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Collecting => Customs => Customs Community and Group Projects => Topic started by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 12:50 PM

Title: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 12:50 PM
We're nearing the end of Month 9-10 (custom playset/dioramas) - what would everyone like to try for next month?  I have a couple of ideas, if anyone else has some ideas feel free to share them.  Hopefully we can have a consensus by Feb 28.

- fan fiction cantina drunks
- fan fiction Separatist droid
- fan fiction new alien species

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Smartypants1635 on February 20, 2006, 12:55 PM
Alien species thats what we should go for.
 my project for 9-10 will take me till summer at teh rate im going at.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 20, 2006, 12:58 PM
I agree. New aliens.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Ryan on February 20, 2006, 04:27 PM
I'd like to do another Army building month, Imperial Officers maybe?

But if the consensus is going towards new aliens then that's ok with me too. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jeff on February 20, 2006, 04:33 PM
I'd like to do another Army building month, Imperial Officers maybe?

I'd be up for "Imperial Officers" since I have a few long over-due things I need to finish anyway...  :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 04:53 PM
Two for new alien species, two for Imperials!  How about Alien Imperials!   ;)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jayson on February 20, 2006, 04:55 PM
The Emperor would never allow it.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 20, 2006, 05:09 PM
I think I'd prefer Alien species.  However, I'm pretty flexible. 

Since I'm (relatively) new here.  Have Jedi already been done to death?  I've got a Jedi character (or two) that I'm thinking about working on and it would be nice to kill two birds with one stone :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on February 20, 2006, 05:17 PM
i think we should do the Imperial officers, but since i'm new i guess i could go both ways. but if we were to do a new alien species, what fodder could we use without it looking like the original?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 05:26 PM
Yeah, the Emperor would never allow Imperial aliens to be officers that for sure.  Thrawn was about as far as that went.

I think it should probably be alien species.  I kind of like the cantina drunks idea some for whatever reason so I might combine that, all I'd have to do is give the alien a cup to hold.

For Jedi, that would be fine too if it's a new alien species.  A new alien species that is a Jedi could be really cool.  Ultimately we're really flexible with these.

As for how would you do a new alien without it looking like the original?  There's different ways to do that... maybe using some parts from non-Star Wars lines... like this ugly thing I made a while back -

(http://www.thecustomalliance.com/cook/evilapprentice.jpg)

 :P

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on February 20, 2006, 06:02 PM
Is that guy like a sith demon, because that guy'll give ya nightmares. (But it's actually really good. Could I get that recipie?)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 06:13 PM
Yeah, it's a Sith Demon that I'm going to rework someday for the Rykrof series.  The body from it was a Coleman Trebor Jedi figure, and the head and hands were from the Jersey Devil from the Cryptozoology line that TRU used to carry.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 20, 2006, 07:26 PM
Of course if we did do imperials, I have six rots Tarkins I found at Target last week for a $1 each that I could use.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: darth_ripley on February 20, 2006, 09:09 PM
i'm for alien species. i don't really have any Imperial fodder that i could use. i just picked up some of those mega-buy ROTS 2 packs today at TRU (FINALLY got Ask Aak which i hadn't seen till now)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Quazar on February 20, 2006, 09:18 PM
Even though I've never entered this awesome tradition, I have been working kinda sorta on some imperial customs for a while, so I could actually probably enter this time!

Aliens is a good idea, but difficult to achieve.  Where do you get the fodder to make original aliens? 

And don't buy any of that EU crap about the Emperor hating aliens.  Clearly he has no trouble with guys like Mas Amedda, a very loyal follower who was obviously in on a great deal of his schemes.  EU sucks! 
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 10:32 PM
That is very true... I wonder what he ends up doing with Mas Amedda after ROTS?  I think that he could be a lifetime advisor to Palpatine.  Amedda is one character that really seems to be overlooked as a possible important character in what transpires.  He could have at the time of Valorum's fall from grace changed things to keep Palpatine out of power perhaps, but saw the momentum and possiblity for greater power with Palpatine. 

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 10:51 PM
But then again... what kind of Imperials really would work for this?  I'm afraid too many people would make a bland figure like this one I made -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/022006_ONE.jpg)

I know you could throw on some Veers armor or something, and maybe I'm being narrow minded here... but usually the point of these is to try and be really creative.  I think that there are a lot of options out there... you just have to think outside the box a bit... I'm all for the aliens.  It gives you a chance to try some sort of new alien that is from your imagination... like Phruby's Mongo Beefhead!

(http://mysite.verizon.net/res0h93r/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mongjedi.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 20, 2006, 11:16 PM
That is very true... I wonder what he ends up doing with Mas Amedda after ROTS?  I think that he could be a lifetime advisor to Palpatine.  Amedda is one character that really seems to be overlooked as a possible important character in what transpires.  He could have at the time of Valorum's fall from grace changed things to keep Palpatine out of power perhaps, but saw the momentum and possiblity for greater power with Palpatine. 

