2006- Summer Edition- F & F Comments

[martingb]

Kev!! What a way to kick things off. Lovely work and something that brought a huge smile to my face. I know well the ads you mention and a deal like this would have sent kids mental back then. The Batman is beautiful. The enhancement to the head is top class and Jason's outfit is just lovely. The black front to the cowl adds so much to what could look like a plain old Mego Batman head. Never knew why he never looked that for real back in the 1970s. The cape is a killer. This is a great way to do these mate and I love how you pull them off. Anthony's box design is perfect. Sums it all up but still looks like a real deal promotion/give-away thing from the time. K-9!!!! Classic stuff. Why was this guy ever forgotten. I would like to see Heath Ledger playing him in the next movie!!!! What a fantastic job you did here mate. The suit looks like a real miniature doggy outfit for a guy. Not just a dog but a guy in a dog suit. The removable head is a stroke of genius and a lot of effort there that another person may have left out. The fella underneath too looks like the artwork in the ad. What a great idea and an amazingly whacky and fun and brilliantly executed way to start the ball rolling. Good stuff mate!

[martingb]

Bruce!! Were we ever gonna see a sweetness and light garish figure from you? This sums you up and captures the character too. The 'stinger' beak deal is kinda whacky but scary too. The dull toned outfit and backpack again sets you apart from the crowd whilst still having what we would expect of the character. The metal finish on this guy, and indeed all your stuff, is immaculate. This is a look that could work in one of the new Batman movies even. The 'origin' too works great and the mad home scientist observation is brilliant. An evil Carractacus Potts from CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG or something! Your use of a variety of other charcater parts to make a bigger and better 'whole' is top class. I only see one original piece of work all the way. Top stuff fella!!!!

[casimir]

I don't want to go into too much detail until there are more posted, but two things right off:

1. Kevin, thanks for bringing a smile to my face. Today's been a bit rough around the edges, so seeing your BRILLIANT choice and fine execution of the project really improved my day.

2. Bruce, aside from the general awesome-ness and Glorbes-ification of your Killer Moth, what I really like is the litle pink bands on his legs. Such a tiny detail, but ties in so strongly to his "established" looks. A master's touch, if I do say so.

C.

[scottrogers]

Kevin,
Thanks for the well-needed laugh - even though it's a little rough on the cracked ribs! K-9 (with removable head and dog whistle) are awesome enough, but going the distance with the absolutely beautiful Batman (and I love that cape - reminds me of Charlee Flatt's work) and the packaging and faux-advertising are both awe-inspiring and hilarious. And the twinkies man! Bwaaahahahaha!!! Imagine someone collecting that sucker with those twinkies sitting around for thirty plus years! Ick!! Too funny - you never cease to amaze and delight!!

Bruce!
Thanks for the dedication! I was secretly hoping you'd join the ranks of Killer Moth customizers! With your permission, after all this is done, I'd love to showcase it on my Killer Moth website. (That goes for the rest of you KM customizers as well) Casimir already pointed it out, but I have to echo my respect for your amazing details - the pink banded legs brought a smile to my face and that Grevious-esque (another one of my favorite characters) eyes and helmet is really really cool. The use of the medieval armor is an inspired touch and that huge jet-pack brings the fun back into your creepy take.

You guys are the best of the best! More! More!

[radioscooter]

Kevin - just...just...bravo.

[phantom11]

Kevin- I am officially in awe... The concept alone is A-1, but the execution... the box, the ads, and the figures themselves are just beyond perfect. Beautifully done Batman and K-9. Truly forgotten characters, although as soon as I saw one of those ads, it all came rushing back. Standing ovation from me on this one.

Bruce- definitely one of the most unique takes on Killer Moth I've seen, and actually getting me to rethink my entire opinion of the character. 'Cause your figure just makes him look too damn cool. Brilliant detail and finishing work, as always, and an outstanding concept, as well.

