Jim Lawson style custom Michelangelo action figure

[Plasticplayhouse]

The past few months I have been re-reading many of my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. The City at War arch in particular is one of my most favorites. The entire C@W series was penciled by Jim Lawson who is probably the only person to have possibly drawn more of the turtles than even Eastman and Laird.

Recently I commissioned Jim to draw me a picture of all four turtles, which he did an amazing job on. I was so inspired by my commissioned piece that I decided to make my own Jim Lawson styled Ninja Turtle action figure.

I began with a 2007 TMNT movie Raphael which I shaved down in order to sculpt the new details with an epoxy clay. As you can see in the work in progress shots, about 90% of the figure was resculpted. The nunchucks were crafted from wooden dowels and wire. The belt was made from vinyl.

While Leo and Donnie are my personal favorites, Mikey doesn’t always get the respect he deserves, so I chose him.

I showed the pics to Jim himself and he said, “he was impressed” and “you made my day”. In turn, him being pleased with my rendition of his art made my day!

Michelangelo (Jim Lawson style)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl12.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl11.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jl10.jpg

Mikey stands 6" tall and has aprox 13 points of articulation :)

For those who are unfamiliar with his art, here is a pic for reference.
NOTE: this is not the piece he did for me. This is a pre existing piece Jim has posted on his website. I only used it as a good style and color reference.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jlref.jpg

[Plasticplayhouse]

Some before and during shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/review_tmnt_2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jlwip1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/FUGAYZIE/jlwip2.jpg

[Powder]

Oh. My. God.

THAT IS AWESOME. Accurate as hell. I want one. Jim's gonna sh*t a brick.

[Luzmagica]

^ 100% agree!!!! That is an Awesome great work!!!!!!
:o:o:o:o:o :tthumbsu::tthumbsu::tthumbsu:

[VaughnMichael]

Really well done!
What type of epoxy clay are you using?

[Archon_Turtle]

really amazing.

[ToTheNines]

DUDE! That is great.

I scoffed when I read the thread title, didn't think it'd look good at all. But you just blew my mind, that rocks.

[Candy Kappa]

that is so freaking amazing, awesome!

[koenne]

This is really good !!! I'd buy one if they where on the shelves .
Cowabunga !

[Jester]

That is sweet. Glad Jim was flattered, cause that's awesome.

[Lordmylar06]

You've done something incredible here... this is what I would want from a "Classics" TMNT action figure line, artist accurate sculpts of the TMNT that are incredibly stylized and unmistakably sculpted after the design of those artists. Congratulations on a job very well done.

[drasgow]

that's flipping amazing. impressive, most impressive.

[Dragnskull]

WHY DO THEY NOT MASS PRODUCE SOMETHING LIKE THIS FOR US TO WASTE MONEY ON!?

I WANT ONE I WANT ONE I WANT ONE!

...i take that back

I WANT ALL 4

[Plasticplayhouse]

Really well done!
What type of epoxy clay are you using?

aves apoxie sculpt


Wow, thanks everyone for the kind words! i didnt think it would get this kind of response. this project was so much fun that i might do a few other artist renditions in the future. if i had to say right now...i'd say Veitch and Farley are the two i'd like to attempt first.

[Jester]

Ohh...Farley would be awesome. A quartet of Turtles one by a different artist would rock!

[Samhain]

OH. MY! .:o

I want one. Seriously, this is just great. I love Lawson's style and you did a fantastic job on this.

[Master Splinter]

OH. MY! .:o

I want one. Seriously, this is just great. I love Lawson's style and you did a fantastic job on this.

I have to echo everyone's statements. This is mighty fine craftsmanship here.

-ms

[Topsu]

I can't say anything that hasn't been said yet, but this is still awesome. I really hope we would get these kind of figures.

[rufus]

That is amazing. 8)

[Plasticplayhouse]

Great news!!! i offered it up to Jim as a gift and he accepted!!! that's so awesome! a true TMNT legend will proudly own & display one of my customs! Shredder said it best, "money can not buy the honor bestowed here today"

[A little *too* Raph]

Friggin AWESOME.