 :P

Come on Chewie, I've already told you what Mas Amedda does after ROTS.  He cover's KISS:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/KISS-Band.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 20, 2006, 11:17 PM
LMAO!!!

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: bocrebjedi on February 21, 2006, 12:55 AM
Okay, I'm a little odd with the customs I make and would make two possiblities for a customizing challenge.
1. Star Wars gladiator

I need motivation for a companion to my first gladiator
(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d150/bocrebjedi/Customs/JawaGladiator.jpg)


Not too happy with him, but I like the concept.

The other idea is one a friend and I were throwing around at a customizing party.
2.  Pimp My Gonk

With the new Gonks, it would be fun to see what different types of Gonks we could come up with.  (plus I love the droid  ;D )
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jeff on February 21, 2006, 10:36 AM
It gives you a chance to try some sort of new alien that is from your imagination... like Phruby's Mongo Beefhead!

Not to nit-pick, but wasn't that based on a Kenner protoype or something?  I thought the Mongo Beefhead was a "long-lost" Kenner idea that was once proposed for the main line, right?   ???


Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  I think the "aliens" thing really wouldn't be as hard as some might think.  Here's an example of something I did a while back that kind of fits with the theme (and if I can customize it, anyone can :P):

(http://www.jedidefender.com/news/images/1-05/jls3jedi2thumb.JPG)

The Alien Jedi in that photo was made from an old X-Men Ice-Man head, which I added to a skirtless Ep1 Boss Nass.  I added some paint detailing and my "fire" Jedi was born.  Kinda inspired by the molten men (Crystar!) and other fire elementals.

Like CHEWIE said, just have to think outside the box a little bit.  I've used heads from Star Wars to make new aliens too - cut the ears off a Captain Tarpals for a whole new look (http://www.jedidefender.com/jsmentek/customs/ccm05c.jpg).  Heck, even ust painting a human head can sometimes give you a creepy new alien species (http://www.jedidefender.com/image.pl?http://www.jedidefender.com/jsmentek/customs/hothalien.jpg)!

Just take a strange fodder head and build around it.  There are a lot of different lines out there to pick and choose from, should be easy to find something to work with - Corps, Batman, Marvel, etc.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 21, 2006, 10:48 AM
You're right about the Beefhead, Kenner did make some sort of prototype with that used.  I was just giving that as an example on how a head could be used to make it look like it was a totally different or new species.

That red headed alien Jedi is a good example too... lot of species out there can be changed up just a bit and they might look very different. 

If everyone is cool with the alien idea, I can kick off on March 1st with one as an example, and then I'll try and make a couple more for the end of the month.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jeff on February 21, 2006, 10:58 AM
You're right about the Beefhead, Kenner did make some sort of prototype with that used.  I was just giving that as an example on how a head could be used to make it look like it was a totally different or new species.

Ah, ok that makes sense - I was just a bit confused.


If everyone is cool with the alien idea, I can kick off on March 1st with one as an example, and then I'll try and make a couple more for the end of the month.

Works for me... maybe we can consider Imperials for the next month?  Maybe not just Imperial Officers, but just Imperial Troops in general (like we did "rebel troops" and not just officers)?  I know some of you are just itching to use those AT-AT Drivers and Veers in some new customs.   ;)


Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Darth_Ennis on February 21, 2006, 11:34 AM
I can go either way on this one. Imps or aliens I can probably throw something together for either one or both. Ive been tossing an idea around for a Nogrhi for a while now this will be a good excuse for me to get of my slackass and do it. :P Ive got a never ending supply of Veers at my local wally world so imp officers wont be a problem either.

Of course sep droids arent a bad idea either but didnt we do that one already?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Ryan on February 21, 2006, 11:36 AM
I can go either way on this one. Imps or aliens I can probably throw something together for either one or both. Ive been tossing an idea around for a Nogrhi for a while now this will be a good excuse for me to get of my slackass and do it. :P Ive got a never ending supply of Veers at my local wally world so imp officers wont be a problem either.

Of course sep droids arent a bad idea either but didnt we do that one already?

Kind of. We did droids and we've done organic Seppies. So aliens it is?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 21, 2006, 12:39 PM
We did do droids once but it wasn't Separatist Droids.  I was referring to fan fiction designs of them like maybe something like one of these... basically a new type of droid -

(http://www.twcory.com/Gallery/UserFiles/dROID1.JPG)

(http://chewie34.250free.com/021306scorpiandroid.jpg)

For March, I am definitely in the boat for all new fan fiction alien species (or something like Ennis said with a Noghri would be cool too as Hasbro hasn't made it).  I have at least 1-2 ideas in mind already and could probably make up to 5 for this one.

