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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.
Custom Metroid Samus Master Chief Halo Crossover Figure by TheFleskPosted by Mig on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 @ 7:40 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe TheFlesk's Custom Samus Master Chief Metroid/Halo crossover figure brings 2 great classic gaming icons together in one awesome figure! First released in 1986, Metroid was one of the first NES that sucked all of the time from my adolescent life. Fast forward to 2001 where Halo makes gaming history and once again sucks all of my time, now, from my adult life. This figure is nicely done as it blends both aspects of Samus and the Master Chief. Combining the classic colors of Metroid with the fighting armor of Halo makes for a custom that I am sure will be very sought after.  Bid on TheFlesk's killer crossover custom on eBay today!Labels: Custom Video Game Figures, Halo, Master Chief, Metroid, Samus, TheFlesk X-23 Custom Marvel Legends X-Men Figure by Dielawn CustomsPosted by Mig on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 @ 7:44 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Dielawn Customs brings this X-Force figure to life with his Custom Marvel Legends X-23 figure. Beautifully sculpted, this figure has a personality of its own. The costume design mirrors the X-Force comic version very nicely. Let's see how Dilawn Customs made this great figure:"This is a custom X-23 (Laura) Marvel Legends figure created by dielawn customs!. This is a hand painted figure with sculpted parts, it still has all of it's intended articulation but is meant for display, collecting and minor posing of the joints to insure the figure stays in it's intended shape. A lot of time and effort was put into this character to insure that it stands up to the test of resemblance to the actual comic book character. (Character has fully sculpted boots..belt...enhanced breasts... and real steel, silver colored, claws).... Painted with Testor Model Master paints...& finished off with Plaid Matte varnish spray sealer" Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Custom Marvel Legends X-Men, Dielawn Customs, Marvel Legends, X-23, X-Force, XMEN Springer Custom Generation 1 Transformers Figure by Jin SaotomePosted by Mig on Monday, April 28, 2008 @ 8:25 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe "Strength is more than physical"  Labels: Autobot, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, G1, Generation 1, Jin Saotome, Springer, Transformers Custom Flint GI Joe 12 Inch Figure by Willard vs KurtzPosted by Mig on Sunday, April 27, 2008 @ 5:02 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Willard vs Kurtz takes the 3 3/4" GI line and scales it up with his Custom 12" Flint made to resemble 1980's classic figure. Sideshow announced a partnership with Hasbro to create a line of 1/6 scale GI Joe figures but something tells me that they will not be a tenth as good as the one here. This figure is highly detailed, even down to the almost exact match of the camo pants. Here is some more information by Willard vs Kurtz about this awesome Flint:
 Labels: 12", Custom GI Joe, Flint, GI Joe Custom Stealth Iron Man Marvel Legends Style Figure by Central Cali CustomsPosted by Mig on Friday, April 25, 2008 @ 7:55 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Central Cali Customs has outdone themselves with his Custom Marvel Legends Stealth Iron Man figure. This Sideshow'esque figure is comes packed with articulation and a custom base that looks like Iron Man has unleashed hell on it. Central Cali Customs explains more about how he made this work of art:
Labels: Central Cali Customs, Custom Marvel Legends, Iron Man, Marvel Legends, Stealth Iron Man Custom Transformers Decepticon Ravage G1 Figure by ShinobitronPosted by Mig on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @ 9:46 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Rack up another Generation 1 smash hit for Shinobitron! This week, he brings us Soundwave's saboteur with his Custom Transformers G1 Ravage made from the Energon Battle Ravage. This is a huge improvement from the original Hasbro release and Shinobitron has really captured Ravage's classic look as he kept the paint aps simple with black and silver. I liked the way he removed the ball attached to his tail and the placement of the Decepticon symbols was also a great choice, which brings me to my next point. It is the little things that make a huge diference and make a custom come to life or simply capture the real style of the figure and the additon of the circular discs to Ravage's legs is that little thing that made this custom stand out and complete Ravage's Generation 1 look. I have said it before and I will say it again, Shinobitron is one of my favorite G1 Transformers customizers so head over to eBay and show him some love with some high bids! Labels: Custom Transformers, Decepticon, G1, Generation 1, Ravage, Shinobitron, Transformers Custom Cobra Reaper GI Joe 25th Anniversary Figure by Jin SaotomePosted by Mig on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @ 8:50 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Jin Saotome has created a