We catch up with Immortal Masks, makers of creature masks with lifelike movement and glorious detail. At Monsterpalooza, we check out their new experiments in silicone maskmaking, including cyborg and android masks that look like metal, and baby creatures that are just too adorable!
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We check out this detailed maquette statue of the creature from The Shape of Water, recreated by the artists at Elite Creature Collectibles. Veteren effects artist Steven Wang shows us the unique paint application and display for this beautiful figure, as well as two Ultraman life-size busts he's made as passion projects!
We love ourselves a good blaster replica, and the ones created by Aurum FX for Bungie's Destiny game are a sight to behold. We chat with Eric of Aurum FX to learn about their modeling and finishing process, and get a close look at their replicas of the Thorn, Ace of Spades, Sunshot, and The Last Word props!
We check out the sculptures and unique creatures at Manas Workshop, an effects studio that collaborates with artists in Asia to turn their work into collectibles. From steampunk goldfish to mighty beasts, we're impressed by detail and quality of these unique pieces.
We're blown away by these hyper realistic daruma doll sculptures by Lustre Effects Studio. Being big fans of their work online, we were thrilled to meet their team at this year's Monsterpalooza, getting a close look at these haunting sculptures, each with a distinct personality!
Kicking off our Monsterpalooza 2019 coverage is a trip through the awesome convention floor! We visit a few artists who work in movies, video games, and collectibles business, and have brought their passion projects to the show, as well as prototype figures. Let's check out new pieces from Rafael Grassetti, Alfred Paredes, and Akihito!
For Darrell's next project, he walks us through the process of modeling a replica of the Key to Erebor, inspired by the Hobbit films. Throughout the modeling process, Darrell explains how he achieves exacting relief details on the model that's suitable for 3D printing!
We test and review Dremel's Digilab LC40 laser cutter, a 40 watt hobby laser designed for personal workshops and maker spaces. We go over its setup, safety features, and capabilities, including the differences between it and other glass tube lasers in its class. There's a lot to like here!
We're enamored with this elegant laser-cut wooden orrery kit by Induku Design. This hand-cranked mecahnical model of the solar system depicts the rotations of the Moon around the Earth, and also around the Sun. We put this automata together to show you how it works!
We visit HP to go hands-on with their new high-end virtual reality headset, the HP Reverb. This Windows Mixed Reality headset has one of the highest resolution panels we've used for VR, and the clarity is remarkable! Plus, our impressions of Asgard's Wrath and Shadowpoint, two Oculus games we played at GDC.
Sean guides us through the different tools best used to make precise holes in all sorts of materials, from leather to sheet metal. Here's what he uses to make things like custom washers burr-free electrical panel holes.
Matt Sengbusch builds unique arcade cabinets using components recovered and restored from classic arcade games. We visit his workshop to learn how he fixes game boards and designs these half-scale arcade cabinets to fit original parts like CRT monitors, coin slots, and full-sized controls. Check out the Small Change Arcade here!
Most RC aviators enjoy adding accents to make their scale models appear more realistic. We'd love for them to be as detailed and precise as static plastic models. Yet, the weight and structural constraints of a flying replica often dictate that we have to settle for "good enough." Smaller models typically demand more concessions than larger ones…but not always. I recently discovered a series of tiny airplanes that use innovative materials and techniques to achieve incredible realism.
Microaces is a small, UK-based company that produces a line of ultra-micro RC models replicating WWI-era aircraft. At first glance, these airplanes actually look like well-detailed static models (close to 1/24-scale). Closer inspection reveals the functional control surfaces and electric motor that make them airworthy.
Like many ultra-micro RC aircraft, Microaces kits are constructed primarily of foam. The truly unique aspect of these kits, and a key component to their realism, is that the foam is factory-printed with realistic color schemes. All of the details such as stitching, panel lines, insignia, unit markings, and weathering are all there when you open the box.
Microaces offers kits for several different WWI aircraft. Most of them are available in multiple historically-accurate trim schemes. I chose to build the "Heavy Weather" SE5a that depicts the fighting steed of British ace, Arthur Rhys-Davids. With a wingspan of only 14.5" (368mm), this model could be completed as a static desktop display. But there was never any doubt that my example would be built to take to the sky!
Toy photographer Johnny Wu stops by our studio to demo another of his figure photography techniques. Using a weathered TIE Fighter diorama we previously built, Johnny lights the scene and adds a figure with custom tailored clothing! These 1:12 scale cloaks, capes, and clothes takes our favorite toys to a whole new level of detail.
One week out from GDC, we blast to the past to catch up on Jeremy's Pinsim virtual reality pinball controller project. A lot of changed in the world of VR pinball--there are a ton of tables to play for Pinball fans. Plus, we review Audica, the new rhythm game from Harmonix that's part Beat Saber, part Space Pirate Trainer.
We test the new Insta360 EVO, a camera that can switch between shooting in 360 video and 180-degree stereoscopic video for virtual reality headsets. Here's a quick primer on why 180-degree VR video is compelling, and how compact cameras like the Insta360 EVO will let you capture great-looking VR video without complicated post-processing.