[paokole]

My man, another explosive batch!! Love how different all these builds/characters are and how well and creatively are put together. Now you just made me want to make my own Red Snake Eye version Never thought of doing that as I tend to reserve any red MGR troopers for my Red Shadows ever growing squad. SE here looks fantastic!

Grand Slam is all geared-up and ready for battle and you've shown us various ways where that Exo Suit complements the personality of any given character. Great work!

Never seen this version of Low-light and it's looking really nice! Always perplexed with how you've always managed with multiple builds being worked on simultaneously while having the patience to not call them finished until that very last piece of the puzzle turns up! If it doesn't feel right, it means there's some other part somewhere waiting to be discovered. I like that.

I'd go with the Spy Troops version of Destro anytime as well, no doubt about that. Your execution is spot on, love everything about this build, more so the fact that you built two different versions of the characters with the parts you previously obtained. That's so creative and ingenious, well done my friend!

Gen. Patch is the bomb! This guy is no joke and he's got such an imposing stature. The accessories are just spot and provide the perfect balance, definitely one of my favorites of this round.

Keep them coming bro!

[Steel Brigade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paokole

My man, another explosive batch!! Love how different all these builds/characters are and how well and creatively are put together. Now you just made me want to make my own Red Snake Eye version Never thought of doing that as I tend to reserve any red MGR troopers for my Red Shadows ever growing squad. SE here looks fantastic!
Grand Slam is all geared-up and ready for battle and you've shown us various ways where that Exo Suit complements the personality of any given character. Great work!
Never seen this version of Low-light and it's looking really nice! Always perplexed with how you've always managed with multiple builds being worked on simultaneously while having the patience to not call them finished until that very last piece of the puzzle turns up! If it doesn't feel right, it means there's some other part somewhere waiting to be discovered. I like that.
I'd go with the Spy Troops version of Destro anytime as well, no doubt about that. Your execution is spot on, love everything about this build, more so the fact that you built two different versions of the characters with the parts you previously obtained. That's so creative and ingenious, well done my friend!
Gen. Patch is the bomb! This guy is no joke and he's got such an imposing stature. The accessories are just spot and provide the perfect balance, definitely one of my favorites of this round.
Keep them coming bro!

Big thanks brother! I always appreciate your thorough reviews! I hope you do make a Red Snake!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paokole

Never seen this version of Low-light and it's looking really nice! Always perplexed with how you've always managed with multiple builds being worked on simultaneously while having the patience to not call them finished until that very last piece of the puzzle turns up! If it doesn't feel right, it means there's some other part somewhere waiting to be discovered. I like that. !

^So much this.^ YOU should see how many figures I have completed already over the years that are just waiting on that final piece. Hopefully all of them will become finished products throughout this year! *fingers crossed!*

As far as two-for-ones (like Destro here), I do that alot, actually... try to buy parts with secondary characters already in mind for remainder usage - Sky Commanders (as a whole) is going to feature a lot of this, which will help off-set the cost of all the exo-suits I have to buy for their arm "grapplers!" lol!!!!! Thanks for the kind words on Patch & the others bro! ;-)

[paokole]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel Brigade

Big thanks brother! I always appreciate your thorough reviews! I hope you do make a Red Snake!

It's on!

^So much this.^ YOU should see how many figures I have completed already over the years that are just waiting on that final piece. Hopefully all of them will become finished products throughout this year! *fingers crossed!*

As far as two-for-ones (like Destro here), I do that alot, actually... try to buy parts with secondary characters already in mind for remainder usage - Sky Commanders (as a whole) is going to feature a lot of this, which will help off-set the cost of all the exo-suits I have to buy for their arm "grapplers!" lol!!!!! Thanks for the kind words on Patch & the others bro! ;-)

Pumping out all these awesome builds is one thing, but planning ahead and obtaining parts with that off-set the overall cost of making concurrent builds mentality is truly another skill that's integral to any project. Kudos to you bro!

[Steel Brigade]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paokole

Pumping out all these awesome builds is one thing, but planning ahead and obtaining parts with that off-set the overall cost of making concurrent builds mentality is truly another skill that's integral to any project. Kudos to you bro!

Big thanks brother, I do feel that patience & planning is really a virtue when it comes to this thread & building for me. I'm like everyone else of course & always want to show off the latest, but am often actually showing off figures that I built months ago for a variety of reasons. Assortment & themes usually being the 2 biggest factors, but the other one is usually waiting on that final piece (often which is the head for the character.) For example, I have around 20+ figures right now fully complete, (minus the heads) sitting in my "warming chamber." That includes the heads we are all still waiting on from the 2020 MGR previews (which I have often mentioned)... & also custom heads that are still in the finishing process just waiting for delivery. Right now I am also working on the next 6 waves of figures besides the the ones just waiting on heads (an additional 30 figures), that are all in varying stages of completion. This is numbers 386-415 for this thread. Some waves with 4 out of 5 figures already complete, some 3, etc. But since the character assortments are all worked out, I have lineups already planned till the end of the year, @_@ & that does not include any of what still needs to be released from MGR for the remaining 2020 heads, (nor any of the 'Nam stuff if that comes out timely as well.) I have notepad files with roadmaps for 2023 & beyond lol. There will always be curve balls & surprises that show up (mostly good), so I need to keep everything straight, as there is just a lot that I have planned!

