Monday 26 September 2016

Review: He-Man and She-Ra: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures


He-Man and She-Ra: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures


From 1983 to 1986, He-Man and his twin sister She-Ra entranced a generation of boys and girls all around the word with their animated adventures, offering not only cartoon excitement, but also important moral guidance. Now, Dark Horse Books is proud to present the first ever official companion to the classic series, featuring over 500 pages of fascinating story synopses, animation process, and trivia for every single episode of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power!


Written by James Eatock, this book offers a summary of each episode of He-Man and She-Ra episode that aired from 1983-1986. Each page is nicely laid out with an episode synopsis, moral lesson, episode review, bonus content, deleted scenes and episode plots, character and panel sketches, memorable quotes, never-before-seen content and character designs, trivia and much more.


The following chapters are featured:

Chapter 1
He-Man Season 1 (1983)

Chapter 2
He-Man Season 2 (1984 – 1985)

Chapter 3
She-Ra Season 1 (1985)

Chapter 4
She-Ra Season 2 (1986)

Chapter 5
Specials

Chapter 6
Abandoned Episodes


My copy arrived about a week or more back and I didn’t have any time to sit down to read and page through this book. However, over the weekend I made time and I must say when I started to page through this book I didn’t want to put it down.

What an amazing experience it was to read the tons and tons of information on each Filmation Episode. The awesome illustrations just create another awe to each episode and each chapter.


Illustrations of characters like Count Marzo,Uncle Montork, Lizard Man, Evilseed, Orko Masked and Unmasked and then the awesome Dragon Walker and much, much more!!


The whole book is just a wealth of MOTU information with so much rich unseen material. It will really take a while to read through and to take in all the amazing information that it presents to you as a reader.




Overall:

He-Man And She-Ra: A Complete Guide To The Classic Animated Adventures is an awesome book that fans of the MOTU franchise will love. It’s a great read and includes tons of exclusive content available nowhere else.

A must buy for any MOTU Collector!!


Available at Amazon.com !!! Order your copy right now!!!


 
 
 

Thursday 15 September 2016

Artist: SiMo Sol


Interview with Artist: SiMo Sol
Today I am very honored to be talking with a guy who goes by the name of SiMo Sol.

SiMo Sol is a German artist and one of the best artist around when it comes to doing MOTU paintings.


MOTU!: Hi SiMo and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Over the last couple of years, you have been doing some amazing MOTU paintings and your work just become better and better every time you paint something. The painting you did recently at Grayskull-Con is another masterpiece, so I am very honored to be able to do this interview with you.
 

The Battle for Castle Grayskull (Unfinished - Work in Progress)
SiMo: Thanks. It's my pleasure.

MOTU!: Can you tell us a bid about yourself?

SiMo: I was born in 1975 and I live in Germany. I have been painting since being able to think. I grew up with Star Wars, He-Man, some of Marvels, most of DC Heroes. And drawing that characters founded my interests in arts in early years. In the last years I did more and more Oil Paintings about "Masters Of The Universe". I like doing my very own homage’s to the old vintage Art and a lot of my paintings are recreations of MOTU minicomic art of the first generation.

MOTU!: So SiMo, how did you get started doing MOTU Paintings?

SiMo: Well, I did my first MOTU painting in 2010. It was just a private thing, I was near to a burnout and painted that as a kind of positive treatment. You know, good memories and that stuff. The main thing about it was, to crossover the very first media we had from MOTU. At 1982 there were the minicomics and the art boxes, nothing more. So I made the crossover and I created my favorite minicomic cover "King of Castle Grayskull" as an painting like the classic box arts. It was almost a kind of homecoming. I shared whole the process in a German MOTU community and the feedback was overwhelming. So I continued with the next ones.

MOTU!: How long have you been doing MOTU Paintings?

SiMo: The first was 2010, then I made some other Projects, since 2013 I have been painting a MOTU regularly.

MOTU!: What inspires your works?

SiMo: That can vary. I concentrate on the very classic take of MOTU, including characters and setups of the first years in the 80s. Most of these paintings are recreations of ionic drawings like card backs and mini comic motifs. I think, besides the right take on the elements and characters itself, that is the main reason for people to get my art right in that moment when they see it. It was already in their mind in some way.