[martingb]

LES!!! And here I was thinking Kevin was our resident nut job!!!! You went mental on this project but in the best possible way. How can anyone compete with either your skill and originality or your lunacy and sense of the theatrical. This is just the bloody tops mate!! The concept is magic. The figures are incredible. The Duvall head works great. What was its origins? How much work went into the transformation. Whatever, it looks like a real guy as Dr Death. The henchmen are bang on and I am pleased to say as the images unrolled Max shouted 'Mart it's that cool Barbie Fay Wray figure!' She looks even better here mate. What a job you did on her. The settings are ace too. Anthony's box design and efforts are again part of a super entry here today. Top marks fella! You are adding so much to the stuff our pals are doing. Oh yeah and that Bat-Man is kinda ok.

(OK!!!!!! ?? More like one of the best I've ever seen. Looks just like how he would, or could, have looked in the old serials had they enjoyed a budget and a designer who had some vision. Just lovely mate. The double cape and accessories are bang on all the way. The whole thing is a mindblower. Love it.)

[aburabusimbutu]

Bruce: Man oh man! You know your stuff! I can hear the metal clinking and the backfire of the jet-pack, see streams of thick black smoke coughing out of the back as Killer Moth takes to the sky. A great exercise in subtlety and villainy! The mask-with the eyes staring out like Hannibal Lechter- through that grim yet somewhat comical mask, . the details, the metal-look, the armor, the leather- all add up to an amazing figure and it is, as ever, hard to believe you achieve all of this on a 6” scale. Your approach to some of the Killer Moth costume elements are brilliant in your translation- the striped legs, the beaky mask, and the wings. I particularly love the a-symmetry of the wings with bits bolted on here and there and the hint of welded seams made from available sheet metal. KM show both his inventiveness and hubris as the costume is alternately industrial workshop and eloquent armor with some good old fashioned bad taste and quirky drama tossed in.

Martin- I feel as though I have stepped into a 1940’s dime store seeing this toy on display. This is the doll behind the counter with the unusually high price tag because of the craftsmanship and detail- and it’s from that new character “The Batman” all the kids seem to go for featured in a movie house just down the street! The blend of accurate costuming (that you nailed after much obvious deliberation and labor) and the appealing toy quality of the white eyes and the dollish nature of the good ol’ Mego base figure make this look like a real official movie toy that kids would have went ga-ga over. AND that device around his neck is FANTASTIC- not only looks dead on but the color choices show that you really understand the flavor of what you are representing and man would I want to play with THAT- zapping friends and making things invisible. I love the whole thing from hood to foot- fantastic!

LES: What even needs to be said Les? You have transplanted the 1939 “Bat-Man” into a movie serial combining the realism of the cinema with the details of the comic- a perfect blend! In general, the figures are all 100% Les Walker- realistic, well dressed, emotive, clean, detailed, and professional!
Dr. Death: Fantastic head choice brought to life and yet accurate to the comic right down to the slightly pointy ears! Another “Les” trademark here is of course the detailed and well thought out accoutrements – the hypo, the little cigarette holder (which is smoking!), the stethoscope, the keys, the monocle- all breathe life into the character. I also love the doll stand’s logo, a classy touch!
Gunsels: All are dressed totally in period and show great attitude with a bit of sneer, two-bit thugs that ring so true to the serials.
Miss Warren: Looks like she came straight off of an old 30’s pulp fiction covers- bondage and all!
Batman- You overcame a difficult design challenge making sense in 3-D what is seen in the 2-D comic drawings. Hard to get those ears and the point of the mask in front right without it looking silly and you conquered it with an elegant curve to the ears and careful lines on the mask that maintain the ’39 look and remain menacing. I LOVE the 3-D Bat logo, great that fortune dropped it in your lap as it is a peculiar detail seen in periodic frames of the Golden Age comics that is generally overlooked. Love that blurred action shot of the boot and the carefully applied points on the dramatic cape. The blue lining and black exterior resolve the oft-fought “blue is only for highlights” argument, since there is something missing when no blue is in sight (in my opinion). I think the thin belt works like a charm!
That B&W photo looks just like a movie still and the whole presentation was a blast to read through! Lastly that box… from the hyphenated “Bat-Man” to the simple direct and moody design, period colors, and carefully selected images it is a fantastic way to display your masterpiece- hats off to Anthony!

[batlaw]

GOOD GOD I HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE HERE!
(I'm just just being serious )

None of you ever cease to flat-out Amaze and Awe me!

