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Name: Mig
About Me: I have been an avid toy collector ever since I was a kid. My favorite toy lines are Transformers, Star Wars, and GI Joe. I decided to make a website called www.actionfigurecustoms.com to capture all of the customs that are being bought and sold on eBay. I hope everyone finds it useful and please email me with any questions or if you have a custom you would like me to blog about, let me know!
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Action Figure Customs Blog

This 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.


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Interviews		Spotlight

Custom Punch Counterpunch Transformers Universe Genration One Figure Jin Saotome

Jin Saotome has captured the classic feel of a 1980's Transformers favorite with his Custom Punch Counterpunch G1 Transformers Universe figure. Part of being able to capture that feel are the colors used to create this figure. The yellows and the blues are dead on and the most unique aspect about this custom is that it is essentially two figures in one. Jin goes on to describe more about this unique custom:

"Punch is an Autobot, Counterpunch is a Decepticon, but they're the same being! Confused? Not as much as the Decepticons will be when this Doublespy infiltrates their ranks. Punch/Counterpunch can be transformed into two completely different robots, just like his G1 form could. Just a few extra twists and turns will change Punch into his alter-ego Counterpunch. He (they?) have been painted with rich semigloss colors, bright highlights, and sealed to protect against wear."

Jin's Custom Punch Counterpunch G1 Transformers Universe is available for bids on eBay so head over and check it out.

Labels: Counterpunch, Custom Transformers Universe, G1, Generation 1, Jin Saotome, Punch, Punch Counterpunch, Transformers

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Guiltar Custom Transformers Animated Fusion of Megatron and Optimus Prime Generation 1 Figure by Jin Saotome

Adding some spice to Transformers Animated line, Jin Saotome cooks up this bizarre fusion of Optimus Prime and Megatron known in the Generation 1 world as Guiltar. Oh yes, don't forget to add a pinch of ghost spark from Starscream and you get a pretty cool figure that I will gaurantee will never see the light of day in the Animated line. The molds of Optimus Prime and Megatron were perfect for this creation. When I first looked at this figure, I thought Jin had made two heads for it but when I read more about it, he actually created a movable faceplate that you can operate via a level to show a more rabid look to the figure. This figure looks very well put together for being a fusion figure and one to own for the hardcore Generation 1 fans. Head over to Jin's Custom Transformers Animated Guiltar figure today for your chance to own this great piece.

More About Guiltar (source)
Guiltar, also known as the "Great-Gun Soldier", is a bizarre, vicious fusion of Optimus Prime and Megatron, sent to attack both Autobot and Decepticon alike. It is ultimately a lifeless shell created by the Quintessons, animated by the "ghost" spark of Starscream. It has a massive artillery truck mode, as well as multiple gun configurations for its robot mode. Physically, it can hold its own against many of the toughest Transformers.

Labels: Custom Animated Transformers, G1, Generation 1, Guiltar, Jin Saotome, megatron, optimus prime, Transformers

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Bionic Commando Capcom Marvel Legends Custom Figure by Jin Saotome

To ring in the upcoming launch of the new Capcom game, Bionic Commando, Jin has diligently replicated one of the coolest video game figures in Marvel Legends style with his Custom Bionic Commando figure. There are a few aspects about this custom that make this outstanding! First, Jin was able to sculpt the hair and facial features in a very realistic way, which is a tough thing to pull off on a plastic toy. Second, the way the bionic appendages flow into the body looks like these were surgically implanted into the figure. He has achieved an awesome bionic look and feel with the way the machinery is sculpted and painted. The flexible piping and cords add to that realism and also give the figure the ability to aim in any direction you like. I threw in a reference picture from game as a comparison:

Jin goes on to describe this great figure in more detail: "Bionic Commando is back with an all-new look! This figure is based on Capcom's upcoming remake of Bionic Commando. He has a super realistic paint job with faded cloth colors, deep shadows, tanned skin highlights, and some great metallic features on his arm and legs. Check out his facial features and the tiny logo on his t-shirt, all painted freehand. His bionic arm features flexible piping and cords so you can aim his arm all different directions. Attach the bendable grappling cord and he can grab on to things or hang from objects. The clawed fingers move individually as well. This figure is scaled 6" to match your existing Marvel Legends figures, not 7" like the Player Select figures."