In for 4 :)

[Samhain]

Great news!!! i offered it up to Jim as a gift and he accepted!!! that's so awesome! a true TMNT legend will proudly own & display one of my customs! Shredder said it best, "money can not buy the honor bestowed here today"

The question I have is, would you be willing to take on a commission? I would seriously consider buying one from you to display with my Lawson commission.:)

[Roseangelo]

This is really amazing work! Great job!

And this is also the exact kind of action figure I was longing to see while Playmates kept pumping out Music Turtles. :trazz:

[plastroncafe]

Wow!
Saw pictures of your work up on Lawson's facebook page and figured if anyone would know who the artist was...The 'Drome would.

Un-freakin-believable work.

[The Fifth Turtle]

AND mind blown

[Ulisses31]

Very accurate, impressive!!!!!!

[Dragnskull]

The question I have is, would you be willing to take on a commission? I would seriously consider buying one from you to display with my Lawson commission.:)

I was thinking the same thing. I've never commissioned anything before but this is something i would love to have and would seriously consider.

If by chance you WOULD accept commission(s), shoot me a pm about a 4 set

[TheCanadiandrome]

very cool! i like it allot

[Powder]

The question I have is, would you be willing to take on a commission? I would seriously consider buying one from you to display with my Lawson commission.:)

I was thinking the same thing. I've never commissioned anything before but this is something i would love to have and would seriously consider.

If by chance you WOULD accept commission(s), shoot me a pm about a 4 set

I'd like to echo these sentiments. I'm curious if you'd do it. Though I'm saving for some stuff right now I'd love to get one down the line.

[oldmanwinters]

Great Googly-Moogly!

The resemblance is uncanny!

[***The One True Shredder***]

How long ago did you start this project?

[mysterycolor]

i'm floored by the detail and accuracy! that custom work is absolutely amazing- very very well done :) hope to see more from you!

[AcidBurn30]

that's really good :) i want to add this to my collection

[Slap-Happy]

Goodness gracious! This is amazing!

[Spitfire]

Very cool. I'd have bought one of these if they were ever made. Even better then the comic turtles Playmates had planned.

[Demon-Alukard]

This is SOOOO frikking awesome! I'm a huge fan of Jim Lawson, and this custom looks just amazing!!!

If you are going to make the comissions, put me in your list~!

[Marksenad]

That is Amazing! Crafted extremely well.

[Donnie]

Truly AMAZING work dude! Put me on the commissions list if you wind up taking some on. Wow! Such awesome accuracy. I saw this on Lawson's FB and figured it would blow up on the Drome! Again, excellent job.

[Plasticplayhouse]

How long ago did you start this project?

i started it the day i saw my commission posted on Jim's FaceBook. it was so awesome that it planted the seed of inspiration! if i tally up the actual man hours...i'd say about 10-11 hours NOT including drying times for the apoxy clay. i am only able to squeez in a half hour/hour every couple days or so over the past few weeks. though, this project really drew me in so there was a day or two where i was able to squeez in an extra hour of customizing time.



OMG, I never imagined the level of response I’ve gotten on this! I have 9 people interested in commissions! Its very flattering. Unfortunately I will not be taking any commissions for these. With a family and a busy job, I just don’t have the time. Not to mention that I have a few other styles I want to try my hand at. If I ever make any more Lawson styled turtles, I’ll let you guys know :)

Mikey is currently on his way to Jim. I presented it to him as a gift and he accepted. I figured what better person to have it than the man who inspired it :)

Thank you all for your very kind comments. i truly appreciate them. hopefully i can repay those comments in the near future with another cool custom ;)

[***The One True Shredder***]

I'm really curious to know whether or not the Raphael used as the base was bought from me on ebay recently. This project doesn't seem like it would take all that long to do provided the person already had the materials, not to mention the practice and talent (which to me is a given).