For April, I think a lot of people are itching to make some more Imperials so maybe that's a good idea.  I made these guys not too long ago and they're probably my favorite type of Imperial troop I've made.  Maybe not the most creative but I like them.

(http://chewie34.250free.com/021006Troops.jpg)

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: darth_ripley on February 21, 2006, 02:12 PM
i would say alien species for March & Imperials for April sounds like a plan  :)

i'm kind of kicking around the idea of a Bothan spy for the alien challenge...i have no clue what a Bothan looks like though  ??? time to start googling  :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on February 21, 2006, 06:45 PM
I changed my mind, I do like the alien idea. I've got a very cool idea for mine. As for the Imps., I think April is good. It gives me time to get me some fodder! ;D I hope that maybe in the future do like a fleet trooper thingy. Sorry, I have a big vocabulary, but I'm not very good with those words. Since all the versions to date suck, we could customize our own. Maybe this could be May or June? That's just my two cents.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: hemble on February 21, 2006, 06:53 PM
I like the alien Idea for March and any kind of imperial for April would be cool I'm getting a good range of figures now for fodder. And maybe somewhere down the track we could do some sought of dio scene from any of the 6 movies I LOVE DIOS.

Ron
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Smartypants1635 on February 21, 2006, 07:13 PM
Sweet, if we do aliens I got my fodder. :D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Ryan on February 21, 2006, 08:54 PM
I changed my mind, I do like the alien idea. I've got a very cool idea for mine. As for the Imps., I think April is good. It gives me time to get me some fodder! ;D I hope that maybe in the future do like a fleet trooper thingy. Sorry, I have a big vocabulary, but I'm not very good with those words. Since all the versions to date suck, we could customize our own. Maybe this could be May or June? That's just my two cents.

We just did Rebels back in December though. And that is more character specific so it would be better suited for a Group Project. Maybe you could sugget that to Phruby when it comes time to pick the next topic.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 21, 2006, 10:55 PM
The other idea is one a friend and I were throwing around at a customizing party.
2.  Pimp My Gonk

With the new Gonks, it would be fun to see what different types of Gonks we could come up with.  (plus I love the droid  ;D )


Now I think that would be a fun project!!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 23, 2006, 09:48 AM
The next group project will return to a single character again instead of a grouping of characters.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Darth_Ennis on February 23, 2006, 04:50 PM
Any Idea on what that will be Phruby? Personally I beleive that Dash Rendar is sadly in need of an updated fig. I'm planning on tackling this one myself but im not sure where to begin.

AS far as my idea for the dio project, I was thinking of something along the lines of the outlander club only a little more seedy and smaller. I may do it once i finally get settled as far as the my current housing situation goes.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 23, 2006, 06:02 PM
I was kind of hoping that we'd settled on Aliens.  Even though the new challenge hasn't technical begun, I started making some custom heads from sculpy last night.  I'm going to try casting them into plastic and make a few aliens.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jeff on February 23, 2006, 08:27 PM
I was kind of hoping that we'd settled on Aliens.  Even though the new challenge hasn't technical begun, I started making some custom heads from sculpy last night.  I'm going to try casting them into plastic and make a few aliens.

I think we did settle on Aliens for Month 11 (March) and Imperial Troops for Month 12 (April).

I think Phruby and Ennis are talking about the next "Group Project" FFURG v. JD (like the Clone Wars that is going on now...

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Commander_Miseria on February 23, 2006, 08:33 PM
I still suggest transition charcters.

Young luke, Aged obi, transition clone/stormie mixes, rebel troop precursors.... that kind of thing  :-\
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jedi_Assassin on February 23, 2006, 10:25 PM
Yes, yes, yes, yes! I could totally work with that. We should do that, sort of a preview of the new Live-Action series. That could be really cool. I think all of these ideas are great. (Especially the Pimp-My-Gonk. LOL! ;D)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 23, 2006, 10:26 PM
I was kind of hoping that we'd settled on Aliens.  Even though the new challenge hasn't technical begun, I started making some custom heads from sculpy last night.  I'm going to try casting them into plastic and make a few aliens.

I think we did settle on Aliens for Month 11 (March) and Imperial Troops for Month 12 (April).

I think Phruby and Ennis are talking about the next "Group Project" FFURG v. JD (like the Clone Wars that is going on now...



Okay, it must be a newbie thing... I can't figure the difference between the group project and the Monthly challenge.  Can someone explain please  ::)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 23, 2006, 11:09 PM
Things where a little reversed this month.

Typically group projects focused on just one character only (ie Dash Rendar) while MCC does a category of fan fic characters (ie. Cantina Aliens). This month since MCC was doing any diarama, the group project took over the character category and did any Clone Wars TV show character except clones themselves.

