Oracle: An oracle was a person or agency considered to be a source of wise counsel or prophetic opinion, predictions or precognition of the future, inspired by the gods. As such, it is a form of divination. (Wikipedia)
Oracle, as a proper name, can also be any number of things. For example, it is the name of my alma mater’s (USF) student news- paper. It is also the nom de guerre of Barbara “Babs” Gordon, fka Batgirl.
Babs’ Batgirl persona was rather ignominiously retired in 1988, when the Joker shoots Barbara through the spinal cord, leaving her a para- plegic. The character was subsequently given a new lease on life as a computer expert and information broker code-named Oracle, provid- ing intelligence and computer hacking services to assist other super- heroes. The formerly caped-and-cowled crusader continued to wreak havoc on crime from her wheelchair as the founding head of the Birds of Prey.
So much for the background. . .
It is currently somewhat fashionable to cast modern superheroes in alternate realities: one of the favorite settings is the Victorian/ Gaslight periods, bka “Steampunk” (Earth-19 in the DC Multi-verse). In the course of thoroughly reviewing the Smart Max catalog, I spent a considerable amount of time examining Miss Liddell, London's most renowned medium—by both coiled and unwound.
Sculpted by Edgar Skomorowski, who regrettably appears to have sculpted his last free-lance figure for the foreseeable future, this figure bears the manufacturer’s caveat: “DESIGNED FOR EXPERT MODELLERS!” Looking at his multi-media “grey” (cf. the original spoked wheels with the final production variants!), I can well see why. However, in all honesty, a simple assembly diagram would in all probability make such a statement unnecessary.
One of the very few shortcomings of Smart Max miniatures is that not only do they not provide an assembly diagram or a parts list, but there is no virtual aid—save for images of variable quality of the painted prototype--to turn to either. Here’s an excellent example: the Reverend Dudley kit provides four handles for the coffin, yet they are nowhere to be found in any published image of the painted prototype! To make matters worse, there are no locating holes on the sides of the coffin, or pegs on the handholds! Personally, I am of the opinion that they are extraneous; but if they are not to be used per the manufacturers’ build-up, why then provide them?
But I digress. . . The kit may be relatively complex, but with the images available on line, it is nothing a few familiarization and dry-fitting sessions wouldn’t suss out. Eight of the 29 (30, if you include the planked-floor plinth) mostly crisply-cast pieces will not be used. Actually, more time will be spent correcting the few minor casting flaws (air bubbles on one wheel and half a missing lens on the pince-nez (I was thinking of replacing these with some more stylish sunglasses even before the figure arrived!) than will be figuring out the what’s, where’s, and how’s.
And so we have a kit of a crippled spiritualist who is on-call to Scotland Yard: save for her advanced age, this is essentially Barbara Gordon in a Victorian setting! Her appearance can be changed, whether via replacement part/s, modification, or sculpting. And the rest? How would a paraplegic, high-profile crimefighter get about in a Steampunk world. . . ??
Stay tuned!
30 March 2011
27 March 2011
Red Skull (Bust)--Prepwork: Phase (2)--The Skull, continued
[NOTE: After having to deal with a busted water main--the big one!--and a @#$!-awful day at work (and it's only Monday!), the bench was not in the cards, so I thought I would provide some graphic entertainment to yesterday's post. . . ]
I had about a 2 hr. block available to me today, and I spent it refining the foundations laid in my last bench session. To wit, the dentition is now completely roughed-in, as is the dessicated musculature of the left side of the face. On the right side, I roughed-in the temporal musculature, as well as the right orb. The latter is more at a dry run at this point, though the overall effect is just about spot-on.
Regrettably, that will conclude the despatches from the bench for the week. However, I will try to post any breaking news, developments, etc. as time permits and circumstances demand.
I had about a 2 hr. block available to me today, and I spent it refining the foundations laid in my last bench session. To wit, the dentition is now completely roughed-in, as is the dessicated musculature of the left side of the face. On the right side, I roughed-in the temporal musculature, as well as the right orb. The latter is more at a dry run at this point, though the overall effect is just about spot-on.
Regrettably, that will conclude the despatches from the bench for the week. However, I will try to post any breaking news, developments, etc. as time permits and circumstances demand.
