Want to make a custom villians [Archive]

Cowabunga Carl

04-19-2010, 02:37 AM

So I am wanting to make a Hun, Bebop, and Rocksteady to go with the Neca TMNT. I was looking at figures at Walmart tonight trying to figure out which ones would be a good bases. I'm at a lost any ideas?

Topsu

04-19-2010, 04:44 AM

You should check some toyreviews from internet, and look for figures that you'd like to use for them. I've seen at least Marvel Legends Bishop used for Bebop&Rocksteady, but I haven't seen a Hun custom yet. For that you'd need pretty big figure, maybe even some Hulk variant or Legendary comicbook heroes Savage Dragon?

Patraw

04-19-2010, 08:21 AM

I'm thinking a Hulk figure for Hun too--you definitely need something with a lot of bulk for him. I'd use something relatively muscular for Bebop and Rocksteady too, they're both chunky dudes--I've seen a number of customs done of them using thinner bodies, and the proportions just don't looks right, but then, I've seen the other side of the coin too where they've been made too massive.

Mutated Turtle

04-19-2010, 08:30 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/Jesterangalo/BebopandRocksteady-1.jpg I'll just leave this here...

Topsu

04-19-2010, 10:01 AM

Well, the warthog one is in sale at BBTS, but the rhino one could be harder to find...

Cowabunga Carl

04-19-2010, 10:28 AM

Thanks, Hulk was kinda what i was thinking with Hun. The head is what I'm having an issue finding really. Can't seem to find anything that just pops and says thats it. This is the figure I was thinking of using as the body base, http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad234/winterwarrior83/51H31jipEwL.jpg

What toy line are those two from by the way. They would make awesome bases.

I'm just getting into customs so I'll keep everyone informed on how it goes.

Topsu

04-19-2010, 11:02 AM

Thanks, Hulk was kinda what i was thinking with Hun. The head is what I'm having an issue finding really. Can't seem to find anything that just pops and says thats it. This is the figure I was thinking of using as the body base,

What toy line are those two from by the way. They would make awesome bases.

I'm just getting into customs so I'll keep everyone informed on how it goes.

How about Colossus head? I think you need to sculpt it anyways. And those two are from Four Horsemen's Seventh Kingdom.

Cowabunga Carl

04-19-2010, 11:24 AM

A Colossus head might just be the ticket. Hmmm I'll have to see if I can find one on ebay. What is a good product to do sculpting with?

TMNachoT

04-19-2010, 11:45 AM

Do the dc universe figures r good to make a custome figure like nobody or renet??

Mutated Turtle

04-19-2010, 11:56 AM

A Colossus head might just be the ticket. Hmmm I'll have to see if I can find one on ebay. What is a good product to do sculpting with?

Aves Apoxie Sculpt. Tip: do NOT EVER USE CRAYOLA AIR DRY CLAy.:cry:

turtlelife

04-19-2010, 05:04 PM

When looking for human heads your best bet is the wrestling lines. You still may have to do some sculpting, but between Jakks, Toybiz and now Mattel having 6 inch scale wrestling lines you should be able to find a Hun head. Body wise Hulk is a good choice, but the Maestro you chose does have bumps all over his body and he is shorter than most ML Hulk figures. Some of the Hulk Classics Figures from Toybiz are well built, but can get pricey.

To TMNachoT:
I have yet to try a DC Universe classic TMNT custom yet, but just from looking at them and moving them around, a Nobody and Renet are easily possible. Batman is an obvious body choice for Nobody since he has the long cape. But all human male bodies are essentially the same in that line, so take your pick. And the female figures from DC universe classics are the best sculpts for females with multiple articulation, in my opinion.

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 01:18 AM

I was noticing that when looking at the picture a little more. I had picked him because he was the bulkyest(is that even a word) but on more inspection I think it probably isn't the best choice. I'm going to hit Target and Toysrus tomorrow and see if I can find a decent base.

Where would I be able to find this sculpt stuff at by the way?

