Action Figure Customizing
By Randy HerkowitzOct 20, 2008 - 20:57:42 PM
Customizing action figures has been going on since the beginning of, well...action figures. Ever since there was an unmade action figure and the desire to own it, customizing action figures became a hobby for many. I remember as a child creating new G.I. Joe action figures with a screwdriver and a little reconstruction of arms, legs and torso’s. As I got older, I remember wanting nothing more than a Punisher action figure. So, I took a Super Powers Superman action figure and went to work. The result was surprisingly nice. Perhaps, if I looked back at it now it would seem a little crude. Nevertheless, we all have to start somewhere.
 |
| Bumblebee |
It’s amazing that in today’s toy market, where it seems like every character from every possible license has been made into a child’s plaything that action figure customizing is still a strong hobby. Just check the many action figure forums or Ebay for some that sell for rather high prices.
Some of the more popular series for customizers are Hasbro’s Marvel Legends, Mattel Toys Justice League Unlimited and Transformers. I know I personally really got into customizing some of my favorite robots in disguise using figures from the collector based Alternators line. However, I think Superheroes tend to be the most popular choice for customizing action figures most likely due to the large universes created, the ever changing costumes and the constant introduction of new characters.
 |
| Snake Eye |
Customizing action figures has gotten rather sophisticated from the days of getting a bottle of Testers model paints and a paint brush. Many customizers have mastered sculpting using such items as Super Sculpey (a form of modeling clay). The most devoted customizers are even making molds for certain parts just like the toy companies do.
When the G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary line was first introduced, I know I was having a blast using the new body style to make some of my favorite American heroes from the 1980’s.
 |
Although, I greatly enjoy doing a little action figure customizing from time to time, it is amazing to look at the many websites devoted exclusively to customized action figures. It truly has become an art form. Many customizers are able to make more dynamic products than the actual toy companies do.
There are many techniques you can use to improve on an action figure without adding or taking away any parts. My favorite technique is dry-brushing. It’s when you put a little paint on the brush and wipe off as much as you can and just gently run the brush over the desired area. The result usually brings out a lot of the details. Some toy companies use this technique themselves including, Marvel Legends when Toybiz were making the toys.
 |
| Protowasp |
It’s pretty easy to get started. I prefer acrylic paints. They are easy to use and are water based. Other than that it’s good to have paint brushes of different sizes handy, small for tiny details and large for bigger areas. I recommend good quality brushes. They can get pricey but are usually worth it. It is also good to have a hobby knife (be careful of course as they are very sharp) and as I mentioned earlier, Super Sculpy is an easy to use oven based clay that makes it possible to add parts to an action figure. It may take a little time to get good at sculpting but you’ll be surprised at how a little practice goes a long way. You may also want to have a strong adhesive like, super glue or an epoxy (again, be careful when using these strong, fast drying glues). Other than that, perhaps the most important thing needed is a little imagination and desire and most of all, just have fun with it. Don’t expect the first try to come out perfect but before you know it, you may find a great new hobby to help add unmade action figures to your collection.
 |
| Springer |