For example here is one of those sheets showing (in green) what I have already released, what is not shown below (that's in black), are several months worth of what's to come! ;-)

[Steel Brigade]

Looks like there will be some more shuffling with the next waves lol, as some early/late arrivals are happening... Next drop will be on schedule for April in a couple weeks! ;-)

.

[paokole]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel Brigade

Big thanks brother, I do feel that patience & planning is really a virtue when it comes to this thread & building for me. I'm like everyone else of course & always want to show off the latest, but am often actually showing off figures that I built months ago for a variety of reasons. Assortment & themes usually being the 2 biggest factors, but the other one is usually waiting on that final piece (often which is the head for the character.) For example, I have around 20+ figures right now fully complete, (minus the heads) sitting in my "warming chamber." That includes the heads we are all still waiting on from the 2020 MGR previews (which I have often mentioned)... & also custom heads that are still in the finishing process just waiting for delivery. Right now I am also working on the next 6 waves of figures besides the the ones just waiting on heads (an additional 30 figures), that are all in varying stages of completion. This is numbers 386-415 for this thread. Some waves with 4 out of 5 figures already complete, some 3, etc. But since the character assortments are all worked out, I have lineups already planned till the end of the year, @_@ & that does not include any of what still needs to be released from MGR for the remaining 2020 heads, (nor any of the 'Nam stuff if that comes out timely as well.) I have notepad files with roadmaps for 2023 & beyond lol. There will always be curve balls & surprises that show up (mostly good), so I need to keep everything straight, as there is just a lot that I have planned!

For example here is one of those sheets showing (in green) what I have already released, what is not shown below (that's in black), are several months worth of what's to come! ;-)

And I was thoroughly scanning the image/document below, in black, to see what's coming...I guess I was so excited I didn't catch the wording "what is not shown" Thanks for sharing the lists. Look forward to seeing all of those my bro!

Talk about being overly organized and document every single build, be either completed or WIP. Always admired one's inherent skill of being so diligent and methodic in going about things. What's great about working on different figures at various stages in their completeness is that you're always going to have something ready for display, subject to unforeseen events. Those pending 2020 MGR heads can be great example of how certain builds can remain in that "warming chamber" for years. Yeah, that's a bit of a bummer as I also had to resort to different options because of that. Patience is key...and good things come to those who wait! Can't wait for April's drop!

[Steel Brigade]

NEW RECRUITS!!!!! GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS, PART 2!!!!!

WAVE 78
386. SCARLETT (based on G.I. Joe ARAH '82 Scarlett)
G.I. JOE
Origin: USA
'NAM 19XX

As mentioned many times within this thread, one of my most favorite Joes is Scarlett. I've done quite a few homages to her more obscure looks over the years. When MGR offered a "Geared-Up" version some time back, I knew that the essential body parts were there for a "niced priced OG," & that I could add my own flare & changes from their offering to make my own re-imagining of the classic 1982 Scarlett. After re-outfitting her add-ons & gear, I also took advantage of Spartan 118 Classified head shrinks, & got this beautifully painted custom head for her, really making her feel premium upon my shelf. Like my recent Leatherneck, Lift-Ticket, Wild Bill, & Roadblock, I consider this one another of my MTF Universe "Ultimates," by recreating & updating an essential (& personal favorite) G.I. Joe character in their most iconic look.

BIO: SCARLETT'S father and three brothers were martial arts instructors. She began her training at age 9 & was awarded her first black belt at age 15. She eventually enlisted in the Army, served in war efforts across the globe, & underwent all sorts of special training (Ranger School, Covert-Ops at Langley, Marine Sniping at Quantico, SASR exchange, ROK Marine Tae Kwan Do symposium, & more), finally settling on intelligence work. She stands as the only member of the G.I. Joe Team who has duties that are kept completely confidential from the rest of the team. Despite all her deadly skills & serious work, she still manages to have a sense of humor. Now she has been put in charge as the head of covert & intelligence operations in the rescue mission concerning the captured off-the-books 4-Man-Team going by the code name "Marauder Task Force." GUNG-HO, WILD BILL, ROADBLOCK, & LEATHERNECK have all been captured by Crimson Moon in Vietnam, trying to complete their own reckless rescue of former military team members once thought MIA, now rumored to be POWS, & SCARLETT needs G.I. Joe to get them all out alive!

[Steel Brigade]

387. CINDY POWERS
House Of Powers/Earthling Law Enforcement
Origin: USA
Sunrunner Midori Story (*bonus character*)

Cindy Powers was a lead character that I developed in my youth, as kind of a next generation hip 80's fantasy modern princess. Long before my "Action Girl" that I made in college, I used Cindy as a thrilling female co-lead & love interest in my fictional comic stories. I actually made her figure-form waaaaaaaaaaay back around the 300 mark of this thread, & she was to be included with the "Keel Haul" wave, but after showing her to my long-time neighbor buddy before that drop, he thought the stock head I chose looked too mean for her, & I also felt it was too generic for an important character from my younger years. So I put her on hold, & eventually decided that a Spartan Head was needed to finish her look more appropriately... Well the head has finally arrived & now that totally 80's goodness I captured way-back-when feels right again!

