Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
Could you post a pic of the base figure, particularly the head/neck?
Customizing action figures - A Discussion
- Thread starter CB2001
- Start date
CB2001
Master Member
Well, I'm not at the house right now, won't be back until tomorrow. But here's some that I could find online.
1. Front, head looking right.
2. Front, head forward.
I couldn't find a good shot that shows the neck, however, I've found a shot of the John Crichton figure, which uses the same old action figure moveable joint, here. I found one with Chiana's neck, again using the same kind of joint. Since the figures were made in the early 2000s, it was back before Diamond Select and back before Hasbro did the comic action figures with a wide range of articulation.
1. Front, head looking right.
2. Front, head forward.
I couldn't find a good shot that shows the neck, however, I've found a shot of the John Crichton figure, which uses the same old action figure moveable joint, here. I found one with Chiana's neck, again using the same kind of joint. Since the figures were made in the early 2000s, it was back before Diamond Select and back before Hasbro did the comic action figures with a wide range of articulation.
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Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
Ok, I was thinking it was more like the older DC direct heads, that usually had the head attached to the neck, and the articulation was where the neck met the shoulders. So her head is a separate piece, with the neck attached to the body. The articulation is at the base of the head then? Sometime those can still be popped off. The figures I've had that look like that have something that looks like a little barbell, with one end in a hole in the neck and other in the head. I've removed those before, usually by pulling the barbell out of the head and leaving the other end in the neck. Are you putting the head pictured on another body? Have you made sure it will fit the new neck? I ran into a problem before where the neck from the base figure was too wide for the head I was adding. I made it work by sanding down the neck and drilling the bottom of the head a bit, but it did take time.
If that's the head you're casting, you should be able to use the methods I talked about, without brushing the latex down over the neck and shoulders then. Whichever way you do it, you might want to put some kind of stem into the bottom of the head to give yourself something to hold, or to pull it out of the silicone.
I'm going to look in my parts box a second. I just thought of something.
If that's the head you're casting, you should be able to use the methods I talked about, without brushing the latex down over the neck and shoulders then. Whichever way you do it, you might want to put some kind of stem into the bottom of the head to give yourself something to hold, or to pull it out of the silicone.
I'm going to look in my parts box a second. I just thought of something.
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
I'm not sure if it would be too big, but what about the head from this Wonder Girl figure(red jumpsuit)? She has the barbell neck articulation I was talking about. I have one here, but without that little barbell piece.
OAFE - DC Direct Infinite Crisis: Wonder Girl Donna Troy review
I also think you should check out this Zatanna.
DC Universe Zatanna « Whirl Toys
OAFE - DC Direct Infinite Crisis: Wonder Girl Donna Troy review
I also think you should check out this Zatanna.
DC Universe Zatanna « Whirl Toys
CB2001
Master Member
No, I'm not placing the head on a new body, I'm trying to figure out how I can make a mold for a cast of the head without disassembling the figure (as I've talked about earlier in the topic, it is a limited edition figure that was produced for the line). There's no way to pop it off without destroying the piece inside of it. The reason why I would like to figure out how I could cast the figure's head is not only a means for practice, but in case I decide that I want to do another figure for the character (especially since when it comes to the Farscape line, most of the figures covered were from Season 1 and Season 2. There's a few characters I'd like to try out for Season 4, and there is one episode centric outfit I'm considering on doing if at all possible). But primarily, I figured it'd be a great way to practice how to do molds and casts, so why not start with something small like an action figure, and how challenging it would be to make a cast without damaging a figure.
But thanks for the info, though. I'm sure it'll be helpful.
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
Ah, for some reason I was reading this as you were looking for a way to make this character, and you needed a new head. You could cast it, then trim/sand the bottom of the head. But I don't know how much risk there would be to the original paint. My bad
Apocodaddy
Member
I'm planning to do a simple head switch on a couple of DC direct figures soon, but haven't really checked out the figures much. Does anyone know how the heads are attached and if this is going to entail more than the heat and pop method? Thanks.
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
As long as there's no danger of the paint peeling, you'll be fine.