Topsu

04-20-2010, 03:18 AM

To TMNachoT:
Yep, Batman's pretty obvious choice for Nobody, and for Renet I'd use Power Girl, they're bodies and clothing are pretty similar.

VaughnMichael

04-20-2010, 03:25 AM

To TMNachoT:
Yep, Batman's pretty obvious choice for Nobody, and for Renet I'd use Power Girl, they're bodies and clothing pretty similar.
Batman isn't bad depending on what one you use, but allot of sanding down and sculpting will be needed or even a head swap from another dcuc figure for nobody, i know as I've been working on one.
And perfect choice on power girl thats who i've been using.;)

turtlelife

04-20-2010, 06:11 AM

Power Girl is really the best choice for Renet that I can think of too. I haven't gotten around to her yet though, I'm still trying to finish up my Karai.

Vaughn is right about the head for Nobody. I'm using a Spidey head for mine now, but I started modding a DCSH Bats head first and failed. When it comes to Batman bodies, it depends on how accurate you want to get, 'cause there are plenty of cape, belt, costume and glove variations. There is one figure though that I think would make a good Nobody with really just paint and that is the Marvel Legends Moon Night.

Oh and I was thinking about Hun again. How about the Legendary Comic Book Heroes Clownface from the Bodybags 2 pack (with a new head of course)? If not big enough maybe try one of the smaller build a figures.

As for where to get the Apoxie sculpt, any model or hobby shop should carry it. Just like the paint though, you can get it all online shipped to you.

TMNachoT

04-20-2010, 06:25 AM

turtle life, vaughn, topsu, thanks a lot for your answers!!

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 08:02 AM

Yes thank you for all the help. I'm not trying to be 100% accurate as what my goal is is to make updated figures based off of a fan fic I've been working on, sorta an Ultimate take on TMNT. I will post pictures as I work on things.

VaughnMichael

04-20-2010, 10:50 AM

Oh and I was thinking about Hun again. How about the Legendary Comic Book Heroes Clownface from the Bodybags 2 pack (with a new head of course)? If not big enough maybe try one of the smaller build a figures.
I don't think you could get any closer :)

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 12:16 PM

So I decided on my first custom. Working on it right now actually. Just popped on to see how the best way to remove pieces might be.

VaughnMichael

04-20-2010, 12:37 PM

So I decided on my first custom. Working on it right now actually. Just popped on to see how the best way to remove pieces might be.
Soak it in warm water, and who are you working on?

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 01:23 PM

Yeah I did the boil method.

I'm working on Venus right now. I know that it may be a little weird since I was talking about doing Hun and that but it just hit me. This one is just a basic figure with sculpted pieces. I'm happy so far with how the mask is coming out, went with a full head mask. And the caprice part turned out pretty good I think. The only thing I'm having issue with is the shell.

VaughnMichael

04-20-2010, 01:29 PM

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 02:04 PM

It is my very first one so it isn't great. The paint is looking nice. The back shell I am not happy with. Maybe when it is painted. I don't know.

Anyway the story I have for my version is that she is a genetic test of a scientist using the turtles DNA and human. So that is why she looks a little more human than they do.

turtlelife

04-20-2010, 03:50 PM

Yeah I'd say Venus is quite a departure from Hun, but I'm interested to see how you make her. I was thinking of using a 2k7 movie Leo body as a base, just for the shape of the shell for Venus, maybe that can help your shell dilemma? I do like that you changed her origin for your purposes though, I've kind of been doing the same thing for my customs. Just trying to fit them into the Mirage universe, making them more serious and dark, since most of my customs so far are updates to the original toy characters. I like how you dubbed it "Ultimate TMNT" though, much easier way to explain it to people.

Have any of you guys had any thoughts on how to make a Cerebus yet? He's one of the few I can't seem to figure any parts out for, and it still boggles my mind there is no figure of him ever made. Any ideas, or am I stuck with having to pretty much sculpt him from scratch?