24 March 2011
Maelstrom Games
My lady's birthday is just around the corner, so I took the opportunity to order her a couple of pieces she was rather taken with. This after she ordered the Terror of Fortriu for herself. . .
comprised of
and
Our first experience dealing with Maelstrom Games was all one could possibly hope or ask for. And I would venture to say that they are producing some of the finest miniatures anywhere in the world!!! And the readership is well-aware of how brutally critical I can be. . . In a time when we find ourselves settling for considerably less than we paid for, and underwriting a significant portion of the asking price without receiving due return, the gang at Maelstrom is a much needed breath--no, blast!--of fresh air. And they are a full-service hobby/wargaming shop as well: please take a stroll through their site.
ENJOY!!!
comprised of
and
Our first experience dealing with Maelstrom Games was all one could possibly hope or ask for. And I would venture to say that they are producing some of the finest miniatures anywhere in the world!!! And the readership is well-aware of how brutally critical I can be. . . In a time when we find ourselves settling for considerably less than we paid for, and underwriting a significant portion of the asking price without receiving due return, the gang at Maelstrom is a much needed breath--no, blast!--of fresh air. And they are a full-service hobby/wargaming shop as well: please take a stroll through their site.
ENJOY!!!
23 March 2011
Dr. Proteus Treves (SMOG 1888 #54)
I was recently perusing the Smart Max catalog to see if there was/were any piece/s that I might have been a tad hasty with in my initial judgment. When I reached Dr. Proteus Treves (SMOG 1888 #54), I could not believe I had dismissed this one so readily!!! The allusion to Joseph Merrick, the legendary “Elephant Man” was, of course, fairly obvious. But there was more. . . Treves--Sir Frederick Treves, 1st Baronet, renowned surgeon and Merrick’s attending physician--and friend. Though Merrick for the better part of the 20th c. was thought to have suffered from neurofibromatosis, in 1986 a theory was postulated that attributed his symptoms to Proteus Syndrome: shortly after the turn of the century, neurofibromatosis was restored as a contributory condition.
Hence Dr. Proteus Treves, who, in the SMOG 1888 canon, “became infected with one of his patients’ mysterious disease that started to horribly distort his body. When his frantic medical researches for a cure failed, he turned to the darkest magic. Yet, his unsufferable [sic] pain and increasing powers finally overcame the formerly devoted doctor Treves and led him to madness, turning his suffering into bittersweet pleasure and his fear into deep-rooted hatred. “
Of course, no such fate befell Sir Frederick, but what a brilliant spin and conflation! While I certainly do not have a problem with Smart Max’s development of the SMOG-verse—all to the contrary!—I do wish they would pursue more subjects along the path taken to create Treves: a bit of the historical + a dash of the fantasy, with a generous splash of the imaginative , to provide us with another inspired concoction.
This is one of the larger Smart Max pieces, well over 60mm to the top of the head—minus the bowler. It is also relatively massive. Cast in 10 pieces + the cobblestoned plinth, this is not only one of the more substantial SM offerings, it is also one of the more ambitious in terms of design and engineering, as we shall see when I launch this project.
All that remains is to heartily applaud Smart Max’s vision and execution. . . !!!!!
21 March 2011
Red Skull (Bust)--Prepwork: Phase (2)--The Skull, etc.
The work begins in earnest on the skull. . .
Let's face it, a "generic", anatomical skull is Modelling 101. The first thing I ever modelled was a gorilla skull, followed by the skull of a Neanderthal. And the skull handle on the swordstick in my first full- figure rendition of this Marvel super-villain was a stroll through the park! But a "living" skull. . . with sentient character. . . that's something else altogether. . . My first rendition was good, but hardly great: not quite "bony", angular enough--for my tastes at least. I intend to address some of these perceived shortcomings on this go-round.
Very little progress has been made since my last update--graphic or otherwise. I have reworked the dentition somewhat--in all probability not for the last time--and I have roughed in the raw, dessicated musculature of the right side of the lower half of the face.
Going forward, I will post updates via images.
In other areas, the RKwOL/S is approximately 60% done. This is a stand-alone item that will be fitted under the collar of the tunic. The insignias of the collar patches have been removed and await the forthcoming enhancements.
