Home

Previous Entry | Next Entry

TSCC: Custom Action Figures - FINISHED!

  • Aug. 8th, 2008 at 1:15 AM
sarah photo action figure
Here they are at long last... my custom Sarah Connor Chronicles action figures. I've made custom figures from 3 3/4" GI Joes before (which is what these are made from), but never anything this involved and never figures that were supposed to look like existing characters. It was a challenge and a half. But with a pile of GI Joe parts, a box of Super Sculpey, a Dremel Stylus with several grinding bits, lots of sandpaper, some razor blades, my trusty pocket knife, jars of paint, tiny brushes, a magnifying glass, sheer determination, gallons of coffee and a vision, I did it. And I'm really happy with how they turned out.

Special thanks to my husband, who patiently spent night after night alone on the couch watching reruns of Hogan's Heroes while I toiled away in my laboratory. Also to [info]cisaac for inspiring this project with "Want", a short fic about Ellison. And everyone who cheered me along in the process.

Click images to enlarge.



The pride of man, of parents as well, makes us believe that anything we create, we can control. Whether from clay or from metal, it is in the nature of us to make our own monsters. Our children, our alloys, all, built from our own imperfect flesh. We animate them with magic, and never truly know what they will do. - from episode 1.04 "Heavy Metal"



If you'd like to post any of my TSCC action figure photos anywhere, feel free, but please credit me and link back to this post.



I was pretty true to the show with these, so I'll explain where each figure's look comes from:

Sarah and Derek are wearing their clothes from the food court scene in "What He Beheld" (except I made the bit of Sarah's tank showing be black instead of light blue). John's outfit comes from "Gnothi Seauton" (except I made his long sleeves black instead of white). Oh and you'll notice there are 2 different heads for John — one with emo hair and one with short hair. I'm partial to the silly long hair for the action figure. Cameron's got on a bit of a mixture. Her upper half comes from "Queen's Gambit" (when she says "I call 9mm") and lower half from the end of "What He Beheld". Charley is in his EMT uniform from "Dungeons and Dragons". Ellison and Cromartie are dressed for the massacre in "What He Beheld". I guess I really liked the wardrobe from "What He Beheld".

I did take a few liberties with Cromartie because I found an abdomen piece with a fun longhorn steer belt buckle. Since he had on a western style shirt, I allowed myself some embellishment with that belt and the boots. And how could I put him in the "man in black" clothes without inflicting damage from the shootout? I couldn't, so I drilled some bullet wounds in him to match the scene. I also happened to have a GI Joe arm that looks suspiciously like an endoskeleton arm, so I took an extra picture with Cromartie sporting that as well.

Click images to enlarge.







If you want to see know how I made these, you can backtrack through the whole process here:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Package Design
>> 3 more characters made into action figures

Or take a cruise through my gallery of images from all the work on this project.



Comments

( 49 comments — Leave a comment )
[info]spectralbovine wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 06:57 am (UTC)
Holy crap! I was away for most of the intermediary steps, so the last I saw, they didn't really look anything like the characters. But now they look so cool!! Well done, miss.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:22 pm (UTC)
They came a long way from where they started, didn't they?
Thanks :)
[info]ageless_aislynn wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:56 am (UTC)
*wild golf clapping* Those are seriously awesome! Amazing, fantastic, just downright brilliant work! ♥!
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:23 pm (UTC)
*takes bow* Thank you very much.
[info]melaka wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 08:05 am (UTC)
That is just awesome! :-D Love them.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:24 pm (UTC)
That's what it's all about. Thanks.
[info]serrico wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 08:17 am (UTC)
I am in awe. Those are *excellent*! I'm particularly fond of Cromartie; something about the body--the posture?--just looks *so* *him*. (And John's emo hair is EMO. HEE.)

Seriously. Awe. *awe*
[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 11:14 am (UTC)
O.
M.
G.

Those are so freaking awesome. I want my own set from Hasbro! They should totally, totally use those as masters and mass produce them. Those would be a hell of a lot of fun.

Personally, I'd have to say after all that work Sarah turned out to be my favorite of the lot. She looks perfect (even looks like Lena a bit).

Those are great and I am still in awe of what one line in a short fic brought about. You're crazy, but that was awesome.

Now, to get pictures of each cast member holding your Joe and the nerdgasm will be complete. ;)

EDIT: Hmmm. Didn't mean to make this a reply to another comment.... oh well! Ooops!

Edited at 2008-08-08 11:14 am (UTC)
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:32 pm (UTC)
I can't take too much credit for how much Sarah actually resembles Lena Headey. It was just a fabulous coincidence that Mortal Kombat Sonya Blade's head happened to look like her (although I think my hair sculpting and lip painting helped).

I'm glad you like them since it was your story that got me going and I think you followed the project more than anyone else. It would have been a real letdown if they sucked in the end, eh? ;)

Now, to get pictures of each cast member holding your Joe and the nerdgasm will be complete. ;)
OMG yes.

