"Customs for the Kid" 2015 - Year In Review

A less productive year for "Customs for the Kid" than in previous years,  2015 was a challenging year for both me and Dad. Outside of our responsibilities to keep the the blog going, we spent a big portion of the year house hunting and making a big move in the middle of the year. 

Well, while the blog certainly suffered for it, Elias and Darth Daddy were still able to crank out 36 Star Wars custom action figures regardless of all the big changes. As you know the output is a lot less than what was accomplished in the past, but it was still quite the achievement under the circumstances.  

Now, we made a lot of customs for beginners, where a quick kitbash was all that was needed to get the job done, but we made sure to include plenty of intermediate and advanced custom pieces peppered throughout to keep the more seasoned customizers intrigued.  From head swaps to 100% sculpted figures, we made sure we had something for everyone.

A lot of exciting things happened in 2015 for the blog.  Earlier in the year, we had our action figures featured in Star Wars Celebration's "Star Wars Custom Action Figure" Panel which was the biggest honor a Star Wars customizer could ever receive. 

Big thanks to swnut77.com for posting this video.  It's the first one we found so far.

We also held our second ever custom action figure contest again teaming up with RebelForce Radio to promote the Star Wars radio drama "Smuggler's Bounty" created by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto.

Once summer hit, Dad was asked to create High Adventure's album cover for their latest "High Five" release. 

Thankfully, the end of the year winded down at a quiet pace as we eagerly anticipated the mid-season finale for Star Wars Rebels and the big release of "The Force Awakens".  Here's looking to 2016! Hope you enjoy the video below of our action figures created in 2015.

"Customs for the Kid" 

2015 - Year In Review

RebelForce Radio and Customs for the Kid: "Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty" Custom Action Figure Contest - WINNER ANNOUNCED

The judges for the contest, Jimmy McInerny, Jason Swank, Kyle Newman, F.J. DeSanto, Paul Bateman, Sam Witwer, and David Collins have chosen the winner of the "Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty" custom action figure contest.  

The official winner of the contest is Star Wars customizer, mousedroidhoojib for his Treya Lanic custom action figure entry.  He has won a signed script donated by author Kyle Newman, a "Force Awakens" teaser poster, official Star Wars 8x10's, Star Wars Hot Wheel Cars, and several Black Series 3 3/4" figures (Boushh Leia, Commander Wolffe, Han in Carbonite, and Mosep Binneed).

Congratulations to the winner and a big thanks to all who participated!

"TREYA LANIC"

created by mousedroidhoojib

The "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" custom action figure contest commemorated the "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty", the radio drama recorded live at Celebration Anaheim.  The radio drama is based on an original script by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto. "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" was directed by Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and produced by Jimmy “Mac” McInerney of RebelForce Radio, live onstage featuring some of the best Star Wars voice actors around today who performed to a packed audience of die hard fans at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. 

RebelForce Radio and Customs for the Kid: "Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty" Custom Action Figure Contest - ENDING HALLOWEEN DAY!

CONTEST INFORMATION

Jimmy McInerney (Jimmy Mac) and Jason Swank of RebelForce Radio are once again teaming up with the "Customs for the Kid" blog to host a "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" custom action figure contest to commemorate the "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty", the radio drama that was recorded live at Celebration Anaheim.  The radio drama is based on an original script by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto. "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" was directed by Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and produced by Jimmy “Mac” McInerney of RebelForce Radio, who whipped up over 100 sound effects and music cues that were blasted live onstage alongside some of the best Star Wars voice actors around today live to a packed audience of diehard fans at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.   The last custom action figure contest that was held for "Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit" was a huge success, so this one is sure to be fun for all involved.  Show us what you can do!  

First time customizers are greatly encouraged to jump in on the fun. We want as many entries as possible. This is an ALL AGES event. 

RULES

-All custom action figure entries must be of characters that appear in the Star Wars radio drama "Smuggler's Bounty". Custom action figures can be in any scale. 

