So why do we customize? To have our own figures. To fill the gaps in our collections the toy companies won't, can't or don't understand why they need to accomodate. Because making a figure of a beloved character is an awesome expression of fan loyalty (How many Blue Beetle figures have been customized in the last three years? How many Conner Kents in the last two?) Because each custom figure ever made is unique. Think about that: no two custom figures are exactly alike.
I started customizing in the summer of 2000, working mostly on Star Wars figures. By 2004 I'd customized over 200 characters, everyone from a complete Wraith Squadron to my own platoon of Jedi Knights. I've still got them, though as time unfurls their names and stories fade in the memory.
About three years ago, following a couple of moves around the country and a renewed interest in comic books, I started customizing in the JLU scale. Thanks to the cartoon, the line was just picking up steam with the Booster Gold, Hawk & Dove et. al. three packs. Though it sounds strange to say now, the figures were in ready supply. Motivated and abetted in part by the online community of custom artists like Casimir and Bill Burns, I took a couple of practice runs: modifying an early Steel custom (gluing a cape on) and repainting a Starman (making his red and yellow costume blue.) My first "real" custom was (of course) Captain Atom. I got hooked practically at once.
I'm about 120 or customs in now, some better than others and a few better than all the others. I plan to make complete sets of the following, sooner or later:
- The Wolfman/Perez era Titans
- Justice League International
- Infinity, Inc.
- The Global Guardians
- The Charlton heroes
- A handful of Marvel customs, here and there.
If you're curious, the name Dr. Solstice is from a comic/character I created while still in college, lo these many years ago. There is a Dr. Solstice custom figure and I've posted him inside my personal area of the users' galleries.
That's pretty much it. Oh, I'd also like this hobby of ours to continue to grow and prosper. If you're considering customizing for the first time, or just need help getting over a rough spot, email me at DrSolstice@dchallofjustice.com <>. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Best,
- Dr. Solstice
