Big Glee! The Albert Bryan Bigley Archives

Wolverine '74! The Making of a Sensational 70s Cosplay! X-Men!

2025-08-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here we go again with another blast from the past: Wolverine (as seen in his first 1974 comics appearance)!

I had to tackle this famous member of the X-Men, as he first made the 70s scene in INCREDIBLE HULK #181!

Click below to enlarge images and follow along!

Above: Original 1974 Wolverine character/costume designs by John Romita Sr.!

Above: I designed the body suit in Photoshop, had it
printed and assembled, then added a custom-created mask...

Above: I added the leg stripes (to continue the stripe motif), and made
the belt using foam board an an interior military belt!

Above: At Heroes Con, with Allen Wolf as Dr. Strange!

Above: Making all that yellow work is a very difficult task in real life!

Above: Trying out custom fangs!

Above: I purchased the unique boots
online, then set to making custom tweaks...

Above: Early on, I left the mask's eye-slits open, but
soon went with the opaque white eye look!

Above: I added leg stripes to the design!

I experimented with early designs that had flesh-colored
sleeves, but that look simply never worked!

Above: The customized face-mask before detailing was added!

Above: Experimenting with an added nose-piece!

Above and below: Another customized cowl! This one leaning
toward the later comics version of the character!

Above: Adding a mask with a more luchador vibe...

That's all, folks!

BONUS! Want to uncover more secrets on how this Marvel Comics cosplay was crafted? Just peek below!

Batman Goes Blue! It Had to Happen! 70s Bronze-Age Batman Cosplay Action!

2024-09-01T08:23:00.006-07:00

You asked for it!

In response to the requests of millions (Sammy Millions, the guy who runs the corner fruit stand), I updated my black-and-gray "70s classic Batman" cosplay (see it here), to something that leans more toward the "blue and gray comics Batman" look!

Click below to follow along and enlarge images!

Above: Test-fitting pics. I already had the belt and bodysuit, now to find the perfect blue cowl and cape (and gloves and trunks)...

Above two images: The cowl needed some painting to lighten it up (it
started as a very deep "midnight blue" shade), along
with some highlights and gloss applications among the brow, to
bring that area out further in contrast!

Above: My inspirations! The works of (left to right) Jim Aparo, Gerge Perez, and Drew Struzan!

Above: With the custom cape! The gloves needed some
paint application, and fins created and added!

Above: I acquired black boots, then came more paint apps
to get them to match the rest of the accessories!

The cape needed some minor velcro apps to
affix it properly to the traps/shoulders. Due to
its weight, it stays in place quite well,
but the velcro sure helps!

Above: "Bat-Hound, is that you?!"

Above images: To move this cosplay even
closer to its comic book appearance, the
white eye slits were added to the cowl.

BAT-BONUS: See and hear about the creation and inspirations for this new cosplay here:

Daredevil vs. Captain America! The Making of a Marvel Cosplay Comics Cover! Video!

2023-09-05T07:44:00.012-07:00

I had to do it!

Using my own cosplay design for Daredevil and Captain America, I just had to recreate this eye-catching colossal cover from 1968!

The Jack Kirby-drawn cover scene to DAREDEVIL #43 is one of the most iconic, most dynamic images ever, and it was fairly easy to replicate, using these two cosplays!

Click below to enlarge the image, and to check out the accompanying video, to see just how I did it!

Wanna look into the process of how the above sensational scene was created? Just glom onto this short and sweet video!

The Vision! The Making of a Sensational 70s Cosplay! Avengers!

2022-10-27T10:54:00.036-07:00

I had to tackle yet another iconic 60s-70s big and bold comics superstar, this time the original Vision! As based on the famed Avenger (created by Roy Thomas), here is the sensational synthezoid as he was meant to look! Click images below to enlarge and enjoy!

Above: The finished cosplay! Read along below to see how I
assembled this colossal comics costume!

Above images: Using a basic red "blank face"
plastic mask, I then detailed it with various "techno"
motifs, evoking curcuit boards and wiring. I then
added some flexible rubber liner in the eye
areas...Added a plastic yellow "gem..."

Above two images: Using a template for creating a heat-formed,
foam-made neck appliance, I figured out the final neck collar look
by adding a modified dress shirt collar to the neck
structure...Then came the tons of fabric stiffener and
gold spray paint (and spray gloss sealants)..