-Participants are encouraged to submit as many entries as they wish. Please include 1 - 4 photos per custom action figure submitted (Front, Back, Left, and Right). 

-Photoshop manipulations such as glowing lightsabers and blaster fire will not be accepted. We want the focus to be on the customs and not on their digital enhancement. 

-Include your email, name, and mailing address, with your entry. 

-All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs".

Notice that nowhere in the rules does the contest say that it has to be a "brand new" custom. If you made a custom years ago that appeared in the "Smuggler's Bounty" story just enter it. It only takes a few seconds to email a few pictures. Especially if you have already photographed it. SHOW US YOUR STAR WARS ART!

Make sure your picture(s) are attached in your email and all the contest's rules have been complied with before you send your email.

JUDGES

Jimmy McInerny, Jason Swank, Kyle Newman, F.J. DeSanto, Paul Bateman, Sam Witwer, and David Collins.

PRIZES

Signed script donated by author Kyle Newman, "The Force Awakens" Teaser Poster, Official Star Wars 8x10's, Star Wars Hot Wheel Cars, and several Black Series 3 3/4" figures (Boushh Leia, Commander Wolffe, Han Carbonite, and Mosep Binneed).


DEADLINE

October 31, 2015

All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: 

show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs"

RebelForce Radio and Customs for the Kid: "Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty" Custom Action Figure Contest

DEADLINE EXTENDED! NEW PRIZES ANNOUNCED!

CONTEST INFORMATION

Jimmy McInerney (Jimmy Mac) and Jason Swank of RebelForce Radio are once again teaming up with the "Customs for the Kid" blog to host a "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" custom action figure contest to commemorate the "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty", the radio drama that was recorded live at Celebration Anaheim.  The radio drama is based on an original script by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto. "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" was directed by Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and produced by Jimmy “Mac” McInerney of RebelForce Radio, who whipped up over 100 sound effects and music cues that were blasted live onstage alongside some of the best Star Wars voice actors around today live to a packed audience of diehard fans at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.   The last custom action figure contest that was held for "Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit" was a huge success, so this one is sure to be fun for all involved.  Show us what you can do!  

First time customizers are greatly encouraged to jump in on the fun. We want as many entries as possible. This is an ALL AGES event. 

RULES

-All custom action figure entries must be of characters that appear in the Star Wars radio drama "Smuggler's Bounty". Custom action figures can be in any scale. 

-Participants are encouraged to submit as many entries as they wish. Please include 1 - 4 photos per custom action figure submitted (Front, Back, Left, and Right). 

-Photoshop manipulations such as glowing lightsabers and blaster fire will not be accepted. We want the focus to be on the customs and not on their digital enhancement. 

-Include your email, name, and mailing address, with your entry. 

-All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs".

Notice that nowhere in the rules does the contest say that it has to be a "brand new" custom. If you made a custom years ago that appeared in the "Smuggler's Bounty" story just enter it. It only takes a few seconds to email a few pictures. Especially if you have already photographed it. SHOW US YOUR STAR WARS ART!

Make sure your picture(s) are attached in your email and all the contest's rules have been complied with before you send your email.

JUDGES

Jimmy McInerny, Jason Swank, Kyle Newman, F.J. DeSanto, Paul Bateman, Sam Witwer, and David Collins.

PRIZES

Signed script donated by author Kyle Newman, "The Force Awakens" Teaser Poster, Official Star Wars 8x10's, Star Wars Hot Wheel Cars, and several Black Series 3 3/4" figures (Boushh Leia, Commander Wolffe, Han Carbonite, and Mosep Binneed).