The next group project will focus exclusively on one or two characters typically with lots of reference pictures. We then design our version of that character using the reference pictures and lots of work in progress shots. Maybe we will do a verses group project with FFURG again. They make one character, we make a different character.

MCC will focus on any figure you come up with that fits into the month's theme.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: BrentS on February 24, 2006, 12:00 AM
That explains it a bit better.  So for the MCC (whether verus FFURG or just ourselves) does anyone actually declare a winner :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Darth_Ennis on February 24, 2006, 11:16 AM
The JD vs FFURG thing was great Id love to do that again. Even though it took nearly 3 months for me to post anything. My problem with that is for some reason these computers wont let me post any pics on FFURG, which is why i never got to post my Snoova. If we do the vs thing is there any way someone can post pics for me on FFURG?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 24, 2006, 08:40 PM
I'll post pictures for you. There is never really a declared winner in those contests. Its just to have fun and get as many people to partipate as possible.

But anyway, sorry for the hijack. Lets decide on the MCC. Are we doing Aliens, Cantina aliens or Imperials?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Ryan on February 24, 2006, 11:08 PM
I believe we have decided on Original Fan-Fic Aliens for March and Imperials for April. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Phrubruh on February 24, 2006, 11:39 PM
Sounds good to me. :D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: CHEWIE on February 25, 2006, 02:26 AM
Me too, CHEWIE is game.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11
Post by: Jeff on February 25, 2006, 05:00 PM
I believe we have decided on Original Fan-Fic Aliens for March and Imperials for April. :)

Cool.  I changed the title and will sticky the thread...  :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on February 26, 2006, 03:14 PM
Technically March (month 11) hasn't started but I've made a cast of head that I created out of sculpy.  We'll see if this one goes anywhere or not...

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Casting%20Parts/alen-head-casti.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on February 28, 2006, 10:20 AM
What the heck is that?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: tykrazen on February 28, 2006, 10:45 AM
It kind of reminds me of the shapeshifting Aliens in the 5th Element.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on February 28, 2006, 10:49 AM
What the heck is that?

Well right now it is a bizarre looking hunk of plastic resin that was sculpted to look like an alien head.  Like I said, we'll see if I can make this look like anything but since its fan fiction I can make it look like whatever I want :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jeff on March 1, 2006, 11:02 AM
I've got some time this month and I picked up a "weird" alien figure for fodder for this challenge.

I have no idea what this guy is, just a green monster figure from the Salvation Army (a good place for cheap/ junky figures for fodder). 

Should be fun to see what everyone comes up with this month!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jediknight760071 on March 3, 2006, 01:21 AM
You write EU, bud. :-*

You wanna rethink what you said? >:( ;)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Ryan on March 3, 2006, 04:24 AM
You write EU, bud. :-*

You wanna rethink what you said? >:( ;)

Que?

Anyways thanks for the front page love Jeff. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jeff on March 3, 2006, 09:57 AM
You write EU, bud. :-*

You wanna rethink what you said? >:( ;)

Are you trying to say that you think it should be "Expanded Universe" Aliens and not "Fan Fiction" Aliens?  Otherwise, I have no idea what you are talking about...  ???

If that's what you are talking about, I still think it would be "Fan Fiction" Aliens since the figures are created by us.  "Expanded Universe" Aliens would be stuff like Bothans or Nohgri or other aliens mentioned in the EU but never made as figures.  This challenge is larger than just "EU" aliens, since people are free to invent whatever the heck they want!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on March 7, 2006, 12:06 PM
I'm trying to get my GP and MCC done early this month so I can work on my Micromen figures. My fan fic alien is done. I read somewhere that you couldn't use a star wars head for this figure. It had to be something completely different. Well this is what I came up with.

His name is Ragu and is from the planet Anime. People from his planet are typically short with large heads, blue or green or purple hair and sometimes have eyes that take up two-thirds of their head. They are known for making extreme facial expressions to express emotion.

Ragu lost his arm thru a short lived experiment with the dark side of the force. He was trying to resurrect his dead wife thru a technique he found on a remote abandoned Sith fortress. He has since brought himself back from the dark side but still searches for a way to become whole again.

His only force ability is to throw force lightening. This is a fairly common ability among most Anime. Some are even good enough to compact it into a lightening ball.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/phruby/Ragu1.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v308/phruby/Ragu2.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 7, 2006, 02:38 PM
Thats crazy, in a good way, really funny to see some animated charecter in the SW universe. What figure is the left Fist from.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on March 7, 2006, 03:02 PM
The torso, left arm and right fist are from a old Xyber-9 figure. The legs are Zutton and the right arm is ep1 c-3po. The vest is cantina han. The head is Lilith from the Darkstalkers line.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Glassman6 on March 7, 2006, 03:20 PM
Aww, such a cute lil alien. He looks so innocent. Till the force lightening!