Above three images: The assembled collar carefully
placed and velcro-ed to the bodysuit!

Above two images: I found the diaphanous cape online, and
liked the fact that it came with an attached hood (enabling
me to give the Vision a "hooded wraith" kinda vibe)!
After much trial-and-error, I was able to get the cape
to work with the collar...

Above: Finding the perfect gloves, I continued the
"circuitry tech" to portions of the palms and reverse side...

Above: My design for the bodysuit, again using the repeating
circuitry pattern, combined with the traditional comics
look for the character!

Above: The full look! Adding boots and belt (and a thick
neck chain), the overall vibe really works!

Pic by Fablegraph

Pic byFablegraph

Pic by Fablegraph

The best part of any cosplay: Getting out of the *#$% thing!

BONUS! Click below to see a fun special effects-laden video spotlighting

the the making of this captivatin' cosplay!

BONUS BONUS: Peek below to see see a fun video

from Heroes Con '23, taken by Greg Anderson Elysee!

1966 Batman and Robin Soaky Toys--Refurbished! DC Comics!

2022-09-20T08:24:00.006-07:00

I had fun refurbishing these 1966 Batman and Robin figural Soaky toys, possibly the most impressive products of the mid-60s "Batmania" merchandise wave! Batman was in pretty good shape, but Robin needed some sanding, and new paint applications! Click images below to enlarge and enjoy!

Below: The original 1966 Soaky figures!

"1979 TV Captain America!" 2022 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Figure and Card! Marvel!

2022-07-21T08:45:00.004-07:00

Back again with another cosplay scan and custom figure! This time I had the great folks at Shrunk 3D Upstate scan me in my "TV Captain America" cosplay (see it here), to create another "mini-me" statue! Click images below to enlarge!

Above: In the scanning booth! Since clear objects can't be properly
scanned, I had to ditch the visor, and slightly revise the shield!

Above images: The final printed figure! I had
to create and add a tiny clear helmet visor!

Above: I added a custom backing card for
displaying this custom "action figure!" Lots of fun!

Photo-bombed!

"70s Batman" 2022 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Figure and Card! Cosplay Craziness!

2022-02-15T14:19:00.008-08:00

Along with a few other of my cosplays (seen here and here), I decided to also have my "70s Batman" cosplay scanned and made into a 3D mini-statue! Click below to follow along and enlarge pics!

Above: My actual "Bronze-Age Batman" cosplay! See more here!

Above: After the scanning of me in the suit, the
wonderful Shrunk3D folks soon cobbled
up a detailed tiny "mini-me!" Looks great,
but I wanted to darken up those black areas...

Above: Time to use putty to mask off all the non-black
surfaces, then add a few coatings of gloss black
spray paint!

Above: That's better! Much more dramatic contrast!

I added a few paint touches to my mini-statue, such
as the gloss black areas, and an orange base!

Of course, I just had to create a custom card
as a display backer for the nifty new figure!

The "action figure" added to his custom card!
Very striking and bold!

"1966 TV Batman" 2022 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card and Figure! Cosplay Hi-jinks!

2022-01-23T09:35:00.006-08:00

Once again, the wonderful folks at Shrunk3D have done it again! They've supplied me with a little statue of myself, suited up as "1966 TV Batman!" Follow along below, as I detail the making of this tiny titan, and how I created a custom "action figure" and card using the figure!

Above: Me as "'66 TV Batman!" See more here!

Above: After being scanned by the Shrunk3D team, I
soon received this detailed sculpture! I knew I wanted
the blue portions to better reflect the true sheen and
depth of the cosplay outfit, so...

Using putty, I masked off the non-blue areas of the sculpt, then
came in with some metallic blue paint applications...

Now we're talking! I added a proper chest emblem, some clear
gloss touches, and soon this one-of-a-kind "Adam West Batman"
was ready to go!

Above: What better way to display this little figure than
with his own custom card, re-imagining it as a newly-
offered action figure?

The figure really "pops" when displayed with this dynamic card backing!

Sensational Spidey Statue! A Superhero Gets Small! Custom Cosplay Hi-jinks!

2021-12-22T09:16:00.007-08:00

After a few years of cosplaying as "classic comics Spider-Man" (see that here), I decided to have the character and cosplay professionally scanned and converted into a 3D statue! Click below to enlarge images and learn more!

