful Sith Lord. Exar Kun was one the first customs that ever made, he was also one of my most popular. I made him multiple times over the years with different figure formulas. I stopped making him once the official was finally announced. He was eventually released in the very hard to find final wave of retail comic packs. I have made several characters over the years that eventually got their official figure treatment from Hasbro. I always have liked the official figure more than my own custom, that is until Exar Kun came along. I felt the official figure was a big let down, while he is not a horrible figure he certainly was not worth the very long wait. If you followed the Hasbro Q&A sessions over the years you would know that this comic pack was pushed back for a long time. You can clearly tell when you take a closer look at the sculpting. It appears it was done in the 2007 time period. How can I tell you ask? Lets start with his meat palm mitts, 2007 was a transition period where better sculpted hands became more of the standard norm. (Think about the 30th TAC Mace Windu, Han Gunner, Luke Jedi hands) Now move to Exar's very restrictive chain mail skirt, he can barley move his super articulated legs. (Remember 30th Tac's Mace Windu, Miiyoom and the Rebel Honor Guard?) Now I admit that I could be reading too much into this sculpt but to further support my observation I will add that this figure's overall proportions are really off. His torso is very narrow with no shoulders, the legs/feet are too big and the arms are a tad too long. When you look at the modern sculpting in the last two years Hasbro has really been dead on, just look at he the new Phase 1 Clonetrooper. I will end my harsh critique on a positive note, the head sculpt on Exar Kun is phenomenal! If it had some more deco on it really would highlight how great it is! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYtNQ9hnLlU/TXqO5def4mI/AAAAAAAAB48/NLX9UCxWacY/s1600/exar+redone+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hYtNQ9hnLlU/TXqO5def4mI/AAAAAAAAB48/NLX9UCxWacY/s400/exar+redone+2.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><br />
I ordered a case of the final comic packs online so I had secured the sets for my personal collection but I knew I wanted to experiment with some of these figures for customs. I looked high and low at retail for them, I only managed to find one extra Exar Kun set. I used all of the parts except the head and shoulder armor. (I used the cape and skirt on my <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-customs-naga-sadow-marka-ragnos-v2.html">Naga Sadow</a> and used his Lightsaber on this <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-custom-kotor-jedi-consular-karissa.html">custom Jedi</a>) Recently when I was making a batch of figures I stumbled upon the Exar leftovers and decided to make a worthy Exar Kun figure. While some details are not 100% I think he looks 10 times better than the official figure. I repainted the entire head to bring out the sculpted details to do it justice and I really am happy how it turned out! It was nice to revisit a figure that I made for years, I have a sentimental attachment to the character. Take a look and LMK what you guys think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vu_KpD-6lXk/TXqQurOcUJI/AAAAAAAAB5c/CdVJPToZiNI/s1600/exar+redone+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vu_KpD-6lXk/TXqQurOcUJI/AAAAAAAAB5c/CdVJPToZiNI/s400/exar+redone+1.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bYNafrgpckk/TXqQvwo0xHI/AAAAAAAAB5k/sVD_H6yXX4Y/s1600/exar+redone+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bYNafrgpckk/TXqQvwo0xHI/AAAAAAAAB5k/sVD_H6yXX4Y/s400/exar+redone+3.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8hPgznJ7QoQ/TXqQwQwMhSI/AAAAAAAAB5o/IExX98TREp4/s1600/exar+redone+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8hPgznJ7QoQ/TXqQwQwMhSI/AAAAAAAAB5o/IExX98TREp4/s400/exar+redone+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZigaG1bqAdU/TXqQxI-skJI/AAAAAAAAB5s/0w7ssHAU3HE/s1600/exar+redone+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZigaG1bqAdU/TXqQxI-skJI/AAAAAAAAB5s/0w7ssHAU3HE/s400/exar+redone+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QICX5P0hNPQ/TXqQuK6mz_I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/JZlrlm571lA/s1600/exar+redone+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QICX5P0hNPQ/TXqQuK6mz_I/AAAAAAAAB5Y/JZlrlm571lA/s400/exar+redone+6.