SO this is Fan Fic aliens, not EU aliens...RIght?  SO it has to be an original idea for an alien, and not
a vong or barabel... etc.

Just clarifying as i may try and create one, depending on the criteria.
Sorry if i missed it, but i didnt catch it on the first 3 pages.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on March 7, 2006, 05:48 PM
From my understanding it was suppost to be something new and not EU. I read somewhere you couldn't use a star wars head. But then again you could make a Vong without using a star wars head.

Mine is an attempt to get rid of parts.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Glassman6 on March 7, 2006, 07:03 PM
I read somewhere you couldn't use a star wars head.

Thats where i got confused, i can sculpt an alien and not use an existing SW head, but can it be a star wars species, or does it need to be my creation?
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Ryan on March 7, 2006, 09:49 PM
I read somewhere you couldn't use a star wars head.

Thats where i got confused, i can sculpt an alien and not use an existing SW head, but can it be a star wars species, or does it need to be my creation?

I was under the understanding that you just can't make any spieces Hasbro has made, so Bothans, Noghri, Vong, etc. are all ok, and of course you can make something up.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Commander_Miseria on March 10, 2006, 04:25 AM
I work better when i finish things all at once. so sorry for no WIP pictures, but here is my entry

I made a Xi Charrian. 8) If you didn't read Labyrinth of Evil, the Xi Charrians were a race of religously motivated engineers that created many war droid designs, such as the Vulture Droids from TPM and ROTS. They actually modeled much of their designs after their own anatomy according to the book, so I tried to make it look like a organic version of the Vulture Droids, but with a bti of variation.
Anyways, here he is  :)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/TheMurderWeapon/Fan%20Fiction/IMG_0803.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on March 10, 2006, 09:56 AM
Wow. I really like that design. I would have never though to use that base figure in that way. The only thing I would do is adjust the hands so they are flat to the ground. Very creative.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 10, 2006, 11:24 AM
Thats a very cool looking alien.  It toom me a while to figure out what that body base was - very nicely done!

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Commander_Miseria on March 10, 2006, 02:47 PM
thanks guys  8) ya it actually would look pretty cool if i made the hands lay flat, but then again the vulture droids walk on their pointed wings so i may leave it. I dont know what do you guys think? :-\
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: In Rem on March 10, 2006, 05:17 PM
You could sand down the hands so they look more like stalks -  like spider legs? Then again, how can you be an engineer without opposable thumbs? :P

This is so freakin' cool, though. I am *thoroughly* impressed with your level of sheer creativity. I really, *really* want one of these now. :)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 10, 2006, 10:32 PM
I started on my Kaleesh warrior named Qymaen Jai Sheelal AKA General Grievous.
I'm doing his charecter before he is transformed into a cyborg. I dremeled out a Grievous head to get his Mumuu skull mask which is his face plate on his cyborg body. here (http://starwars.wikicities.com/wiki/Image:Grievous_original.jpg) is what he looked like before.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 11, 2006, 02:09 AM
Well, I finished up both entries in the Group Project and MCC tonight (this morning!?)

Edited for name:   Semel Odon.  He is a hermit that lives on Tatooine.  His species is the Shenzeeder.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Fan-Fic-Alien1.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Fan-Fic-Alien2.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Fan-Fic-Alien3.jpg)

looking at the last picture, I need to clean up the wash on the arms  :-\

Head - custom sculpted from Super Sculpy and I made a resin cast out of it. 
Body - OTC Myo
Hands - Chewbacca
Robe - not sure, found in my miscellaneous parts - I'm pretty sure that its Agen Kolars.
Staff - Part of a Staff from one of the EPI accessory kits and a thermal detonater.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 11, 2006, 11:30 AM
Looks good, brents for your first sculpt it looks great,alot better than my first.
 I'd suggest a smaller robe becasue that one looks a little big. :-\ Besides that he looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 12, 2006, 01:46 AM
Thanks for the comments.  I've actually been sculpting things for a little while (mostly trying helmets and other things).  However this was my first attempt something more "organic". 

I've gotten comments form two people about the robes so maybe they are off a little.  However,  I really liked this robe.  Maybe it does look a little big but I needed something to cover up the body as it didn't work for the look I was going for.  I wasn't trying to match the arms and "robe" its more like a sleeveless coverall.

I really need to name this guy and his species... I'm open to suggestions  ;D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Phrubruh on March 12, 2006, 05:03 PM
That looks so much better now that it is painted. I would suggest loosing the tooth. It looks strange there all by itself. Maybe two would be better.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 13, 2006, 12:05 PM
Phruby, glad you like the painted improvemtents.  I'm not sure what do about the uni-tooth.  I may look at it closer and see if I can add another one.