The 3D statue, scanned and created by the folks at Shrunk 3D!

The scanning process took literally 3 seconds, as the Shrunk 3D folks
use a large array of cameras to scan you, and use that "mapping"
to later sculpt the final statue! No problem keeping a pose for that
short amount of time!

It's a very odd sensation to look at yourself (and the cosplay
you put so much work into) in this form.

The final statue stands around 9 inches tall, and is very detailed!
It has the feel and look of a classic Aurora superhero model kit!

Above three images: The Spidey sculpt joins my collection!

"Classic Daredevil" 2022 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card and Figure! Marvel!

2021-07-21T08:27:00.007-07:00

Another customized figure/card set, this time using my new DAREDEVIL cosplay (see that here)! Click below to enlarge images, as you follow along!

Above: Like with my Ant-Man custom card (seen here), a dramatic
pose (for the card front) is cobbled together in Photoshop, using various pics
of me as DD! I tried to get that sense of exaggerated comics perspective and
foreshortening! Some "posterization" effects were added, along
with other adjustments and alterations...

Above: The finished card, with all the graphic elements in place!

Above images: Daredevil prepares to be scanned for his own
little mini-me statue! The fine folks at Shrunk3D used their Kirby-esque
equipment to create an accurate action figure of me as DD!

Above: The final printed sculpt! All this mini-figure needed
was some paint applications from me!

Above: The finished figure, with paint and
minor customizations added!

Above images: The DD figure on his custom card! Works great!

Above: Sharp-eyed comics fans will recognize my pose as
an homage to this famed 60s plastic Marx DD figure!

"Classic Ant-Man" 2021 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card and Figure! Marvel!

2021-07-12T07:32:00.006-07:00

Continuing my line of custom-made action figure cards that make use of my own cosplay images (see others here and here), below is my new Ant-Man customized figure and card! Click all images to enlarge, as you follow along!

Above: Using a ton of different pics of me in the cosplay costume
(see it here), I cut-and-pasted limbs, heads, hands, and legs, all in an
attempt to achieve a very foreshortened action pose! Once done, I used
a few Photoshop filters (to create a line-oriented "comic art
look"), and some further effects, all to get the figure I
envisioned for the card front!

Above: The original card (left), and my revised card (right)!
I used Photoshop to add, move, reconstruct, or replace elements
for better composition.

Above: My finished card, printed on heavy card stock,
and ready for adding the figure!

Above: Now to revise the figure itself, to look like me!
To create his belt, I simply used Photoshop and
photos of the costume, to reconstruct the unique belt
for printing (at a very tiny size), to then place upon the
figure!

Above: The original figure (left), and my finished, customized figure (right)!
Ant-Man's blue accessories were painted black, matching costume details were added,
and belt affixed!

Above: The finished custom card and figure, ready for display!

A great way to celebrate the amazing costume design
work of 60s comic artists Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber!

"Classic Daredevil!" The Step-By-Step Making of a Sensational Silver/Bronze-Age Cosplay!

2021-06-23T08:04:00.074-07:00

Here is my latest addition to the roster of Silver and Bronze-Age comic cosplays (another can be seen here)! This time I tackled the classic comics look of the blind superhero swashbuckler, Daredevil! Click below to enlarge images, as you follow along on the creation of this crazy cosplay!

Above: I wanted to recreate a live version of the famous 60s
Silver Age version of Daredevil, as seen in the amazing artwork of
Wally Wood and John Romita, Sr.!

Above: The initial Daredevil helmet, as offered
by the very talented Comic World
Cosplay folks!

Above: Fresh from the box, the helmet looks
and works great, but I wanted to tighten
up that chin strap (with some careful
cutting and re-attaching), and add
my own lenses!

Above: The original helmet again, with its fine
cloth eye mesh. Looks great, but a wee bit hard
to see through effectively, so...

Above: Time to remove the original cloth lenses...

Above: Using red-tint auto films, I created
my own lenses and brackets...

Above: The new lenses added to the
helmet interior!

Above two images: With the tightened chin strap and
new lenses, the helmet is almost ready!

Above: I designed the bodysuit, going for a "deep scarlet with
highlights" feel, and had it printed overseas
by the ZentaiZone people...