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 03:55 PM

I am using a Power Girl DC figure for my base. Everything had to be molded. The mask and front I'm happy with. The front looks even better painted now I think. Though it will in no way be nearly as good as the ones I've seen on here. Actually the more I see on here the more I think mine looks like crap :-(

turtlelife

04-20-2010, 05:23 PM

Lol, don't get down on yourself, we all have to start somewhere, and no matter what you're still learning. I've been customizing off and on for a couple years now and I'm always learning. And I know I am personally never done with any figure I've made. There are always ways for me to improve them with new paint jobs, better sculpting or new parts that become available. All that matters is that you are happy with what you made.

I learned something from an art teacher long ago, she said, "Mistakes are just you finding something else to create". I've messed up so many heads and body parts, but all it does is make me try and figure something else to use it for. Even if it is something completely conceptual with no franchise behind it, 'cause I can't just waste it.

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 05:50 PM

For my first time I don't think it is bad. I got everything painted except the eyes and the shell. I need to pick up white paint and a brown for the shell. It isn't the best but I'm happy with it. The goal for me was to make something that looked like a turtle, I did that. I'll try to get some pics up when my roommate gets home and I can use their camera.

turtlelife

04-20-2010, 10:37 PM

Hey as long as you're happy with your creation that's really all that matters. Just remember, you can only get better with practice and learning your own technique. I can't wait to see the pics of her, 'cause I'm really interested to see Power Girl turned into Venus. Oh and if you get a chance any comparison shots with NT:NM Venus and/or the NECA TMNT would be great.

Eyes are my Achilles heel when it comes to customizing, so good luck with yours. I've never been able to draw eyes properly and I can't seem to sculpt or paint them properly either. I'm always seeing something wrong with eyes I make. If I try and carve out anymore of the eye on my Slash custom to make it look right to me, he'll be a cyclops. But I guess then I might be able to make Bellybomb :tlol:

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 11:08 PM

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QtL2Y3h0Vp0/S86F1f6envI/AAAAAAAAAKA/lk_a4WcTbZo/s576/IMAG0083.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_QtL2Y3h0Vp0/S86GB10V_AI/AAAAAAAAAKE/U1UINgn7SkU/s576/IMAG0082.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_QtL2Y3h0Vp0/S86GMHGdAJI/AAAAAAAAAKM/8d0H29gKMCo/s576/IMAG0081.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_QtL2Y3h0Vp0/S86GoIs7fWI/AAAAAAAAAKc/Gc_p8_RtKsQ/s576/IMAG0079.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_QtL2Y3h0Vp0/S86G4m0I7lI/AAAAAAAAAKk/7spiD0Acbyk/s576/IMAG0078.jpg

Still a work in progress

***First of Two Latin Kings***

04-20-2010, 11:11 PM

That's...different.

Cowabunga Carl

04-20-2010, 11:32 PM

Is that a nice way of saying bad? It's my first one :-(

turtlelife

04-20-2010, 11:48 PM

I see what you are going for with her, and since your story is human to mutant, I can also see why the more human aspects (such as the hands) might have stayed with her after mutation. Honestly I'm thinking though I might make a Mona Lisa out of the Power Girl now, the pic with her painted just green made me think of Mona Lisa.

It's not a bad start at all man, and again as long as you are happy with what you made, that's what matters. You already made the front and back of her shell better than I could've when I started, so just keep practicing. And don't get discouraged, 'cause customizing can be a frustrating hobby.

Topsu

04-21-2010, 12:10 AM

Backshell is hard to do with just sculpting, I once did a turtle out of clay and backshell didn't end up being too good. Plastron is turned out okay for a first custom, you'll learn sculpting cleaner as you do more.
As for head, I would've made her more turtlelooking, but if you're going to more humanlook, that's okay. Custom is good when you like it yourself :)

Cowabunga Carl

04-21-2010, 07:02 AM

Even though it is suppoused to be Venus it is her in my fan fic. Once it is up I think it might make more since why she retained more of her human looks. That and I thought a head might be to hard to sculpt my first go around

Topsu

04-21-2010, 07:21 AM

That and I thought a head might be to hard to sculpt my first go around

Well, that isn't too easy, but you'll only get better with trial&error. In fact I'm sculpting whole head on my current custom, and that's pretty hard, I must admit.