Let's face it, a "generic", anatomical skull is Modelling 101. The first thing I ever modelled was a gorilla skull, followed by the skull of a Neanderthal. And the skull handle on the swordstick in my first full- figure rendition of this Marvel super-villain was a stroll through the park! But a "living" skull. . . with sentient character. . . that's something else altogether. . . My first rendition was good, but hardly great: not quite "bony", angular enough--for my tastes at least. I intend to address some of these perceived shortcomings on this go-round.
Very little progress has been made since my last update--graphic or otherwise. I have reworked the dentition somewhat--in all probability not for the last time--and I have roughed in the raw, dessicated musculature of the right side of the lower half of the face.
Going forward, I will post updates via images.
In other areas, the RKwOL/S is approximately 60% done. This is a stand-alone item that will be fitted under the collar of the tunic. The insignias of the collar patches have been removed and await the forthcoming enhancements.
18 March 2011
"Ahab's Secret"--Preliminaries (4)
This is more of an "update" to work already underway rather than an introduction to any new developments. . .
- The neck/torso join has been finalized and I am delighted!!! All that was missing was the extension of the shirt collar to eliminate the dead space and address the disproportionate positioning of the head.
- I was hoping to avoid this, but the right thumb has been replaced with a piece of resin sprue. This will provide a much more realistic support to the lance, and hopefully allow me to avoid any post-painting/attachment modeling.
- The right arm has been permanently attached and the shoulder joint rebuilt. This, in conjunction with the repositioned head, makes for a remarkable difference! There is still some finishing and fairing to do, but this will be minor in nature.
- The harpoon has been reworked. The two-flue head, with its extended beards, was a disaster looking for a place (and time!) to happen, so I decided to replace the shaft with a length of [steel] music wire.
Finishing and assembly await. - Height of the crown of the hat reduced by ~ a third. PERFECT!
17 March 2011
"Ahab's Secret"--Graphic Update
An overview of the work done to date on the figure. . .
Note that no secondary piece has been permanently attached. The final position of the lance has yet to be set, and it is merely balanced at its center of gravity: it will not be permanently attached until the figure is mounted on its display base.
Other than that, any questions or comments. . . fire away!
FOLLOW-UP . . . The images are harsh in their detraction of the length of the neck! While the neck is undoubtedly long, the slightly oversized head and narrow shoulders do nothing to mitigate the visual discordance. Admittedly the coffin is not present to serve as a counter-balance to the apparent disproportions; nonetheless, short of resculpting the head, there is little that one can do. . .
I have decided to shorten the neck; or, set it deeper in its socket: the finished rework is now curing in the oven. While far from perfect, the difference is quite remarkable, and once the coffin is attached, the effect should be just about spot-on.
FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . In the course of fitting the right arm, it became plainly evident that the right "shoulder" was significantly narrower than the left. This would have been effectively camouflaged by the cross, and the reduced clavicular span may in fact have been intentional to accommodate the thickness of the artifact; however, without the cross, the accommodation becomes problematic. Thus, I have decided to permanently attach the right arm, and build up the shoulder joint.
Note that no secondary piece has been permanently attached. The final position of the lance has yet to be set, and it is merely balanced at its center of gravity: it will not be permanently attached until the figure is mounted on its display base.
Other than that, any questions or comments. . . fire away!
FOLLOW-UP . . . The images are harsh in their detraction of the length of the neck! While the neck is undoubtedly long, the slightly oversized head and narrow shoulders do nothing to mitigate the visual discordance. Admittedly the coffin is not present to serve as a counter-balance to the apparent disproportions; nonetheless, short of resculpting the head, there is little that one can do. . .
I have decided to shorten the neck; or, set it deeper in its socket: the finished rework is now curing in the oven. While far from perfect, the difference is quite remarkable, and once the coffin is attached, the effect should be just about spot-on.
FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . In the course of fitting the right arm, it became plainly evident that the right "shoulder" was significantly narrower than the left. This would have been effectively camouflaged by the cross, and the reduced clavicular span may in fact have been intentional to accommodate the thickness of the artifact; however, without the cross, the accommodation becomes problematic. Thus, I have decided to permanently attach the right arm, and build up the shoulder joint.
