|
|
Post by aburabusimbutu on May 4, 2005 23:57:02 GMT -5
Okay, this is my first custom I've ever attempted so please be kind! I am making the Japanese Space Hero "Super Giant" played by Ken Utsui from 1957-1959. In the US he was known as Starman. I have included a photo from the actual TV show along with my work-in-progress so you can see what I am attempting. I still have a long way to go but I thought I'd share this with everyone. He is being made on an 8" Mego scale.  |
|
|
|
Post by Wild Willy on May 5, 2005 1:34:21 GMT -5
Way ta go Kev!  That custom Hood you did looks bang-on like the actual one in the picture. I have never heard of this character before did he have any special powers or perhaps a Kung-Fu expert? Can't wait to see what his outfit is like, keep the pics comming bro. Will |
|
|
|
Post by martingb on May 5, 2005 3:31:58 GMT -5
You hit lucky with the head because that is a good likeness to the actor I reckon. I know the trials and tribulations you have had so top marks on finally getting there mate. Keep us up on the rest of the uniform. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
Post by aburabusimbutu on May 6, 2005 8:03:29 GMT -5
Starman was created in Japan in answer to the popularity of The Adventures of Superman. Like Superman, he is invulnerable and can fly (even through space without oxygen!), he is invulnerable and takes the Superman concept a step farther by actually being made of steel- literally! He has a wrist- device called a "globe meter" which allows him to speak any Earth language, detect radiation, etc. and he is an emissary from the "Emerald Planet". Oddly, there is rarely any martial arts and he fights with fists in a Western style. He was Japan's first live-action super hero.
I would never have been able to finish that dangblasted hood if it weren't for Martin. I tried sewing a cloth hood and after five failed attempts (due to my non-existant sewing skills) I got a suggestion from Mart that I try a white balloon. That ended up working great (IMO) and was an inspired bit of thinking out of the box. The nice dome-shape to the head was created by modifying a fake-fruit plastic grape of all things, which I capped his head off with and stretched the balloon over.
|
|
|
|
Post by martingb on May 6, 2005 8:14:21 GMT -5
It is a good job you never went for my first suggestion!! REMEMBER!! I can email a few pics but right up until the 1970s Japan and Hong Kong cinema had pseudo-Superman/Batman characters in movies. Some were co-productions with Italy. They look pretty far out to me. I only know of them from the Martial Arts angle.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wild Willy on May 6, 2005 8:17:48 GMT -5
That is very clever as well as resourceful to use a plasic grape for the shell. The balloon concept is great too. When you 2 guys put yer noggins together, there is no stopping you.  Gee I wonder if a 66 Batman shell could be made from a grape..  Will |
|
|
|
Post by Wild Willy on May 8, 2005 10:17:41 GMT -5
Kevin, it must have been difficult to find photos of this guy for reference eh?
Do you have any original pics of his costume?
Will
|
|
|
|
Post by aburabusimbutu on May 11, 2005 21:23:04 GMT -5
The TV show episodes were compressed into several movies, and those have become available on DVD so I did a lot of pausing of the picture and made sketches. The real trick is figuring out the correct colors- I know the suit is white from some history text but I have to guess on the belt buckle, antennae, etc. that I have to make. There is not a lot of information about this character on the Internet- I wish I could read Japanese!
|
|
|
|
Post by Wild Willy on Jun 4, 2005 16:35:57 GMT -5
Calling Starman! where's Starman?  Is Starman in da house? Will |
|
|
|
Post by aburabusimbutu on Jun 5, 2005 11:26:55 GMT -5
Well, I'm happy to announce (perhaps relieved is the better word) that you can view Starman Completed over at the Finished Projects board.
|
|
That custom Hood you did looks bang-on like the actual one in the picture.
Is Starman in da house?