FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013

Here's a series of photographs from my latest appearance as Vader with the 501st Central California Garrison at Gamer's Circle Comics in Folsom, CA on May 4th, 2013.

This is a comparison shot of me standing next to Gamer's Circle Comics Shop Owner Andy Wood. Andy stands 6'2". The left portion of the picture is a shot of us from 2009. The right side is a shot of us from 2013. Notice my height gain? That's thanks to the custom boots I had designed with internal lifts and a taller heel.

The full image from the photo above (2013)

You have failed me for the last time...

Isn't photography wonderful! That's me lifting a fellow 501st member off the ground in front of the shop!

My son and I! So proud of him for helping me out! He'll be a Clone Trooper this summer!

In front of the shop

Lifting my son into the air!

Another shot in front of the shop

The shop flyer from the event

T-800 BUST EVOLUTION

A couple of photos to let you see the progress. Still plenty to do!

T-800 TEXTURING

Working through texturing the skin with a stipple technique instead of an Airbrush, since I can't find an airbrush to borrow. Have to go buy one someday. I'm still not happy with how it looks in person, but it photographs pretty nicely! Gonna keep working on the layers and colors. Also need to start planning on how to cover, remove or enhance that fake hair with real hair, eyebrows and eye lashes. After studdying some photos, I'm also determine to fix the eyelid on the human side. The eye just isn't sitting in the socket properly. Too much space...I'll keep working it. Overall, looking pretty satisfying right now!

T-800 PAINTING: MORE DETAIL

Tonight I spent some time darkening the wound areas and adding red. I also finished painting another eye and sealed it in 5 minute epoxy.

T-800 WORK

Still layering paints. Started with a pinker time for the gashes and open wounds. Gonna start working darker and darker a I go. Adding the wet look and loose flesh will be last.

501st LEGION COLLECTOR CARDS

These are my collector cards from the 501st Legion and the Sith Lord Detatchment. Plenty to go around, if you see me and would like a card, just ask!

MAKING EYES: VERSION 2

So, I wasn't truly happy with the Ping Pong Ball eyes I've been working on. The other day, while walking through Goodwill, my wife and I found a .50 Cent bag of plastic Halloween eyes. They were the same material as Ping Pong Balls, but slightly smaller. I've taken some photos for size comparison.

After watching the Stan Winston School video on making eyes, I realized I needed to try a few things. Sooooo....

Based on that video, here's my garage version:
1). Split the ball in half (not required, but I wanted to work on making a flat spot for the iris)

2). Drill a 2mm hole in the center of the half

3). Using a diamond bit that I have for my drill, with a ball grinder, I started expanding the 2mm hole.

4). Once it got to 12mm, checked with a 12mm drill bit, the hole was completed.

5). Mix up some 2 part Magic Sculpt

6). Press it into the inside and set it aside to dry.

Next post, I hope to talk about the painting process and the gloss process.

T-800 BASE COATS: PART 2

I still have tons of painting to do, but this is just the beginning base coats and layers. Skin tone will probably take a dozen opaque layers. But hey!!! I started!!!! ;)