CB2001
Master Member
I've considered on doing a method I've seen where someone do in which they created a silicone mold using a mixture of Mineral Spirits and a tube of 100% Silicone caulk. But like I said, I'm more than likely going to go with the mold putty from Alumilite (or one of their Silicone mold kits) or a Smooth-On mold kit (as many RPFers have explained how good Smooth-On is) since I know Mineral Spirits is used as a paint thinner/stripper.
CB2001
Master Member
I was looking around online to practice of finding figures of close likeness for certain characters (basically seeing if the sculpt of the head was enough to resemble a certain character). I found this picture of this figure, and after looking at the face for a bit, I thought, That looks a LOT like Vin Diesel. The figure is a UFC Deluxe Mark Coleman Action Figure. The hair may need to be sanded down to give a bald head, but it looks like the perfect for base for a figure based on Robert B. Riddick, Vin Diesel's character from Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick to me, but then I could be wrong because I would have to see it in person to be sure. Am I right or should I keep practicing until I'm better?
In relation to action figures in general, it's gotten me thinking about the action figures I've seen based on actors and actresses. Of course, a lot of you know the whole discussion about which sculpts/figures best represent the likeness of Claudia Black and my opinion on the Diamond Select figures done for her character of Vala from Stargate SG-1. Well, I was bumming around at RIS BSG figures too, just to see what was done. And I was surprised to find out there was a limited edition figure released at Toys 'R' Us for the character of Boomer (played by Grace Park). I've looked at pictures of the two-pack of Boomer and Athena (the face looking pretty decent and close to the actress who plays the characters) and a representation of the character of Boomer from the episode "Downloaded" (which the face looks terrible). The Toys 'R' Us edition that was released is called "New Caprica Boomer", which has her looking like she did during the episode "Eye of Jupiter". And not only was I surprised to find out that this version of the figure was produced, the character's sculpt was frakkin' dead-on in appearance to Grace Park. And then, it got me thinking about action figure sculpts of the past. I've own action figures of two Arnold Schwarzenegger characters. One was a figure from the Kenner Terminator 2 toy line. The other is a Jack Slater action figure from The Last Action Hero toy line. Now, I understand at the time the likeness was slightly off due to the period of time in which they were produced. Then I look at the recent NECA Terminator figure, in which Arnold's likeness is captured perfectly. Now, look at that, and looking at Diamond Select's BSG figures, which involves multiple versions of the same characters, it kinda makes me wonder what is/was going on with them and why they end up having the sculpts be different for characters who are human Cylons of the same model (in this case, how the "New Caprica Boomer" looks even more dead-on to Grace Park than the Boomer/Athena two pack, and how they look even better than the "Downloaded Boomer"). Harking back to the Vala figures from the same company, the Avalon Vala figure is a better sculpt than the one with her in the green camos. Looking at how often they screw up their head sculpts, its no wonder why many customizers use the bodies. It's got me wondering: has anyone else noticed this with Diamond Select and any other action figure lines they've handled (not including the Minimates, of course) or is it just with these two lines that has had this problem?
I'm eyeing the Wasp figures on eBay while I'm waiting for VP's pics of the Wasp figure he has. Trying to get back into gear since I got back from vacation with my family. So, hopefully, things will begin to go forward.