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Darth_Ennis on March 13, 2006, 12:28 PM
Damn!!! Everyone is making such great stuff, and I havent even started yet. I absolutely love the Xi Charrian. I may have to swipe this idea later, I loved the concept in the book.

I loke the look of BrentS's entry too. When I first saw the head sculpt I wasnt sure where he was going with it, but it came out looking pretty good.

Phrubys is just priceless. Imagine a whole planet of blue haired, animal eared Animae characters. ( Shudder!!) The Xyber 9 body and hands were a great choice. The over large glove kind of reminds me of Hellboy. ;D
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: In Rem on March 13, 2006, 08:32 PM
BrentS -

Let me add in that I really, really like your alien. He's very different from what we've seen before, and the parts you used to flesh out his design actually explain his look.

Your use of him in the preview shots was awesome as well. Props for the high degree of creativity and the excellent execution here.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 13, 2006, 11:30 PM
Rem - thanks for the comments!  I'm glad that I was able to tie that mysterious head sculpt into something. 

I appreciate everyone's comments on this guy but I've decided to leave him as is.  I still want to clean up the wash under the arms but otherwise I don't think I'll modify the parts at all.  However, I do appreciate everyone's comments and I'll keep them in mind as I create more custom aliens.

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on March 17, 2006, 04:11 PM
He's fine leaving him as is, I like the tusk-tooth.   :)

I will hopefully have an alien to add to this by Monday.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 17, 2006, 11:50 PM
My older sister drove me to TRU today after dinner, and I scored a Derlin which was what I needed to complete my alien. Some WIP shots should be up sometime tommo. :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 18, 2006, 01:55 PM
Well folks I decided to skip the WIP shots and just go and finish it. I did this one this morning so lemme know what you all think. HE is a Kaleesh sith lord. The base is a Derlin body and legs are kit bashed from greivous, clones, and Derlin.

so with out further delay.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/smartypants1635/DSC01207.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/smartypants1635/DSC01206.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b353/smartypants1635/DSC01205.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 18, 2006, 02:01 PM
Darn, no pictures.... looking forward to seeing this one.  Sounds like an interesting mix of parts!
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 18, 2006, 02:17 PM
Pics are back up BRENTS. :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on March 18, 2006, 02:49 PM
Now this is a really fascinating figure, one of your better customs I think.  Kind of an eerie looking alien - scary too.

That is a really good use of cloth goods too.

What alien species are you calling him?

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: starkid500 on March 18, 2006, 02:53 PM
ill have my custom by tuesday
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 18, 2006, 03:00 PM
Smartypants - looks good.  It is definitely a nice blend of parts.  One minor criticism would be to tighten up the lines along the face.  That small detailing is obviously very difficult to do.  I really like the soft goods use on this figure!

(sorry Starkid, thanks for correcting me)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 18, 2006, 03:08 PM
 From what I understood we could make anything that hasbro didn't, am I correct in thinking this.

If so then that guy is my entry. He is a kaleesh hailing from the war torn world of Kalee. He is the Same species as our Fav seperatist  general Grievous, only not fully mechanised.

Darth Griesao was brought to a secret Sith academy at 90 ABE (after battle of endor) As he got older he grew in skill and knowledge of sith power and lore. When he got to the Graduation ceremony he had to fight a fellow sith in order to pass, as all sith are required to do. Griesao was victorious but at the cost of working legs. He then constructed mechanical legs and he eventualy ascended to title SITH LORD.

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: BrentS on March 20, 2006, 04:03 PM
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Fan-Fic-Alien1.jpg)


For what it's worth.  I finally named this guy:    Semel Odon.  He is a hermit that lives on Tatooine.  His species is the Shenzeeder.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on March 20, 2006, 04:20 PM
Good name for him Brent.

I need to get my butt in gear and make a custom for this.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 22, 2006, 08:33 AM
Hi everyone,

I have seen everyone’s project entries for the various topics and I am impressed. I wanted to participate this month. I do not have much of custom fodder since I mostly sculpt my figures, but I did pick up a Mon Mothma for $.75 at Wal-mart in January. Since the head just pops off, I thought I could use one of my sculpted alien heads I did in Super Sculpty some time ago. It turned out to be to small it to be hollowed out and snapped on the neck post. So I started a new sculpt with my monster maker clay (www.monstermakers.com). This what I decided to come up with...

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Alien_Senator.jpg)

It is the female alien delegate from Babylon 5. I always loved to make other alien species creatures for the 3 3/4 inch (1:19 scale). I hope to have her finished this weekend and make a mold of her head so I can have a resin cast and paint it. I would love to hear from you on what you think of her and maybe have some fun and give her a name.