"King He-Man" was an exception. I wanted a painting of him like it could hang on a wall in Grayskull itself. That idea was born directly when the action figure was revealed. As many of you might know, before MOTU was made in the way we all know, it was supposed to be a Conan toy line, when it was developed. So I always had in mind that Conan was the main reference for He-Man. Then King He-Man was released, and I thought "Wow. Conan ended up as a bearded King, so does He-Man now..." And I knew that I have to complete the circle by this optical crossover with former weapons by his side and so on. It really has become a great narrating piece. My only fear was that anybody would do it before me, because it was so obvious to me.

MOTU!: Which of your artwork pieces is your favourite?

SiMo: There is a lot of passion in every single one, but maybe "The Prophecy of the Legend." I like the peaceful setting and the lighting. But the King is also a very special "baby".


The Prophecy of the Legend
King He-Man
MOTU!: Is there an artist you relate to?

SiMo: Oh, not only one. And I tell of them by homage’s in every painting I complete. The most important names are Rudy Obrero and William George and Earl Norem just to name a few. Since the Death of Earl Norem I have been painting He-Man's belt in orange colours like Norem did, just to honor him.

MOTU!: What would you call your style?

SiMo: Classic styled fantasy oil painting.

MOTU!: What is your preferred medium and why?

SiMo: That's easy. I tried out a lot of media, but there is no better material for my art than oils. The colours are intense, and oil is a patient medium. I can overwork painting again and again. And I have to, sometimes I decide to change complete elements or characters parts when they are actually finished.
Crazy, but I have to.

MOTU!: How did your work develop throughout the years?

SiMo: I just learn a little bit in every painting. Each one had its own challenges. It's my own will to get better. A painting is finished, when I can honestly say that I would hang it up on my own wall. That mark is getting higher every time, but I do not make any compromise with it.

MOTU!: What is the most fun in creating MOTU Art?

SiMo: That maybe probably placing the MOTU (and other related) Easter eggs. I am one of the guys who was blasted by the idea of bringing E.T. to the Star Wars Universe. And I love to hide things. I hided my name into some of the paintings, for example. Not the signature, but as elements of the scene.

MOTU!: Do you use real people as a reference for your art?

SiMo: I do. I've learned that from Alex Ross, a fantastic artist. His version of Batman in Kingdom Come for example is based on Gregory Peck. When I "cast" my characters I mostly have the German audio plays in my mind. You must know: audio plays are really a big thing in Germany. There were audio play series which reached bigger sale numbers than Michael Jackson. To name one: Our Man-At-Arms had the grumpy, adult voice of German actor Karl-Walter Diess, who has died 2014. So today my visual imagination for him is based on Brendan Gleeson, because his face is the perfect addition for that voice. And that's the main reason I choose him.
MOTU!: Did you ever feel like giving up?

SiMo: No. But I am honest to myself. If something doesn't work the way I thought it would, I have to reconsider it. I never shun the effort to recreate a failed element in another way.

MOTU!: What's the best thing about being an artist?

SiMo: To create things you ever wanted yourself.

MOTU!: What's the worst thing about being an artist?

SiMo: Pressure. But because I do not accept commissions at all, I am free in my decisions what to paint and when to do it.

MOTU!: Is there a purpose to your artwork?

SiMo: Fun, passion and lifeblood. Of course there are different feedbacks.

Some of them are just like "great art" or "you are gifted". I feel flattered by that of course. Or "how much!"- that's not so important for me in particular. I don't paint just for a sale. But the greatest responds are like "Hey, you bring back some memories to my mind. Your He-Man is a rendering of that character like I ever wanted him. Thank you." I always have to gulp when I read that things, because that is my own intension.

MOTU!: How do you feel when people interpret your artwork differently?

SiMo: To be honest that doesn't happen very often.

MOTU!: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

SiMo: If you think that there is something strange in your painting, take it seriously. There is something strange and you should wipe out the words "I'll leave it that way, nobody will take notice." That won't work. Never. I know it. *laugh!!!

MOTU!: Do you have any upcoming MOTUC paintings that you are planning or currently working on?