one of a kind Cobra creation with his Custom GI Joe 25th Anniversary Cobra Reaper figure. I love the creativity that goes into these customs and this figure is superbly detailed and would make a very unique addition to your Cobra army. Jin goes on and describes more about this figure: "Introducing the Cobra Warlock, one of my newest customs that are based on the GI Joe 25th Anniversary figures. He's fully poseable and features metallic detailing, deep shading, and highlights that really bring this character to life. This warlock can wield his obsidian scythe or blood-fang into battle and is ready to take on the Joes with soul-rending accuracy! Check out the real metal chains and the cape blades, this is one dangerous foe. The figure comes with a custom base too for display and will look great in your Joe collection, blending right into the Cobra team. So, need a really unique warrior for your staged battles? Know a diehard GI Joe fan who would demand the Reaper carry a firearm into combat? Then don't pass this auction up!"  Bid on Jin's Custom Cobra Reaper figure by heading over to eBay! Labels: Cobra, Cobra Reaper, Custom GI Joe, Custom GI Joe 3 3/4, GI Joe 25th Anniversary, Jin Saotome, ooak GI Joe Beastbox Custom Transformers G1 Figure by Chris MoradaPosted by Mig on Monday, April 21, 2008 @ 7:41 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Chris Morada shows us how he can take customizing to the next level with his Custom Transformers Generation 1 Beastbox figure, made from the Transformers Movie XBOX Controller. It really takes a keen eye to see a figure on the shelf of a store and know that it will become a work of art when completed. The base figure is perfect for a Beastbox custom and if the paint aps look as flawless as they do in the pictures, the winning bidder will sure be in for a treat! I love the departure in color as Chris has made this custom in classic Decepticon purple, giving this figure a fresh look. The twin cannons on the back complete the classic G1 homage to this mini cassette tape.  Chris' awesome Custom Beastbox is up for bids on eBay so head over there and place your bid! Labels: Beastbox, chris-morada, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, Decepticon, G1, Generation 1, Transformers Custom Marvel Legends Nova Annihilation Figure by steveidPosted by Mig on Sunday, April 20, 2008 @ 1:04 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Steveid brings his Custom Nova to life in Marvel Legends style. Nova derives his powers from an energy source called the Nova Force, which all Nova Corps Centurions wield. His small measure of the Nova Force gives him superhuman powers including flight, enhanced strength, speed, and durability, as well as the power to absorb energy directed against him and release it as gravimetric pulses and beams, either from specific parts of his body or from his energy body surface. Steveid did an excellent job bringing this comic book figure to reality with a great sculpting and paint ap job! The colors compliment the figure nicely and you know you are getting quality when you bid on a Custom Marvel Legends figure by Steveid so head over to eBay! Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Marvel Legends, Nova, Nova Annihilation, steveid Ironhide Custom Transformers Movie Voyager Class Figure by CrefigzPosted by Mig on Saturday, April 19, 2008 @ 7:12 AM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Crefigz gives a slick look that is movie accurate with his Custom Transformers Ironhide figure. What is really great about this figure is that it (1) looks very much like the Movie version and (2) the metal detailing looks very realistic. Here is a close up: My favorite aspects of Crefigz' Ironhide is that the truck mode and robot mode compliment each other very well. With some other customs I have seen, too much effort was spent on making the robot mode look great but when it is transformed back into truck mode, something just does not look right. Crefigz' made sure that Ironhide looks awesome in both modes, which will make this custom very sought after. Ironhide is up for bids on eBay so head over here and check him out for yourself. Labels: Autobot, Crefigz, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, Ironhide, Transformers, Transformers Movie Figures, Voyager Class Ultra Magnus Custom Transformers Voyager Class Movie Figure by dan-saotoPosted by Mig on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 @ 7:48 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe dan-saoto has given Custom Transformers Movie fans a reason to run over to eBay with his Custom Voyager Class Ultra Magnus figure. The truck mode is nice and clean with a stark white finish, giving it a classic look. Keeping with Optimus Prime's flare, the white flames add a nice touch that pay homage to the movie counterpart without over doing it. The metallics paint aps are in the right places and I like the red when Ultra Magnus is in robot mode. It is a nice surprise and adds some color to the figure. Complete with Autobot Matrix, removeable weapons and arms, and flames, Ultra Magnus is ready to for battle. Add this awesome custom to your collection by heading over to eBay and bidding on dan-saoto's Custom Ultra Magnus figure.
