Carol Peletier - Eaglemoss' TWD

Carol Peletier, played by Melissa McBride, is one of my favorite characters in AMC's TWD! And given the longevity--to say nothing of the evolution!--of her character, Eaglemoss could have gone any number ways in their design selection. They opted for her appearance in season 5's sixth episode, "Consumed"--and I applaud their decision!

So what about the figure itself? The figure is comprised of 3(!) total pieces (body, rifle/hands, and base), and the overall casting quality is some of the best yet seen, though admittedly a smidge on the 'soft' side overall. Where the consumer is let-down hard is the subtle detail and flow of the design being obscured by the layered, inordinately heavy paint application. On the plus side, the paint used is much more responsive to the "purple bath" with discernible results in less than an hour; nevertheless, given that these are sold as pre-painted collectibles, this is a serious "miss".
 

As to the TDL, this is what I anticipate being required to have the figure do the subject justice:

• Rework M16A4 as needed (nb: save for the sling, the rifle is remarkably well done!).
• Rework the Dr. Martens' Phina boots.
• Sharpen/restore/add detail where required--mostly, here and there.

Stay tuned!

FOLLOW-UP 25.06.16. . . In my sample, the rifle was primed white. The primer is very hard, and very solvent-resistant--and quite thick. It will come off, but patience is the key. You will probably need to help it along with some targeted scrubbing.

UPDATE 02.07.16. . . The rifle is now stripped clean. Much to my surprise, the rifle is cast in white metal! While this ensures survivability, the casting is relatively crude. I will try to find a suitable replacement weapon--in whole or in part; but if unsuccessful, I do not think it will be a "deal-breaker". 
 
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Moebius' Death Dealer -- Available for Pre-order!

Steve Iverson at CultTVMan has just placed Moebius' Death Dealer on Pre-Order!

And in so-doing he has cleared some lingering questions. . . Scale: 1/10th. MSRP: $69.95. Steve is offering it at a little over 20% off. 

The only remaining question is the actual release date. Steve has a projected release date of "late 2016", which is fair.

UPDATE 16.10.16. . . MM's display at the SDCC 2016 indicated a revised release date of Q1, 2017.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Jon Snow - Painting: Priming

The bust is now primed! The head has yet to be attached, as the neck and undersides of the hair will be painted off-torso. Once these are painted, and the "collar" and neckband are painted on the torso, I will complete assembly of the main components. 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Jon Snow - Prepwork: DONE!

It has been a trying and difficult fortnight: today has been the first day since the 25th that the bench has seen my shadow! 

Jon Snow is now effectively done! The final hurdle was tackled today: the fitting of Longclaw's hilt. The fit of the grip was too random to suit my tastes, especially as the proximal cut-off end of the grip had to merge seamlessly with the underside of the bust. I actually entertained leaving the grip off! But it is such an iconic identifier, that I had to keep it--in spite of the fact that there is no way that it would ride that high on Snow's torso! 

There are still some minor points of finishing detail to address, but nothing that should take longer than an hour or two, give or take.

Stay tuned!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Moebius' Death Dealer -- First visual impressions

I was going to "critique" the assembled and finished model based on David Fisher's build-up, but I wanted to wait until the readership had had the opportunity to see the build-up and hopefully read Dave Dorman's incisive comments.

I am right there with Mr. Dorman re: the Hell-mount! There is a volumetric disconnect between the rider and the steed that very nearly ruins the synergy of the piece. Also, some of the "short-cuts" taken by the sculptor (e.g., the mail), and the disregard of the spatial composition and overall "mass"-cum-"presence" of the subject preclude this being a "must have" offering.

That being said, depending on how perceptive ("anal"?) you might be, all this might be much ado about nothing. I will admit that I am not quite as enthused as I was six months ago; but neither am I ready to turn my back on what will undoubtedly be a classic in the history of polystyrene kits! I fully intend to get this kit as soon as it is available, and my saws, cutters, and at least a pound of putty will be ready for the significant and rather intensive restorative surgery that lies ahead. . .

Stay tuned! 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Moebius' rendition of a Frazetta CLASSIC! - UPDATE!

I am delighted to report that the journey's end appears to be fast upon us!

Those of you lucky enough to be attending WONDERFEST this weekend will get to see the incomparable David Fisher's build-up of the iconic Death Dealer at the Moebius booth.

Release date? No word yet, but I have to believe it will be sooner than later! 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003