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-39745715113106696592011-02-28T13:57:00.007-06:002011-04-13T10:15:18.563-05:00New Custom - Armored Sith King of Korriban<div style="color: #0b5394;"><b><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Deep in the dark and dank halls of Castle Korriban, the Templar Knights of the Sith order battle each other for control of the Kingdom. The death of their Arch Duke at the hands of Jedi Master Mugglia has thrown the order into chaos. As the leaderless Sith Knights bicker for blood, the towering Cortis hall doors crash open with a thunderous throw of force. Breaking off of their hinges, the huge metal doors crush the lowly alien underlings that were serving delectable ordure's! As the smoke clears and the green goo of underling gore slowly drips down the walls, a being emerges from the center of the doorway darkness. Standing calmly in the archway is the self proclaimed "King of the Sith". His mere presence oozes with raw power and that power is personified with his gleaming armor of DOOM!!! The Templar Knights are all taken back by the show of force but they are more taken back by the shining bling of the armor. Deep in their dark minds they begin to rethink their own duds…</i></b>(Insert stereotypical suspense music here.)</div><br />
Is there an actual King of the Sith in SW lore? As far as I know there is not, I just needed to name this custom something that was fitting to his look. This figure is definitely one of my favorite customs that I have ever made! This was an on the fly experiment that came together sporting one of the most pleasing color palettes that I painted on an original custom figure. This analysis is my opinion, so you may disagree with it. It is worth noting that I have made over 2,500 custom figures. This Sith King custom is one of the standouts that I felt deserved a dedicated post. I liked how he turned out and if you have been following my Blog you know I love making my own original <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-customs-store-brand-sith-lords-of.html">"Store Brand Sith Lords"</a>. I will do a follow up to that post next week on the Templar knights that this King commands. In the mean time take a look and LMK if you think this custom is worthy of the title King of the Sith.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uxwhaiIUo_I/TWv9mPMTD9I/AAAAAAAAB4s/WG15WWl3whI/s1600/sith+king+of+korriban+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uxwhaiIUo_I/TWv9mPMTD9I/AAAAAAAAB4s/WG15WWl3whI/s400/sith+king+of+korriban+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hNkPDMNAr-w/TWv9m2tNE2I/AAAAAAAAB4w/HSYIMySRXRI/s1600/sith+king+of+korriban+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hNkPDMNAr-w/TWv9m2tNE2I/AAAAAAAAB4w/HSYIMySRXRI/s400/sith+king+of+korriban+2.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2o5wRBk6ZYk/TWv9nvuPidI/AAAAAAAAB44/p80z5cIs7fg/s1600/sith+king+of+korriban+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2o5wRBk6ZYk/TWv9nvuPidI/AAAAAAAAB44/p80z5cIs7fg/s400/sith+king+of+korriban+4.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Ka0VrmPnis/TWv9ndzeuPI/AAAAAAAAB40/2_FZVVq-Xeg/s1600/sith+king+of+korriban+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Ka0VrmPnis/TWv9ndzeuPI/AAAAAAAAB40/2_FZVVq-Xeg/s400/sith+king+of+korriban+3.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V1e0vhB0NTE/TWv9lndcfaI/AAAAAAAAB4o/3ntzrwPa_xg/s1600/sith+king+of+korriban+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V1e0vhB0NTE/TWv9lndcfaI/AAAAAAAAB4o/3ntzrwPa_xg/s400/sith+king+of+korriban+5.jpg" width="358" /></a></div> <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></i><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>As always your feedback comments and hate mail are welcome!