[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 06:42 pm (UTC)
I'm amazed and happy to have inspired something like this.

It really is awesome and cool. I loved watching it happen and really enjoyed talking to you about it all and hopefully some of my tips helped in some meager way.

You are like so high on the 'nerd cool' ladder right now. ;)
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:01 pm (UTC)
You are like so high on the 'nerd cool' ladder right now. ;)

Awesome. That's been my goal all along... to climb the nerd cool ladder :D
[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:11 pm (UTC)
You succeeded quite well.

So, what's the plan with them now? Do they inhabit a shelf (hopefully where they can watch Season 2 with you -- it would be sad if they missed their RL selves), or do they get to re-enact your favorite scenes? Maybe a permanent display for them to inhabit when not in use?

Inquiring minds want to know.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:17 pm (UTC)
Oh I've got plans for them. There will be humurous re-enactments and perhaps some guest appearances as I ponder question "What would happen if Spock or Boss Hog or Captain Stubing or Hawkeye Pierce or Wilma Dering or any number of characters from TV shows past paid a visit to the Connors?"

The fun has only just begun!
[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:23 pm (UTC)
'You know, Skynet really needs a better pool of faces to pick Terminators from.'

'Why's that?'

'Because Mr. T just isn't going to fool anyone.'

'I terminate the fool who think I ain't gonna blend in.'
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:33 pm (UTC)
I would love for Mr. T to pop in and "pity the fool" about something, but sadly I've got no Mr. T. I think because the 3 3/4" A-Team figures were completely lame (they were wearing like solid color jumpsuits instead of looking like they did on the show).
[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:38 pm (UTC)
Hmmm.

I can see Derek surrounded by Star Wars robots with a thought balloon of 'Well, crap.'

Cromartie staring down at R2D2: 'Say it again, I dare you.'

Ellison and an actual Roadblock figure staring at each other. 'Wait a minute...'

[info]life_on_queen wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 06:57 pm (UTC)
Now, to get pictures of each cast member holding your Joe and the nerdgasm will be complete. ;)

OMG yes.

I can see the future security requests at cast appearances already. ;)

[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:05 pm (UTC)
Yeah I guess I would need some security because of my new-found fame. Oh wait, you meant the cast would need security. Heh.

I guess Summer and Lena have had action figures made of them before for 300 and Firefly. I don't know if the Queen Gorgo one should count though since it looks nothing like Lena Headey.
[info]cisaac wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:12 pm (UTC)
Which your figure does, which is awesome.
[info]life_on_queen wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:14 pm (UTC)
I *know*!

How Batman* is that?





*cool
[info]life_on_queen wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 07:13 pm (UTC)
The Queen Gorgo figure looked nothing like a human being. It looked like a hairpiece had attacked Sinead O'Connor at whatever bizarro-world druidic ceremony she'd attended last and was now plotting to use Sinead's bald, musical prowess to take over the world...


Edited at 2008-08-08 07:15 pm (UTC)
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:28 pm (UTC)
The funnest part of this project was making John's emo hair and one of my favorite details was Cromartie's chrome-exposed bloody damage. :)

Thanks.
[info]sabaceanbabe wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 11:10 am (UTC)
OMG! These are AWESOME!
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:33 pm (UTC)
Thanks. They were fun to make - exhausting and difficult and a lot of fun.
[info]smacky_ff wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 12:16 pm (UTC)
wow...awesome! I coul be a kid again, just in order to play with those... Or not!
cute.

[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:34 pm (UTC)
Thanks. But who says you have to be a kid to play with action figures? ;)
[info]smacky_ff wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 08:02 pm (UTC)
I'm don't? Cool, then I'll buy Jonh or Derek...or both :p
[info]the_narration wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 01:07 pm (UTC)
Wow. These turned out totally awesome. Your long nights of toil were not in vain!
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:36 pm (UTC)
Thank you. Long nights of toil is exactly what it took to get these done. I loved every frustrating minute of it though :)

[info]the_narration wrote:
Aug. 9th, 2008 01:56 am (UTC)
In my experience, any sort of act of creation usually involves a lot of staying up too late and teeth-grinding frustration that is somehow immensely satisfying.

::shoves the fic he stayed up until 3 a.m. all this week working on back into the corner of the hard drive::

I was in a hurry when I posted earlier, so I want to say that the quality of detail on these are fantastic. You rock. You absolutely rock.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 9th, 2008 05:45 am (UTC)
Thank you :)

What is it about those wee hours of the night? They're magical, I tell ya. CReative things happen. So what's this fic you're sitting on? Is it TSCC or something else? Because if it's TSCC I'm going to want to read it, you know.

Also, you're under stocked in the icon department. Name some characters so I can make you a few.
[info]the_narration wrote:
Aug. 9th, 2008 12:55 pm (UTC)
What is it about those wee hours of the night? They're magical, I tell ya. CReative things happen.
Definitely. I think it's the lack of distractions, or maybe the way the brain unwinds towards the end of the day.