Above: The printed bodysuit, coming out a bit light.
I submitted a 2nd version, with deeper contrast all
around, trying to achieve a dark red velvet feel...

Above: The 2nd bodysuit, with the deeper red/higher contrast feel!

Above: To help with the "dark red catching highlights" feel,
I depended on the usual slight bodysuit sheen to also
contribute to that look!

Above: The semi-gloss boots and gloves were
easily found online, and I deliberately
shortened both, to match the comics look!

Above two images: The belt was made using foam sheets! To
better match (and contrast a bit against) the suit motif, I used
two different shades of red to continue the feel of the rest
of the costume!

Above: One of the most difficult aspects of making this cosplay
was matching the color and tint of certain accessories!
I wanted the gloves, boots, and portions of the belt/holster
to all have a similar solid shade of red, as opposed to the
varied "light-to-dark" areas of the bodysuit.

Above: I used a plastic holder for
the billy-club holster, with attached
cut pieces of foam for the belt loop!

Above: Found online, here is a simple
club/pointer, used here for the famous
Daredevil billy club! I removed the outer
soft foam grip...

Above: The newly-naked club gets a paint
coating of gloss red...

Above: The club came with an internal telescoping
arm, and I added a stopper device (made from a modified
saline solution bottle cap), so all it takes is
popping open that stopper, then snapping the club,
to make the arm quickly telescope out!

Above: The club, holster and leg secure!

Above: A test of the entire ensemble!
It's fine, but the helmet and belt need a bit
more contrast, in order to "pop!"

Above: Adding a bit more bright red highlight
areas to the cowl, to further tie the helmet into the
color theme of the rest of the costume!

Above: This is more like it! After adding a bit more
bright red to the mask, and modifying the belt just a bit,
I'm pleased with the entire effect!

Above: The balaclava worn beneath the cowl
was made by a local seamstress, as were
the trunks!

Above: Of course, I was going for the look of the character
as depicted by comics artists like Wally Wood and Gene Colan!

Above: The telescoping billy club in action!
Pic by The Variant.

Pic by Clarence Adams.

Pic by Brandon Hunter Photography.

I love creating live versions of iconic, classic comics superheroes!
Characters such as Daredevil, Black Bolt, or Spider-Man (seen here)
were depicted in such big, bold colorful stokes, and I want to capture
that chunky graphic boldness in my cosplay builds!

Pics by Brandon Hunter Photography.

Pic by Brandon Hunter Photography.

Pics by Spidey Hits/Marvel Cards & Collectibles.

Above: Using my own DD cosplay, I created my own custom card
and action figure! See more here!

Above two pics by Denton Zeus Smitty.

Pics by Brandon Hunter Photography.

Pic by Brandon Hunter Photography.

Pic by Ranajay Ghosh.

Pic by Clarence Adams.

BONUS! Here is a fun-packed video detailing the making of this very cosplay! Click below to view!

"Classic Hawkeye" 2021 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card! Marvel!

2021-06-09T10:09:00.006-07:00

Back again, adding another custom card (see my Spider-Man version here) to my recent series of cosplay-themed cards/figures! This time, I've matched a Hawkeye action figure to a new card featuring my own cosplay of that classic character! Click below to follow along!

Above two images: Using my "classic Hawkeye" cosplay
(see more here), I modified the above pic to fit the package
dimensions, theme, and style of the previous Spider-Man
custom card! Add logos, product dress, and a few
special effects, and the card is ready!

Above seven images: The customized figure (originally
from the "Marvel Universe" line) added to the card!

Spider-Man 2021 Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card! Marvel!

2021-04-27T09:50:00.006-07:00

The kooky Kenner folks have produced a new (as of 2021) line of Marvel action figures, complete with colorful 70s-themed artwork! I got the idea to design new cards for certain figures in the line, but featuring my own cosplay images! First up: Spider-Man! Click below to follow along, and enlarge images!

Above: The actual card and figure, as
seen on store shelves!

Above: My custom card, using images of myself as
Spider-Man (seen here)! Created in Photoshop, with extra graphics
and elements added!

Above: The card, with figure added!

Above: The Spidey figure also needed custom touches, such
as work on his eyes, and a deeper blue suit motif!

Robin! The 1966 Aurora Model Kit Re-Built! Batman! DC Comics!