</b></i></span></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-5321337639421093852011-02-24T11:55:00.002-06:002011-02-24T14:00:48.750-06:00Blog updates - Collection Room pics, Archives of Awesome and New Logos!I have not updated my Collection pictures since December 2010. I have added a lot of figures, vehicles and displays since then so an update was really needed! I reshot the entire room and replaced every picture in the section to reflect the latest set up. Look for some new angle shots of the Mos Eisley Cantina display, they came out great! For those who regularly visit that section this is a whole new experience that you will not want to miss! Below are some preview shots:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqvY5-4cfyM/TWaayBzjprI/AAAAAAAAB4U/RdUaEpPcuVI/s1600/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+E5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqvY5-4cfyM/TWaayBzjprI/AAAAAAAAB4U/RdUaEpPcuVI/s400/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+E5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEm3CU9CMWk/TWaayWzHgGI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/mjbH4rlqK0o/s1600/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+E4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEm3CU9CMWk/TWaayWzHgGI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/mjbH4rlqK0o/s400/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+E4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Oolmk1ojWU/TWaa3NEOeoI/AAAAAAAAB4c/L3YZg24rz9Y/s1600/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+G4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Oolmk1ojWU/TWaa3NEOeoI/AAAAAAAAB4c/L3YZg24rz9Y/s400/DiBartolo+SW+Collection+Room+MARCH+2011+closeup+G4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have also added new figures to the Archives of Awesome, created a new Blog banner logo and streamlined some sections of the Blog! Regular custom updates will return as well. I have been very busy with a new project that I will share soon. Look for the next post to be a special one, it will explain the slight slowdown here. It's very cool and for those of Ukrainian descent you will not want to miss it!JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-72371091274933706502011-02-21T11:47:00.012-06:002011-04-13T10:17:01.040-05:00The Little Differences - Bespin Guard, Ugnaught and Rebel Technician<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Welcome to February's "Little Differences"! This month I am going to focus on diversifying your Bespin Guards, Ugnaughts and Rebel Technician troops! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Bespin Wing Guards</b></u></div>Bespin, the land of Lando, the city in the clouds featuring a 70's bachelor pad décor that's sure to impress the ladies! Lando knew how to run a tight city, his right hand man Lobot was an integral part of keeping the daily operations running as smooth as a Colt 45! (When you look at Lobot's outfit, outside of the mobile Boom box attached to his bald noggin, he would blend perfectly in Threes Company choice restaurant and bar, the Regal Beagle!) In order to keep the peace in the city Bespin had a police force called the Wing Guard. The guard had a diverse group of people enlisted in it, interestingly enough most of them sported facial hair. Mustaches and beards were all the rage on Bespin, Lando was a real trend setter. (Even the 80's vintage line had a Bespin Guard that sported a huge Foo-Man-Choo handle bar mustache!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWzyz1I4ss/TWKlK7zPS9I/AAAAAAAAByg/iWTderbQnpY/s1600/old+school+bespin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWzyz1I4ss/TWKlK7zPS9I/AAAAAAAAByg/iWTderbQnpY/s400/old+school+bespin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We got our first modern Bespin guard in 2001. While he was a nice figure overall he was not screen accurate as he had an open jacket, they were never seen open in the film. To add to our disappointment, he did not have a mustache. Not too long after that figures release we got another Bespin guard this time it was part of an exclusive Freezing Chamber play set. This figure was a real step backwards, the head sculpt was terrible, it had a huge schnoz and the body was even worse. The outfit was painted on the figure, it literally looked like one of those naked people with an clothes painted on their body. This figure also did not have a mustache, a real negative, it makes Tom Selleck cry. It took 8.5 years to get our next Bespin guard figure, this release was part of the 2009 Legacy line. There were two different heads sculpts one this figure. One was an alien (that was cut from the final film) and the other is questionably considered the modern incarnation of the Black Bespin guard, Sgt. Edian. Why it's questionable is based on the sculpted features of the head sculpt, it appears to be Caucasian but it can also pass for someone of Indian descent. It looks nothing like the actor who played Sgt. Edian. Personally I do not consider this figure him, he is just a generic Bespin guard to me. The