Updates n' Stuff!

It's the weekend! Hope everyone has a good one! Thought I would kick off this update with some images showing the details I'm adding to the Darth Malgus sculpt. There is some serious detailing going on...almost wish for the Sith robes and cloak compared to what some of the Old Republic Sith strutted around in. Can you get anymore complex? Wow!

To be honest - I enjoy it. It's rewarding to see what you can accomplish with some patience and a head mounted magnifier!

I'm pretty much done with the upper body, for the exception of a few tweeks here or there. Currently working on the waist, hips and legs.

You'll notice some tweeking that needs to be made to the buttocks where the suit is uneven , also need to clean up the elbows. I think this is the most detailed sculpt - in terms of armor - that I have ever done.

Detailing to the back of Malgus' head was still a work in progress. As of this posting, the detailing is complete and the head is ready to be cast. Looking to obtain a cloak this week and and begin work on his lightsaber...or lightsabers as some would say he has two. So earlier this week I posted the first set of female and male frames which will add up to the figures I will be working on the rest of the year. Still have another set of female and male frames (5 and 5) completed which I will reveal in a week or so. Let's start with the set of female frames...and one of them is a first for me...

Female #1 will be my first sculpt based on a fan made character...I was doing a search for Twi'lek the other day and happened across this image illustrated by a user on the deviant art site known only as "Nutuna"...which is the name of the female Twilek shown. Nutuna the Bounty Hunter. I have tried to contact the user to ask permission..always cool to ask...but nothing yet. This piece was created back in 2008 I believe - as much research as I do I'm suprised I didn't come across this image sooner!

If you know who this user is please let him or her know what I'm doing and how to contact me.

Next up is the Star Wars pin up girls illustrated by the very, very talented Feng Zuh. I think I mentioned somewhere on my FB page that it would be fun to do a series of themed Dancers or Cantina "entertainers" since they are a staple in the Star Wars Universe. This is a great way to start! Images below are by Feng Zuh

I plan to build the four listed in the above set - Starting with the model Stormtrooper. I think there may be another few available but let's see what I can do with these. I've become a bit more confident in my female sculpting and want to challenge myself.

Next up are Edessa (Jarael - My fave) in armor from issue 49 of the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Nera Dantels from the Dark Horse Rebellion series. I previously announced Nera awhile back, even worked up a head sculpt of her - but other that the frame, I'm reworking the figure to reflect the look artist Colin Wilson gave her in the later issues of Rebellion.

So that's one of two sets of females I will be working on the rest of the year. I will post the second set soon.

How about what I have planned for the first set of male figures...

I was to have five figure frames ready to show but only had time to complete the four. The fifth frame will be male...just not exactly human. Actaully far from it....I will be producing a character from the Vratix species...specifically the character Spraug, an underworld criminal from the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Invasion.

So you can see that the fifth frame is more...complex. Very articulated too! I think it will be a first - I hope the build works :)

Three of the four in this reamining set are video game related.

The first is Starkiller in Dark Apprentice's Robes and secondly as Maulkiller from the DLC of Lucasarts Force Unleashed 2 video game. I like the Starkiller costumes..especially digging the new Darth Malak DLC and Blood Armor. And I can't get enough of the Sith Stalker which I'm already working on the Dark Lord version.
Expect many more TFU sculpts.

The other game inspired character will be the previously announced Imperial Trooper from Bioware's upcoming game The Old Republic. I will be making a set of these troopers to go side by side with the Darth Malgus figure.

The fourth character in the works will be Darth Krayt from the Dark Horse comics series Legacy: War. Which means for my 2nd set of male figures, I will have to include Darth Wyyrlok involved...Looking forward to working on this second version of Krayt.

So there you have it - half of the figures I plan to begin, work on and hopefully come close to completion before the end of the year...I really doubt I will get them all done but it will keep me busy. Similar to the second half of females, I will announce the remaining male figures in a couple weeks.

Got some work in progress pieces to report on so let's get to it!

Commander Tsalok from the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars Invasion.

I've been working on Tsalok on and off for about a year now - heavy figure..with almost every part being sculpted using FIXIT...for the exception of the hands. The hands are from the retail version of a Yuuzhan Vong warrior that came in the comic pack. His parts, combined with a ROTS wookie figure helped build the frame for this massive guy!