Ultra Magnus Custom Transformers Voyager Class Movie Figure by dan-saoto Seller: dan-saoto Date Listed: April 13, 2008 Buy it Now: $199.99 Labels: Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, dan-saoto, optimus prime, Transformers, Ultra Magnus, Voyager Class Cobra Firefly Custom Marvel Legends GI Joe Figure by 2dtoysPosted by Mig on Monday, April 14, 2008 @ 10:02 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Form meets function with 2dtoys Custom Marvel Legends Firefly figure. This is one of the best Firefly's I have seen in a long time. Every aspect of this figure reminds me of the classic 3 3/4" figure from the GI Joe cartoon. No detail was spared and I especially like how 2dtoy's did the weapons and gear on this one. Take a look at the detail of the pack, complete with Firefly's tools of mayhem and destruction:
 Cobra Firefly Custom Marvel Legends GI Joe Figure by 2dtoys Seller: 2dtoys Labels: 2dtoys, Cobra, Custom GI Joe, Custom Marvel Legends, Custom Marvel Legends GI Joe, Firefly Custom 12" GI Joe Cobra Baroness Figure by jwringo1Posted by Mig on Saturday, April 12, 2008 @ 2:40 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe jwringo1 brings a classic to life with this Custom Cobra Baroness figure in 1/6 Scale. Using a Cy Girls figure as the base, this figure is crafted to look like the 1980's cartoon figure with some modern modifications. Dressed in black with the iconic Cobra symbol, this Baroness figure is dressed to kill (or look hunt for the Mass Device). I love the addition of the glasses which really cements the look of the Baroness!  Custom 12" GI Joe Cobra Baroness Figure by jwringo1Seller: jwringo1 Date Listed: April 11, 2008 Starting Bid: $50.00 Labels: 12", Cobra, Custom GI Joe, Cy Girl, GI Joe, jwringo1 AFC Interviews Customizer ShinobitronPosted by Mig on Thursday, April 10, 2008 @ 9:14 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Shinobitron is one of the most talented Transformers customizers I have met thus far. He also makes customs for Marvel Legends, Video Games, and GI Joe but I am drawn his work with the Transformers. If you are looking for a one of a kind custom to proudly display on your shelf next to the originals, you need to check out his work! I have blogged about several of his customs, including Highbrow, Beachcomber, Rampage, and the latest, Dragstrip. Please check out all my reviews of his figures on his dedicated page. I was lucky enough to get some insight and learn more about Shinobitron so please enjoy!AFC: Tell the fans of your work a little about yourself. Shinobitron: My real name is Justin and I currently reside in north western Pennsylvania. I'm 28 years old and work in a stock room for the Pittsburgh Steelers when I'm not making customs. I'm big into Anime and classic 80s toons. Not only do I customize figures I also make costumes. I've been Cobra Commander, Storm Shadow, the Hobgoblin, and Soundwave! Soundwave could actually transform and the chest opened to reveal a cassette that also changed into Lazerbeak. LB had magnets in his feet that let him attach to my wrist! My artist name comes from 2 things 1) Shinobi, one of my favorite video games of all time. Not only that but the remake for the PS2 had Hotsuma, the main character, in one awesome looking uniform. 2) Tron, not for the old movie but as in Megatron. I've always like the bad guys more. I currently started a website called Shinobitrons Dojo http://www.freewebs.com/shinobitron/index.htm I can be contacted there or thru my regular email at: shinobi13j@aol.com AFC: When did you start making customs? Shinobitron: I started making them in 1999. This all started with my love for Resident Evil. I bought the entire set of figures from Toybiz and was mad no Wesker figure was made. I used a Toybiz Johnny Blaze and remade him into Wesker. That's when this all started I then took it into Gundams, Various models kits, and random figures for practice. I got the heaviest into it however when the Marvel Legends released and have been very steady ever since. AFC: How many customs do you work on at one time? Shinobitron: For the most part I try to keep all my focus on one figure at a time. This lets me give all my attention to one item and let me give one figure my all. I do however base coat figures that up for painting while working on another figure. This let any sculpty or glues I have on my main project harden and keeps me from sitting idle. (I do cave and treat myself to some PS2 or PC games in between phases though) AFC: What is your favorite toy line to do customs for? Shinobitron: I have to go with Transformers on this one. First