sculpt of the figure overall is great, the only real issue I have with it is the height, it's a little too tall. (It's not a deal breaker.) long term, I really hope they re-release this figure with different head sculpts, until they do I took matter into my own hands to diversify my guards. Like all my other "Little Differences" segments these mods require no tools, just extra parts that easily pop and swap. Since I make a lot of customs I have the luxury of having a lot of extra heads on hand to experiment with. I tested a lot of heads that would fit perfect on the Bespin guard neck post. They would also pass the hat test, the hat is a crucial part of the outfit if it does not fit they will not look right as a Bespin guard.. For my custom troops I used the following heads: <br />
<br />
<b>- Evolutions TFU Starkiller Jedi Apprentice</b><br />
<b>- AOTC Owen Lars</b><br />
<b>- Evolutions A-Wing Pilot Jake Farrell</b><br />
<b>- ROTJ rebel commando</b><br />
<b>- EE Comic pack Rohlan Dyre</b><br />
<b>- G.I.Joe ROC Ripcord (I did dremmel the head on this one) </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv6tfQ2odi0/TWKhtSDSjkI/AAAAAAAAByU/sL8xFaY3HOM/s1600/ld+bespin+guards+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv6tfQ2odi0/TWKhtSDSjkI/AAAAAAAAByU/sL8xFaY3HOM/s400/ld+bespin+guards+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Ugnaughts</b></u></div>Since we are hanging in cloud city today I will show you some quick ways to further diversify some of the other inhabitants of Bespin like our favorite little piggy people the Ugnaughts. Using both of the Ugnaught releases, I mixed and matched their parts to make them look different. You will see two of the three shown below just have their heads swapped but if you closely look at the third one you will notice it's the second release with the first release's legs. The pants are normally gray on the second release but as you can see they are blue. It's a minor detail but it does help him make look different enough if you interchange the legs. I'm not sure that I have a yearning for more Ugnaught releases after these mods but these can help holdover those who do. they might be waiting a very long time. (If they make a sweet Freezing Chamber Diorama one day I would want more!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJnSfL2ZcA/TWKh0LXk1sI/AAAAAAAAByY/_AY_ABcjcSQ/s1600/ld+ugnaughts+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJnSfL2ZcA/TWKh0LXk1sI/AAAAAAAAByY/_AY_ABcjcSQ/s400/ld+ugnaughts+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Rebel Technicians</b></u></div>To close out this months LD segment we will leave Cloud City and head to Yavin. to visit the Rebel Technician from the very rare Scramble on Yavin Battle Pack. I bought six of these sets when they first came out so I was more fortunate than other collectors that waited too long to stock up before it became so scarce. Luckily the Rebel Tech and his cool cart are going to re-released this year as an exclusive at TRU. Tungohri, the eBay seller from Hong Kong who gets in SW figures early actually had theses Techs in stock. It was a great way to stock up economically on these guys plus you did not have to wait for the TRU releases later this year. I took advantage while they were in stock on eBay. Like the Bespin guards, I experimented with several different heads that would fit perfectly on the neck post. Like the hats that had to be ones that would also work with the helmet. I have found that the Hoth Rebel soldiers and the new Endor Rebel Commando fit absolutely perfect! (Even the helmets fit great on them!) Take a look at the final result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0K-8SQFIs0/TWKh5vZ3Y3I/AAAAAAAAByc/5CiQVRtOBfA/s1600/ld+rebel+tech+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0K-8SQFIs0/TWKh5vZ3Y3I/AAAAAAAAByc/5CiQVRtOBfA/s400/ld+rebel+tech+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>As you can see the "Little Differences" can make a big difference to your figures! Until next time! </b></span></i></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-67841012115118662652011-02-10T16:35:00.014-06:002011-05-19T10:15:50.882-05:00New (and Flashback) Customs - Obscure Patrons of Mos Eisley CantinaI know have been a little slow on the posts lately but more frequent updates to the Blog will return shortly. That said, I wanted to make up for that with this ginormous post that includes nine customs that all hail from our favorite galactic Muppet drinking hole on Tattooine, the Mos Eisley Cantina! Over the past year and a half I have really focused on some of the very obscure drunks that inhabit the bar. Hasbro is doing a great job of making (and remaking) many of the memorable Muppets that hung out at the Regal Beagle of the Star Wars universe but they still have a long way to go! As usual I do not have the patience to wait years for them to complete the Cantina scene so I like to take matters in my own hands by making them myself. So without further ado lets take a look at some of the back ground bums that we all hope will see official release one day:<br />