This awesome Custom Marvel Legends Bionic Commando figure can be yours by heading over to eBay and placing your bid! Don't miss out on this one!

Labels: Bionic Commando, Capcom, Custom Marvel Legends, Custom Video Game Figures, Jin Saotome, Marvel Legends

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Nemesis Prime Transformers Animated Series Custom Figure by Jin Saotome

Now that the Transformers Animated Series are in full force at retail, we are seeing some great customs of figures you will never see in stores. Jin Saotome has his take on the evil Autobot with his Custom Transformers Animated Nemesis Prime figure. Painted with a smooth finish, Jin's choice of colors fit in nicely with the rest of the Animated Transformers in the line. Instead of the typical black and purple color scheme, Jin chose a nice light blue, red, and black scheme. Read more about Jin's Custom Transformers Animated Nemesis Prime figure by heading over to his auction for your chance to own it!

Labels: Custom Animated Transformers, Jin Saotome, Nemesis Prime, Transformers

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Hemingway Morlock Custom Marvel Legends X-Men Figure by Jin Saotome

Jin Saotome boldly goes where no customizers dare to go! He picks up where the toy companies leave off and that is evident with his latest creation: Custom Marvel Legends Hemingway figure. As you can see below, Jin used the original character art from ToyBiz and he did an amazing job! What I love about Jin's customs is that he makes interchangeable parts to achieve the look and feel that he wants. For example, the photo below show the Hemingway figure with a club hand and Jin also made a regular hand. The bones protruding from Hemingway's body is a great effect and they are nicely proportioned. The sculpting detail really pulls this figure together and he makes an almost exact match to the drawing but with his own twist.

Jin's Custom Marvel Legends Hemingway figure is available on eBay so head over there now and check it out!

Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Hemingway, Hemingway Morlock, Jin Saotome, Marvel Legends

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PowerGlide Custom G1 Transformers Animated Figure by Jin Saotome

Now that the Transformers Animated figures are out in full force at retail, we are seeing more and more customs week after week. Using a perfect base figure from the new Animated Series, Jin Saotome has given the Lugnut figure a face lift and turned it into one of the coolest minibots with his Custom Powerglide Transformers Generation 1 Animated figure. Although this figure is far from mini, standing at 7" tall, Jin pays a nice homage to the little red plane known as Powerglide by closely matching the distinct rich red color that the original minibot was painted and also keeping the light gray accents. In the original figure from the 1980's, the head was cone shaped as the figure did not have much articulation or hiding places for transforming parts so I like the fact that Jin did not try mimic this aspect and give this Powerglide a pointy melon and kept true to the facial features with a new head sculpt. Jin has many talents but one that I really appreciate is he is not afraid to give figures new heads (and sometimes he gives them two) to keep in line with the original designs.

Bid on Jin's Custom Powerglide Generation 1 Animated figure on eBay today!

Labels: Custom Animated Transformers, Custom Transformers, G1, Generation 1, Jin Saotome, Lugnut, Powerglide, Transformers

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Skywarp Custom Transformers Animated G1 Starscream Figure by Jin Saotome

Back in black! Jin Saotome takes the Animated Starscream figure and gives it a classic, Generation 1 feel while still retaining the animated nature of the figure with his Custom Transformers Animated Skywarp figure. Looking like it fits right into the Animated Series, Jin has decked out this figure with the classic purple and black deco and even has given him a new head sculpt and in Jin's own words, "a very peeved Skywarp, probably because he’s being bossed around by Megatron all day." I would believe it! The colors are rich and toned perfectly to mirror the other figures in the Animated line. For more information and more pictures, head over to the auction page where you can read more about this awesome Custom Transformers Animated Skywarp!