of all each piece can end up being super easy or one heck of a challenge. After you finish one of the pieces you get a great sense of accomplishment, knowing that you made not one but two toys in one project. You got a badass looking robot and a sleek vehicle that looks equally badass. Another reason I like TFs is the fans reaction. TF has a diehard fan base that love their bots. When you sell a figure to a person and he/she says that your piece is proudly displayed in their collection for everyone they know to see it give you a great sense of pride. AFC: What is the custom you are most proud of? Shinobitron: That's a tough question. I would have to say a very rough tie between my Darkstalkers, Ghost in the Shell, Galvatron, and Hotsuma figures. These piece have a special place for me as they are major display pieces on my shelves.  AFC: What customs do you have lined up for your next ones? Shinobitron: My minds always working on what to make up next. I'm a real spur of the moment kind of person and even though I set myself a list of figure to make I usually end up doing something else cause I just got a great base fig I "have" to use right then and there. Heres a tenative list: Goldbug, Movie Beachcomber, Hoist, SHS Venture Bros figures, Animated Deadpool, Female Junkions, gears, The entire Cowboy Bebop cast, Bludgeon, Anime X-Men, 8" Master Cheif, Hellsing characters, G2 Grimlock, and more Sigma 6 Cobra members. Believe me there so many I can't even remember them all. AFC: If you had one piece of advice for other customizers out there, what would you say to them? Shinobitron: Practice, Practice, practice. I know that Jin says this but its the truth. Never be afraid to use new techniques, screw things up or break things. Doing this is sometimes the best way to learn. Try new items, new paints, and new parts. Just remember to have fun doing it and never give up. Labels: Interview, Shinobitron Custom Sith Lord Darth Plagueis Star Wars Figure by MasterclonerPosted by Mig on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 @ 9:10 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Mastercloner brings us his interpretation of the mysterious Darth Plagueis the wise! This is an excellent piece and it gives a face to this icon in the Star Wars universe. Mastercloner gives us more information about this illusive dark lord of the Sith: "Darth Plagueis was a Sith Lord who, according to legend, had discovered a way to manipulate midi-chlorians to prevent death and create life. However, his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Although it is never officially stated in the cinematic release of Revenge of the Sith that Plagueis was Darth Sidious' master, the official Star Wars Databank characterizes him as such. This information is included in the film's novelization, in which Sidious says, "Darth Plagueis was my master... before I killed him." It is also mentioned in the Star Wars novels Labyrinth of Evil and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader. "The Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise", as related by Palpatine, is the only example of in-universe literature contained within the six Star Wars films."  Seller: mastercloner Date Listed: April 7, 2008 Starting Bid: $9.99 Labels: Custom Star Wars, Custom Star Wars 3 3/4", Darth Plagueis, Revenge of the Sith, Sith, Sith Lords, Star Wars Snake Eyes Custom GI Joe 25th Anniversary Arashikage Ninja Training Figure by currentcomics1Posted by Mig on Monday, April 7, 2008 @ 8:13 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Straight from the pages of the GI Joe Comics comes currentcomics1's Custom Snake Eyes Arashikage Ninja Training figure. The 25th Anniversary GI Joe line has provided customizers with a fresh canvas to work from and I am seeing some great customs. The sculpting on this figure is superb and no detail was spared making this version nearly identical to the comics. A couple points to take note are the addition of the sleeves on the figure which flow very naturally from the arms and the 'dog ears' on the top of the hood. In currentcomics1's auction, he gives us a rundown of how he made this great custom:"I used a base figure (Legion Storm Shadow) from the 25th Anniversary G.I. Joe line made by Hasbro. The figure comes with 2 swords with painted Arashikage symbols. This is a character I made by sculpting around the eye area of the mask along with 2 lines as featured on Snake Eyes original 80's mask and as seen in the Declassified mini. I added sleeves to the figure and also added the 2 dog ears on top of the hood like the red ninja figure. I sculpted the back hand protectors and the harness around his shoulders to mimic the look in the Devils Due mini series. I repainted it using Citadel acrylic paints. I painted the eyebrows a blond (yellow) and the eyes blue to match Snake-eyes original look before the helicopter accident. The paint is fully dry and you may handle the figure. Be very careful since the paint might rub off between the joints. I did a lot of custom trimming using a Dremel tool between each joint to avoid paint rub or chipping between the joints; but you never know."  