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Post by Figuremaster Les on Mar 1, 2006 16:04:28 GMT -5
continued.... Glorbes/Bruce-I....just....dont' know what to say... SPEECHLESS! It's very hard for me to comment on your figure. It reaches down and finds a look and style that is so very unique...and POWERFUL.... And stark... WOW! I can only go and look and say WOW! What an artist you are. I have seen your work develop and grow here. I went back and saw your other Freeze, which was so damn cool I got mine started I think, in my mind's eye that very day...you definately inspired mine in some way...I hope you can see that... But now, what you've done.... It's just so removed from the rules I hardly know how to react to it. That shot with your darkest of Batmen, that shot....so real....so much character...The posture of the piece...the weight....the dread...the sadness...the wrath... BRAVO to you sir. You do what you do...you astound! I need to go and look at it some more. Thanks for that. You thoroughly, visually ENTERTAIN my brain! OK...whew! Now... NEXT! I know Will's coming with his! Where's the rest?! Jason! I know you are out there! Who else?
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Post by glorbes on Mar 1, 2006 17:31:47 GMT -5
......
I'm sorry fellas...I'll have to get back to you on these. I feel every single one deserves proper respect. This has to be one of the most successful collaborations I have ever partaken in...exceptional work has been exhibited by everyone.
Like I said, I'll come back to this.
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Post by thetoyroom on Mar 1, 2006 19:08:04 GMT -5
WOW! Where to begin? FB: "Undead Mr. Freeze"- the concept alone is amazing (surprised this has never been done before in the comics), let alone the execution. Kevin: "Mr. Zero"- Although I was privy to the details beforehand (being the box maker has its privleges ), I wasn't sure how Kevin was going to be able to pull it all off as he seems to be shying away from "just a figure" now and loves to load it up with all sorts of goodies. But I must say, I'm very impressed! Another classic addition to the Batman family of Atomic Age Classics! With more to come? hint, hint? Martin: "TV Mr. Freeze"- Without a doubt THE BEST LOOKING Otto Preminger Freeze I've ever seen. He's been attempted a lot in the Mego and 12" scale (I've made boxes for some folks)...but they always manage to get it wrong. Not this one! Casimir: "Animated Mr. Freeze"- I admire the way you NAIL the animated style each and every time. He looks like he BELONGED on the show and not just found in the comic. Scott Rogers: "Animated Otto Freeze"- Jeez! Where do you guys think up these unique concepts? Another one I never would've seen coming. Great sense of style and execution with this one. Les: "Ultimate Mr. Freeze"- Un-freakin'believable! I mean, a blueprint for the Ice Gun? Gimme a break Les! You're brain is definitely working overtime on this one! I'm not even sure what kind of box I could design for this one that would do it justice and showcase it properly. GULP? Batlaw: " Dora Smithy:- Not being familar with this character, I must say it took me by surprise! What a COOL spin on the character! No one ever said Mr. Freeze had to be a MISTER! Glorbes: "Elseworlds Mr. Freeze"- Or at least I think so...your unique vision and style for these characters comes through on this one! And I love the concept of the helmet. A glue stick cap of all things! AND IT TWISTS OFF! Ingenious! As previously mentioned above by Kev, I didn't get a chance to even start my Mr. Freeze in time for this but still plan on doing it shortly. You might say I've been inspired! Thanks guys!
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Post by aburabusimbutu on Mar 1, 2006 19:14:40 GMT -5
Scot- This day is for you sir! We wouldn't be here without your suggestion and it's great to have you here to share it with us. I know you will rock the town on the future projects- for now sit back and enjoy what you have set in motion!
Les Part 2- I can't stop staring at and finding new things on this figure Les! The belt buckle- that's Robby the Robot's control panel now ain't it? Robby rules!! Did anyone notice how the round chest plate disassembles when the helmet is removed? Check out the gold fitting on the underplate. I'm starting to just lose myself in what seems like endless detail here- the cartridges on the belt, all of the buckles and straps- just layers and layers that add realism and dimension. Look at all of the stitching, the details on the hands, geez the list is so endless! This figure really uinctions beyond its display qualities. Amazing!!
Troy- I have never seen this bit at all- was it a seperate show or an episode or what? I'm glad you included the stills from the cartoon as you did. Your figure is perfect- looks like a store bought version to me-love the clean lines and the difficult geometric patterns on the arms! You get the "Thinking Out of The Box" award for this one as you added a facet of the Mr. Freeze character that has been neglected by the toy companies and which illustrates the richness of Batman's Animated Universe. Clever and brilliantly done!