Labels: Animated Skywarp, Animated Starscream, Custom Animated Transformers, Custom Transformers, Decepticon, G1, Generation 1, Jin Saotome, skywarp, Transformers

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Iron Monger Custom Marvel Legends Iron Man Figure by Jin Saotome

Jin Saotome is heating up the Iron Man custom section with his Custom Marvel Legends Iron Monger figure. The cool thing about this custom is that Jin has given this figure the look of brushed steel and has a light up chest but I will let Jin take it away from here:

"Monger has been decked out in a shiny metallic paint job with just a hint of blue shading and great highlights that give the look of real brushed steel! He has full articulation in the legs as well, not static posed like the first Iron Monger figure. Ready for the kicker? Open up the cockpit and flip the hidden switch, Iron Monger’s eyes and chest light up just like the onscreen character! Please don’t stare directly into the chest light, it’s so bright you can use this guy as a flashlight in case of an emergency. The batteries can also be replaced if needed."

Bid on Jin's Custom Marvel Legends Iron Monger figure on eBay today!

Labels: Custom Iron Man, Custom Marvel Legends, Iron Man, Iron Monger, Ironman, IronMonger, Jin Saotome, Marvel Legends

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Barricade Custom Transformers Movie Figure by Jin Saotome

The custom transformers section on eBay has been a bit quiet but Jin has woken it up with his Custom Transformers Movie Barricade figure. Some of the things I really like about about Jin's customs are his quest to make it accurate, his attention to detail, and the quality and craftsmanship is light years beyond most. For example, in this Barricade figure, he has added a ball joint to the head, claws, and an LED kit so that the police lights work. My favorite part about this custom are the claws. I know it is a really small detail to be excited about but the original hands on the Barricade figure bugged me (well, most of the figure bugged me as it was not very movie accurate to begin with).

Read more about Jin's Custom Transformers Movie Barricade figure on eBay today!

Labels: Barricade, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, Jin Saotome, Transformers

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Custom Cobra Ninja B.A.T. GI Joe 25th Anniversary Figure by Jin Saotome

Jin Saotome keeps the custom GI Joe 25th Anniversary figures coming with his Custom Ninja B.A.T. figure. The Battle Android Troopers are a mainstay of the Cobra Army and Jin has made them more versatile and more deadly. Keeping in tradition to the style of the B.A.T. line with removable weapons and accessories, Jin adds some very nice touches to this robot of war. With flip out blades on the elbows, this Ninja assassin is ready for battle and his opponent will not know what hit him! This auction just went up on eBay so head over to place an early bid for this unique Custom Ninja B.A.T. figure or check out the other pictures.

Labels: B.A.T., BAT, Cobra, GI Joe, GI Joe 25th Anniversary, Jin Saotome, Ninja BAT

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Iron Man Custom Marvel Legends Sigma Six Cross Over Figure by Jin Saotome

The Iron Man customs are heating up on eBay and their is very good reason! Typically, there is a surge of character specific customs that land on eBay before and after the launch of a killer movie. The 2007 Transformers Movie and the 2008 Iron Man movies have given customizers a great canvas to demonstrate their creativity. That said, I would like to focus attention to a really cool cross over figure done by Jin Saotome. Jin has created a hybrid Marvel Legends Sigma Six Iron Man that looks like it could belong in both worlds of Marvel and GI Joe. This Iron Man figure has retained the unique style of the Sigma Six GI Joe line and has married the aspects that make Iron Man a force to recon with. The colors really compliment figure and you can clearly identify this as an Iron Man figure and the black washing really brings out the detail. This blend of worlds has really come together into a great looking figure and boy is this auction hot! To read more about this awesome custom, head over to Jin's auction and see how red hot this figure is getting!