Unbelievable... just Unbelievable.

[scottrogers]

Les,

C'mon, admit it. You didn't make that Bat-Man figure. You got in a time machine, went forward a few years and bought these and brought them back, right? It is easily THE BEST BATMAN CUSTOM I have ever seen. It is so clean and that mask and that raised logo and the belt and that beautiful cape... droool. I have decided that you will have to mass-produce your Bat-Man figure (or at least make one each for the rest of us!)

The Hellfern (one of my old-tyme favorites) and henchmen were really cool. I'd love to see your spare bins if you could just "cobble" those guys together.

My hat, no, my head is off to you, sir. Phenomenal work. You never manage to disappoint.

Oh, and as always, Anthony, your boxes are awesome!!

[radioscooter]

Okay there really isn't anything that needs to be said about Les' figures. But I owe it to the big palooka to not just nod in silent appreciation:

Without dragging the inevitable superlatives out or dipping into the karma drawer, allow me just to make a simple comparative statement.

I have seen about a dozen "Detective 27" Batman figures over the years. I have liked a few of them. I have disliked several of them. However I have never seen one that I didn't say to myself - "Hmmm. Almost but not quite."
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Until now.

-S

[aburabusimbutu]

And "representing" for the Batman Animated Community- the incomparable BATLAW!!
Troy- I didn't see a lot of Batman Beyond episodes so had no idea there was a future Royal Flush Gang! In my corner of the universe this is a truly obscure set of figures!
Anyway- you certainly can stand tall and be proud of these- how in the world do you keep such clean lines? That spade chest emblem looks machine-produced and every inch of all three of these figures are smooth and tidy! Love the graphic look of them-and your careful attention on the King in particular.
I think too it's always a challenge to create attractive minimal figures which the animated line represents as you have nowhere to hide any flaws- which is why this FLAWLESS work is so impressive! Great job!

[customslab]

all of the customs rocked guy loved them ;D

[Figuremaster Les]

Responses to the challenge figures so far…
Long, so firgive me. but this set all deserve it for the fine works shown so far!

KEVIN:
Man, I love this set! You have so raised the bar with your own style and format. I mean, this has a PERFECT feel of a real product, coupled with a terrific execution of figures.
First, Let me compliment Anthony and his work. AMAZING bro! Amazing. PERFECT box for Kev’s work. Perfect. I simply do not know how you do all that and I can lay things out…I just don’t understand…
Kev, the figures, I LOVE your 1981 Batman and the suit by Jason sings with your final touches polishing it all out. The K-9 guy cracks me up! You captured the charm of the ad so well it hurts! And yes, I got to say this…this is, without a doubt, the warmest, and fuzziest contribution ever to this site! And only YOU could have done that with the right pinache!
Plus, all your photos and tags and all that really make this real! The best one is the last one, “Time to round up some fun!” that’s had me laughing all day! Love it bro!
SUPER JOB my friend!

BRUCE:
Um…let me say, and with all due apologies to Scott Rogers and his Killer Moth fanship, KM is not a character I have any understanding of, not at least from the basic idea. That’s not to bash him, I just don’t get him and I leave it for those that do to enjoy. No criticisms there. I admire Scott’s enthusiasms regardless. Just wanted to say that…Rock on Scott.
Now, about what you have done, from the somewhat removed and objective opinion I do retain here, I see a character of unbridled and wacky brilliance that is unfettered by the notions that keep most folks in line….here is a guy, like Mart said, some mad inventor from 100 years ago that is now unleashed upon us, and is scary in ways I never thought possible. This figure is SCARY! It is so off and demented and GREAT, that I cannot really say anything but how it makes me feel.
There are skill elements to be sure, and I am sure the guys all see this in it, and are able to say in detail what they think of them. I too have studied it all day…but the effect of this work….mind blowing. I sure do wish I could see a Glorbes movie sometime. I know it would be a favorite, if it was filled with denizens such as this!
And, if this in any way represents what Scott Rogers is so fond of, well, I get you now!
Bravo! My brilliant friend! Bravo!