SiMo: Yes. I have three concrete paintings in my mind by now. After my actual painting I'm going to take a small break to complete another project, but I will definitely start the next painting soon. I think people who like my art can really look forward to what will happen.

MOTU!: Where can people view all your awesome work that you have done so far?

SiMo: They can view all my work on my Facebook at www.facebook.com/simosolsatelier

MOTU!: Thanks SiMo, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing more awesome MOTU paintings from you!!

SiMo: Thank you so much.

Check out more of the amzing art of SiMo Sol!!! 
  
Attack of the Invisible Gnomes
 
Gaurding the Safety of Eternia

He-Man and the Power Sword
On top of Grayskull

 
The King of Castle Grayskull

Tuesday 13 September 2016

King Grayskull


King Grayskull
Heroic Ancestor of He-Man
 




King Grayskull was the planetary monarch of Eternia, ancestor of King Randor and Prince Adam, and a descendant of King Jarod. He was considered one of the greatest leaders of the Government of Eternia, around five hundred years before the time of the rule of his descendant King Randor. King Grayskull was also the original holder of the power sword.
 
Bio:
 
Real Name: D'vann Grayskull
 
Growing up under the oppressive rule of the Snake Men, D'vann was driven to rebel against injustice when his brother was captured and eaten. Others flocked to Grayskull's banner and his legend began to grow. Declared King for his courage, compassion, wisdom and strength, Grayskull became a great leader, ruling along with his council of wise Elders. A destined guardian of the Sword of He, Grayskull magically passed his essence into the blade with his last breath - ensuring that only his heirs would now wield it and tap into the great power it harmonized with. After his death, the sword was split in two and its power transmuted into a great orb inside his castle, protected by Grayskull's devoted and loving widow.
 
Weapons:
 
Power Sword
Shield
 
Character Type:
 
Human
 
Affiliation:
 
Queen Veena
The Council of Elders
 
Personality:
 
King Grayskull was a heroic leader that strived to ensure piece prevails on Eternia through good leadership, wisdom and compassion.
 
Companion:
 
Battle Lion
 
Powers and Abilities:
 
Attractive Male
Invulnerability
Leadership
Magic
Power Item
Stamina
Super Strength
Swordsmanship
Unarmed Combat




 
Reference:
 
He-Man.Org
Wiki Grayskull
Wikipedia
 
 
 
 

Monday 5 September 2016

Toy Customizer: Niel Jensen


Interview with Toy Customizer:  Niel Jensen

Toy customizing has quickly become an ever-increasing hobby thanks to adult-collector toy lines, and the slow pace at which they release new product. There’s nothing stopping you from creating your very own ideal action figure. Today we are talking with a guy who goes by the name of Niel Jensen from Props and Stuff.

Niel just enjoys making custom toys of characters, vehicles and accessories that have never been made before!!!

MOTU!:  Hi Niel and thanks for taking time out to do this interview with me. Ever since I bought that awesome Skeletor Bone Throne from you I wanted to interview you about your custom work. Can you tell us a bid about yourself?

Niel:  I would like to start by saying thank you for having me here. I am married and have two daughters. They have been a huge support in what I do. My back ground is carpentry, welding, machining, millwright. These trades have been a real benefit to making custom toys. I am self-taught in sculpting and painting. No art classes.



MOTU!:  So Niel, how did you get started doing action figure customs?

Niel:  I know it's not easy providing for a family and being a collector. This is how I got into making toys in the first place. We had no money so I would make my own toys and from there I started my own business sculpting these items in my car on my lunch break and then listing them on ebay. I truly believe that when you find a job you love you will never work another day in your life.

MOTU!:  How long have you been customizing figures?

Niel:  I have been making custom toys, statues etc. for around 15 years.

MOTU!:  You do a lot of sculpting on your figures, not just the same old repaints seen elsewhere. What materials do you generally use to "make the magic happen"?

Niel:  I like using plumbers epoxy putty. It’s hard to use. It cures within 5 minutes so you have to sculpt really fast. Buts its hard as a rock when cured and you can carve, drill and sand the remaining detail.

MOTU!:  Your paint jobs are very well done. Can you tell us a little on your technique for getting a sweet paintjob that gets past the pesky joint rub problem?