[Powder]

I'm really curious to know whether or not the Raphael used as the base was bought from me on ebay recently.

As am I, as you bought it from me...

[Jester]

And you bought it from....wait...no you didn't. Never mind.

[Plasticplayhouse]

i picked raph up off ebay back in October (i think) i was originally going to use it for a different project that just sat and sat and sat.... the pic i provided was some generic pic of the web.

[mysterycolor]

I'm really curious to know whether or not the Raphael used as the base was bought from me on ebay recently. This project doesn't seem like it would take all that long to do provided the person already had the materials, not to mention the practice and talent (which to me is a given).

As am I, as you bought it from me...

And you bought it from....wait...no you didn't. Never mind.

i picked raph up off ebay back in October (i think) i was originally going to use it for a different project that just sat and sat and sat.... the pic i provided was some generic pic of the web.

it's amazingly difficult to tell each one apart just by looking... but once you sit down at talk with them you'll have no problem at all :)

[psychoandy]

While I'm not a big fan of Lawson's work compared to other TMNT artists, this is a fantastic concept for a custom, and an even better execution than I expected, when I saw the topic title.

Great work, man. And congratulations on impressing Mr. Lawson!

[TheMasterTurtle]

While I'm not a big fan of Lawson's work compared to other TMNT artists, this is a fantastic concept for a custom, and an even better execution than I expected, when I saw the topic title.

Great work, man. And congratulations on impressing Mr. Lawson!

I also am not the largest fan of his style. I do admire him for his work and dedication to the turtles however. This is a beautiful sculpture though. I say that because aside from using a pre existing figure as a base he is completely original. Why make more headaches by trying to make your own articulation when you can just sculpt over something else.

PPH, your work is inspiring and top notch. keep it up!

[twopinacoladas]

Amazing job, I saw the pics when Jim posted em on facebook really accurate to his style to :)

[Dragnskull]

Not taking comissions huh? well then...

*starts slapping play-doh together*

[Eiko]

That really is amazing mate. :)

[***The One True Shredder***]

i picked raph up off ebay back in October (i think) i was originally going to use it for a different project that just sat and sat and sat.... the pic i provided was some generic pic of the web.

Are you going to start buying up 2007 movie figures (the basic style turtles) for these? If so, how much are you looking to pay per figure including shipping? Do they need to have any weapons, or even their belts? I'm asking because I'll keep you in mind when I buy lots if the price you're willing to pay doesn't cause me to incur a loss.

[Plasticplayhouse]

Are you going to start buying up 2007 movie figures (the basic style turtles) for these? If so, how much are you looking to pay per figure including shipping? Do they need to have any weapons, or even their belts? I'm asking because I'll keep you in mind when I buy lots if the price you're willing to pay doesn't cause me to incur a loss.

Thanks for keeping me in mind.

The 2007 figures seem to be the best all-around with body style and articulation. A neca or two might come in handy but they can get pricey. I don't need weapons or belts, just the turtle with bandana straps in tact. I'd be willing to pay between $4-$7 per figure, though I don't need that many. Ill probably start with just two to see how it goes. Allison is currently checking to see if she has any available.

[***The One True Shredder***]

Allison is currently checking to see if she has any available.

I understand.

[raven6859]

I'm a tad late to this, but that looks amazing, I wouldn't have thought it possible for such a distinct style of art to be transformed into three dimensions so accurately. It's just perfect.

[Lordmylar06]

I hope we don't have to wait too long to see what else you have up your sleeves as far as your customizing goes! :D

[Plasticplayhouse]

I hope we don't have to wait too long to see what else you have up your sleeves as far as your customizing goes! :D

well i've started turtle rendition #2. i've shaved down the base figure and sculpted the shell thus far. hopefully i can get a little more sculpting work done tonight. dont want to give any clues to who's rendition i'm attempting...key word being attempting lol, we'll see if it pans out.