MARTIN:
You actually made me cry with this one Mart. Yes, I am surely into this era now, the serials and all. Yes, the pump was primed. But, your figure is so PERFECT a realization of the style and substance of those days gone by, and in toy form to boot!, and your feel for the subject is so dead on, that I am filled with respect and fun and appreciation my man! You gave me a great feeling upon seeing this one. I love him. Can I have him? LOL!
But really, SUPERB work and EXCELLENT results. Makes me really wish for more like this from you right now! Go bro! Keep this ball rolling!
(love the control box by the way!)

TROY:
Another tear shed!
OK, I really enjoy Batman Beyond and have said so before. Nuff said there.
But, it would happen that one of my favorite storylines in that show is this one, and I just so fell for 10 the daughter and her sad tale, it was hard not to, so just know that this is a GODSEND set to see made to me! Thanks for making it, and so well, and so in tune with the characters. Perfect. I get each one’s personality dead on. They are all perfect. And you even got 10’s cute head just right! (Now, if you can make one of her plainclothes, my dream set from this show would be complete!)
Bravo bro! Bravo!

ANTHONY:
Anthony my man! Check this out…not only do you make great boxes, but you nail the style of the figures, and what a set this is! So well, that I can’t believe you made them! I mean, I know you did, but they look STOREBOUGHT! The signal stickers on the cape of Signal Man are exactly the look a storebought toy should have. That had to be a hard figure to make. Calendar Man, what the??? He’s a hoot! NEVER heard of him! Fantastic execution on that one. Zodiac Man, another hoot! Never heard of him either, but your job on him is terrific. But, it’s the Firefly I like the most! That mouth! The costume and the colors and all of it just stand out. All of them are awesome, and the boxes, all together and color coded, look GREAT! A winning set for any shelf!
And of course, love that shot with defeated Batman. Looks like Moth is saying “Watch it Calendar Man, he’s liable to wake up!”
Great stuff A!

[BlackKnight]

Hot Damn !
... Now isn't this alot of fun.

Kev }
Like Marty said you are a nut ! I love your creation for the project. Very imaginary indeed. The figures look crisp & clean. Most impressive on the Cape for Batman & the Doggy suit for the character. Love the removable Helmet/Mask. Kick ass Box from TR As well. The whole presentation is priceless & "Of The Whal".

Master Bruce }

What can be said ? Your vision is one of a Kind Bro. Everything is perfect. The detail Just blows away anything that is on the shelves these days. Love the Jet Pack. You Are the Master of your world. One of the best customizers I have EVER had the the honor to interact with. Remeber... when you become rich & famous... send me 2 of each.

Marty ! }

Of course I have no idea of this or the fact he appeared on the show. One of the most "Obscure" pieces on the project. Looks like you "Nailed" Him & "Bang on" with your bad self. It's always a pleasure to see your ever growing work. & you My friend have some of the best TV/Movie MEGO Superhero's/Villains I have ever scene. Keep them Coming.

Figure Master ! }

Just in ah Bro...
To see that you did not only create a whole series of figures, however you then put them in comic book is the best damn thing I have ever scene in the custom community. It;s your day Bro. Your the best DAMN Customizer I have ever scene. I hope you get yours one day. You "ROCK" ! I'm glad to call you a Friend.

Troy }

I love your pieces. The Royal Flush Family was the best thing Batman Beyond had going IMO. Love the The attention to detail you got going. Ausome work Bro. Hope to one day make 'em all in my scale. Thanks for sharing, congrats.

Anthony !!!!!!!!! }

BRO ! Man,... you most defiantly have single Handedly brought new found love to Me with all these silver age creations you keep coming up with. Of Course, I have no Idea Who the "F" Any of them are, however I find their respective costumes very neat & over all look of the characters Ausome.... Fantastic work, Lets Do Some more ! BTW ,... I want all those Stickers for SignalMan.

KEV & Anthony }

It was alot of fun helping you both with your projects. It was fun for me to help you both "bring" your characters to the realm of Toys. The Pleasure was all mine. Glad I could help. Big thanks In the added work. Somewhere between Customizing & Until this project started, I had forgotten, Just how much the "Batman" Meant to me.... You guys Mad me realize a few things. I thank you Both.

So..... Some Kick Ass $H#T here soooooo far,... wheres the rest ?