His sculpt is almost complete - with only the upper thigh armor, buttocks and back spikes needing work.

The first head sculpt is based on the initial introduction of Tsalok during the Battle of Rychel where the Commander killed Jedi Master Lar Le'Ung and was suprisingly spared by young padawan Finn Galfridian.

I'm loving how the horned armor turned out this guy - the tusks are massive surrounding his knees.

A second head sculpt is being worked on presently which reflects Tsalok's appearance in many of Colin's panels in later issues of Invasion - where the long, sharp teeth of the Vong commander seem to pour down from his mouth, shielding his lower jaw. These images are a work in progress- I need to thin out the sides a bit more and add the lower jar and teeth to come up and just over the upper fangs.

You'll notice I etched his tatoos into his cranium plate - didn't do it with the first head sculpt but not a problem. Tsalok is too close to completion to set him back up on the workbench so expect more updates of this monster to come.

How about those Tonnika Sisters!!! Both ladies almost have their body sculpts complete and will soon have clothing and textures sculpted. I have the lower back and buttocks remaining on one of the sisters.

My question is....did the sisters pack some heat? Where do I place a holster? LOL! You just don't walk into a cantina wearing tight body suits without some line of defense. Possibly silent weapons?..knives possibly?....

Savage is looking more and more like a beast every day! The guys is MEAN!

Curently working on the forearm armor for both versions.

Yes, Savage is short one arm - well, I have armor drying at the time of the photo so no worries! The next challenge for Opress will be the soft goods - which may be a mix between borrowed factory parts and material. Haven't decided yet.

The boots will be sculpted over the existing feet.

Next a quick update on Darth Stryfe from the Legacy series - I reduced the hips and waist to make room for the belt, armor and soft goods, but first I will complete the sculpt of the lower legs and boots. I'm also going to work on finishing the head sculpt - which is primarily the hair. Need to sculpt it in such a way to allow for neck movement but at the same time look natural. No problem right?...(rolls eyes)

Shado was clsoe to having the first coat of paint added when I decided to tear down the belt and soft goods and add ball hinged hips. This will improve Shado's articulation allowing for more action poses instead of the static limited pose he was stuck in before.

My first Starkiller sculpt is almost finished - Starkiller in Arena Combat Gear. Working on the hips, belt/holster and soft goods. Excited to get this guy painted and shooting some amazing pics!

Still working on an alternate head sculpt which resembles Sam Witwer.

I got another update coming soon involving the New Republic Shocktroopers and Metal Gear figures. Just too much to fit into one posting - plus my eyes are beginning to cross from working in front of the computer all day - no good kids! Just no good!

Have I told you facebook fans lately that I love you? LOL! Closing in on 450 Sithamaniacs and counting!!!
Sith_fire30 Creations
If you haven't become a fan, please click on the "like" button when visiting and have my eternal gratitude!

Also be sure to stop by my Flickr photostream for these and other photos of the recent updates.
As well as old school work! It's all there!

Sithfire30 Creations can now be found on twitter!!! @sith_fire30
and yep...still not posting as much as I should..if none at all. I need to get with the program...

Like I said, another update coming soon - a kind of "part two" of this entry. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by. Always more on the way!

Comments, suggestions and critique are always welcome!

Till later

sith_fire30
.......
and who the heck is this guy???

The Sith Sacker of Cities....

...try to say that three times fast! HA!

Hey guys! It's the weekend and I'm out and about writing most of this blog update using my iPhone so please excuse me for any grammatical errors...my expertise in using the thumbpad is limited LOL! :)

So this week marked the release of the Paul S. Kemp novel Star Wars: The Old Republic "Deceived". The story centers around Darth Malgus, the sith lord that sacked Coruscant and laid waste to the Jedi Temple over 3500 years before the rise of Darth Vader. It's a must read if your a fan of the EU or simply curious about events that happened yesrs before that of the Original Trilogy.

To celebrate the novel's release, I thought it would be appropriate to center on my work in progress of the central character - Darth Malgus. I haven't read the novel yet, but I've definately become a fan of the Sith lord, as you can see with my most recent updates below...