<div style="color: #073763;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Bannis Keeg (1/11)</b></u></div>The other Duro meat! Since 2001 the POTJ Ellors Madak figure has been on his own, his partner Bannis Keeg has been stuck in the Hasbro "To Do" parking lot limbo of unmade figures. When Hasbro gets to him one day many feel they should also redo Ellors as well so both are up to par with today's standards. (I think this is a contributing factor of why we have not received an official figure yet.) Anyway, I think it's worth noting that there is some confusion (and rewriting) of this characters name and even it's gender. Supposedly Bannis Keeg is now named Chachi De Maal and Chachi De Maal is a female Duro! I do not know about you but that's a man baby! And that man is named Bannis! I made my custom a man called Bannis, Chachi loves Joani and belongs in the Happy Days Universe not Star Wars!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsjHl99ux3I/TdUtmFxIGsI/AAAAAAAACI0/CyCHCe8Omoo/s1600/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsjHl99ux3I/TdUtmFxIGsI/AAAAAAAACI0/CyCHCe8Omoo/s400/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+3.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZtwrWNMs3o/TdUtmYS0SnI/AAAAAAAACI4/zJRtnn1IqUw/s1600/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZtwrWNMs3o/TdUtmYS0SnI/AAAAAAAACI4/zJRtnn1IqUw/s400/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+1.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKt8OPzglQE/TdUtm4xsNnI/AAAAAAAACI8/LYnNXfnjQKw/s1600/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKt8OPzglQE/TdUtm4xsNnI/AAAAAAAACI8/LYnNXfnjQKw/s400/jackoftradze+bannis+keeg+2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAjvB_iq3S0/TVQ_P2ndhGI/AAAAAAAABwM/d8izb8f9jF0/s1600/Baniss-keeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAjvB_iq3S0/TVQ_P2ndhGI/AAAAAAAABwM/d8izb8f9jF0/s400/Baniss-keeg.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Yerka Mig (10/10)</b></u></div>Yerka Mig, was a very plain human male that was standing in the front section of the bar. Unlike some of these other scrubs he actually got some actual screen time. He is somewhat recognizable to fans because of this, he also has a nice close up shot after Han shot Greedo - <u><b>FIRST</b></u>! He did not look to phased by the shooting because he was very preoccupied in his thoughts about the Tonnika Sisters. (He was busy building up enough confidence to ask a Tonnika Sister over to his place to listen to some records and share a soda float.) Out of all of the plain humans in the Cantina I think Merka stands the best chance of being made, even Hasbro has stated this. Until then, here is my rendition of the most recognizable human patron.(Kids would go gaga for him!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtySrYQBzy8/TdUw4lK4DAI/AAAAAAAACJk/P6cFTMAlG1M/s1600/jackoftradze+yeka+mig+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtySrYQBzy8/TdUw4lK4DAI/AAAAAAAACJk/P6cFTMAlG1M/s400/jackoftradze+yeka+mig+1.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cg5BCvFbdnQ/TdUw5g2r_AI/AAAAAAAACJo/A6xON_JkUYg/s1600/jackoftradze+yeka+mig+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cg5BCvFbdnQ/TdUw5g2r_AI/AAAAAAAACJo/A6xON_JkUYg/s400/jackoftradze+yeka+mig+2.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeprjKoRj-U/TVRBAzb-9sI/AAAAAAAABwY/dEfF_fc0VRU/s1600/Yerka-mig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeprjKoRj-U/TVRBAzb-9sI/AAAAAAAABwY/dEfF_fc0VRU/s400/Yerka-mig.