FZ's Dracula (Bust) by Mike Hill

As it turns out, I didn't have long to wait: the bust was awaiting my arrival from work this afternoon.

If the Monster was exquisite, Dracula is sublime. This is a must-have classic! And in spite of the many very competent paint jobs one sees, a classic example of why "figures", whether busts or full, are best marketed in a primed, unpainted state.

But first. . . the bust is essentially a one-piece resin casting, with only the high standing collar of the cloak cast separately: attachment of this piece might prove to be a little tricky. As with the Monster, also provided is a cast display plinth, a cast name plate, and a clear lexan/acrylic rod. I will enhance the support of the bust--still to be worked out.

The castings are nearly flawless. Poured from a two-piece mold, there is but a very light seam line that can be mechanically sanded or manually scraped off in less than 30 mins. I could very easily have this bust primed by the end of the weekend; but I will savor it a bit, study it a lot, and devise my painting strategy before initiating the process.

The execution of this piece is almost perfect. It is certainly the best likeness of Lugosi in his iconic rôle available in miniature! Which means that unless one is very careful and on his/her game, paint will almost certainly detract from the presence of the sculpture. No pressure!

I am very much looking forward to moving this piece to the painting bench. . .

More to follow!

FOLLOW-UP. . . The fitting of the standing collar is just about done. As I said, this is somewhat tricky, and it will probably require a quick swipe of filler once it is attached. Other than that, I have spent a few hours this afternoon on surface finishing and enhancing undercuts.

AND. . .

I've decided to rework and extend the cloak into a pseudo-pedestal, which will not only serve to add colour to the presentation; but, more importantly, will introduce some tension into the pose of the bust.

Back to the bench!

Revenant

The last week has been trying at best--dealing with the day-to-day while feeling markedly less than 100% makes for long, hard days. It also means that there is considerably less time to be spent at the bench, which is not necessarily a bad thing. . .

As much as I have enjoyed planning and "designing" the Gaslight Birds of Prey, it is time to move on to less monopolizing pursuits. Thus the ladies have been securely withdrawn from the bench, freeing up much needed space and providing a wide-angle view of what could potentially lie ahead. In no particular order. . .

I spent a productive hour or so yesterday with the ip movie version of the Red Skull. If you recall, this will be a full figure. . . a 1/12th-scale full figure! I roughed-in the salient landmarks of the face with MS, as well as removing the collar from the "plastron" of the upper coat, and permanently attaching the same to the torso. I will hopefully have some time--and the "ganas"--to work on the face this weekend and post a graphic update. So far, this is proving to be an ideal kit for this conversion!

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mike Hill's bust of Bela Lugosi as Dracula, produced by Forbidden Zone. You might recall the difficulties I had acquiring one of its two companion pieces, the Frankenstein Monster (the other being the Wolf Man from one of the sequels to the 1941 classic) . . . this acquisition was much easier, as a colleague was looking to part with his. For some reason, the 'Classic Monster Bug' has sunk its fangs into me, and I feel compelled to spend some time with my old childhood friends. Unless I am gravely (pun intended) mistaken, I am hoping to have this one cleaned, primed, and on the painting bench within a fortnight, give or take. . .

Along with at least one of the Smart Max SP offerings. . .

Stay tuned. . .