Cowabunga Carl

04-21-2010, 10:07 AM

RayH

04-21-2010, 12:36 PM

It's a good start...

A key thing to remember about sculptng is the tools, you can make your own. Like i always make mine out of pieces from plastic coat hangers, I stick it in the pencil sharpner and you can make good sculpting tools that way. Make custom sculpting tips by sanding the shapes you want sculpt. but good array iof tools is vital.

turtlelife

04-21-2010, 05:51 PM

I saw a wrestler figure that looked just like how i would picture a real life Rocksteady looking like. It would just need a yellow wife better and pants molded onto him. The only problem is that I think he is to tall considering I always thought he would be shorter then Hun but taller then Bebop.

Well there are always ways to cut down or add on to the size of a figure. Kitbashing is my preferred way, but in doing so, unless you know how to create or transfer joints, you may lose some posability. That's how I made my Casey fit the size I wanted him to be. Sure a lot of parts out there aren't compatible, but with wrestling you shouldn't have that much of a problem.

Which wrestler did you choose? I keep trying to think of someone who looks like Rocksteady in WWE, lol.

Cowabunga Carl

04-21-2010, 06:53 PM

I need to go back and pick him up. I just saw him didn't look at the name which was stupid cause now if they don't have him I'm screwed :-(

turtlelife

04-21-2010, 07:40 PM

Well explain him a little if you can I might be able to help you out with his name. When it comes to wrestling figures though, there are multiple versions made of almost every wrestler out there, so you don't have to worry about finding that exact one. In fact there may be a better version of him out there which would be shorter for you. Also if you go to Flea Markets and yard sales then you can easily find most wrestling figures for a dollar or two. That's the best way to find custom fodder from any mass produced toy line.

If you check out Wrestlingfigs.com you should be able to find some bodies and heads you might be able to use. They have a huge database with pretty much every recent wrestling figure made there.

Cowabunga Carl

04-25-2010, 11:25 PM

So after rereading The River arc I want to make the Leech creature....Hmmm

VaughnMichael

04-26-2010, 01:26 AM

So after rereading The River arc I want to make the Leech creature....Hmmm
I'm working on one myself "Blood Sucker" has been on my list for some time.
And now that I finally am getting my stuff back from my x in los angeles I can complete allot more customs.

Cowabunga Carl

04-27-2010, 12:30 AM

So I was looking at figures at Walmart and think I found the base I want to try and make Slash from. I've decided I want to do him like I am doing my Venus. Have an idea for the shell too. I'm going to use a Venom from the Spiderman line.

VaughnMichael

04-27-2010, 01:10 AM

Cowabunga Carl

04-27-2010, 01:14 AM

The comic. It is the one that comes with the Scorpion tail. I will have to mold a head though I think. Unless I can find a Tokka head cheap as that is the head I think I would like for my version of Slash.

VaughnMichael

04-27-2010, 01:45 AM

Cowabunga Carl

04-27-2010, 10:17 AM

The thee big things I know I will have to sculpt for this one is feet, head (if i can't get a Tokka head), and hands. But I'm looking forward to it.

Loco

04-27-2010, 12:40 PM

That's interesting

Cowabunga Carl

04-27-2010, 01:18 PM

I'm almost tempted to leave the Venom head on as I think it has a good crazy look to it. The only thing that makes me hesitant and wanting to use a Tokka head are all the crazy teeth. Then again though Tokka has teeth too, but hmm I don't know yet.

The shell idea I had is a bust so I will be sculpting that too. Oh well. It will be good practice. I'll probably work on it while I baby sit my nephew tonight.

Oh and here is the pic of the Venom I'm using. http://gofigureactionfigures.com/media/venom-scorpionstinger.jpg Since these are based on my idea I'm not trying to keep them 100% faithful to the look of Toon/Comic.

Cowabunga Carl

05-28-2010, 09:03 AM

A quick question. Is there something your supposed to paint over the paint after done. My figures are sticky and never fully dry after I paint them.