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Garouf LaFoe (1/11)</b></u></div>What would a bar be without the typical creepy looking guy with a mustache? Garouf does a great job of filling the role out as the resident stache but he also lives up to his creepy status. He is seen ratting out Luke, Ben and the Droids to the local Sandtrooper Squad that are hunting our heroes. He is the second most recognizable human of the Cantina...because of his mustache of course! I think the chances of seeing this guy made are slim to none but you never know. After all Hasbro made a figure of Wedge Antilles in steakhouse waiter attire so there is hope!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6rbaEJs8Bs/TdUtxMsM8yI/AAAAAAAACJA/SJUpRLgY904/s1600/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6rbaEJs8Bs/TdUtxMsM8yI/AAAAAAAACJA/SJUpRLgY904/s400/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88Ji-FG58bw/TVRC6Vvbz8I/AAAAAAAABwo/95_E9TZS_js/s1600/Garouf-lafoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88Ji-FG58bw/TVRC6Vvbz8I/AAAAAAAABwo/95_E9TZS_js/s400/Garouf-lafoe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pX4dQcut_4/TdUtxnkzLXI/AAAAAAAACJE/8CWU3XJ_R4M/s1600/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pX4dQcut_4/TdUtxnkzLXI/AAAAAAAACJE/8CWU3XJ_R4M/s400/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+1.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Drr1IjawIDo/TdUtyD2BWmI/AAAAAAAACJI/xj7lSnuqM_U/s1600/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Drr1IjawIDo/TdUtyD2BWmI/AAAAAAAACJI/xj7lSnuqM_U/s400/jackoftradze+garouf+v4+2.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Danz Borin (1/11)</b></u></div>Nothing makes more Sci-Fi sense than a guy dressed in a full spacesuit who is hanging out in a bar drinking (with his helmet on mind you) that just happens to be located on the hottest desert planet in the galaxy! As far as I know there is no clear shot of Danz and the below picture is best reference that I could find, it barley shows him! Despite the lack of reference fans still know who this cat is. I do think he is interesting enough as a character that his chances are probably not bad of eventually getting made. Not as cool as Rum Slegg but maybe they can use some of his parts to make this figure more feasible and cost effective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_0NdCX4Ifg/TdUuj_kIhwI/AAAAAAAACJQ/mobWUd7zyIU/s1600/jackoftradze+danz+borin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_0NdCX4Ifg/TdUuj_kIhwI/AAAAAAAACJQ/mobWUd7zyIU/s400/jackoftradze+danz+borin+1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9YVTFnmNHo/TdUukV9LCkI/AAAAAAAACJU/PwQ9DYQp2j0/s1600/jackoftradze+danz+borin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9YVTFnmNHo/TdUukV9LCkI/AAAAAAAACJU/PwQ9DYQp2j0/s400/jackoftradze+danz+borin+2.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf1hMUo03EM/TVRdpFaSTQI/AAAAAAAABw4/S7Kj6uwnFBQ/s1600/Danz-borin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf1hMUo03EM/TVRdpFaSTQI/AAAAAAAABw4/S7Kj6uwnFBQ/s400/Danz-borin.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUCd-69i4uw/TdUujW5sTiI/AAAAAAAACJM/K8fWzkhYqpc/s1600/jackoftradze+danz+borin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUCd-69i4uw/TdUujW5sTiI/AAAAAAAACJM/K8fWzkhYqpc/s400/jackoftradze+danz+borin+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Arleil Schous the Deffel - V2 (10/10)</b></u></div>I made him before and said what I needed to say on him but I went back to improve the formula/sculpt. You can find my first Deffel by <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-custom-cantina-patron-arleil-schous.html"><b>clicking here</b></a> and compare it with this much improved version! I think it's only a matter of time before we see an official Deffel from Hasbro. This guy is too cool not to be made and he has been ranking high in the fan polls! Let's hope!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QThtoJvmAw/TdUvbTQFQ1I/AAAAAAAACJc/CZOdlcRmqAk/s1600/jackoftradze+deffel+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QThtoJvmAw/TdUvbTQFQ1I/AAAAAAAACJc/CZOdlcRmqAk/s400/jackoftradze+deffel+1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcefTCUL_jQ/TdUvbuUw4lI/AAAAAAAACJg/_ebXyqjhENs/s1600/jackoftradze+deffel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcefTCUL_jQ/TdUvbuUw4lI/AAAAAAAACJg/_ebXyqjhENs/s400/jackoftradze+deffel+2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKO8Gx9xrAs/TVRfG5Ee6BI/AAAAAAAABxM/OiQKjM-upfo/s1600/DEFFEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TKO8Gx9xrAs/TVRfG5Ee6BI/AAAAAAAABxM/OiQKjM-upfo/s400/DEFFEL.