Bruce- I have to say, that I like this second Mr. Freeze even better than the first. He looks like he would be right at home on the Nostromo from "Alien"! Hey Victor- have you ever heard of "Windex"? Hee Hee! This has such a moodiness to it- I love the red eyes. Look at that big drum on his back that echoes the shape of his helmet! Pretty inspired. I really dig the big clunky boots and all of the bolts. You have really loaded him up too- the canisters and the big gun. This figure has such WEIGHT to it makes Freeze powerful and menacing. You ain't gonna stop this guy with a thermos of chicken soup! I love the gasket-like neck brace for the helmet, really there is so much texture going on in this figure it's amazing that it doesn't seem too busy- and the amazing thing is that IT DOESN"T!!! Your sense of composition is just so instinctive- you clearly know when too much is just right and when not enough is too little!. Your color scheme just absolutely fits the mood and tone of this character. I think you have hit upon a fundamental truth about the design of this character- a trait you and Les both exploited beautifully when making your own versions. That truth is that one of the key visual strengths of Mr. Freeze is bout pleasing shapes arranged in dynamic ways- both yours and Les' show how far that can be taken when the total design of the figure is in your capabale hands. As a sidenote: Is anyone else seeing an irony in the fact that Bruce's Mr. Freeze is NOT wearing goggles? When you have that dome lit it just spooks the heck out of me- thrilling! Your photography is unequaled and that shot with Batman is just fantastic! This is a triumphant follow-up to the first Mr. Freeze!!
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Post by casimir on Mar 1, 2006 20:26:40 GMT -5
If I may put words in Batlaw's mouth: Miss Smithy was a character in "Gotham Girls," a series of Flash-based webisodes WB put out a few years ago. They might still be up. They featured Batgirl, Ivy, Harley, Catwoman, Montoya, and Zatanna in some short, light-hearted adventures. I think it was the third season that was one long story, though. Is that right, BL? I have the first two "seasons" saved to CD, but WB got persnickity with the last series and changed the coding. No one I know ever figured out to save the last season. ...Hey, they are still up! Here's the link. www2.warnerbros.com/web/gothamgirls/home.jsp?frompage=sitemapC.
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Post by BlackKnight on Mar 1, 2006 21:41:26 GMT -5
WOW !!! Look at all the Freeze's ! ;D I must say each & everyone of 'em are COOL. ;D FB, I must say I love the look of you Freeze, so imaginary. Love the Skeleton look, & the suit! The paint job is flawless, & Extremly detailed, congrats. Kev, You really went all out didn't you ? Must say, I never have scene this version of Freeze Before. I find it a real Treat, with all the Info & Facts you provided. Love the whole design of the 60's look with the figure & The Box. Nice clean suit as well. Very "60"ish with the whole package, makes me think if he were made then, as a toy, the figure would have been shelved like that as well, if they knew what they were doing. Marty, Fantastic likness Bro. Love the detail with the paint ! Fantastic gun. Looks like He stepped right out of the show. Congrats on your figure. So how many you got finished now ? Anyhow, great job indeed. Your skill is growing, I can feel it. More to come guys, need some time to look. Be Cool. ;D
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Post by casimir on Mar 1, 2006 21:54:07 GMT -5
I'm running out of ways to gush...
Retropops, simply put, that Freeze rocks. And he has lights! Fantastic, creative design. Got a bit of an alien edge to him. (Does he get "extra" work in big summer movies?) Great work!
BK: Once again you manage to meld a more modern design into Mego-ey goodness! And yet, it doesn't look silly. I don't know how you do it. I am impressed each and every time, and your Freeze is no exception.
Remember gang, I'll be posting these as one giant entry in CustomCon 14 in a month.
C.