The image above represents Malgus before the Battle of Alderran (Hope Trailer). A head sculpt without facial battle armor, cleanly shaven with a face only a Sith witch could love.

Before I get any further let me bring you up to date what has been completed since my last update on Malgus. Both shoulder guards are completed and work properly, using clear bands glued together in loops to the upderside of each guard, then wraping around the arms up to the shoulder joint.

The removable chest armor is completed, still working on the details to his back. I have made a mold/cast of the armor to recreate a battle damaged version.

I have completed both arms, as well as the detailing to the forearm keypads which are very complex. I removed the old hands and upgraded them with hands that are ball jointed and hinged for additional articulation - they are also thicker which compliments the rugged forearm armor.

The lower abdomen is still bare but the legs are finally beginning to take some shape with the upper legs having the first phase of sculpting completed while the boots are beings added.

Above is the second alternate head sculpt - Darth Malgus: Alderran Invasion. This version you've seen before - includes the facial armor or protctiove glove that wraps around his jaws up to the sides of the face...that is until he gets up close and personal with a stingy grenade...

Not once, but TWICE does Malgus take it from close range of an explosive device - it's the second explosion that causes the damage you see in the photo above. Shoulder armor has not been casted yet but once completed it will reflect damage as well. I did this simply by using a 442 Carbon Steel Brush attachement on my dremel and carefully shreading away the areas of the plastic casting that received the damage...and that's exactly what the explosives are designed for...shread. Carefully though, because the metal wire does not forgive, and will cut the plastic cast in half if not careful. It's the first time I used this tool...as well as some others to add pings and pot marks. I think it worked out pretty good.

Not seen in this photo below but added to the facial sculpt is just a bit of the "jaw guard" that remains just below the ear and lower jaw then shreads away. It was completed last night after the photos were taken and will be seen with my next Malgus update.

Now we get to the breathing mask everyone is familiar with - Alternate head sculpt number four!!! Darth Malgus: Sacking of Coruscant. Can't believe this figure has 4 different head sculpts..HA! Thanks to the creators for keeping the Sith Lord's costume consistent or I'd be in BIG TROUBLE!

The early images show the mask in mid sculpt - the latter ones show the completed mask.

The images above show how the mask can tuck down behind the collar guard similar to what we see in the "Decieved" trailer...the below image shows the free range of motion up and around the collar guard. Still though, I think I will be revisiting the collar guard and reduce the size and height - it actually slopes a bit further down on the armor.

Some detail of the forearm tech - did my best to keep each side identical although I'm sure there will be some inconsistencies...no big deal - sculpting is a fluid thing and since I'm not working in a toy factory where I can use a 3D printer...I guess I'm allowed a bit of artistic suggestion.

The image above shows Malgus as he appears at the time of this update - The upper half looks top heavy but will even out once I begin to fill in the blanks below. Happy to say he still retains full articulation as when his frame was first built.

Here are images of the completed mask - still needs some refinement but the sculpt is complete. Added the vents to both sides and the small decorative strips on the main "filter" I guess you would call it.

I cannot wait to paint this guy! All the veins running through his head and the sith fire in his eyes...it's gonna be fun!

Finally to top off my Darth Malgus update for this week...I made some adjustments to a Vintage Sidious hood and will have it as part of the accessories for Malgus when finished...

"...and now...finally...we have returned!" - Darth Malgus.

and if you haven't seen the trailers that feature the Sith Lord - check them out. Below are links...

http://www.starwars.com/video/view/001236.html

http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/deceived-cinematic-trailer

http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/hope-cinematic-trailer

Next up - An update on my "non-animated" Savage Opress figure. The image above shows the work in progress on the arms of the shirtless version. The hands are pegged and can be removed and added to the armored version. If you see some irregularities in the abdomen sculpt, that's just the dark imprints of the magnets showing through the very thin layers of FIXIT that cover them...once painted the irregularities will vanish. The waist will remain small so to affix the soft goods and belt and not interfere with hip articulation...

...and here is Savage all armored up and ready to kick the ass of anyone who gets in his way...anyone. Completed the other shoulder guard - still need to complete the forearm armor then I will have the upper body complete.