16 March 2011
"Ahab's Secret"--Preliminaries (3)
Clean-up has begun in earnest. In addition to finding and then tracing the very faint seamlines 
, much of this involves undercutting the somewhat "soft" delineations where two distinct pieces of fabric meet: hardly difficult (anyone with a moderate amount of Historex experience will be in familiar territory); but the process can't be rushed.
In addition, I have begun work on the coffin. Most of this involves scribing through where the sections meet without actually dismantling the box--all save for the bottom panel, which has already been removed and finished. More on this definitely to follow.
The figure is being prepared to be painted unassembled. I might decide to attach the right arm if there are issues with the join, but at his point this does not seem likely. The head will definitely be painted separately, and then attached before proceeding with the crown of the hat.
More to follow. . .
, much of this involves undercutting the somewhat "soft" delineations where two distinct pieces of fabric meet: hardly difficult (anyone with a moderate amount of Historex experience will be in familiar territory); but the process can't be rushed.In addition, I have begun work on the coffin. Most of this involves scribing through where the sections meet without actually dismantling the box--all save for the bottom panel, which has already been removed and finished. More on this definitely to follow.
The figure is being prepared to be painted unassembled. I might decide to attach the right arm if there are issues with the join, but at his point this does not seem likely. The head will definitely be painted separately, and then attached before proceeding with the crown of the hat.
More to follow. . .
14 March 2011
"Ahab's Secret"--Preliminaries (2)
Re: the title of this posting--and thread--this is but a working title that might change before it's all said and done. The final title will largely depend on how the background story develops--and IF I can pull off a slick bit of SFX. . . but that is still quite a ways away. . .
The evolution of this piece is far exceeding expectations--both in results and time invested. Assuming I can maintain this rate--and the Muses cooperate, it should be ready for priming in a few weeks!
Since my last follow-up yesterday evening, I have filled and Phase 1-refinished the join of the detached [left] leg: the figure is now pegged and mounted on its work-base. I have also decided to discard the cross, and remove what appears to be a missal (or some like book) attached to the hatband--neither item quite "fits" with the persona of Ahab. The "missal" will simply be ground-off and the hatband carefully restored [DONE!].
The cross, however, a rather prominent "prop", would appear a bit more problematic. I decided to replace it with a whaler's lance--a very "special" lance as we shall see. This has already been [all-but] completed using a length of 1/16" d. brass rod, with the character- istic leaf-shaped head hammered flat and shaped with sanding disk; and the socket formed from MS, and shaped with file and sanding disk. Fitting is more or less done, but will be revisited before priming to make sure all is as it should be.
All that will then remain to be done on Ahab will be the embellishment of his pegleg. I am considering adding 2-3 columns of sperm whale- teeth tips as an overt nod to the "alternate" nature of this depiction.
Pics to follow. . .
The evolution of this piece is far exceeding expectations--both in results and time invested. Assuming I can maintain this rate--and the Muses cooperate, it should be ready for priming in a few weeks!
Since my last follow-up yesterday evening, I have filled and Phase 1-refinished the join of the detached [left] leg: the figure is now pegged and mounted on its work-base. I have also decided to discard the cross, and remove what appears to be a missal (or some like book) attached to the hatband--neither item quite "fits" with the persona of Ahab. The "missal" will simply be ground-off and the hatband carefully restored [DONE!].
The cross, however, a rather prominent "prop", would appear a bit more problematic. I decided to replace it with a whaler's lance--a very "special" lance as we shall see. This has already been [all-but] completed using a length of 1/16" d. brass rod, with the character- istic leaf-shaped head hammered flat and shaped with sanding disk; and the socket formed from MS, and shaped with file and sanding disk. Fitting is more or less done, but will be revisited before priming to make sure all is as it should be.
All that will then remain to be done on Ahab will be the embellishment of his pegleg. I am considering adding 2-3 columns of sperm whale- teeth tips as an overt nod to the "alternate" nature of this depiction.
Pics to follow. . .
12 March 2011
Smart Max--The Reverend Dudley
You might say that this is the piece that started it all--it being a rekindling of a life long interest in Victorian alternate realities. . . with me at least. . .
And yet I am hard-pressed to label the Reverend Dudley as a Steam- punk figure. Gothic, yes; but not Steampunk. Contextually, it is an undeniable cog in the "Smog 1888" canon; but as a stand-alone figure, there any number of options at the disposal of the adventurous miniaturist. . .