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Post by Figuremaster Les on Mar 1, 2006 22:05:24 GMT -5
continued just after Glorbes... Retroprops/Steven-MAN! THAT'S CREATIVE!Outrageous even! Bizarre beyond the norm! That ghoulish, CLEAR flesh! Frozen solid... Nasty! Weird! Terrific! And that costume! Outrageous! Bear with me here, but this is meant in a great way, he has this 1977 Disco era creepiness that no version I have ever seen EVER has... I can see some otherworld Mid 70's Batman movie with a scene at a dance, they are doing the Tony Manero thing to the BeeGees... AND THIS GUY COMES IN! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! [glow=red,2,300]Party over man! [/glow] This one...well, ROCKS! I love it! Freeze as played by David Bowie, or in some concurrent film as Phantom of the Paradise...or some creepy Vincent Price film.... Totally original man! Totally! Hat's er...DOME's off man! Love the light too! Super! Blackknight/Jason- WOWSA DUDE! You are rockin me too! I knew I could count on you to fill my heart with Mr. Freeze Joy man! You stuck to a version that I actually thought I might get missed, and yet, I am glad it was you that actually did it. This is more the 90's version that I saw in the comics I liked in those days. I like your colors and details. That armor looks terrific too. Good job on that. I knew you'd try something so "COOL"! Thanks man. You really made my day with this one. I bet he was tough to do too. Really great one for your set. OK... Will? Anyone else? I can't wait for more...but, what a ride so far! Can I use really some bad words...just to get them out? You know? For emphasis? No? OK. ;D Good thing. That's ok. I have said a few here in the confines of my little back room, when my eyes beheld things I saw today. I am so very proud to be in the company of you guys. This is one amazing thing we have collectively done here. Really. It is. Wow.
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Post by aburabusimbutu on Mar 1, 2006 22:33:18 GMT -5
Steven- This reminds me so much of the 80's new wave movement and movies like Liquid Sky! Honestly the esthetic here is all consistent with that kind of groove- the shades, the blue light (which is awesome by the way), the silver pants, the "industrial" metals. When Mr. Freeze isn't counting his latest diamond heist bootie he's at the night-club shaking his! The painting on this head is perhaps some of your best work ever too by the way- the subtelty in the veins and the flesh is really intense, seems porous even. This is a way out Mr. Freeze and a really fun interpretation!
Jason- I kinda figured you'd go for the more modern version. It's cool to see the 90's Freeze armor translated into a Mego-style figure. The details inside the dome are completly spot-on (I don't think I ever used that expression before I came here by the way) and you have really pushed your own limits once again by working with different media in addition to the usual brilliant sewing work. Great job on the freeze-gun, hoses and the way all of the colors work together. All your work is really clean and seamless as we've come to expect- needs a box from Anthony!! PS-REALLY nice dome on this!! ;D
Wow! Can you guys believe all of the variety here today? I feel like I've been at a party all day. And it's not done yet I don't think...
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Post by faithfulbutler on Mar 2, 2006 1:19:34 GMT -5
OK,how do i put my gushing into words whilst making sense and not swearing?
Here goes, FB:Who let that fool in here?The guy's got issues!
KEV:Your presentations are like getting a sack full of presents at XMAS,all sorts of good stuff to ogle.The whole feel of this set is something truly special,the attention to detail and bang for your buck make me feel extremely priveleged to know you.You think outside the square on so many levels and you can almost hear you thinking"If i was a kid what would i like to have in a set?"Special mention to ANTHONY too for making your dream even more captivating with an outstanding package to hold all the custom goodness of varied scales in.
MARTIN:I knew it was Otto the moment i laid eyes on him.What a truly inspired and faithful representation which i believe cannot be beaten.You have proven in a very short space of time that your talent and vision has been sorely needed in the world of Cutomising.Spot-on work Mate!
CASON:What a clever and brilliantly executed concept for a figure,i'm so glad you did this rather than my suggestion.I did not expect this at all,the amalgam works perfectly and i like the unplanned nod to Super Powers,gives it a special feel that i would never have expected.A truly worthy addition to your ever-growing and truly classy collection.
SCOTT:Well i was thrilled to see one Otto,but to see him realised in animated form as well is truly a treat!I take my hat off to you for truly coming up with a unique take on the animated line.
LES:In some parts of this big,wide world you would be worshipped as a God.In fact i think i'll start a Figuremaster Cult myself. What can i truly say that is worthy?I expected something special from you[sorry for the pressure ;D]and you just plain old blew my expectations out of the Water.I could go on forever about all the detail and plain perfect execution and vision you heaped upon this masterful piece.Not to mention little things like Blueprints for the Gun and some very imaginative and skilled Photoshopping.You are the Figuremaster there is no doubt,so the question remains..............can i have it? ;D
TROY:My Compadre and best mate,what a clever and abstract idea to be realised.Not in a million years would i have expected Nora's Sister to appear in this competition,except for the fact you told me lol.Your precision with paint and sculpting and keeping within the lines so to speak to me is getting just plain freaky.She looks better than anything that could ever come out of Hasbro or Mattel's Factories.You deserve a special mention for this piece!