Until next posting,


Jedi_Master_Ben
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on March 22, 2006, 11:41 AM
Jedi_Master_Ben, that's outstanding.  That head sculpt seems very natural for that body, and the sculpt is amazing.  Wow.  What colors are you going to make this figure?

As for a name... I like coming up with names.

...Senator Toona
...Jelsa Keem
...Wuld Solbar

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 22, 2006, 06:26 PM
Thanks Chewie for the compliment. I love some of the names you posted. I have not chosen one yet. As for the color of the body, I have to be honest with you, I was not planning on painting it. I just did not put that much thought to it yet. I was more focus on the sculpting of the head at the moment. And if you like the head now, wait until I finnish the sculpt ;D.

I was diging around some of my old custom bins and found some unfinnished heads. They consist of three Babylon 5 aliens, and two Farscape aliens.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/alien_heads.jpg)

Also I found whats left of my Farscape figures I sculpted back in 1999. Unfortunatly, most of the figures did not survive the move and were completly lost to me. These are the only ones left. I did start to fix Pilot before I got sidetracked at work. I want to go back to these and start over now that I am a better sculptor and have better supplies. I do want to point out that even though Super Sculpty is easy to work with, it does have its set backs as you see in the pictures. Because of this tragidy, I now sculpt in wax clay and persue the process of wax and plastic castings.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Farscape.jpg)

I hope this will inspire the rest you and maybe give you some ideas as well. I really look forward to seeing everyones attempt this month.

Jedi_Master_Ben
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Ryan on March 22, 2006, 07:03 PM
Smarty yours turned out pretty good. It is one of your better customs I think.

Brent- I really like yours as well. I get a kind of Hermi Odle-ish vibe from hom. I do like the snaggletooth he has got as well. Unless the robe is supposed to be removable I think I'd switch the body out for something else. There is no need to hide such a good body under the robe.

Ben- Your sculpts are fantastic. I never watched Farscape but I do recognize all those aliens and you seem to have nailed the likenesses. I think that the body could use a new paintjob, just something to make it look less like a Mon Mothma body. I'm glad you joined up here I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your customs. :)

I started on a headsculpt last weekend. I was trying to think of something to do when I looked at my dog who was lying next to me as I customized and I was more than a little influenced by him. I just have to add some more texture to it and cure it then I may cast it.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Darth_Ennis on March 23, 2006, 11:15 AM
Smarty- I like what you did on the Kallesh warrior. Im not sure I would have given him Mauls saber though. ;) The soft goods work very well on this. Good work.

Jedi Master Ben- Im not sure if Ive ever commented on your work, but its nothing short of outstanding. The Babylon 5 figure is phenominal. I cant wait to see her done. BTW I would kill for that G'Kar head. He is my favorite character in the series, and beleive it or not was going to be my entry for this project. BUt lets just say that my ideas are much better than my sculpting ability will allow.  :( Should you ever decide to cast them let me know.

Ive really got to get on the ball with this one. Its really embarrassing to see all this good stuff and not be a part of it.

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 24, 2006, 01:19 AM
Hi everyone,

I am back with the finnal sculpt of my Senator with the Babylon 5 head. I am calling her Senator Toona Solbar (thanks Chewie ;D). Next stop, molding.  I am not going to do a wax sculpt of her, because the head turned out ok, and second, i do not have any wax at the moment ;D.  Since this is my first entery here on this forum, how do I get the finnal pic posted for submission. Who do I need to send it to?

Thanks,

Jedi_Master_Ben

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Alien_Senator2.jpg)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Ryan on March 24, 2006, 01:24 AM
  Since this is my first entery here on this forum, how do I get the finnal pic posted for submission. Who do I need to send it to?


Just post the finished version here in this thread and I'll add it to the image thread at the end of the month. ;)
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 26, 2006, 01:24 PM
Hey everyone,

I just finished my entry this morning. I made a mold of the head and made a cast of it. I just now finnished the finnal paint job on her. I did take into consideration of painting the body a diffrent color, but when I put the head on and painted her, she looked perfect to me. So her she is...Senator Toona Solbar the Minbari representative to the Republic Senate.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Minbari_Senator2.jpg)

Here is a close up of the head sculpt and paint job.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Minbari_headshot.jpg)

I hope everyone will enjoy ;D.

Jedi_Master_Ben
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Smartypants1635 on March 26, 2006, 03:09 PM
Dude I saw this in you own thread completed but decided to post here in the MCC thread. MAn oh man are you skilled, You should sell casts of these on Ebay, I'd definately buy some.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on March 27, 2006, 01:59 AM
Ben, this is spectacular.  I like the white robe you left for her.  This truly fits in the Star Wars universe.  Wow, I wish I could sculpt like that, amazing!!!

