For almost a year now, I've
had the base figure for this project sitting around, awaiting its
turn at new life. It's a Yu Yu Hakusho Ghost Files Sakyo (try saying
that ten times fast) that I found on clearance at the mighty Zeus in Dallas. Since I found it, others have used the same base to similar effect. Here's my spin.
Ra's body is
the easiest part. I simply filled in the torso swivel joint (it
was just weird looking) and leveled off the shoulder. I replaced
the head with a DC Direct "Hush" Ra's head.
The cape took
more time, as I used the "wrap
and shape" method. (See the image below.) This involved
wrapping the figure in cellophane and sculpting the basic shape
on top, in this case the mantle of the cloak. Once the cured
mantle is removed, it can be smoothed to a more appropriate shape
with tools and sandpaper. For this project, I sculpted the mantle
and collar with Kneadatite. Once the mantle was shaped, I etched
in a narrow "shelf" for the vinyl to adhere to. The seam was
smoothed over with Magic Sculpt and Alumilite. The clasp is made
from styrene rods, and the yellow stripes are simply strips of
painted vinyl, glued on after the rest of the cloak was painted
green.
I'm very pleased
with this piece, as Ra's is one of my favorite villains, and
I always enjoyed his "classic" look.
Casimir
Summer 2005 |
