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 Frikkie Stroebel from Blue Hand Customs. He’s one
of the most skilled toy customizers around in South Africa and he has done a
lot of custom work for me already. He is my go to man when it comes to customs
jobs!!
Back in 2013 I
contacted him for the first time to ask him if it was possible for him to make me
a custom vintage Camo Khan. Immediately he said yes. Let’s give it a go and
this is what he produced!!! Amazing work!!!!
MOTU!: So Frikkie, how did you get started doing
action figure customs?
Frikkie: When I started collecting MOTUC in 2011, I
saw all the awesome custom figures guys like HKC and Joe Amato was making and
figured I’d give it a shot.
MOTU!: How long have you been customizing figures?
Frikkie: Since 2011. Before that I did a couple of
model cars and some other stuff.
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”?
Frikkie: I can’t sculpt, it’s more like “copy and
paste”. I would love to learn how to sculpt though. Maybe one day when the kids
are married….
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?
Frikkie: Thank you!! Surface preparation, good quality
tools and paint are most important. A little patience also helps.
Joint rub can be solved
by disassembling the joint and sand the surfaces down just a tad. Usually it’s
not really necessary.
MOTU!: Any horror stories of something gone horribly
wrong?
Frikkie: Yes!! Lots of horror stories, but nothing
that couldn't be fixed.
MOTU!: On the opposite end of blood loss, what has
been your favorite custom to date? Not necessarily your favorite character, but
one that just turned out exactly, or better, than you planned.
Frikkie: The one that was the most satisfying was the
Spirit of King Grayskull. Its finally done after a lot of failed attempts and
giving ups and throwing stuffs. My favourite one is my Skeletor head.
 |
| Spirit of King Grayskull |
MOTU!: Yeah that Spirit of Grayskull is an amazing
custom and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. The Skeletor head that you made
for me a couple of months back is also top class.
 |
| Skeletor Head |
MOTU!: Do you have upcoming MOTUC customs that you're
excited to be working on, or planning out?
Frikkie: Yes. I’ve been planning proper battle armor
for Wun-Dar and an upgraded battle armor Skeletor.
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?
Frikkie: On my hugely neglected Facebook page, Blue Hand Customs, the one that you just became an Admin of.
MOTU!: Thanks Frikkie, great talking with you! We
look forward to seeing all the sweet new customs.
Frikkie: Thanks Cobus! Always a
pleasure.
Below
is a small gallery of the customs that Frikkie has made for myself:
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| Snake Soldier |
 |
| Battle Armor Faker |
 |
| Dark Skin Grizzlor |
 |
| Camo Khan |
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| Green Goddess |
 |
| Snake Soldier |
 |
| Strobo |
 |
|
87 Movie Dark
Soldiers (Custom Head by Joe Amaro)
|
 |
| Guerr-Or (Custom Head by Mat 'O Toole - The Castle of Power) |
Awesome! Frikkie is the best guy around. I love his work. Nice interview Cobus!
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