GLORBES:I'm running out of compliments here!Bruce,you like Les to me is someone who i look forward to revealing a new piece and yet again you don't let me down.Your creativity,imagination,vision and conviction to creating something unique is truly something special and your gifts are always a pleasure to behold.Those Boots really got me,they ooze coolness and the use of a Jar for the Dome,well,who woulda thunk?I must confess,you didn;t let us down with the Leather but where's the Goggles?
STEVEN:Another man at the top of his game,he has an Alien and futuristic feel to him that i really dig.Yet again you show the high standard of quality work that really comes through in every piece you do!
JASON:True to Mego yet truly unique as only you can do in my book.I dig this version of Freeze and you have put a big smile on my face with the quality execution that you always manage to come up with.Digging that Dome btw,you nailed it mate!
This has been great fun,i'm looking forward to what's next already.Special thanks to Scot for the concept and even though life got in the way i look forward to seeing you participate next time. Fantastic work by you all,i feel priveleged to hang with you and get a chance to learn from you all. Now who's left?
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Post by casimir on Mar 2, 2006 7:36:38 GMT -5
Will is in the house! I know this will be sacrilege to some of you, but I had no idea there was more than one actor who played Freeze. (I really don't remember the old show in such detail, and I don't have access to any good copies to watch. ) Anyway, your Freeze looks mighty fine to me. I'd never guess that head was a dear, departed Granpa Munster head. You work on it really paid off. Look at that crazy hair! Very nice work. I'm so impressed that, in terms of styles and scales, we have yet to duplicate ourselves. (Famous last words, right?) C.
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Post by Figuremaster Les on Mar 2, 2006 9:09:09 GMT -5
Whoa! THE CIRCLE IS NOW COMPLETE!
Will- I was wondering if ANYBODY was gonna do an Eli Wallach! Thanks Will! He's the one I remember most as a kid. Man, he looks great! I like your idea of a base head. I would have NEVER put Grandpa and Eli together! Your finished piece is clean and together and looks ready for action! It was worth the wait Will! Super duper job! Like I said to Mart after seeing his, I bet you are glad to have him in your TV show collection! His inclusion really rounds out the set.
(Amended 3/2/06) Quick day-after followup comments:
I am still reacting to all of them, but that very first image of FB Andy's figure is still jarring me, The likenesses of Will's and Mart's still pleasing me, The cleverness of Scott and Cason's and Troy's animations styles still wowing me, The Mego-ness charm of Kev and Jason's are still keeping me cheered up, and another great box by Anthony on Kev's, and the creepy, yes I must admit, more 80's New Wave than Disco (good Call Kev), of Steven's and the angry humanized, Die-Hard Tin-Man (Good Call Mart) of Bruce's are both causing me some nightmares...welcome nightmares...
SO... Are we done? Anyone else? I thought Captain Mego was doin' one? Tassler? I wish the Tass had one in here...Those two would make it a creepy 13 entries... one more an even dozen... Any more? I'm sure latecomers can still fit in...
Whatever, this has been one hell of a ride! I know I am still excited and breathless from all the postings. I reeally want to respond to all of your responses to mine sometime, as we all do to each other's work here... But, for now, I think this all has to sink in and be counted and be seen first.
Bravo again to the lot of ya from me at any rate!