When I first saw this figure, I immediately felt the compelling "call of the wretched sea." Thus, while only having this figure since the last Atlanta Show when it was graciously presented as a gift, I knew that someday this figure would be the base for a Gothic [re-]interpreta- tion of Melville's Ahab.
Regardless of whether one likes the figures or the subject-matter, one can not help but admire the art and craft of Smart Max! And the Rev. Dudley is quintessential SM!! The kit is comprised of 18 crisply cast pieces + the now de rigeur cobblestoned plinth. "So?", you ask. Well the figure itself is essentially one-piece, with only the right arm and the head cast separately. All but four (harpoon [2], cross, and right arm) of the remaining 15 pieces are dedicated to the coffin of the Reverend's wife! Casting quality is overall VG++, with only the occasional air-bubble marring an otherwise pristine casting.
So much for the review. If you like the figure as is, you will not be disappointed!!!
On to the project. I am barely into it, so bear with me if you would. To date, I have filled the aforementioned "occasional air-bubbles". I have also removed the subject's left leg mid-thigh, and roughed-in what will be Ahab's new "poser". Finally, using heat, I have reworked the "hang" of the left side of the coat's skirt.
This will be a long-term project, so progress will be sporadic at best--for now. . .
FOLLOW-UP . . . The way things are going, I might be ready to permanently reattach the left leg by this evening. As I write, the figure is in the oven with the reworked [left] pant leg curing, along with the extended coat tail. Once I finish the leg and coat tail, and check the fit of the coffin, I will decide whether to extend the length of the coat for the full 360° (this is the direction in which I am leaning). Finally, I've trimmed down the beard on the ol' Reverend and have begun tweaking the facial features some.
FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . The leg and coat-tails are now80% 90% finished and the leg is ready to be has been permanently reattached. The coffin has also been fitted.
And yet I am hard-pressed to label the Reverend Dudley as a Steam- punk figure. Gothic, yes; but not Steampunk. Contextually, it is an undeniable cog in the "Smog 1888" canon; but as a stand-alone figure, there any number of options at the disposal of the adventurous miniaturist. . .
When I first saw this figure, I immediately felt the compelling "call of the wretched sea." Thus, while only having this figure since the last Atlanta Show when it was graciously presented as a gift, I knew that someday this figure would be the base for a Gothic [re-]interpreta- tion of Melville's Ahab.
Regardless of whether one likes the figures or the subject-matter, one can not help but admire the art and craft of Smart Max! And the Rev. Dudley is quintessential SM!! The kit is comprised of 18 crisply cast pieces + the now de rigeur cobblestoned plinth. "So?", you ask. Well the figure itself is essentially one-piece, with only the right arm and the head cast separately. All but four (harpoon [2], cross, and right arm) of the remaining 15 pieces are dedicated to the coffin of the Reverend's wife! Casting quality is overall VG++, with only the occasional air-bubble marring an otherwise pristine casting.
So much for the review. If you like the figure as is, you will not be disappointed!!!
On to the project. I am barely into it, so bear with me if you would. To date, I have filled the aforementioned "occasional air-bubbles". I have also removed the subject's left leg mid-thigh, and roughed-in what will be Ahab's new "poser". Finally, using heat, I have reworked the "hang" of the left side of the coat's skirt.
This will be a long-term project, so progress will be sporadic at best--for now. . .
FOLLOW-UP . . . The way things are going, I might be ready to permanently reattach the left leg by this evening. As I write, the figure is in the oven with the reworked [left] pant leg curing, along with the extended coat tail. Once I finish the leg and coat tail, and check the fit of the coffin, I will decide whether to extend the length of the coat for the full 360° (this is the direction in which I am leaning). Finally, I've trimmed down the beard on the ol' Reverend and have begun tweaking the facial features some.
FOLLOW-UP (2) . . . The leg and coat-tails are now
09 March 2011
Red Skull #2--Preliminaries (1)
Well, with ongoing weather-related connectivity issues, it afforded me some general bench-time. And it was well-spent familiarizing myself with the kit, and getting the project underway. . .