2020-12-21T07:05:00.004-08:00

Here's the super-fun 1999 re-issue of the famed Aurora "Robin" model kit! The original kit was released in 1966 (within a blast of other Bat-kits), at the dizzying heights of Batmania! This titanic toy captures Robin in a dramatic action pose, shutting down a devious death-trap! In the late-90s, the riotous rascals at Revell re-issued the kit, making many die-hard comics and kit fans quite happy! I had so much fun customizing this, and lovingly re-building and painting it! Click images below to enlarge!

This is actually a re-issue of the mid-70s
Robin kit from the "Comic Scenes" line, using
an updated "Teen Wonder" head sculpt!

I used a paint marker to add the
"tiles" on the floor! I added my
own custom stickers for many of the
gauges and computer read-outs!

I loved using both matte and high-gloss paints
and sealants on the model, creating a nice contrast!

By restricting the base largely to black and silver, I
was able to nicely contrast it against Robin's
bright costume colors, making the figure truly
stand out!

You can see my heavily-customized Batman model
kit, the companion to this one, right here!

BONUS: Click below to see the original 1966 kit, including the original head sculpt!

More Custom Captain America Cosplay! New Designs!

2020-12-02T10:40:00.005-08:00

Having fun with yet another new Captain America bodysuit, this one incorporating a sleek custom design that allows me to use my vinyl Cap helmet (as used here with another Cap cosplay) with a printed bodysuit! Lots of fun! Click images below to enlarge!

Above: My new custom bodysuit design, incorporating
different elements from many varied Cap
iterations from the past!

Above: I wanted to create a Lycra suit that could
incorporate my existing Cap costume accessories, including
my vinyl helmet! That meant adding color schemes
that matched the deep navy of the helmet, in addition
to the lighter blue tones!

Above: Adding my existing gloves, belt, boots, and
shield from my "TV Cap" cosplay (seen here), the look
really came together!

Above: Since this new cosplay reminded me
of a sleek "super spy" version of Cap,
I just had to recreate this famed 1968
paperback novel cover! Tons of fun!

"1966 Screen-Test Batman!" The Making of a New Cosplay!

2020-09-21T13:29:00.010-07:00

So, since I already owned all the Bat-accessories for my other '66 Batman" cosplays (click here), I decided to create a real rare one! Here is my take on the little-seen "screen-test TV Batman," wearing a costume similar to the makeshift outfit created for actor Adam West during his filmed try-outs for the "Batman" role! Click mage below to enlarge!

Above: Here are Burt Ward ("Robin") and Adam West ("Batman")

filming their '65 screen tests for their respective roles.

Of course, when filming officially began, the Batman

costume and cowl would be re-worked to its more

familiar look!

Above: My custom "screen-test" bodysuit design, incorporating

the unique bat-insignia seen in the screen-test footage!

Above: The bodysuit, combined with the
other suit accessories!

Above: I added custom ears to the cowl, to mimic
the longer ears seen in the screen-test footage!

"TV Incredible Hulk" Mego Action Figure Custom! Lou Ferrigno Lives!

2020-07-18T07:47:00.003-07:00

I had lots of fun creating my own customized Mego action figure based on the 70s live-action TV version of the ever-incredible Hulk! Click each image to enlarge!

Above ten images: Using a wonderful fan-made head sculpt (found years ago on eBay),
one made to resemble Lou Ferrigno in the role of the Hulk, I applied a basic
green coat, followed by some light overhead highlights, and lower
darker shading. Next came detailing the hair, eyes, brows and teeth!

Above: The finished complete figure! Using Mego's basic 1975
Hulk body (after it was painted and detailed to match the new head),
the look is complete!

Above: Some gloss paint was added to the eyes and teeth,
creating an even more realistic look!

Above: The figure on its own custom card! I love to create graphics
that are very bold and direct, like Mego's original packaging from
the early 70s!

Above: The custom card I created!

Above: The original 1975 Hulk figure from Mego, used
as my base figure for this customization!

1967 TV Batgirl Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card! DC Comics!

2020-07-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

As with my custom 1966 "Screen-Test Batman" custom packaging (see it here), I just had to create some dynamic backing for Funko's very nice Batgirl companion figure, from the same "BATMAN '66" line! Click below to enlarge images!