Uhh...Savage? I think you forgot something when getting dressed this morning?...How about putting some pants on dude?! HA! You'll notice he appears very top heavy at the moment but again, like that of Malgus, everything will even out once the lower body sculpt catches up.

Unfortunately because of the top heavy armor, I will be needing to replace the articulated microman feet with more of a standard ball jointed set. The microman feet simply can't stand the weight and isn't substantial enough to withstand a sculpt over to create the sized boots needed for Savage. Will be replacing them with the feet similar to what I'm using for my Vader sculpt.

Onto the Tonnika Sisters - who are looking more devious every day HA! Head sculpts are complete!! Finished the last one early last week. Working on the body sculpt of each now and will soon begin working on the costumes.

You remeber that I changed the hip articulation to both figures in my last update and in doing so they both ended up the same height. This week I shortened the sister closest to the camera and highten the sculpt of the hips a bit.

I think the adjusted heights of each figure works well, so does the different looks for the hairstyle - keeping each sister a unique piece and not just a carbon copy of one another.

Can't help thinking that they a secretly plotting against me!! HA!

Below is a quick update on my Darth Vader sculpt! Working on shoulder armor right now, thinking of how to attach each piece...possibly similar to what I'm doing with Malgus and Savage.

Detail added to the shoulder armor as seen in the image above. Below, I am needing to extend the chest armor slightly over the shoulders - one side has been completed. Once the other side is done, I will trim both sides back a bit to allow complete arm rotation across the chest...or at least the best to my ability. Some areas of articulation become limited due to the accuracy of the sculpt - I understand that - sometimes it can't be helped....but I hope to keep that from happening here.

Finally a look into a very rough head sculpt of Darth Vader: Anakin Skywalker - Based on the sculpt Sideshow Collectibles did for their 1:1 Darth Vader bust.

1:1 to 1:18 - talk about a scale down!! The sculpt will be totally seperate from the rest of the helmet armor and will be ball jointed.

Several new sculpts are in the works!!! - Below are TEN new characters that you will be seeing on my workbench in coming updates...

Sith Trooper from Star Wars: The Old Republic - will be making two of them!

Sith Warrior from Star Wars: The Old Republic - also multiples in the works.

Eleena Daru from Star Wars: The Old Republic - Can't have Darth Malgus walking around without his girl right??

Satele Shan also from Star Wars: The Old Republic. Malgus has to have a enemy to pick on every once in awhile.

Captain Juno Eclipse from The Force Unleashed 2

"Maulkiller" from The Force Unleashed 2 DLC.

The ORIGINAL Darth Sion from Knight Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords!!

Darth Malak from the DLC of The Force Unleashed 2 Edor pack. Some of you may remeber that I began a Malak sculpt a few years ago but never completed it.

Darth Krayt from the Dark Horse comic series - Star Wars: Legacy - WAR

Darth Wyyrlok from the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Legacy - WAR

I'll have many other suprises along the way...including some updates to my Metal Gear Solid series of figures and other non-Star Wars related figures such as hmmmm...

King Leonidas and other characters from 300

Baby Doll from Sucker Punch - regardless what you think about the film (which I found to be a very entertaining fantasy film) you have to agree these gals look sweet with swords and machine guns LOL!

Sweet Pea was my fave in the movie so she would have to be in the lineup.

Sorry for the late post by the way, hoped to get this up earlier but life throws you off center from time to time and well...better late than never!! To my facebook fans, we just broke through 400 in less than a week! For me that is so great words can't describe! Thank you!

Always check my Facebook page, Sith_fire30 Creations and if you haven't become a fan, please click on the "like" button when visiting.

Also be sure to stop by my Flickr photostream for many more photos of Malgus, the sisters and others listed in this update.

Sithfire30 Creations can now be found on twitter!!! @sith_fire30
and if you haven't noticed me posting much, that's because I'm not used to doing so...just give me a bit and I'll work into it.

Will be walking away from the figures I have been working on in this update and get caught up on others that have been warming the workbench. Don't worry though - work will continue for these figures but the updates will focus on others for now. AVOIDING BURNOUT! HA!

Comments, suggestions and critique are always welcome!

Cheers!

sith_fire30