In relation to action figures in general, it's gotten me thinking about the action figures I've seen based on actors and actresses. Of course, a lot of you know the whole discussion about which sculpts/figures best represent the likeness of Claudia Black and my opinion on the Diamond Select figures done for her character of Vala from Stargate SG-1. Well, I was bumming around at RIS BSG figures too, just to see what was done. And I was surprised to find out there was a limited edition figure released at Toys 'R' Us for the character of Boomer (played by Grace Park). I've looked at pictures of the two-pack of Boomer and Athena (the face looking pretty decent and close to the actress who plays the characters) and a representation of the character of Boomer from the episode "Downloaded" (which the face looks terrible). The Toys 'R' Us edition that was released is called "New Caprica Boomer", which has her looking like she did during the episode "Eye of Jupiter". And not only was I surprised to find out that this version of the figure was produced, the character's sculpt was frakkin' dead-on in appearance to Grace Park. And then, it got me thinking about action figure sculpts of the past. I've own action figures of two Arnold Schwarzenegger characters. One was a figure from the Kenner Terminator 2 toy line. The other is a Jack Slater action figure from The Last Action Hero toy line. Now, I understand at the time the likeness was slightly off due to the period of time in which they were produced. Then I look at the recent NECA Terminator figure, in which Arnold's likeness is captured perfectly. Now, look at that, and looking at Diamond Select's BSG figures, which involves multiple versions of the same characters, it kinda makes me wonder what is/was going on with them and why they end up having the sculpts be different for characters who are human Cylons of the same model (in this case, how the "New Caprica Boomer" looks even more dead-on to Grace Park than the Boomer/Athena two pack, and how they look even better than the "Downloaded Boomer"). Harking back to the Vala figures from the same company, the Avalon Vala figure is a better sculpt than the one with her in the green camos. Looking at how often they screw up their head sculpts, its no wonder why many customizers use the bodies. It's got me wondering: has anyone else noticed this with Diamond Select and any other action figure lines they've handled (not including the Minimates, of course) or is it just with these two lines that has had this problem?
I'm eyeing the Wasp figures on eBay while I'm waiting for VP's pics of the Wasp figure he has. Trying to get back into gear since I got back from vacation with my family. So, hopefully, things will begin to go forward.
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
I did something dumb. I convinced myself that I'd be able to use the same mold for both halves of the Sandman's gas gun. I forgot about needing a mirrored piece. The half I casted already looks pretty good, so I guess I'll just sculpt the other half directly onto it. At least it will keep the proportions the same.
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
Awesome. That is all.
CB2001
Master Member
Sounds like it's going to be a challenge, but I guess for every two steps forward, there's always one step back. But don't let it get to you.
Sounds rather interesting and funny.
Nice! Good luck with the project.
CB2001
Master Member
Even so, Wes, it looks very promising thus far. Are you going to leave it painted as it is or are you going to try to paint it to make it look cartoony to match the show?
BTW, I was looking around at other action figures, again to practice on finding the kind of figures that could be basis for certain pre-existing characters. I was looking at the Marvel Legends Bullseye, and I came to realize how close the face looks to that to the character of Scorpius from Farscape, primarily because of the jaw. Granted, you'd need to do some sculpting to make the mask look correct around the eyes, but it's pretty close for a basis. Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder how close I'm getting with my interpretations of just looking at figures (so far, I still don't know if my point of view of the figure I say could be used for the basis of a Robert B. Riddick figure is right or not), but I've got to be closer in my interpretation than most others would, right?
Anyways, I'm going to be doing some figure hunting this weekend when I got to the flea markets and thrift stores in Lake Park and Valdosta on Saturday. Who knows what kinds of scraps and pieces I'll find.
BTW, I was looking around at other action figures, again to practice on finding the kind of figures that could be basis for certain pre-existing characters. I was looking at the Marvel Legends Bullseye, and I came to realize how close the face looks to that to the character of Scorpius from Farscape, primarily because of the jaw. Granted, you'd need to do some sculpting to make the mask look correct around the eyes, but it's pretty close for a basis. Seriously, I'm beginning to wonder how close I'm getting with my interpretations of just looking at figures (so far, I still don't know if my point of view of the figure I say could be used for the basis of a Robert B. Riddick figure is right or not), but I've got to be closer in my interpretation than most others would, right?
Anyways, I'm going to be doing some figure hunting this weekend when I got to the flea markets and thrift stores in Lake Park and Valdosta on Saturday. Who knows what kinds of scraps and pieces I'll find.
I'm going to paint the tie on agnew to look like on the show and that's about it other than the collar on Nixon's neck which needs to be silver. I need to stop at the one store in town that has holiday displays this time of year. Sadly the old man hasn't been ordering as many toys and model kits and thus lost business. he'd buy out suprlus of figures and even get new lines walmart didn't have. Last i was there the local retirement homes were complaining as they needed model kits for the old timers to build and the shelves literally were bare.
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