Above: Upon finding a wonderful (and vertical) pic of
actress Yvonne Craig as Batgirl, I next used
Photoshop to revise and rework the image, to
match the feel of the Batman custom packaging!

Above: I also added the logos and such from
the toy line, also leaving ample amounts of
unadorned areas behind the figure, to
bring further emphasis to it!

Above: Once the figure and blister were
removed from the original card, it was
carefully glued down onto the new
backing, ready for display!

Above: The custom card itself, before adding the figure!

Above: The toy as seen on store shelves, with original dull packaging.

1966 SPIDER-MAN Aurora Model Kit Re-Issue! Re-Built and Crazily Customized!

2020-06-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here's another fun model kit re-issue that was a blast to re-build! It's the Polar Lights re-offering of the famed 1966 Spider-Man model kit from Aurora! I added lots of fun features when assembling this larger-scale re-issue, so follow along below! Click images to enlarge!

Above: I carefully detailed Spidey's suit webbing, with a very fine artist's pen!
Also note his reflective metallic eye-pieces!

Above: I wanted to add a more realistic and "organic" web-line, so
I used some fine mesh fabric for the job!

Above: I had a ball detailing Kraven, using not only enamel
paints, but paint pens, artist's pens, marker...

Above: I added a colorful gradated background to the transparent "web-wall" behind the kit!

Above: I also added some grit to the floor, along with using dry-brushing
techniques to add textures and darker areas...

Above: So, where did the Aurora firm get the idea for this particular scene?
The above panels come from AMZING SPIDER-MAN # 34, from
early 1966!

BONUS: Click here to see my customized Aurora Hulk kit, and here to take a peek at the Captain America model kit!

"1939 Batman!" The Making of a Bat-astic Classic Cosplay!

2020-06-15T12:13:00.039-07:00

A few years ago, I decided to create a cosplay that you just never see...A "1939 Batman" cosplay! Click below to follow my progress! Click images below to enlarge!

Above images: It's Batman, in his first 1939 comic book appearance, by creators
Bob Kane and Bill Finger! This raw and startling look was what
I wanted to create in a cosplay!

Above two images: I wanted to craft a mask that resembled the original
first appearance of Batman, but also something that looked like
it was a more primitive appliance, made with what would have
been available in 1939! I used a black balaclava hood, with a pre-made
Batwoman mask, tricked out with long ears and added white mesh for the eyes!

Above two images: I wanted a unique early utility belt, one that
looked sorta primitive and retro, with a bit of an Art Deco feel.
This was made using foam strips and cut shapes, along with plastic liquid
storage tubes. Many coats of gold spray paint followed!

Above: The almost-final suit, using a painted military belt! Not quite...

Above: The finished suit, complete with custom belt! I designed the
bodysuit, and had it printed and sewn. Add custom-made trunks, and
two-sided cape (both made by a talented local seamstress), and "1939 Batman"
was ready to go!

Above: Sure, this early Batman wore purple short-gloves in the
comics, but I liked the black glove appearance! Note the purple highlights
on the gloves, as a nod to that early coloring!

Above: The black boots are the same ones I use with this Batman cosplay!

Above pic by Dayjavue.com

Above two pics by Brandon Hunter

Above: I created my own retro-looking ray-gun, using
a water gun and added foam decoration!

Above three pics by Thomas A. Davis

Above: Note the added belt loop for carrying the Bat ray-gun!

Pic by Iztok Umek

Above two pics by Dayjavue.com

Above four images by Iztok Umek

Above three images: I added these odd scalloped-edge gloves, to give
the costume and even odder, more bizarre feel. Note the long finger-claws!

Above images: A new 3D-printed "1939 Batman" cowl! It took
lots of sanding (and resanding) and painting (and repainting) to
get this up and running, but so worth it! Note how that
first printing came out way to large!

Above images: The new 3D-printed cowl works great!
Much closer to the look of the early Batman!

Above: So honored to be the inspiration
for Australian artist Mark Ninness!

BAT-BONUS! Click below to see a fun and informative

video about the making of this cosplay!

More Mego Madness! Custom Action Figures and Packaging! DC! Marvel!

2020-06-11T07:19:00.003-07:00

Back again with more images of my many past superhero action figure customizations! Click images below to enlarge!

Above: It's the classic Spidey foe, the Shocker! Made from a re-casting of a Mego
"Spider-Man" head, with home-made costume and accessories!