Seller: currentcomics1 Date Listed: April 3, 2008 Starting Bid: $24.99 Labels: Arashikage, currentcomics1, Custom GI Joe, Custom GI Joe 3 3/4, GI Joe, GI Joe 25th Anniversary, Snake Eyes Iron Man Custom Marvel Legends Spotlight FigurePosted by Mig on Sunday, April 6, 2008 @ 11:03 AM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Custom Iron Man by Jin SaotomeWith the Iron Man Movie right around the corner, customizers have been going all out and showing how they can make the best Custom Marvel Legends Iron Man figures. Some figure to note this week are coming from customizers such as Jin Saotome (see photo above) and others:  Custom Stealth Iron Man by Kyle Robinson
Find these and others by heading over to eBay and bidding on all of the Custom Marvel Legends Iron Man figures (only if your wallet can handle it). Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Iron Man, Iron Man Movie 2008, Jin Saotome, Kyle Robinson, Marvel Legends, MK1 Customs Custom Incinerator Transformers Movie Voyager Class Figure by ChihPosted by Mig on Saturday, April 5, 2008 @ 7:43 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Chih has gotten back to military basics with his Custom Transformers Incinerator figure. Although this vehicle appeared in the Transformers Movie, it was not a central part of the storyline nor did it actually transform into anything, I feel this figure is a nice addition to the Transformers Movie line. With respect to Chih's overall plan for this figure, it is spot on. I love the military grey and the Air Force decals really make this figure stand out. The copper accents are a great touch as they highlight the parts that are lost in the original release of the figure. If you want to own a custom from the one of the premier and best Transformers customizers out there, Chih is your man so head over to eBay and place a bid on his awesome Custom Incinerator Transformers figure! Labels: chih, Chih's Custom Transformer Workshop, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, Incinerator, Transformers, Voyager Class Custom Transformers Stunticon Dragstrip G1 Figure by ShinobitronPosted by Mig on Thursday, April 3, 2008 @ 8:18 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe Shinobitron has the knack of moulding and sculpting Transformers figures into Generation 1 classics. This week, he has created a far superior version of a Transformers Generation 1 Classic Dragstrip figure. Standing 6" tall, Dragstrip has many unique features that make this custom a cut above the rest. What I like about this custom is that Shinobitron has taken many liberties with the figure but retained the G1 style look to Dragstrip. The original figure had a purple gun that mounted on the spoiler but in Shinobitron's version, he has permanently mounted a silver blaster that is a great addition to the figure! I like the use of the various colors and the race car mode looks awesome! For more information, check out this one of a kind Custom Transformers G1 Dragstrip figure on eBay.  Labels: Custom Transformers, G1, Generation 1, Shinobitron, Stunticon, Transformers Custom Cobra De Aco Argentina GI Joe International Figure by romatoysPosted by Mig on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 @ 10:01 PM | PERMALINK | More Custom Figures: Custom Transformers | Custom Marvel Legends | Custom Star Wars | Custom GI Joe One of my favorite figures in the GI Joe line are the international figures from various countries. This week, romatoys gives us an updated version of the Argentinian figure called Cobra de Aco. I have always wanted to own one of these figures but unfortunately the price tag is way too high for me. romatoys makes this dream of owning a Cobra de Aco figure come true with his 25th Anniversary homage to a great international figure. He nailed the yellow and the cobra symbol cements his allegiance to Cobra Commander. Check out his Custom 25th Anniversary Cobra de Aco figure on eBay today! Labels: Cobra, Cobra de Aco, Custom GI Joe, Custom GI Joe 3 3/4, romatoys
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