Labels: Custom Iron Man, Custom Marvel Legends, Iron Man, Iron Man Movie 2008, Ironman Movie 2008, Jin Saotome, Marvel Legends, Sigma Six

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Custom GI Joe Battle Android Trooper C.O.M.B.A.T Figure by Jin Saotome

Dubbed the Command Oriented Military Battle Android Trooper and keenly acronym'd C.O.M.B.A.T., Jin Saotome once again displays his mad customizing skills and gives GI Joe a much need troop enhancement. The Cobra B.A.T. (Battle Android Trooper) was one my favorites to play with as a kid and as an adult it still remains a mainstay in my Cobra Army. The head sculpt is my favorite part of this custom and I love the tubes that go from the head to the back as it reveals a vulnerable point in the droid. The B.A.T. is the only troop that "dies" in the GI Joe cartoons so I can imagine this C.O.M.B.A.T. figure's getting it's tubes severed in battle and rendered useless. Jin goes on to explain more about his figure:

"Cobra BATs are all the rage these days, disposable troopers that Cobra Commander can flood the battlefield with while he cheats Zartan at cards in the Terrordrome. No complaining, no need for medics, what more could you ask? Well what goes around comes around, enter C.O.M.B.A.T. standing for Command Oriented Military Battle Android Trooper. More sophisticated than the earlier models (and based on my Sigma 6 Combat) this trooper is ready to deploy wherever you need him. This Combat unit 055 is ready to handle your basic trooper needs and wields a PDW and machine gun. Out of ammo? No sweat, Combat can deploy its shoulder mounted machine gun for a quick attack. Check out the hand painted weathering, shading, and detail. He even has an American flag to show off his patriotic spirit!"

Labels: B.A.T., C.O.M.B.A.T., Custom GI Joe, GI Joe, Jin Saotome

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Springer Custom Generation 1 Transformers Figure by Jin Saotome

"Strength is more than physical"

Springer is a wise-cracking, easy-going, sharp-witted and somewhat caustic fighting Autobot. He has an unfailing optimism and good humor and courage beyond known bounds, and with it all, the willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and the sake of his mission. Jin Saotome brings this G1 Classic figure to life with his Custom Transformers Springer figure. First appearing in the cartoon version of the Transformers Movie, Jin has given this figure a fresh look while retaining it's G1 nature. The original Springer figure left much to be desired and was a very plain Transformer but Jin has given this figure a new life by using the Transformers 2007 Movie figure, Incinerator. Read more about how Jin created this great piece here!

Labels: Autobot, Custom Transformers, Custom Transformers Movie Figures, G1, Generation 1, Jin Saotome, Springer, Transformers

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Custom Cobra Reaper GI Joe 25th Anniversary Figure by Jin Saotome

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

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Iron Man Custom Marvel Legends Spotlight Figure

Custom Iron Man by Jin Saotome

With 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

Iron Man Movie Custom Diorama by MK1 Customs

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

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Custom Kratos God of War Figure by Jin Saotome

I am happy to feature Jin's Custom Kratos God of War figure. In the Sigma 6 style of GI Joe figures, Jin has created a stunning version of the video game character and made it his own in an animated style. Jin continues to go above and beyond when making customs and you know that if you buy anything from him, it will be top notch quality craftsmanship. Let's hear how Jin has created his latest masterpiece:

"I present to you Kratos from the super popular God of War series! He's the next figure in my VideoGame AllStars lineup and is done in an 'animated' style similar to the GI Joe Sigma 6 figures. Kratos has been painted with various shades, weathered leather and metal armor effects, detailed right down to the scar on his face! He has the body tattoo as well that wraps around his left side and looks quite striking. Speaking of 'striking,' Kratos comes with the Sword of Olympus and two Blades of Chaos with metal chains that can be wrapped around his arms and swung about just like in the game! Kratos is a good inch taller than normal Sigma 6 figures so he's scale perfectly to fit in to your collection. This is also the ONLY custom Kratos I'll be making for my VG AllStars series."

Bid on Jin's Custom Kratos God of War figure by heading over to his auction page!