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_UrgQG_tAc/TdUvbHovT3I/AAAAAAAACJY/bF_nKiJKr1c/s1600/jackoftradze+deffel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_UrgQG_tAc/TdUvbHovT3I/AAAAAAAACJY/bF_nKiJKr1c/s400/jackoftradze+deffel+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Spacer "1" (11/09)</b></u></div>Like Danz Borin this dude is dressed in a full spacesuit drinking on a bar on the hottest planet in the galaxy. This guy is so obscure most fans do not even know of his existence! If you look close you will see he is wearing Bossk's spacesuit. Actually Bossk is wearing his spacesuit! Since IG-88's head was part of the bar distillery the Lucasfilm people obviously scrounged through the props/costumes from A New Hope and reused them for the Empire Strikes Back to save a couple of bucks. This would be one easy figure for Hasbro to make since the bulk of the figure is already made, all it would need it new ankles/feet, forearms/hands and a head!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35Zh8H7pzUQ/TdU0C2p7dtI/AAAAAAAACJw/8BKXDGzuWG0/s1600/spacer%252B2%252B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-35Zh8H7pzUQ/TdU0C2p7dtI/AAAAAAAACJw/8BKXDGzuWG0/s400/spacer%252B2%252B1.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3I5sc4qXM/TdU0DPS_olI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Haz1Sg4MIGU/s1600/spacer%252B2%252B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig3I5sc4qXM/TdU0DPS_olI/AAAAAAAACJ0/Haz1Sg4MIGU/s400/spacer%252B2%252B2.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28Md4WwKYPw/TVRgs4DGQnI/AAAAAAAABxo/U97AR71Z4j8/s1600/103f7e10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28Md4WwKYPw/TVRgs4DGQnI/AAAAAAAABxo/U97AR71Z4j8/s400/103f7e10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiwjfBysAmM/TdU0CkwlmZI/AAAAAAAACJs/Fzjry43g7K4/s1600/spacer%252B2%252B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiwjfBysAmM/TdU0CkwlmZI/AAAAAAAACJs/Fzjry43g7K4/s400/spacer%252B2%252B3.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>The Tonnika Sisters - V2 (12/10)</b></u></div>Like the Deffel I have made them before and said what I needed to say on them. Like many of my customs I like to go back and improve them. You can see my first set by <a href="http://jackoftradze.blogspot.com/2010/08/new-custom-tonnika-sisters.html"><b>clicking here</b></a> and compare them with this improved set.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMpxP251w4Q/TdUrA-rmjgI/AAAAAAAACIc/LDr2vTdg8rs/s1600/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMpxP251w4Q/TdUrA-rmjgI/AAAAAAAACIc/LDr2vTdg8rs/s400/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+2.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChaBIu4-hYg/TVRlS7L64SI/AAAAAAAABx4/7zdumr-ib08/s1600/419px-Tonnika1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChaBIu4-hYg/TVRlS7L64SI/AAAAAAAABx4/7zdumr-ib08/s400/419px-Tonnika1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4DlBhW9wBg/TdUrKZA6nJI/AAAAAAAACIg/MLTVlj1TGuU/s1600/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4DlBhW9wBg/TdUrKZA6nJI/AAAAAAAACIg/MLTVlj1TGuU/s400/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYgC-6yOnFQ/TdUrNymugvI/AAAAAAAACIk/EhnRGMgivZQ/s1600/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYgC-6yOnFQ/TdUrNymugvI/AAAAAAAACIk/EhnRGMgivZQ/s400/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+5.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KP69-jcZ70/TdUrOJFQoKI/AAAAAAAACIo/Y_ICmfuW_FU/s1600/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KP69-jcZ70/TdUrOJFQoKI/AAAAAAAACIo/Y_ICmfuW_FU/s400/jackoftradze+tonnika+sisters+4.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="color: #8e7cc3;"></div><div style="color: #0b5394;"><u><b>Merc Sunlet (1/11)</b></u></div>Yeah, I know what you are thinking but I saved the most obscure for last! Enter Merc Sunlet, Mighty Moisture Farmer of Tattooine! In the words of C-3P0 the chances of this figure being made is approximately 3,720 to 1. If you are enamored with the awesomeness of this character you are on your own to make him! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYWjzG4ucOU/TdUr5c4sCII/AAAAAAAACIs/K5WUnjSgoDI/s1600/jackoftradze+merc+sunlet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYWjzG4ucOU/TdUr5c4sCII/AAAAAAAACIs/K5WUnjSgoDI/s400/jackoftradze+merc+sunlet+1.