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Post by martingb on Mar 2, 2006 9:32:18 GMT -5
OK guys ROUND TWO!!! BATLAW: I don't know the character I have to be honest. But, just by looking at her I know who she is meant to be. The images were of great help but like all you 'animated' guys I just look at them and believe them to be store bought items. They are that good looking. Honest. I am continually impressed by how you fellas seem to nail that look so perfectly and this is a prime example of that craftsmanship. GLORBES: Super stuff as ever. Your special way of looking and established characters never fails to excite me. Almost a Robotic kinda Tin Man thing going on with those boots and I love it. The use of everyday objects too is a classic customisers touch but you worked it into your piece flawlessly whereas others don't quite do it right when I see it. The shot with Bats leaping down too!!!! Killer stuff. RETROPROPS: Slick stuff. An original twist but like all the stuff we see here it works. The viened face and head is pretty grim looking and very realistic. Looks like Stan Winston or Rick Baker worked on this guy!! The light up effect too is just stunning. Gorgeous costume too. A beautiful piece of work. Black Knight: Jason you did a bang on Mego piece of work there mate. A modern take on the character with the kinda armoured look but with the retro nod to how Mego would have attempted the character. Incredible outfit and sewing as always and like I've said before there is nobody to touch you in Mego outfitting circles as far as I'm concerned. Wild Will: Will what can I say. An amazing job from head to toe, especially the head!! Looks like the man himself. What more to say. Incredible vision to have seen and Eli coming from an 'Al'. The equipment and gun is top notch stuff and I bowed very, very low to you as you managed to get the jet nozzles on that collar. HOW DID YOU MANAGE THAT!!!!! I tried but ended up not bothering as it was just too hard for me. Lovely dials and chest panel work too mate. Tiny but exact. Tons better than mine. Top marks to you mate and all the great gang that took part. I am a lucky fella to be hanging with you guys. Thanks.
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Post by casimir on Mar 2, 2006 11:57:09 GMT -5
Just a few more general comments...
I have to admit, when this was proposed, my first recation was "Oh no. Another "group" project that'll start with lots of talk and then end up with 1½ finished pieces." I've seen it happen dozens of times. Lots of big talk, and then the enthusiasm dies.
Then, when the choice was made for Freeze, I was less than thrilled. I honestly thought I'd seen every interesting version of Freeze out there, thus my vote for something more open-ended like "henchmen." (Which I still want us to do.)
I am happy to say, you fellas proved me wrong on all counts.
The fact that almost a dozen of us were ready and enthused, and more importantly, ON-TIME does my heart good. I am really impressed with the level of professionalism you lads displayed. I don't mean in the level of your craft, though that's without question, but in the fact that everybody actually did what they said they could/would do. This thing didn't fall on its face, as is so often the case.
And lord have mercy, I've never seen so many creative Freeze figures! I honestly thought the well was dry, but boy howdy was I wrong. Between the established designs, the forgotten versions and the original concepts, you guys really went above and beyond. Perhaps Freeze being so well established already forced our collective minds to be creative. Whatever the reason, it worked.
For once, I'm pleased to be so very, very wrong. I hope we can all pull together again next time.
C.
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Post by batlaw on Mar 2, 2006 12:26:27 GMT -5
ARGH! ok, last night I went through and commented on everyone's entry in detail and length but made the mistake of doing so on the laptop... so long story short, after about an hour of typing I lost it all! But for what it's worth, everything I wrote was incredibly insightful, eloquent, intelligent and my grammar was absolutely impeccable! ;D At any rate, dont know what I can say at this point that wont just come across as so much "lip service"? Most every direct comment and specific praise has already been repeated multiple times. Each and every single project shown just completely blew me away! Being at least mildly familiar at this point with everyone's work, I naturally expected to be impressed... but good Lord you all far exceeded your usual incredibly high standards of quality! I had no idea I would or could be further impressed!? or that everyone would be out to raise the bar for this project as you all have! again, I am simply not worthy! By now most of you all know what a fan I am of your individual work in general, but holy hell does everyone deserve a round of applause! Casimir and Scot: simply awesome and humbling (not to mention inspiring) animated styled excellence and inventiveness! Glorbes and Retro: honestly cant say which one im more afraid of!? Seriously, I get the impression each is just gonna jump right outa the computer and kick my ass! Willy, Blacknight, Martin and Abu: what can I say... you guys each prove why youre the Best as what you do! Craftsmanship, faithfulness, imagination, all around brilliant and beautiful beyond words! Andy: Mate... SIMPLY "CHILLING"! Inspired and artistic with such professional, clean, execution. As with Glorbes and Retroprops, It's "ugly" it's beautiful! really conveys emotion and encourages deeper inspection and appreciation. FML: DAAAAAMN DUUUUDE! simply speechless... yours could very well be THE "ultimate" or "quintessential" MR. FREEZE!? Both you and Abu took "going the extra mile" too a whole new level and I'm simply in AWE. You're each deserving of some extra special super fuzzy bunny bonus points for your going above and beyond in the details and "extras". Remarkable!
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