- Assembled the legs and filled the seam
- Removed the electrodes(?) from the boots
- Roughed-in the cranium on the head
- Finished filling the unnecessary accessory attachment points
- Provisionally pegged the lower legs/boots
- Pegged the head
I foresee a couple more of these "head-start sessions" before putting the kit away until the release of the movie this Summer. . .
07 March 2011
HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!
On this Merry Monday, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you wherever you might be, but especially mes amis à la Nouvelle-Orléans!--a HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
Laissez les bons temps rouler, che'!!!
Laissez les bons temps rouler, che'!!!
REVIEW-Hauptsturmführer Konrad von Kardsten
"The dark Captain von Kardsten is the commanding officer of the infamous Kommando Parsifal, the armed wing of the Okkultbüro.
Although the very existence of the Kommando Parsifal has never been documented, its men are rumoured to have been the very first to set foot on Thule."
As always, great stuff from Smart Max! The question now is: do we do him stock? Or do we adapt him to some character from Hellboy?? Or. . .
Hauptsturmführer Konrad von Kardsten is a character from Smart Max's Mauser Earth line. Originally offered as a 1/35th scale offering, the 150mm version was released late last year, the third 1/12th scale offering from Smart Max. Interestingly, the 150mm figures appear to be a collaborative effort between Smart Max and DESkit. While not being privy to the particulars, it would appear that DESkit is doing the casting work in these larger scales, as the figure is cast in an olive green resin.
The kit is comprised of 24 crisply cast pieces. One will encounter some air holes, but nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, I am very pleased with the evinced production quality! While somewhat "simplistic", if you will--the kit definitely has a "polystyrene figure- model feel" to it, in this scale it is an open invitation to let your hair down, and have some fun hyper-detailing!
But, alas, not for me. What prompted me to acquire this figure were the first images of the Red Skull from the forthcoming Marvel movie event: this will be the base figure in my rendition of Hugo Weaving as Herr Johann Schmidt, Der Rote Schädel.
Preliminary work is underway, but I don't expect to get rolling on this piece until late Summer at the earliest.
Although the very existence of the Kommando Parsifal has never been documented, its men are rumoured to have been the very first to set foot on Thule."
As always, great stuff from Smart Max! The question now is: do we do him stock? Or do we adapt him to some character from Hellboy?? Or. . .
Hauptsturmführer Konrad von Kardsten is a character from Smart Max's Mauser Earth line. Originally offered as a 1/35th scale offering, the 150mm version was released late last year, the third 1/12th scale offering from Smart Max. Interestingly, the 150mm figures appear to be a collaborative effort between Smart Max and DESkit. While not being privy to the particulars, it would appear that DESkit is doing the casting work in these larger scales, as the figure is cast in an olive green resin.
The kit is comprised of 24 crisply cast pieces. One will encounter some air holes, but nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, I am very pleased with the evinced production quality! While somewhat "simplistic", if you will--the kit definitely has a "polystyrene figure- model feel" to it, in this scale it is an open invitation to let your hair down, and have some fun hyper-detailing!
But, alas, not for me. What prompted me to acquire this figure were the first images of the Red Skull from the forthcoming Marvel movie event: this will be the base figure in my rendition of Hugo Weaving as Herr Johann Schmidt, Der Rote Schädel.
Preliminary work is underway, but I don't expect to get rolling on this piece until late Summer at the earliest.
04 March 2011
The Golem
This is Smart Max's The Golem from their "Smog 1888" series, splendidly rendered by my lady, Cris. . .
"[The] Witches of the Wheel have the ability to summon the forces of Nature. The Golem is a most powerful Earth elemental, yet in London, Nature can be surprisingly twisted. 'Corrupted', as the most conservative Ancestors would say. Nonetheless, a few bold witches led by Nibaba claim that the city's singularity is to be used against the enemies of Nature. Raised from the pavement and the sewers, the Golem is the massive, fearless assertion of that radical strategy."--Smog 1888
Cris took a multi-media approach to this challenging piece, using acrylics, oils, and metallic powders to achieve the results before you. She also found period broadsheets on-line, reduced them in size, and stained them in tea (what else?
). The nameplate was modelled and lettered by her, and features Hebrew graffiti spelling "Golem". Finally, the activating word, "emet", in Hebrew, is perfectly legible on the tiny piece of parchment spiked to the top of the Golem's head.