BIO: Despite the alien invasion, CINDY POWERS has lead a charmed life. So safe from harm in the luxurious surviving Eternal City that she needed to rebel. Her wealthy & powerful parents either intended her to work with Earth's native animals as a conservationist or in the veterinarian field. But CINDY was more interested in taking back her home world, & is working undercover for the Earthling Law Enforcement branch of Eternal City, mostly in secret from her family & friends. Both beautiful & brave, CINDY has helped shine the light on the daily atrocities that have been imposed on our planet from the INVADERS, & even carries one of their trademark "ray-guns" as her main weapon against them.





A Cindy Powers drawing I did circa 1989...

[Steel Brigade]

388. HARUKA (based on G.I. Joe Snake Eyes Movie character "Akiko")
Arashikage Clan
Origin: Japan
Side Story: Shinjuku Demon Parade

Akiko is one of my favorite Classified figures, simply for her uniqueness among the line, & being one of the only truly heroic characters in the "Snake Eyes" movie. But since the movie did not resonate with fans, it is unlikely that Akiko will ever see another figure again, (outside of her 1 Classified entry, never mind at 1/18 scale, if it should ever return.) Luckily Spartan 118 has made Classified shrinks, & I could finally add Akiko to my MTF Universe! I know we all mostly think of her in the white/black layered outfit of the toy, but that is really just her motorcycle uniform in the film, she wears mostly all black throughout the rest of the movie, but I think Hasbro went with the visually more interesting option. With that said, I just don't want to remake the Classified entry in 1/18 scale, & wanted to do a different version of Akiko based on her all black look from the movie. For add-ons she has a custom sash from my 1-time big Vortious order, an AWOK staff, & leg knives from Boss Fight's Umbrella Academy!

BIO: HARUKA was born into the Japanese Arashikage Clan, & later in life studied in London & New York, expanding her world view as a potential ambassador for her secret ninja society to become more "accepted." Time passed & there was much upheaval in the Arashikage, due to the untimely passing of their leadership, HARUKA returned & was a voice of reason & order during those dark times. Years later when YUREI KAGE left with DEAD EYE to assist the Marauder Task Force in the USA, he needed to leave someone in charge of his newly reformed Arashikage Clan. He chose HARUKA, the current head of Arashikage security & a believer of the Arashikage creed... "Strength, Loyalty, & Wisdom." Now YUREI has returned to a submerged Japan with YAKU, & seeks aid from HARUKA to weaponize them from the Arashikage weapons vaults, for the mysterious trials that lie ahead in the haunted forests, sunken villages, & the demon city Shinjuku!

[Steel Brigade]

389. REDNOK (based on Funskool Complan Commandos "Rednok")
Crimson Moon/Undercover for the Complan Commandos
Origin: India
'NAM 19XX

Baroness copycat Chameleon was a part of the very first wave of 9 figures that started this thread. At the time, I knew if I did the Baroness & Funskool original "Rednok," they would come much later... when some 1/18 heads (non-official-GI Joe) became available to customizers, that could spark my interest into visiting the other 2 Baroness builds... As I wanted Chameleon, Baroness, & Rednok all to be a little unique, & all to have different heads. 6 years later here we are, & Spartan is doing Classified 1/18 shrinks, & their beautiful... When he did the "Snake Eyes Movie" version of the Baroness, I knew that this was my opportunity to finally visit Rednok, as it's a different look for the Baroness, & could be used as another character, that's still closely related to the Baroness roots in every way... *the Baroness, but not*...

I guess now that I have done 3 of the Complan Commandos, I have to make Rocker & Striker sometime too & finish the team! :-)

BIO: REDNOK grew up in a mixed family, her father Japanese & her mother European. Her father's work was in India where she was born & he trained her in 3 forms of martial arts so she could defend herself against danger. When on vacation in Japan & to discover her roots, she found that she was of ninja heritage, dating back to the 15th century on her father's side. After schooling she joined the military & eventually landed in an India based specialist outfit called the Complan Commandos, becoming their undercover agent. Her reputation has earned her the respect of her Team, her most hailed mission, once posing as a school teacher for 3 years to bring down an underground child slave trading ring that made national headlines, even if she never received the credit. Known for her cat like eyes & super fast reflexes, her latest task has been to become a member of the terrorist organization known as Crimson Moon. Besides her military & martial arts skill set, the CRIMSON MOON LEGIONNAIRE took a special liking to her & quickly made her part of his elite. Much like CRIMSON JACKAL, the LEGIONNAIRE likes to use REDNOK to taunt COBRA in transmissions as she resembles & can imitate COBRA'S own BARONESS, which undermines the confidence of COBRA'S regime's faith in their leadership.