Above: Another Spidey foe, Doc Ock! Made using a re-casting of
a Mego "Hulk" head, with custom costume and packaging!

Above: Black Bolt! Made using a re-cast of a Mego "Captain
America" head, with a home-made costume!

Above: Daredevil! Created using another re-casting of a Mego "Captain
America" head sculpt, with a custom costume, including re-painted
"Mr. Fantastic" gloves and boots!

Above: The smaller superhero set! It's Hawkeye, Ant-Man, and Yellowjacket!
Made using available Toy Biz figures of the day (mid-90s), and a SECRET WARS
figure (for Ant-Man), these were fun to create, using found objects, accessories
made from Bristol board, and lots of patience!

Above: More fun customizing existing figures! This time it's the
Vision (made from a "Silver Surfer" figure), Giant Man
(using a large-scale "Captain America" figure), and
Bucky (using a SECRET WARS "Captain America" body, and a
Kenner "Robin" head)! Added home-made capes , belts, and
accessories created fun figures not available then!

Above: Let's turn to the DC heroes! Here are Reverse-Flash (using a
Kenner "Flash" figure), Kid Flash (making use of a "Riker"
STAR TREK figure), Aqualad (using same), and the Atom (from a "Flash" figure)!
Lots of creative painting, sanding, accessorizing, and fun!

1966 "Screen-Test" TV Batman Action Figure! The Making of a Custom Card! DC Comics!

2020-05-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

What is it with the uninspiring and dull cards on which so many of today's toys are presented? Sure, I've created custom cards for Mego figures and Hot Wheels "TV Batmobile" die-cast cars, but here is my own packaging for the fabulous Funko "Screen-Test Batman" figure! Click below to enlarge images and enjoy!

Above: The actual Funko toy! Wonderful figure, but
that dull backer card has to go!

Above: The only images of Adam West in this particular garb come
from the short '65 screen test footage, so I chose that first shot,
overlaying some highly-shaded "comics style" feel, then
placing some items from the Batcave set behind
the figure!

Above: My finished card, ready for the figure to be added back to it!

Above six images: The custom card and figure, on display!
Much better!

"Classic Captain America!" The Making of a Madcap Marvel Cosplay!

2020-04-20T15:32:00.024-07:00

Come along and take a look at my very first cosplay creation, my own version of Marvel's early super-patriot, Captain America! Click each image to enlarge and enjoy!

Above: My first real attempt at Cap, taking my cue
from THE FIRST AVENGER movie! Not a bad look,
but not quite...

Above: Added a new helmet...Still
not quite right...

Above nine images: Adding a nifty custom jacket I found online, and
utilizing a ready-made vinyl mask (by Ogawa Studios) from overseas,
I debuted this new look at Heroes Convention 2015! But--the mask
just sits too darned low!

Above: Much better! By cutting the mask in half,
horizontally, then re-attaching the halves to
create a better fit, the new helmet was now
ready to go!

Above: The finished costume consists of the helmet and shield,
with customized military pants, military belt (complete with replica Colt)
and knife, modified BMX boots, cosplay gloves (with added
workout gloves), and a few other small touches!

Above two images: Having fun with a great group for
a fine Halloween-centered charity event!

Above: Taking on Iron Man (Rocky Melvin) at a convention!
Pic by Indulge Images.

Above: In addition to other upgrades, I added a metal shield!

Above two images: Marching with a charity group in the Raleigh, North Carolina
Christmas Parade! Talk about "the Merry Marching Marvel Society!"

Above: Posing with a very special, valiant young man.

Above: My aim was not to create a cosplay accurate to
the movies or comics, but my own idea of a
real-life look for this classic Avenger, one that
seems to lean between the two versions!

Above: A look inside the metal shield! I added a nifty
card-holder to carry Cap's custom trading card, for handing out
to kids at events!

Above two images: The "folding card" I made to give out to curious kids!
I tried to include info on both the comics Cap, and
his many live-action incarnations, including his
infamous TV-movie version!

Above: At another fun event, mixing and matching different elements, to
create a "riot squad Cap" look!

Above: With our local charity cosplay group, Carolina Action Figures,
for a holiday Toys For Tots drive!