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUIzKLwt6wM/TVRhwXxaGwI/AAAAAAAABx0/LLvjuS-mTtY/s1600/Merc-sunlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUIzKLwt6wM/TVRhwXxaGwI/AAAAAAAABx0/LLvjuS-mTtY/s400/Merc-sunlet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-287BtOY-u54/TdUr9f3KhfI/AAAAAAAACIw/XUtCbfXAdHc/s1600/jackoftradze+merc+sunlet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-287BtOY-u54/TdUr9f3KhfI/AAAAAAAACIw/XUtCbfXAdHc/s400/jackoftradze+merc+sunlet+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, how many of these Cantina patrons would you actually want to see made and actually own in your collection? Who would not want a Merc Sunlet figure?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>As always, comments, suggestions and hate mail are welcome here!</b></i></span> </div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899608377867499940.post-17126125143534410652011-01-26T12:29:00.004-06:002011-04-13T10:21:43.723-05:00New Custom - Gruk The Gamorrean Rancor SlayerThe new ROTJ wave, in my opinion, is the best wave of SW figures ever! Every single figure in the wave was a home run in terms of detail, articulation and execution. This wave sets the bar without a doubt. (BTW - I just received my case of the AOTC Wave 4 and it also meets that standard, W5 is horrendous.) One of the real standout characters from the ROTJ wave is the Gamorrean Guard. This figure is absolutely stunning! He is decked out with a lot of weapons, articulation, a soft goods skirt and even a removable helmet. The only flaws that I can find with this figure is that the helmet does not stay on very well and it would have been very easy to add a movable lower jaw. (I expect the latter one day in an updated release!)<br />
<br />
I had a few requests to make a custom Gamorrean Gladiator that popped up on the Rebelscum customs forum. It was a simple head slap on a World War Hulk body but it was very clever in concept. There was no paint on it but was an interesting premise nonetheless. I want to give proper credit to <b><span class="small">XBilly_JackX</span></b> who came up with the initial idea. I like making my own custom combos but I could not resist making my own rendition of this concept by really going all out on this guy. I repainted the entire figure with a lot of details including glossy clear coat around the snout and mouth to give that gooey look. I also incorporated the soft goods skirt, added spikes/horns to his armor and gave him an axe worthy of a Rancor slayer. Take a look at the final results of my take on this concept Gamorrean:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnd_4PQmI/AAAAAAAABvo/cDYSOvT2iyQ/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnd_4PQmI/AAAAAAAABvo/cDYSOvT2iyQ/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+2.jpg" width="353" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnc_875iI/AAAAAAAABvg/7em33hdy1v0/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnc_875iI/AAAAAAAABvg/7em33hdy1v0/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnfhvLkrI/AAAAAAAABv4/MS-2KL-uanY/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnfhvLkrI/AAAAAAAABv4/MS-2KL-uanY/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+6.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBngXsPa6I/AAAAAAAABv8/SL9x5PxvhxM/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBngXsPa6I/AAAAAAAABv8/SL9x5PxvhxM/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBngxsfYZI/AAAAAAAABwA/kfcMe5OM48U/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBngxsfYZI/AAAAAAAABwA/kfcMe5OM48U/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBne_OtX4I/AAAAAAAABvw/BAwhq4mWv2Q/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBne_OtX4I/AAAAAAAABvw/BAwhq4mWv2Q/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnfHomWpI/AAAAAAAABv0/apIGfzpHSjo/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnfHomWpI/AAAAAAAABv0/apIGfzpHSjo/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+5.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnebMVTOI/AAAAAAAABvs/_2gBMukWIMQ/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBnebMVTOI/AAAAAAAABvs/_2gBMukWIMQ/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+3.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBndf_Lv3I/AAAAAAAABvk/AibN7Ghwmi4/s1600/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TANU1UtGTjQ/TUBndf_Lv3I/AAAAAAAABvk/AibN7Ghwmi4/s400/GG+RANCOR+SLAYER+1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>As always, comments, suggestions and hate mail are welcome here!</b></span></i></div>JACKOFTRADZEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498214940432407278noreply@blogger.com1