DEADLINE

October 31, 2015

All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: 

show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs"

RebelForce Radio and Customs for the Kid: "Star Wars Smuggler's Bounty" Custom Action Figure Contest

CONTEST INFORMATION

Jimmy McInerney (Jimmy Mac) and Jason Swank of RebelForce Radio are once again teaming up with the "Customs for the Kid" blog to host a "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" custom action figure contest to commemorate the "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty", the radio drama that was recorded live at Celebration Anaheim.  The radio drama is based on an original script by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto. "Star Wars: Smuggler’s Bounty" was directed by Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and produced by Jimmy “Mac” McInerney of RebelForce Radio, who whipped up over 100 sound effects and music cues that were blasted live onstage alongside some of the best Star Wars voice actors around today live to a packed audience of diehard fans at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.   The last custom action figure contest that was held for "Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit" was a huge success, so this one is sure to be fun for all involved.  Show us what you can do!  

First time customizers are greatly encouraged to jump in on the fun. We want as many entries as possible. This is an ALL AGES event. 

RULES

-All custom action figure entries must be of characters that appear in the Star Wars radio drama "Smuggler's Bounty". Custom action figures can be in any scale. 

-Participants are encouraged to submit as many entries as they wish. Please include 1 - 4 photos per custom action figure submitted (Front, Back, Left, and Right). 

-Photoshop manipulations such as glowing lightsabers and blaster fire will not be accepted. We want the focus to be on the customs and not on their digital enhancement. 

-Include your email, name, and mailing address, with your entry. 

-All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs".

Notice that nowhere in the rules does the contest say that it has to be a "brand new" custom. If you made a custom years ago that appeared in the "Smuggler's Bounty" story just enter it. It only takes a few seconds to email a few pictures. Especially if you have already photographed it. SHOW US YOUR STAR WARS ART!

Make sure your picture(s) are attached in your email and all the contest's rules have been complied with before you send your email.

JUDGES

Jimmy McInerny, Jason Swank, Kyle Newman, F.J. DeSanto, Paul Bateman, Sam Witwer, and David Collins.

PRIZES

"The Force Awakens" Teaser Poster, Official Star Wars 8x10's, Star Wars Hot Wheel Cars, and several Black Series 3 3/4" figures (Boushh Leia, Commander Wolffe, Han Carbonite, and Mosep Binneed).

DEADLINE

August 31, 2015

All photo entries must be sent to the following email address: 

show@rebelforceradio.com with the Subject line "Smuggler's Bounty Customs"

"Smuggler's Gambit" Custom Action Figure Contest WINNER ANNOUNCED

 

For those of you who don't know, RebelForce Radio and Customs for the Kid have just wrapped up their "Smuggler's Gambit" Custom Action Figure Contest.  The winner of the contest was none other than well-known Star Wars customizer Luke Sprywalker for his Ro Kurota action figure submission.

Some of you might remember Luke Sprywalker from the first ever Star Wars Custom Action Figure Panel that was held last summer at Star Wars Celebration VI where he was one of the first speakers to give the panel. 

Luke Sprywalker is a great ambassador for the Star Wars customizing community and we here at Customs for the Kid are looking forward to hearing him appear on RebelForce Radio.  Luke Sprywalker is an excellent representative for the art form.  He has been displaying his custom creations since 2008 and has put out some awesome action figures.  He does a lot of vehicle and diorama work too.  Sprywalker even created the characters for a photo novel called Star Wars Apocalypse written by Nate Ciurla aka Kessel Run Imports and with graphic design and action figures created by Julian Maurice aka  Hangarbay94.   Luke Sprywalker has had his hands in every aspect of action figure art.  He is always there to offer encouragement to the newer custom action figure artists and is there to support the veteran's as well.  He creates a super positive environment around him wherever he goes and he's always there to lend a helping hand to those in need of customizing advice.   I couldn't think of any customizer more suited to get some air time on RebelForce Radio than this seasoned artist.  Can't wait to hear him interviewed by Jimmy MacInerney (Jimmy Mac) and Jason Swank on their RebelForce Radio podcast.

