Saturday, August 1, 2009

How to sculpt a snake...Metal Gear Solid Custom Work

I've taken a hiatus from customizing for a number of weeks to celebrate the birth of my new nephew...but back again to revisit some of my older work that I have yet to complete. A subject of work that isn't Star Wars related that i have taken a keen interest in is Metal gear...mainly centering around the periods of MGS, MGS: Snake Eater and MGS4.

Below are some images of my custom work relating to Metal Gear, most of which have not been worked on since the photos were taken...about a year ago! I'd say it's about time to get to work!




Some finished painted head sculpts of Named Snake, Snake (Zombie) and Big Boss - All of which has a special removable accessory - a cigar!





Above is Gray Fox, also called the Cybrog Ninja - Heard he may have a role in the next Metal Gear. This custom will incude an alternate head sculpt and an alternate arm both seen in the above photos. I'm using a microman figure as the base.



From the Metal Gear: Guns of the Patriots universe comes Raiden. Sculpted on a Microman body, this character will require an emense amount of detail. I may have to forego the clear shoulder armour in exchange for articulation - I haven't decided yet. I really look forward to working again on this piece :)



Vamp from MGS4 - First things frist - I'm loosing the hands...just don't like them for this sculpt. Secondly I plan on extending the waist line a bit. I've actually began working on his legs and feet but haven't had a chance to photograph my progress - perhaps in a furture blog entry :)


Next is "Old Snake" from MGS4 - Sculpt is coming along fine but I am still struggling with the questions...Should I sacrifice detail for articlulation? Snake is an action hero...but it's the outfit that makes the character...anyway, as you can see, his ammo packs are coming along nicely - have started on the legs...but again, not photographed as of yet. I am happy with the head sculpt and paint work so far...


Johnathan from MGS4 - Quite a ways to go with this character. Suffice to say that there's many parts of this sculpt that will be getting a workover - for instance the arms and hands - out of proportion with the upper torso. The head sculpt is complete and I think the legs are coming along, I will have to sculpt larger jump boots.



The PMC troops from MGS4 - I'm actually doing 4 of these guys...a Grunt, Sniper Unit (2) and another I have't decided yet. Detail again is a MUST - Head sculpt for two of the soldiers are complete and will be interchangeable. I'm actually using the camera that is included in the game to take reference shots to use for my sculpt work! Your a great photographer Snake!
Speaking of Snake - I have NEW IMAGES one sculpt that is complete and has had it's first base paint applied. Snake from Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater will have an assortment of different head sculpts, camo options (just the head sculpt not the body) and weapons. Below is an image of the completed sculpt - the upper body will be removable to fit a shirtless torso still in the works! I am also working on the "Crocodile Disguise" head dress as an altternate accessory :) Enjoy!
I have pleanty more Metal Gear in the works - Raven, Liquid and more are planned. I'll have another update much sooner than this one promise! Thanks for looking!
These and more images can be found at my Flickr Photostream...