A continuation of my new Sci Fi verse preview. I haven't really decided on a short name for it, though I usually refer to as the Avalon project in my notes, since the Kingdom of Avalonia is the focal point of the story.

The second major kingdom is the Kingdom of Elysium. I'm far from done rounding out my Avalonian projects, but I had some inspiration for this guy and it felt good to start a figure and knock it out for a change, rather than to leave them in WIP purgatory.

I mentioned before that the Royal Guard of Avalon (i.e., that Kingdom's knights) are called Paladins. The Elysian knights on the other hand are referred to as Warlords. The two kingdoms share many cultural phenomenon, but also have many distinctions.

This is the equivalent of the "First Sword" of the Elysian Guard, though no such title exists for them. Meet Vance Waysider, X. The tenth man of his line to bear the name, and the tenth to climb to the top of the Warlord class, as well. You all can tell me if I hit the mark with his look, but I mean for him to be cocky (think Iceman from Top Gun), flashy, wealthy, and most of all quite skilled and deadly. He may sometimes come off as a pretty boy, but he is not to be taken lightly.

Waysider reports only to the Warrior Queen, as no other man or woman of the Kingdom is his superior or equal. Interestingly, he was once quite close to the Avalonian First Sword, Percy Ajax, as they fought side by side in the defense of all of humanity during the invasion of the Aqualarian Empire.

Vance Waysider, X

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Ok, so with 'Project Avalon' taking up so much of my inspiration of late, I have a few EXCAL additions I've been sitting on. Help me get inspired to finish them, and or decide it's not worth it.

a re-make of Jayne Cobb from Firefly/Serenity:

OLD VERSION:


the old one, using a ROC Heavy Duty body, was simply too fat for an Adam Baldwin likeness. So I want to re-do him. I have the new decal ready. I have a new torso lined up. I even re-sculpted the hair to make his head less fat. So why am I stalling?

NEW WIP:



next, Solid Snake from Metal Gear (not specific to any one look):



everyone and their brother thought 'oooh Solid Snake' when they first saw Jungle Duke's headband. I added to it, and sculpted a bit of a mullet too. But then I lost interest. Is it because it isn't good enough, or because it's already been done?

Snake Plisken:


This one I'll definitely get done. It would be a crime not to capitalize on JFAK's awesome shrink job here. I mean the sculpt is perfect. It IS Snake. But why has he sat like this unpainted for so long? Is it because JoeMichaels already knocked one out of the park? Am I just lazy?

And lastly, the weakest WIP of the lot, yet the one I'm actually most interested in because of the challenge. Can I take this meager starting effort and end up with this head (at least) and maybe also the torso, and finish up with Mac from The Thing?

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Not sure why you all be a hating on all these.

They look good. Simple and good.

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I just used the Duke head with a new paint job on a resolute cobra body for my Solid Snake, I also like the darker colors you have so far. Everything else looks really good to me.

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Thanks for the comments guys. what are your thoughts on the sci-fi guy? not very exciting because of the accelerator suit? I'm actually kind of fond of him.



Not hating. Just need a kick in the pants to get to them. Jayne i think is still a unique figure, so I may just be putting off more yellow paint projects with him. The others just don't seem as fresh to me, I think.

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I like your Warlord.
With a bearded face he could make a pretty cool Space King Arthur.
Not sure about the helmet though.

Snake rocks. Simple and efficient.

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I immediatly thought of Serpentor of the Space Lanes due to the colors.
I agree, not sure about the helmet, otherwise very, very solid.

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With Jayne, are you planning to sand off the straps on the torso? If so I can understand your reluctance to move forward on him. That's a LOT of sanding.

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Thanks guys. Redmao, yeah that SW John Branon head does make for a decent likeness of the actor who played Arthur in Excalibur. Not where i'm going with this verse in a literal way, but worth remembering in case I do something in a true medieval setting later on.

the helmet initially appealed to me because I thought I could make it look like something futuristic, but with Greco-Roman influences. Does it just miss the mark, or is it something else? too identifiable as Dr. Fate's helmet? The mohawk not working? too small? weird eyes?

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MS - I contemplated it that on Cobb, but if I went that route, I'd probably just keep looking for another torso. I kind of like the straps for him though. The PVC figure I stole the head and guns from had a harness of sorts scultped on, so I don't think it would be too much out of character for him, even if not movie-accurate. Plus, I hate sanding.

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The helmet is well executed, it's just a question of personal taste.
Instead of a mohawk, I'd prefer a metal fin, but again, it's only my own taste.

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I really like the warlord, and can think of a lot of uses for that helmet. By chance would anyone have an extra one, or know if there is a casted one available anywhere. I think that is a unique use of the accelerator suit body.

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Diggin' that warlord. Actually makes that ROC armor cool.

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Exactly! I don't look at it and think, "Why did he use the Accelerator Suit for this custom?" What I do think, "That is a great use for the Accelerator Suit!"

So far as the other figures: finish them! They all have much potential! I am most interested in seeing your updated Jayne (one of my favorite roles for Adam B.), followed by the Snake Plisken... But I would like to see what you can do with all of them!

-Todd

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Macy's actually my favorite of the bunch because, while simple at his base, the figure has a lot of potential.

I'd love to see some fur on the collar and some sunglasses. Maybe get a Lee Sorceby (SP?) hat from Golden Compass and fold back the brim? Removable sunglasses are a must.

And then, of course, a bottle of scotch as an accessory.

Then you can move on to Wilford Brimley.

Yes. Yes. And very yes.

Seriously though, I think these are all great, but I love the idea of that Recondo torso for Jayne. Very, very cool. I'd have tackled Firefly if it weren't for the fact that I'd never be able to finish the crew, and that would drive me nuts! Love your version of Mal and Jayne, and I think Jayne's going to look even more badass with your update.

Solid Snake works! He doesn't need to be very fancy. Make him as simple as you like, this version looks pretty excellent as is, though another torso might work better.

Snake Plissken is also looking good, Mortal Kombat that guy!

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