[HissHissFangFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AF80sFAN

Wow, that is an impressive looking Ripcord. I used the same body for my Ripcord but only added a subtle camo pattern rather than painting him green, wish I had now after seeing yours.

Also (I know it has been around for a while but I have to bring it up as it is so timely), your Roadblock in the pictures looks so much better than the Retro one they have just shown!

I failed to mention that I've got two custom Roadblocks, one having a lighter and more vivid palette. Regarding the upcoming Wal-Mart Retro version, I won't bash it too much. The base figure build was one of my neutral baseline guess--it was going to be either Ret RB 1 or 2. The new head was a surprise, and actually I wanted this head for my T13 collection version before this head was unveiled.

My biggest gripe is that didn't give us a newly cast retro style webgear with proper length. All the other stuff cutomizers can get from other figures or casters. The old webgear does not fit this torso (unless you consider wearing you belt just below the bottom of you ribcage a fit). The webgear is where limited tooling budget should have been spent, not the head.

[46 Zone]

Wow!!! Really liking the modded helmet and mask for Ripcord!!!

[AF80sFAN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HissHissFangFan

I failed to mention that I've got two custom Roadblocks, one having a lighter and more vivid palette. Regarding the upcoming Wal-Mart Retro version, I won't bash it too much. The base figure build was one of my neutral baseline guess--it was going to be either Ret RB 1 or 2. The new head was a surprise, and actually I wanted this head for my T13 collection version before this head was unveiled.

My biggest gripe is that didn't give us a newly cast retro style webgear with proper length. All the other stuff cutomizers can get from other figures or casters. The old webgear does not fit this torso (unless you consider wearing you belt just below the bottom of you ribcage a fit). The webgear is where limited tooling budget should have been spent, not the head.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the build for the Retro Roadblock (I can even live with the legs they used) it is just the way they have chosen to paint it. The paint scheme works for a comic pack style figure, there is nothing wrong with that, it is just not what I wanted from the Retro line, I was hoping for a figure that I wouldn't have to customise to get a v1 RB (I have already made one of those).

You are definitely right about the webgear, I used it on my custom and it does not fit. I was hoping they might make new webgear for that body, but wasn't really expecting it would happen. Perhaps that is what makes the figure more disappointing to me, if they were not going to make the new parts that were needed they had to at least get the paint vintage accurate.

Getting back on topic, looking forward to seeing more of your customs, I always like your threads to see the improvements you make to the characters from my favourite era.

[CavScout]

That Ripcord is AMAZING!! And that comic cover re-creation is awesome

[ARBCO Avenue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HissHissFangFan

2020-09-23_12-05-49 by HissHissFangFang, on Flickr

This image makes my day! And your Ripcord is perfection. You really did him justice.

[jlw515]

HHFF,
Your homage pics to "Walk Through the Jungle" (Marvel #39) is awesome! Not only is that one of my favorite covers, but one of my favorite issues. For me, I love how Hama took what I considered kind of boring character, Ripcord, and placed him in this specialty group to infiltrate the jungle.

Also, now that the "retro" Roadblock has been found in the wild with loose pics, I really think your custom will become the basis for many custom figures. I know it will be for mine! I've already ordered a resin cast TF Roadblock head and I have those Roadblock thighs and Gung-Ho calves waiting to be painted!

Jason

[HissHissFangFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlw515

HHFF,
Your homage pics to "Walk Through the Jungle" (Marvel #39) is awesome! Not only is that one of my favorite covers, but one of my favorite issues. For me, I love how Hama took what I considered kind of boring character, Ripcord, and placed him in this specialty group to infiltrate the jungle.
Jason

The photo was more inspired by Issue #38 prior. The Sierra Gordo mission extended from #38-#39. Not at direct recreation of p12 panel 4 but inspired by it from good memories. Angle is different, could’ve used some fake high grass (HHFF=no backgrounds/props), and their positions are switched (for heights, and to get a better look at Ripcord). It was nice to get my alternate Stalker out for this one, though I had to do a quick and dirty camo on him (eventually want to do a razor-sharp tri color tiger camo with this one).

Issue #38 (“Judgements”) is one of my all-time favorite issues. I thinks it’s one of Rod Whigham’s best drawn full issues (along #31 and #34), whose art of a marked improvement over previous regulars when I was reading and collecting these things. Second, Stalker returns to the field (as mission leader no less), very soon after what was alluded in #33 an “retirement” to a desk job. That announcement at the end of the issue had me depressed for a few months back then, especially since the next issues for one-off stand-alone issues.

I also loved the turn in Storm Shadow’s character arc that issue. For me it was totally unexpected in its timing and reason. Plus, Cobra Tribunal!!! Inquest, per CC, but great to see most of the Cobra agents all together. No Buzzer or Copperhead or Scrap-Iron, but close enough, and drawn well. Those that follow me should know that Cobra Agents 1982-1984 are my big thing. Now that would be an interesting photo to homage...

Other standouts from the issue are callbacks to Sierra Gordo, brainwave scanner, and oh, Dr. Burkhart*. The issue, which featured 84 guys Ripcord, Blowtorch, and Mutt (or Footloose?), also had a well-executed intro/debut of Recondo…

*The Joes rescued Dr. Burkhart from Cobra in Issue #1!

[jlw515]

Yeah, I remember Judgments! Those Rod Whigham issues were great. I think Issue 21 "Cobra Commander Escapes" is my favorite, art wise, because the artist also worked on the cartoons. So, it has a very cartoon feel to it.

I like issue #38, and was going to comment that you needed some custom Tucaros! My only problem with Issue #38 is that they seemed to have used a lot of yellow in this issue from the cover to back page.

Jason

[HissHissFangFan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlw515

Yeah, I remember Judgments! Those Rod Whigham issues were great. I think Issue 21 "Cobra Commander Escapes" is my favorite, art wise, because the artist also worked on the cartoons. So, it has a very cartoon feel to it.

I like issue #38, and was going to comment that you needed some custom Tucaros! My only problem with Issue #38 is that they seemed to have used a lot of yellow in this issue from the cover to back page.

Jason

Oh geez. I could go on for days/pages about that issue. The first issue I felt compelled to take home with me, just as starters. And you mean #24! Everything OK with you? Granted, three and a half decades ago...

Custom Tucaros...

[jlw515]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HissHissFangFan

Oh geez. I could go on for days/pages about that issue. The first issue I felt compelled to take home with me, just as starters. And you mean #24! Everything OK with you? Granted, three and a half decades ago...

Custom Tucaros...

OMG, how could I confuse "Cobra Commander Escapes" as Issue 21?! I guess I just had one of the most popular issues ever subconsciously stuck in my brain. LOL!

I actually have a digital file of every old Marvel Issue including Yearbooks, Order of Battle, and Special Missions.

Jason