Above: I added carefully-carved foam wings on the
sides of the helmet, to create a nice mash-up
of the movie's painted-on deco, and the
comic book version of the mask adornments!

Above: Don't ask.

Above: Some very nice "thank you" cards
from some great kids Cap visited!

Above: Posing with the wonderful (and sorely missed) cosplayer,
Kevin Hunt (as "Doctor Doom") at a charity event!

Above: Our Carolina Action Figures group once
again drops in on a local children's hospital!

Above: Visiting a local TV news station for a segment
hyping local comic conventions! That's Shelton
Drum front and center, from the Heroes Aren't Hard
To Find comic shop, in Charlotte, NC!

Above: Some wonderful period-accurate Captain America
"vintage" trading cards, as (briefly) seen in the first AVENGERS
movie! These were made and gifted to me by a very talented fellow
cosplayer!

Above: The helmet, in addition to being re-fitted
for better sizing, had lots of silver piping added
to the sides!

Above five images: Just one corner of my cosplay-building space...And a
look at my many Cap masks!

Above: Being scanned at a convention, in preparation
for making a statue of me as Cap!

Above four images: The wonderful finished statue!

Pic by Ron Rossman.

Above: Got a few costumes mixed up! Am I cap
or Ant-Man today?!?

BONUS! Click below to see Cap in action, reading one of

his classic Silver-Age Marvel tales!

BONUS BONUS! Click below to hear Cap deliver a special PSA!

Ant-Man! The Step-By-Step Making of a Sensational Silver-Age Cosplay!

2020-04-12T05:54:00.040-07:00

Here's a loopy look at another fun cosplay! This time, I decided to tackle the early-60s look of Marvel's Ant-Man! Click below (to enlarge pics) and follow along as I assemble the pieces, create the designs, and bring ol' Hank Pym to life!

Above: Rough sketches that also eventually served as printer
instructions, regarding design placement!

Above: My own suit design, sent to the suit printers for final execution!

Above: Time to look for an appropriate helmet. I con-
sidered some vintage 70s helmets (like used for this cosplay),
but the fit and/or overall look was never quite right...

Above: At last! This ski helmet caught my eye
as something I could work with!

Above ten images: For the helmet "mandibles," I considered everything
from beer tap handles to foam horns! Finally, I spied the handles from these
detergent bottles, cut them into a shape that would work, followed by
sanding, and painting, and whittling, and magnet placement, and.......

Above eight images: After designing and masking off
the eye-openings, the priming and painting began!

Above four images: The original Ant-Man had a very distinctive
belt, one that includes two vials. I also wanted the black (foam)
belt to stand off against the black trunks, so a silver stripe was
added, continuing the red/black/silver color motif!

Above three images: Some small puffy paint
containers were cut and shaped and painted,
to be placed upon the belt center!

Above two images: The finished belt, with silver trim
added to distinguish it from the black trunks!

Above two images: For Ant-Man's front-and-center communications
device, the detergent bottle cap (with a bunch of
modifications) was prepped!

Above five images: A look at the rough helmet! It's getting there!

Above five images: The helmet with mandibles magnetically attached! It took
a ton of engineering and fitting (and re-fitting and more re-fitting) to make it happen!

Above: The complete cosplay!

Above: All the helmet accessories are magnetically snapped into place!

Above: I outlined and expanded the outer portions of the
exposed eye areas to create a more defined look!

Above: Ant-Man goes to the dogs!

Above four images: I crafted a new visor, using
foam board and adhesive lens tinting film!

Above: I'm king of the (ant)hill!

Above three images: Using my Ant-Man cosplay, I created
a cool custom card and action figure! See more here!

Above: Adding some custom COVID masks
to the look, for convention appearances...

Above four images: Turnabout is fair play, right? A little fun, based
on my Hawkeye cosplay!

Above images: Some modified (to be a bit more comics-centric) headgear!

Above thirteen images: I had a mini-statue
made of me as Ant-Man! I added a few
painted touches and improvements, but
it's fun having a 3D printed version of
yourself hanging around!

"Wait. There's an Ant-Man and a Spider-Man?!?"

BONUS! Learn all about the creation of this classic cosplay here:

BONUS BONUS! Wanna see (and hear) Ant-Man in action, in an exciting

storytime video (done in the style of the 1966 MARVEL

SUPERHEROES cartoon)? Sure ya do! Just click below!