It’s been rumored and whispered for years.  Talked about only in the darkest corners of the customizing universe.  But finally, it’s being dragged kicking and screaming into the light of day.  That’s right!  We’re finally going to undertake a sort of customizing Iron Chef challenge.  One figure as a base, with no limits on what can be made.  So if you want to have your say, get over to the thread found HERE and cast your vote for the base figure.  Now’s your time to see what people can come up with - help us decide.

Well, for those that didn’t see my post in the forum, CAPE is a big event sponsored by Zeus Comics here in Dallas (among many others).  I don’t call Zeus my home comic store (that honor goes to Titan Comics), but they do a lot of work to promote comics in general.  I was genuinely surprised at the amount and scale of the guests.  Wish I’d taken more pictures so you could see the scale.  They had 4 HUGE tents out, and a ton of other creators were present.  But we simply ran out of time.  :D  Head over to the Custom Justice Forums for pictures and discussion!

CJ Member Name: Great White Customs
Real Name: Ricky R
Location: Katy Texas…YeeeHaww!!It’s down Houston way!!
Age: oh good grief…I’m old!! 41
Sex: Oh heck yes!!

• Full Interview

new voting poll is up for the custom of the week. check it out and vote HERE
and Tex, stop playing with my action figures.

Yeah, I know.  I’m a little early today.  But why on earth would I want to become predictable?  Then it’s just like we’re an old married couple.  You’re no longer interested, and I won’t… well you know.  EXACTLY.  Keepin’ the romance alive baby. 

Today’s topic is the annual poll run by our friends over at Action Figure Insider (AFI).  The results of this poll are forwarded straight to ToyGuru.  Basically, it’s one of your best chances to have your voices heard as to who should be added to the JLU line.  You do have to register, but it’s more than worth it. 

Here’s the link:

AFI Poll

Head on over and have your voice heard!  That goes for you too Rick Astley! 

So some of you may have read that I recently picked up all of the DCUC series 2 figures for Stew.  They’re all there.  Aquaman (the more modern version), Firestorm (Ronnie), Red & Blue Electric Boogaloo, Black Manta, and Harley Quinn.  I have to say, I’m dang near hooked.  I’m still blindly loyal to the JLU line, but man am I tempted. 

So Stew and I kinda have this arrangement going on.  To save money on shipping, we send them loose.  Works for both of us, since we display ours loose complete.  Most traders I know do the same, although a few are freaks fanatics about mint on card.

But I have to say.  When I open these up, I’m very tempted.  They are literally calling me. 

“Play with us.”

“What?  I’m sorry what did you say?”

“PLAY WITH US.”

It’s so hard to resist.  They have so much articulation, and they LOOK fantastic.  But I sigh and box them up.  I’ve passed my test.  I’ve resisted temptation, and the figures are on their way to Stew.

BTW Stew, I have NO idea how Grodd wound up assembled, or how Black Manta’s paint got chipped. 

What?  I said I passed, not that I made an A.  Sheesh, read more closely. 

First off, I’d like to say that those of you who complained about getting rickrolled in my last blog will just have to get over it.  If I specifically say I’m evil, and give you a link, and you click on it anyway, guess what?  You deserve what you get.  Idjit.  Now on to your regularly scheduled program.

I’m starting to make a realization. 

Wait for it…

I’m sick.

Profound huh?  But it’s true.  And not like peeping in on your friend’s mom sick (ah those were the good old days).  No, I’ve come to the realization that I’m out of control.  I find myself constantly watching ebay for bargains.  For items to use for custom fodder.  But that’s where the problem comes in.  See, I currently have more fodder than I could ever possibly finish turning into customs in this lifetime.  But I’m always on the lookout for more.

I am constantly looking at figures and saying, “Hmm… cool figure.  I could use that for X, Y, and Z.”  My kids think it’s funny, and actually like it.  Because I usually get the new one and replace the one in their collection.  So THEIR figures are always new.  Hey, what do I care I’m going to customize the other one lol.

But my wife makes it interesting. 

Me: “Honey!  Look - I got a Hawk figure on ebay for $4!”

Wife: “Umm… Didn’t you just buy a Hawk last week?”

Me: “… Do you have a point?  Other than the top of your head?”

Wife: “Funny.  The electroshock must not be taking.  We’ll need to work on that.”

Me: “Being married to you is all the therapy I needed.”

Wife: “Seriously, didn’t you buy another one two weeks ago?  Matter of fact, don’t you have 4 or 5 of that one?”

Me: “Again, is there a POINT here?”

Wife: “Just not seeing what’s so exciting.”

*Sigh*  She obviously doesn’t get it.  It’s a sickness, but it’s a good one as far as I’m concerned.  But to her, she’s starting to think I need an intervention.  Guess she’d prefer me going back to smoking, drinking, and staying out all night.  Personally, I think this addiction is relatively harmless. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an auction closing soon.  I need to go watch it for the next 4 1/2 hours.

Well, we all knew eventually it was bound to happen.  Someone “didn’t hear” Mattel’s request that certain pictures not be posted.  Specifically, the Society 6 pack and the DCUC Wave 6 sneak peek.  On one level, I’m thrilled.  Our information age has left me with a bad case of Iwantititis.  I want it now, secrets are not permitted.  I’ve seen the pics, and I have to say that I’m SO glad I did.  Yeah, they were grainy and unclear, but it still feeds the beast.

However, on the other hand I have to regret it a little.  There simply aren’t any more surprises.  Yeah, we were surprised by the big reveal, but now it raises the stakes even higher for SDCC.  To have the kind of “bang” for their buck, Mattel is going to have to show some incredible stuff.  Perhaps even getting into a few of 2009’s figures.  So we continue the vicious cycle. 

I don’t really know a solution, but to leave you on a positive note, gnomes are evil.  Wanna see?

LINK

So alot of people have waited for this past weekend for months.  There has been ranting, raving, and gnashing of teeth.  We’ve wondered if this would be yet another letdown from Mattel in regards to the JLU line.  Boy, we couldn’t have been more wrong.

I for one am thrilled.  I’m not excited that Giganta is going to be a convention exclusive.  Let me be absolutely clear - I still HATE those things, but I also understand the necessity.  So if that’s the only way we can get both versions, I’ll take it.  But overall, you have to be excited if you’re a JLU fan.  Giganta, Galatea, Captain Atom, Forager, Mantis, Lashina, The Question, Atomic Skull, Silver Banshee, The Key, Shadow Thief, and KGBeast.  That’s 12 new figures, with another 5 to come.  Any way you look at it, just on variety we win. 

I’d also like to point out that JLU has now officially passed Super Powers in my heart.  I’ll always love that old line, but the variety in JLU is just too much to pass up.  Even counting the long rumored fourth wave, JLU has a much larger assortment.  I would though like to take a moment to plug the great and powerful ToyOtter’s site for information on it - well worth a look.  http://www.toyotter.com/sp

It’s an exciting time to be a JLU figure fan, and I am glad to be a part of it.  Now hurry up SDCC! 

the CJ Forum is now up and running. This forum has every discussion from customs, comics, toys, games, TV & movies and a whole lot more. This isn’t just for the average customizers, it’s for everyone. Several customized forum templates to choose from for your visual pleasure. come check it out and make yourself at home