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Action Figure Customs BlogThis blog is dedicated to discussing the world of custom action figures. There are many talented people creating customs from toy lines such as Transformers, GI Joe, Marvel Legends, and Star Wars. I also interview various customizers and they shed light on their philosophy and showcase their talent. The blog is updated daily so check back often for updates.
AFC Interviews RombadoPosted by Mig on Saturday, January 12, 2008 @ 8:27 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Rombado, a Marvel Legends customizer who caught my eye with an awesome Custom Marvel Legends Storm Shadow! Let's get to know him a little better:
AFC: Tell the fans of your work a little about yourself (include website and contact info) Rombado: Mike "Rom" Rombado, I'm 38 years young, and I was born in Monroe, Louisiana on June 27, 1969. My family traveled around the world for a few years before we settled in Houston, Texas where I was raised. Growing up on comics and figures, there was nothing more I wanted than to be a Superhero when I grew up. So, I started training in Martial Arts when I was 10 years old, and I hold a second degree black belt in Tae Know Do, as well as black belts in Aikido and Chung Moo Doe, and I was always very active in sports. After high school, I joined the Army as a Military Policeman and was stationed in Korea. I've been a thrill seeker my whole life. I have jumped out of airplanes, helicopters, climb mountains, rode motorcycles and anything else that would get me that next adrenaline rush. After the army I traveled around a lot, seeking the answers to life. I've stood on the edge on the Grand Canyon, and have been in 4 places at once, (Four Corners), I had 1 hand in Colorado and 1 in Utah, and 1 foot in New Mexico and 1 in Arizona. I have 3 beautiful daughters, Katie 12, Krissy 9, and Olivia 2. I have a Rot-Lab mix, Logan. I hurt my back in a tragic work accident, back in 1999. I was a restaurant manager and was doing my inventory in the storeroom. When all of a sudden I heard a crack from behind me. It was the leg braking on one of our storage racks, it stood about 5' high and weighed about 300lbs. Before I could even think, it came crashing down on me and pinned me to the floor. Now, I'm a pretty big guy, 6' 1" 230lbs, and I worked out all the time, so my first thought was to push myself up. Big mistake! as soon as I began to push I felt a pull in my lower back, it felt like a rubber band snapping. I thought it was just a torn muscle and waited for help to arrive. When they pulled the rack off me, I stood up with some assistance but didn't feel too bad, just very sore. So, I was sent home to rest and when I woke up the next day I couldn't move. I have never felt pain like that in my life, it was so bad that I had to crawl to the bathroom. After I went to the doctor I found out I had a ruptured disk, and needed surgery immediately. I felt some relief afterwards, but in just a few short months I began feeling more back pain. So, 6 years later I've had 5 lower back surgeries, and my spine is fused from the middle of my back down to my tailbone. That means I have two 3" screws in each of my disk and a cage that surrounds it, which has left me permanently disabled. I've learned to control the pain through mediation and medication. The funny thing is, I hold multiple Black Belts, played sports, jumped out of planes, climbed mountains, served in the Army, and I have always pushed myself to be the best in everything I do, and it took a frickin' rack of food to take me out. I was so depressed for several years during the last 7 that I thought I'd never be anything close to what I was. But, through the love of daughters I found the meaning to life. "LOVE", is the key to everything and w/o it, I can't honestly say I don't know if I'd be here today, b/c some of the days I went through were just too black to see past 'em. I've realized through my experiences that nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of having a family. And now I AM a Superhero in their eyes. So, that's the skinny on the history about the man I am today. I'm sorry if it got too long winded, I can be that way sometimes. It's just I felt you should know the man as well as the Customizer. I've always been an Artist, drawing, painting, and sculpting. So, when I found out about Customizing in Aug. 2004 ( Thanks to Actorjez's Conan), I was so happy b/c it gave me an outlet for working and purpose. That's why I push myself so hard at it, b/c to me it's more then a hobby, it's my only job. I can't believe how blessed I've been b/c of it, and thank God everyday for it. I love creating my custom figures, and a hope you enjoy viewing them at my gallery http://www.thefwoosh.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19799 Please, feel free to contact me rombado@cebridge.net  AFC: When did you start making customs? Rombado: August 2004 AFC: How many customs do you work on at one time? Rombado: I usually just work on one custom at a time, but always have a few on the back burner I'm tweaking with new ideas. AFC: What is the custom you are most proud of? Rombado: Conan. it's the one custom that got me into this gig and I've made about a dozen since I've started. The one I'm most proud of is the highest selling Conan on eBay ever, he sold for $355.00, and I couldn't be more proud of anything in my life.  AFC: What is your favorite toy line to do customs for? Rombado: I have to go with Marvel Legends for this one. Although I do create customs from most toy lines ML is the line I got my start in this field and holds a special place in my heart for that. Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Interview, rombado  
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