Customize This!

This took me longer than I anticipated. Actually, my series of video game character action figures was supposed to debut on Game Brain a couple of months ago. What can I say, I've been busy. And one can only sit fussing over small pieces of plastic so long before insanity takes hold.

Though I've been customizing action figures for years, I've only just started getting good at it. I've learned a few new techniques that really increase the quality of my paint jobs and swap parts out. Because action figures keep going up in price, and parts from different figures are rarely compatible, customs can sit on the shelf for months before they have all the ingredients. The next big step for me is to learn sculpting: there's a special clay that cures into a plastic-like substance that takes stress a lot better than the Sculpey I've been using. But that's a whole new ballgame that'll take many more years to master.

I've really come to appreciate the amount of articulation Hasbro puts into their G. I. Joe, Star Wars, and Marvel action figure lines. Having soft goods capes and bendable items like holsters and harnesses are a big plus. It's nice to be able to buy a dull G. I. Joe figure and be able to use his accessories with Star Wars figures. Very rarely do I work on a custom using only one toyline for parts (unless it's a repaint).

So, all I need is a little more time to get my first video game custom photographed. There'll be another two customs hot on his heels, so be on the lookout. I have to get back to work now and get that second coat of paint on.