Labels: Custom Video Game Figures, God of War, Jin Saotome, Kratos, Kratos God of War

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Category Hightlight: Custom Marvel Legends

I just wanted to give the Custom Marvel Legends enthusiasts a heads up that there are many awesome customs up for sale this week on eBay. Here are some great examples:

Custom Stealth Iron Man by Jin Saotome

Custom Warpath by boskoestoys

Custom Brock Samson by kingokrap

Labels: boskoestoys, Category Highlight, Custom Marvel Legends, Jin Saotome, kingocrap

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Custom Splinter Cell Sam Fisher GI Joe Sigma 6 Figure by Jin Saotome

Jin Saotome has created a dead on Custom Sam Fisher from the video game Splinter Cell from a GI Joe Sigma Six figure. One really cool feature about this custom is the light up goggles, which, if you have played the game, are used quite a bit and cements the look of Sam outside of the video game world. Like all of Jin's customs, the paint aps look flawless. Another cool aspect of this custom was that is was featured in Playstation Magazine! Nice going Jin! In Jin's own words, here is how he created this great custom:

"Here's my take on Sam Fisher from Splinter Cell, covert black-ops agent and all around tough guy. He's styled to match the Sigma 6 GI Joe theme and is part of my Video Game All-Stars line that will be appearing in issues of Playstation the Official Magazine. Sam's painted with various highlights, shading, and texture with hand sculpted sections made from Aves Fixit Sculpt, the best sculpting compound on the market. Check out the straps and pouches all over him, who knows what he's packing in there! But what's Sam Fisher without those trademark goggles? And yes folks, THEY LIGHT UP! All three goggle lenses were hand-made and have bright green LEDs. Press the button on his back and you can illuminate a dark corner they're so bright. Batteries are included and can be changed out when needed. So... ready to sneak around your figure collection with Sam Fisher? Know a friend who owns a bunch of Metal Gear figures that need assassinating? Then don't pass this auction up!!

You can own this figure by going to eBay and bidding on Jin's Custom Sam Fisher Splinter Cell figure.

Labels: Custom GI Joe, Custom Video Game Figures, GI Joe, Jin Saotome, Playstation Magazine, PSM, Sam Fisher, Splinter Cell

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Custom Ironman Marvel Legends Style by Jin Saotome

Hitting theatres 5/28/2008 is the Ironman movie which I am sure will be a huge hit and preempting the movie release is Jin Saotome's version of Ironman in Custom Marvel Legends Style. Jin's Ironman is highly detailed with a finish you don't find on many customs. The figures is painted in a metallic style and really shines, giving the figure the illusion of being made of iron. The head is custom made perfectly proportioned. Another great feature of this custom is the rocket pack, which is originally found on the Classics Jetfire Transformers figure, which was painted great and washed with black detail. I wonder what Jin has in store for a Jetfire sans rocket pack...anyways...here is how he created this great looking figure:

"To celebrate the big screen event of our metallic hero I give you my version of Iron Man. He's been painted with metallic red and yellow (ignore the somewhat green tinge to my camera lighting) and has a high gloss shine. Different sections are blacklined to show depth and there's natural shading/highlights when the light hits him. His head is custom made and he has articulated fingers! There's no Iron Man like this one available and it's not one of the movie figures either, it’s a one-of-a-kind custom figure. Even though he's completely poseable I'd handle him gently as his armor has a high gloss shine to it and you'll want to avoid scratching it. Plug on the Stark MG720 rocket pack and he's ready to head across the globe, into space, or wherever the Avengers need him! The rocket pack also converts to combat mode by sliding the back sections that reveal two spring-loaded lasers cannons."

Bid on this one of a kind Custom Marvel Legends Ironman figure and add this to your collection today.

Labels: Custom Marvel Legends, Ironman, Ironman Movie 2008, Jin Saotome, Marvel Legends

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Custom Transformers G1 Jetfire by jin saotome

The Generation 1 version of Jetfire has to be one of my favorite 1980's Transformers. Jin Saotome has revived this Classics Jetfire and made it his own with his Custom Jetfire Generation 1 style. In his own words, he is "Transformers fan request week" and Jin is delivering some 'Fan's Choice' (Star Wars fans would appreciate the reference) customs. I bought this figure and although the Classics line has done a good job recreating this great figure, Jin has take it to the next level. Here are some details on how Jin paid homage to this G1 icon:

"The entire figure has been repainted with all sorts of shading, washes, highlights, metallic gunmetal effects, and more. He comes with three magnetic hands, one gripping, one open palm (Force effect, hah!) and one "thumbs up" hand to show that he's landed in one piece yet again."