New Year Custom Progress

With a massive amount of days off, I've had a lot of time to work on some customs. Unfortunately, today is the only day I've actually done anything on them. I'm currently working on a Orange Lantern Hal Jordan and a Mighty Mugg Power Girl. Just basic apps right now, though the Hal is going to be easiest as it's just a repaint and the hardest thing I have to paint is the ring and the eyes. PG is a whole other story, since the Muggs lack faces, therefore necessitating me to paint them on myself. It should be fun as long as I keep it simple. I'll probably use Amanda Connor's work as my basis, as the cartoony look lends itself well to the Muggs and is simpler compared the the extreme amount of detail others put into their Muggs. I'll keep you posted.

Zombie Apocquaman

Busy, horror filled weekend for me last Saturday and Sunday. The big event was going to Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary. If you're unfamiliar with it, you must live under a rock or not have a tv, as it is probably one of the biggest haunted houses around, featuring on shows like Ghost Hunters, MTVs Fear and others. The prison has a whole sordid history of its own, part of which they draw from for the attraction, which is made up of five separate sections that take you from admittance to the prison and onward. The cast is enthusiastic and play their parts well and the makeup is excellent as well. I had a good time and my wife and family got their chills and thrills as well. My only complaint is that the lines are rather long, and you'll spend a few hours in them easily, so be prepared to wait. It's worth it. In terms of the show, I wish they didn't use as many strobe lights and fog machines, but it didn't bother me much. Check it out.

Next up is Zombie Apocalypse. Not a movie or attraction, this is a Live Arcade game for the Xbox 360 that plays a lot like Robotron with the undead. You move with one stick and fire with the other. There are numerous types of enemies and just as many weapon drops to dispatch them with through seven unique areas and around 50+ levels, each getting harder and introducing new zombies and strategies to use. In addition to weapons, there are hazards you can kill zombies with by leading them/shooting them into such as chipper shredders, cremation ovens, turbines, helicopters and more. Simple, but addictive and you can play with three friends online or on your couch. I haven't tried the multiplayer but I can heartily endorse the single player version and can't wait to kill some undead with friends. For 800 points (ten bucks), I can think of worse things to spend it on. Hopefully they'll come out with a mall level to play on, which I think is the only thing sorely missing, maybe an island or an Etruscan tomb too.

Last but not least is the last part of the title. Namely, Aquaman. I've been working on a few Black Lantern figures for a Halloween GL display and he's the second one I've gotten about done. In fact, I was just doing some touch ups on him tonight. Add a ring and I'll be done. Then it's time for Superman and Martian Manhunter to join the fray. I might pick up a Firestorm DCUC to add to the army later, but for now I have my hands full. Pictures of him and Hawkman to come.

Heavy Metal

Man, it's amazing the difference a good paint makes, especially a metallic one. I just cracked out the Vallejo Silver and it's amazing, covering even black in almost one coat. I've gushed about the paints before but I have to do it again. This stuff is amazing. Much better than the watery craft stuff I was using. However, the craft grey and brown I just bought are fantastic too. Americana, I believe. They almost coated the Black Lantern Hawkman I'm working on in one or two coats as well, even with thinning. Very nice. I'm almost done with him at this rate. Just need to do the pants and detail the boots and sculpt a ring, maybe another day of work. I'm psyched.

Finishing Touches

It's always a nice feeling when I can finish off some figures I've been working on awhile. In this case, it's Composite Hal Jordan and Red Lantern Laira, both of which I started well before the move but then the move and unpacking intervened so it's taken awhile to get back in the customizing groove for them. Now that I have, it's rather rewarding to sit here and tell nobody about it while the paint dries. I should have pictures up soon. Couldn't get my light box out of the garage tonight, mainly because I'm tired. Soon.

Tonight. You.