[Jester]

If this attempt is as spot on as the Lawson one was...I'm sure "attempt" is just an attempt to be humble. :D

[Powder]

For some reason my gut says Farley, but that's probably a far cry. I look forward to seeing it, whatever it is.

[Zachatello00]

I love it when people prove that playmates COULD do a better job. Great work bud! can't wait to see what you have next.

[nevermore]

WOW! Can't wait to see more of your work.

[Ground Pounder]

You didn't just set the bar higher. You took the bar down, pointed a 9mm at the competition and said, "Come get it, if you are bad enough."

[AquaParade]

Awesome job, dude! Would love to see all four. Maybe by the time you finished them, I'd be rich enough to offer you a price you couldn't refuse for them! Not likely, sadly.

Great looking figure!

[Uki]

You even got the Lawson squiggles in there! I LOVE it!!!

[Dragnskull]

I keep throwing money at the screen but nothing happens =/

[Rooish]

Gotta chime in. This figure is exceptional! Love Lawson's Turtle style.

[strawberryfields]

Way Cool!



****ing character limit

[Dark_Warrior]

looks brilliant, makes me wish i want to have ago at it myself

[BigApple3AM]

I've checked out all your customs and they're all great, but I think this one is still your masterpiece. Absolutely excellent job!

[Andy Christ]

I love this custom too!!:tcool:

[Mr.Turtle]

the body proportions good; would be better if the muscles look less pointed...n the skin colors brighter...

[Jester]

would be better if the muscles look less pointed.
Someone hasn't seen a lot of Jim Lawson style art, have they?

[zkarlette]

It's really incredible workmanship! :)

[TurtleTitan97]

Well done dude, this looks great!

[Jasper-X]

amazing job

[TMNT-Collector]

this is one of the best ive seen, are you planning on making the other turtles as well?

[milesflex]

looks great, that is awesome!

[Nickokapo]

I love this one :tlove: looks like he jumped straight out of the comic.

[turtles_kolektor]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6ghom3byO1qi7t8bo2_500.jpg

[Nickokapo]

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/newuploads/nh314.gif
jizz lawson

[D-Nizzy]

That's amazing- fantastic sculpting, flawless paint apps, love it!

[Plasticplayhouse]

wow, this was resurrected from the grave. thanks guys :)

[grungethemovie]

and why not yet again? :tgrin:
this lawson custom is superb!

[Plasticplayhouse]

and why not yet again? :tgrin:
this lawson custom is superb!

thanks! stay tuned. i've got another artist style turtle coming down the pike in the next 48 hours :) who will it be??? only clue is that the artists work was done durring volume 1.

[HotJuicyBurgers]

thanks! stay tuned. i've got another artist style turtle coming down the pike in the next 48 hours :) who will it be??? only clue is that the artists work was done durring volume 1.

Michael Dooney?

[Plasticplayhouse]

Michael Dooney?

not including E&L, there are 14 artists who've done vol 1 issues. so far i have made 4 out of those 14...soon to be 5. that leaves a lot of room for guessing :)

[arizvega]

Cool i wish i had those action figures...

[frank_one]

Laird, Eastman, Corben, Veitch, Dooney are among the missing. I'd love to see one based on one of those. You've already done one custom based on Zulli's and it is probably the best one you've done so far, why isn't it with the other four turtles in your signature pic?

Is there a topic that contains ALL your customs? I'm afraid I could've missed some of them.

[turtles_kolektor]

Richard Corben hmm? :)

[grungethemovie]

can't wait!!:tgrin:

btw, aren't you on figure realm?
(i only ask cause it's an easy way to organize all your customs in one page instead of a bunch of separate threads)

[Plasticplayhouse]

can't wait!!:tgrin:

btw, aren't you on figure realm?
(i only ask cause it's an easy way to organize all your customs in one page instead of a bunch of separate threads)

no. i am on fwoosh though.

all great guesses guys. i'll post a new thread now :)