Steampunk is alive and well in the Rodríguez-Foley household!!!
ENJOY!!!
"[The] Witches of the Wheel have the ability to summon the forces of Nature. The Golem is a most powerful Earth elemental, yet in London, Nature can be surprisingly twisted. 'Corrupted', as the most conservative Ancestors would say. Nonetheless, a few bold witches led by Nibaba claim that the city's singularity is to be used against the enemies of Nature. Raised from the pavement and the sewers, the Golem is the massive, fearless assertion of that radical strategy."--Smog 1888
Cris took a multi-media approach to this challenging piece, using acrylics, oils, and metallic powders to achieve the results before you. She also found period broadsheets on-line, reduced them in size, and stained them in tea (what else?
). The nameplate was modelled and lettered by her, and features Hebrew graffiti spelling "Golem". Finally, the activating word, "emet", in Hebrew, is perfectly legible on the tiny piece of parchment spiked to the top of the Golem's head.Steampunk is alive and well in the Rodríguez-Foley household!!!
ENJOY!!!
03 March 2011
Red Skull preview. . . FF #2?
Just got home from work to discover this image plastered all over the Web . . . just a slight exaggeration. . .
This is, of course, the first "high res" shot of Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt, bka The Red Skull, from the highly-anticipated Summer release of Captain America: The First Avenger.
The fanboys are raising the hue-and-cry on both sides of the fence. Fortunately, I believe most are enthusiastically favorable in their comments. I know I am! Yes, I will agree with some of the detractors with regard to the "futuristic" costume--a little too; and the expunging of Nazi insignia on the person of Herr Schmidt. BUT. . . depending on how they handle the HYDRA connection, and the time/storyline, this might be but a quibble when it's all said and done.
So. . . what do YOU think? Is it a "PASS"? Or are you reduced to unintelligible groans in your disappointment??
One I thing I do know. . . this image has me seriously thinking about Red Skull Full Figure #2. Whereas my first rendition was hard-line historical fantasy; this one would attempt to recreate the character from the movie.
We'll see. . .
PS--And the figure I have in mind for this conversion is on its way. . . more to follow!
This is, of course, the first "high res" shot of Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt, bka The Red Skull, from the highly-anticipated Summer release of Captain America: The First Avenger.
The fanboys are raising the hue-and-cry on both sides of the fence. Fortunately, I believe most are enthusiastically favorable in their comments. I know I am! Yes, I will agree with some of the detractors with regard to the "futuristic" costume--a little too; and the expunging of Nazi insignia on the person of Herr Schmidt. BUT. . . depending on how they handle the HYDRA connection, and the time/storyline, this might be but a quibble when it's all said and done.
So. . . what do YOU think? Is it a "PASS"? Or are you reduced to unintelligible groans in your disappointment??
One I thing I do know. . . this image has me seriously thinking about Red Skull Full Figure #2. Whereas my first rendition was hard-line historical fantasy; this one would attempt to recreate the character from the movie.
We'll see. . .
PS--And the figure I have in mind for this conversion is on its way. . . more to follow!
01 March 2011
Batwoman--The Project
As I mentioned in the introductory posting/review, to date I have reduced the height of the pedestal by half, and I have roughed-in the "horned" mask à la Huntress.
The seeming simplicity of this conversion belies its complexity. There are four items that must be addressed for this to succeed:
The cape: As it is part of the cowl in the usual BG costume, it must be modded so that it is attached at the shoulders/just below the clavicles. [NOTE: I am currently undecided: it will depend upon which illustration/tor I base my depiction.]
The "bat": Aside from the mask, the most conspicuous mod. Not only is it red, but it is of a bolder, more dominant design.
The seeming simplicity of this conversion belies its complexity. There are four items that must be addressed for this to succeed:
- the mask
- the hair
- the cape
- the bat logo
The cape: As it is part of the cowl in the usual BG costume, it must be modded so that it is attached at the shoulders/just below the clavicles. [NOTE: I am currently undecided: it will depend upon which illustration/tor I base my depiction.]
The "bat": Aside from the mask, the most conspicuous mod. Not only is it red, but it is of a bolder, more dominant design.
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