So what's this fic you're sitting on? Is it TSCC or something else?
It's Avatar, and nowhere near finished. I haven't been bitten by any TSCC plot bunnies, I'm afraid.

Also, you're under stocked in the icon department.
I keep meaning to make more (and learn how to make animated ones), or at least upload more of the ones I've gotten from other people.

Name some characters so I can make you a few.
What, from any series or from TSCC? 'Cause if it's the latter, I could go for a little badass Sarah and Cameron.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 9th, 2008 09:01 pm (UTC)
So you're telling laziness is to blame for your pathetic display of icons then? For shame. I can still make you a few, though. Any characters from any series. As long as I can find a picture I can make an icon. As for badass Sarah and Cameron, I already have one of those myself, so I don't know if I could make another one. We'll see.
[info]the_narration wrote:
Aug. 9th, 2008 11:14 pm (UTC)
So you're telling laziness is to blame for your pathetic display of icons then? For shame.Yeah, well you might have noticed that I don't post in my livejournal all that much. But look! I added a couple more.

I can still make you a few, though. Any characters from any series.
That would be wonderful. Thank you. I'll stick to stuff you know for both our sakes, however.

I could go for some Aeryn Sun, preferably looking badass with a big gun, and Sarah Connor, likewise. Not only on their individual merits, but because as soon as I teach myself how to make animated icons I'm planning a "Warrior Women" themed montage.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 10th, 2008 12:48 am (UTC)
I think I can handle that. :)

Hey, that's from Batgirl right? Looks like Batgirl head-butting someone.
[info]the_narration wrote:
Aug. 10th, 2008 02:08 am (UTC)
Hey, that's from Batgirl right? Looks like Batgirl head-butting someone.
Right on both counts. Batgirl #13. This icon, too. (Both gifts from a fellow fan.) The headbutt is how she explains to somebody who tries to lie to her about how they're the good guy and the guy they were chasing down and trying to shoot was the bad guy that she won't stand for any such malarky.
[info]nanewt011 wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 01:26 pm (UTC)
They look great! I love all the details, from the stubble on Dereks' face to the wounds on Cromartie, they look ready to rumble.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:37 pm (UTC)
I'm sure there will be a rumble at some point. With action figures, a camera and PhotoShop, I intend to have some fun!
[info]nanewt011 wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 06:00 pm (UTC)
would you like any of my explosion gifs, or my flamethrower gif to help out?
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 09:53 pm (UTC)
I'll have to see where my story ideas take me first, but at least I know who to turn to when I need explosions!
[info]omega_ii wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 01:36 pm (UTC)
If only GI Joes came in better sizes, those would be perfect. Do they make 12" female ones?
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:40 pm (UTC)
Well there are 12" GI Joes, but I've always loved the 3 3/4" Joes. They're so fun.
[info]omega_ii wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:48 pm (UTC)
3 3/4" are definitely more fun to play with, but I just thought the 12" ones would be easier to modify for accuracy. I just don't remember seeing Lady J, Baroness, or Scarlet in the 12".
[info]life_on_queen wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:05 pm (UTC)
Dude, I am too impressed for words.

Your kung-fu is the best.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 05:43 pm (UTC)
Thank you :) Mad skillz, dude. Mad freakin' skillz.
[info]life_on_queen wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 06:07 pm (UTC)
And you make purty icons, too.
[info]trystanknight wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 08:44 pm (UTC)
My *GOD* this is fantastic. *bows before you*

I am truly amazed. You should ask around about getting a job doing stuff similar to this.
[info]roxybisquaint wrote:
Aug. 8th, 2008 09:59 pm (UTC)
Maybe I should get a job doing this stuff. That would be so fun.

Thanks so much. :D
[info]consortofvenus wrote:
Feb. 26th, 2009 01:25 am (UTC)
!!!!!!!
( 49 comments — Leave a comment )

Profile

sarah red
[info]roxybisquaint
an id run amuck

Roxy Bisquaint...

Is self-indulgent. Over thinks everything. Looks really good in these jeans. Wants to eat butterscotch. Makes herself laugh. Does 60 crunches. Lives with 2 ghosts. Procrastinates daily. Measures once, cuts twice. Hates Foo Fighters. Drinks lots of coffee (keep it coming). Puts spiders outside. Brings balance to the force. Draws a perfect curve. Enjoys dark chocolate. Freaks out on planes. Bangs on the drums. Always gets in the slow line. Orders from a menu. Hopes to be reincarnated. Speaks fluent Sarah Connor. Loves a good storm. Dances like a dork. Picks some locks. Tips well. Refuses to share popcorn. Covets Liz Sherman's boots. Dreams about the future. Sings off key. Has a superpower. Pops off some rounds. Needs some eyeliner. Goes to bed at dawn. Can't resist good smut. Quotes movie lines. Eats whipped yogurt. Lets the story tell itself. Maintains a rich fantasy life. Knows all the mysteries of the gods and of the universe.

Latest Month

December 2009
S M T W T F S
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Tags

Powered by LiveJournal.com