Here is my entry for this month -

(http://chewie34.250free.com/032706Hod_the_Armill.jpg)

Hod the Blind Amill will appear in the Rykrof Enloe Series.  He is one of the last members of a dying species, he is also blind.

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Ryan on March 27, 2006, 04:04 AM
I commented more in your thread Justin but I think this is your best figure to date. The paint app is phenomonal and the parts flow together beautifully. This was better than I was imagining it would be.

Ben your headsculpt is top notch. And the paint on it looks very good, you did a great job on the eyes, those can be very tricky. I think that the robes need some new coloring though, it is rather bland right now. Even some sort of brown earth tones would look great, just give it some new color so the robes don't look so close to the skin tone.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 27, 2006, 11:01 AM
Commander_Miseria: I have to be honest with you and say that I did not read that book this figure is based from. It is very interesting and a great choice of parts. Very obscure looking alien. Good job.

BrentS: Very nice sculpt. I like this head. Very original. I love the big snaggle tooth sticking out, great job. If I had to critic anything on this, it would be the eyes. I know how hard it is to sculpt eyes. I had to make a special tool just to get the desired shape. My best resource for this is the anatomy for the artist book. It is a great asset. Overall a fabulous figure!!!

Smartypants: I already comment this figure in a massive coverage on your thread, but I will echo my comment here on the figure in this thread. MCC Sith Lord Grisgo - interesting design. I am not a big fan of soft goods, but in this case, it works ok here. Now if I could turn you to the sculpting side…this figure could standout with sculpted detail. Just my two cents. I do want to add that I do like the color scheme of this figure. Choosing a color scheme is not the easiest choice to make for me. I guess that’s why I will never be a costume designer ;D. Your choice for this figure works well. Great job!

Chewie: OH MY GOD!!!!!! I am humble before your greatness ;D. This is AWESOME!!! I would have never in a million years would have thought there was any use for EPHANT MON other than maybe the Hermi Odle. I take it you used the Stargate beast of burden as the head? As usually, the paint scheme is phenomenal. I love the back-story of this guy. I would never would of thought to make it blind. Pure genius!!! I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy...ect ;D.

Overall this has turned out to be a very fun project. I can't wait to see more!

Until next posting,

Jedi_Master_Ben


Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Jedi_Master_Ben on March 27, 2006, 12:12 PM
Hey everyone,

I have to tell you, I am having a ball with this topic! I was so happy the way my Minbari head turned out, I went back and started to redo my Centauri head. Here is the work in progress. I do not know if I will finnish before the end of the month, but I did want to share the progress.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Centauri_Head.jpg)

Since I do not have but a few loose figures with ball joint necks, I sculpted the head on the only male body I had. So, just for fun, here is the Centauri Smuggler.

(http://www.geocities.com/wolverine1257/Forum_Picture_Posting/Centauri_Smuggler.jpg)

And yes, the next head I will sculpt is a G'Kar. Let me know what you think.

Jedi_Master_Ben
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: babyjawa on March 28, 2006, 07:00 PM
CHEWIE, that is superb! It looks so realistic. If Hasbro were to release that, I would buy 3 of them. (More than my average rate of the same figure) Where did tht head come from?


Thanks,

BJ

Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: darth_ripley on March 29, 2006, 12:45 AM
I just didn't/don't have enough time to participate in this challenge, but everyone's entries are amazing!

JediMasterBen, your sculpting & paint apps look completely professional and are very believable as background aliens. i really am enjoying seeing your work.

Chewie - this has got to be your best custom to date. the paint apps, colors, and the way the head fits the body...its something you should be very proud of. the wash on the skin is very realistic looking!  the creature kind of reminds me of something from the dark crystal too....i loved that movie.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Tijuanajedi on April 2, 2006, 01:34 AM
Wow, Chewie and Master Ben you guys are just out of control, your figures are fantastic, I wish I had half of your talent, please let us see more pictures of your work!!!!!

Great Work.
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: CHEWIE on April 2, 2006, 10:30 PM
Thanks everyone, and congrats to everyone on their work on this.

As for the one I made, I hardly consider it to be that good.  It's just a great sculpt by Hasbro and on the head, I lucked out that it fit so well.  The sculpt is what makes the painting look good, not my painting.

I think my favorite custom this month was Commander Miseria's -

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82/TheMurderWeapon/Fan%20Fiction/IMG_0803.jpg)

Looking forward to the next project everyone.  Have we decided what it will be?

 :P
Title: Re: Monthly Customizing Challenge - Month 11: Fan-Fic Aliens
Post by: Commander_Miseria on April 4, 2006, 02:54 AM
wow thanks a lot chewie  :o  8)