Topsu

05-28-2010, 09:27 AM

A quick question. Is there something your supposed to paint over the paint after done. My figures are sticky and never fully dry after I paint them.

You're obviously using enamels over wrong kind of plastic. There are some clear coats you could use, but if you want cleaner look on those, use acrylic paints. I've used enamels couple of times, and I used them very thin layers in spots I knew they wouldn't dry fast. Took couple of weeks for them to dry....

Patraw

05-28-2010, 09:39 AM

There are various clear paint sealers you can buy--generally you'll want matte unless you want your figure to look slimy/shiny. This should help you out:

http://www.figurerealm.com/customtutorial.php?ID=16

Cowabunga Carl

05-28-2010, 09:39 AM

Thanks Topsu and Patraw. My Venus ia all sticky in spots still so I haven't finished her. I hadn't started painting my Tokka/Slash Custom yet so I wanted advice before I did.

Cowabunga Carl

01-11-2011, 02:10 AM

Hey all. Well I'm back and now working on my Tokka/Slash. Also found my figure for Hun. I am using the Juggernaut from the Spiderman series. The head is what I'm having issues with now.

fizzymitsu

01-11-2011, 08:30 AM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v156/Jesterangalo/BebopandRocksteady-1.jpg I'll just leave this here...

Sorry if this is slightly off topic but... these look great! I'd like to know how much they cost ect but I can't find them on BBTS... I don't know what to search for to pull one up. Can anyone help?

EDIT: I found the Rhino guy on eBay if anyone cares, theres 10 of them for 23 bucks, a piece.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Seventh-Kingdom-RHINO-WARRIOR-Action-Figure-4-Horsemen-/370278970019?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563658b2a3

Topsu

01-11-2011, 08:44 AM

Sorry if this is slightly off topic but... these look great! I'd like to know how much they cost ect but I can't find them on BBTS... I don't know what to search for to pull one up. Can anyone help?
Seventh Kingdom -toyline by Four Horsemen. These one's are sold out on BBTS tho.

Cowabunga Carl

01-25-2011, 04:06 PM

I can't find any good molding stuff around me so I think I might have to break down and get some from offline. Is there a better place to get it then another?

Loco

01-25-2011, 04:35 PM

^ Milliput rocks and you can find it online.

Cowabunga Carl

01-25-2011, 04:37 PM

Aves Apoxy sculpt is what I've seen recomended the most. I can find it online but am having a really hard time finding it around me. I was hoping maybe for some other suggestions and what kind of places to find them.

And is there a specific pain brand that is better then the others?

Hellturtle

01-26-2011, 03:03 PM

the both figures are all right for bebop and rocksteady base custom
but since they are anounced i'm looking for them but unfortunaly
this toys serie (seventh kingdom) aren't in our store in france --' so who can help me (and maybe loco if he like them) to have any figures of this serie thank's to you ^^

(sorry for my english if it bad but i don't want to use a translator ^^)
H.T

Loco

01-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Hellturtle

01-26-2011, 03:11 PM

yeah cool thank you bro will have it ;) MG ^^

Hellturtle

01-26-2011, 03:14 PM

no problem ^^ happy to read your answer dude :tgrin: yeah

Cowabunga Carl

01-26-2011, 11:51 PM

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m603/jakethedog1/1.jpg?t=1296110970

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m603/jakethedog1/2.jpg?t=1296111008

So this is an April that I'm working on. All it is is a repaint of the Lara Croft. I had an idea for an Elseworld tail when I saw this figure. So what do you guys think so far?

Loco

01-27-2011, 03:15 AM

Carl - if you're gonna custom it looks pretty cool at the moment :)

Hellturtle - tkt mg we'll find that but first let's wait thoses necas, hurry you , try to avoid double post or they gonna slap your shell ;)

Cowabunga Carl

01-27-2011, 09:49 AM

Yeah I'm working on some sculpting stuff for other figuresm but need to buy better stuff then the clay I found. Was getting a little discouraged. When I saw this figure I realized all I would have to do is repaint her. It was a way to boost my spirits. I also saw some other figures that I am going to pick up to repaint to go with her.