"I decided I wanted to make the character Sam Witwer voices in Smuggler's Gambit radio drama. I am a huge fan of Sam's, since the release of the Force Unleashed. I wanted the figure to feature sleek tight lines, not bulked up like many of my other figures. I also wanted to go a little bold with color choices for his clothing. It is mentioned that he wears mostly black so I wanted to stick to the description but add interest. When modifying the GI Joe head sculpt I added a small scar to show he had been around the block. Since Sam also plays Starkiller I threw in a few homages to those designs. I wanted him to have several belts, the collar is reminiscent of his Raxus Prime gear cowl, the shoulder armor is a reflection of his training gear design. In the end, other than some resemblance to Sam in the face, I hope it doesn't look like Starkiller, but mildly influenced by his many looks. So on with the show, presenting Ro Kurota, a young spacer just turned bounty hunter with his sights set on Han Solo."  - Luke Sprywalker

The judges for the contest were "Smuggler’s Gambit" writer Kyle Newman, co-writer F.J. DeSanto, Jimmy MacInerney (Jimmy Mac) and Jason Swank of RebelForce Radio, voice actor David Collins (Han Solo in "Smuggler's Gambit"), artist Paul Bateman from The Art of Ralph McQuarrie, actor Sam Witwer (Galen Marek aka Starkiller of Force Unleashed & Force Unleashed 2, Darth Maul in Clone Wars, and Ro Kurota of "Smuggler's Gambit") and Darth Daddy of Customs for the Kid.

"Ro Kurota"

created by Luke Sprywalker

Click the links below to check out Luke Sprywalker's latest customs:

http://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u130/sk8twistedtrees/Jedi%20customs/


http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1200.0


http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1202.0


http://www.imperialshipyards.net/SMF/index.php?topic=1212.0


http://www.yakfaceforums.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2971

Click to listen to the latest episode from RebelForce Radio!

This week on RFR: RFR celebrates the 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi with a report from the incredible VIP screening last weekend in Hollywood. They give us the inside scoop on Kyle Newman's new documentary "Return to Return of the Jedi". And we get caught with Clone Wars actor Stephen Stanton (Tarkin) and filmmaker Trey Stokes who gives us the lowdown about the "Pink Five" saga. All this and Patton "Frickin" Oswalt on RebelForce Radio!

RebelForce Radio: "Declassified" and "Save the Clone Wars"

CLONE WARS: DECLASSIFIED: 520 - "The Wrong Jedi"

Star Wars: The Clone Wars reaches a climax with the trial of Ahsoka Tano in The Wrong Jedi. Wrongly accused for a crime she did not commit, Ahsoka finds herself on the verge of losing her freedom, and possibly more. What brought this once-promising Jedi padawan to such a moment of great despair? And what is the future of The Clone Wars...If any? Joining Jimmy Mac to discuss the fate of Ahsoka in this Season Five finale roundtable are RFR favorites, film director Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and Emmy-nominated artist Paul Bateman.

Direct Download Link to 

RebelForce Radio's Special Report: SAVE THE CLONE WARS

We're huge fans of the Clone Wars television show here at Customs for the Kid.  Clone Wars was my generation's Star Wars the same way the Original Trilogy was my dad's.  Watching the Clone Wars has been a tradition in our house ever since I was 4 years old and the show had a lot to do with the creation of this blog.  Who knows if I would have been as into Star Wars if it wasn't for my weekly dose of Star Wars.  I remember when my Dad took me to see the theatrical release in the theater.  Please do whatever you can to keep this show going.  This show was a HUGE part of my childhood and I really need to know what happened to Rex and Darth Maul.  I'm really happy with the news yesterday that there is still more to come, but I'd really like to see the show continue into the vents of Order 66.SAVE THE CLONE WARS! 

Keep sending those letters to Bob Iger...It's more important now than ever! 

Walt Disney Studios
500 S Buena Vista St
Burbank, CA 91521
Attn: Bob Iger

"SMUGGLER'S GAMBIT" CUSTOM ACTION FIGURE CONTEST