Niel:  Thank you. I use acrylic paint and for dry brushing I use a chubby brush.

MOTU!:  Any horror stories of something gone horribly wrong?

Niel:  I was making something for a movie set and they needed it right away and not at the agreed deadline. All that was needed to be completed was to be painted. I was 20 minutes away from the movie set so I grabbed a can of fast dry spray paint and painted it in my car on the way to the set. I only sprayed at stop lights. My car was so full of fumes and overspray. Good thing it was an old beater at the time. It dried by the time I got there and they loved it. Mission accomplished.

MOTU!:  On the opposite end of blood loss, what has been your favourite custom to date? Not necessarily your favourite character, but one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.

Niel:  I have made some very large statues that are 16 feet tall so they are made in sections and the only time I get to see it put together is when I deliver them. So my measurements have to be spot on. Thankfully I have been successful every time. I have to say they are the most rewarding because of the amount of work involved. As for the smaller items I make it would have to be the bone throne. I had no idea it would be a big hit.

MOTU!:  Do you have any upcoming MOTUC customs that you're excited to be working on, or planning out?

Niel:  I am currently working on a life sized Skeletor Bone Throne. It will be at my booth at our local comic con called Vancouver Fan Expo this year from 11 – 13 November 2016.

If you haven't been to one, then you should check it out. They put on a great show.


Check them out at www.fanexpovancouver.com

I am going to be listing some custom made snakes for the vintage fright zone playset. It’s hard to find a rubber snake in good condition these days so mine are hard plastic and they fit into the cave.

MOTU!:  Where can people see more of your work? Also, what is the best way for someone to get in touch with you for commissions?

Niel:  You can view my work on my website at www.propsandstuff.com/index.html

For custom work you contact me at: propsandstuff@hotmail.com

My Ebay Store is thetoyshack.

MOTU!:  Thanks Niel, great talking with you! We look forward to seeing all the sweet new customs.

Niel:  Thank you again for having me. I really appreciate you allowing me to tell my story. I will keep you posted with my new MOTU items.

Check out all the other Masters of the Universe Custom Creations that Niel has made:



Friday 2 September 2016

She-Ra

She-Ra
Most Powerful Woman in the Universe



She-Ra is the heroine alter ego of Princess Adora and the twin sister of He-Man (Prince Adam).

Bio:

Real Name: Adora of the House of Randor

Channeling the combined Power of the Universe and the Wisdom of the Elders of Eternia, Adora transforms into She-Ra, the Most Power Woman in the Universe. Her strength comes not from btute force but from sheer will and her cunning magical powers and healing abilities. She also has the power to communicate telepathically with animals. As both She-Ra and Adora, she helped lead the Great Rebellion of Etheria against the Horde invaders. Later, when Hordak found an escape to Eternia, she followed him along with several of her friends and allies. Once there, the Princess of Power joined forces with the now renegade Masters of the Universe, who without King Randor had become outcasts in their own land, fighting against Hordak’s new tyranny!

Weapons:

Sword of Protection
Shield

Character Type:

Human

Affiliation:

Great Rebellion

Personality:

She-Ra is a strong-willed, forceful individual who believes firmly in doing the right thing and encouraging other to do so.

Companion:

Swift Wind

Powers and Abilities:

She-Ra displays a number of above average physical abilities and numerous supernatural abilities. She has super-human strength, enhanced speed, reflexes, and near-invulnerability.

She has communicated with animals via telepathy, such as Swift Wind, and a bear in the Whispering Woods.

In the episode “The Unicorn King," she demonstrated the ability to heal injuries by touching the damaged wings of a unicorn. In The Secret of the Sword, she also healed Swift Wind when he was injured by a Horde shot.

She has the ability to transform her chief weapon, "The Sword of Protection," into other weapons, including a shield, boomerang, bola, lasso, and a giant handcuff. It can also be transformed into tools, including a ladder and a space helmet.

While She-Ra displays various abilities, her sword is her primary means of attack and defense.

Powers – Summary:

Superhuman Strength
Ability to Communicate with animals
Healing Abilities



Reference:
He-Man.Org
Wiki Grayskull
Wikipedia