DarkKnight7
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Everything posted by DarkKnight7
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Thanks man, I'm flattered by your praise and glad you like him. He's pretty close to reaching the quota to go to print...in less than a week! The support from everyone has been absolutely astounding! Can't wait to see this guy in my hands (along with the other guy, who reached his quota in four days!) -
As a designer, it's always preferable to be clean and balanced with a design, but for minifigures - the biggest key for me is capturing the look of the character as best as possible. Lego's designers learn from each wave they make what worked and didn't work design-wise, as I'm sure they will with these. Some were way too detailed and don't resemble the character (as our hate for Luke clearly shows), but others in my opinion were vastly improved (as I think General Veers and Ep.3 Obi Won are absolutely perfect!). The key with Lego minifigures is that there is a fine line where you can have just the right balance of detail and simplicity, and when you go over it the figure can look more like a mess than anything. If you can stay just short of that and really capture the character's look, than you can have the perfect minifigure. The only thing I'm worried about is that with more realism in their designs, that Lego will start to go too far away from what makes them Lego - and start messing with the sparkle eye, which is essential for it to be LEGO. As long as they keep it in proportion, keep the sparkle, and aim for as much realism without forsaking the LEGO look and keep the balance between detailed and simplicity, then I'm all for the improvements.
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Sorry, it's been a while since I've been on here. Yes, in fact, there was a new figure released recently, Pirate Assassin, there's info on the boards here that I posted a while back. You can find it HERE. And there's two others in the very near plans that's for presale, Arachnid Hero and The Curator (galactic). You can find out about them HERE and HERE. Once I get them back from the printer (in a few weeks time), I'll post pics and more info on here. Nightcrawler would be cool, I'll have to think about that one, maybe early next year. I've got this year's figs already planned, but thanks for the suggestions, you don't have to twist my arm for X-men figs. Thanks buddy! I appreciate that! By the way, did you ever figure out that project we had discussed? Are you thinking of doing it yourself, maybe? I looked again and there's no hairs available really, but I'll keep looking.
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I had never seen that before, and man, that thing looks great! I have "stickkim's" version, but I might have to try that one out! As for this set, I'm not really wanting to spend that much to get my hands on two figs (that's more than $60 a fig...and I don't really like the Joker face, has the elements technically to be Heath's Joker, but doesn't look like him. The Begins Batman, though, I might have to get him on BL. While I love Dark Knight series more than any other, for Lego sets, I'd take Orthanc and then Erebor next before this one. It's cool, but not worth it IMO.
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Hey guys, I completed the printing of my next custom minifig, and this is one several of you on this board have been waiting for the past few years. My first Assassins Creed-inspired custom minifig, Pirate Assassin! Let me know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to check him out at my website (link is in my signature below) Here's the info on him: Pirate Assassin Front Side Back Side Second Face Printing Description: Based on the popular game character, this fig features high quality 360 degree digital printing, custom made BrickWarriors accessories (a white Rogue Hood and Hidden Blades) - EXCLUSIVE TO THIS FIG, along with a BrickArms flintlock pistol and a Lego gold handled cutlass sword. I'd like to give a BIG thank you to Ryan at BrickWarriors for his professionalism, his ability to collaborate so well, and for helping me bring my vision for this figure to reality. Without him, these Assassin figs would not have happened, so I want to thank him so much for his work on these amazing accessories! This is hopefully the first of many "Assassins" to come. Please let me know what you think! Let your thoughts, feedback, comments, and criticisms below, as I'd love to hear from you guys on this. Thanks!!
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I was able to find a printer over the internet in the US who was able to print many colors and at runs of as small as 100 if I wanted, which is rare. They have lots of experience pad printing, and this shows in the low number of misprints I've had. Key is you just have to do some searching around and try to find companies that are local, as shipping your figs printed can get costly. The biggest issue is to know that it costs quite a bit, especially the more colors/printed parts have in your design. So, pad printing is more for people who plan to sell lots of them, as it's just not possible to print in low numbers and make enough money to expand, or even recover your up front costs.
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I sent you a PM.
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Bootleg Super Heroes minifigs - worth it or not?
DarkKnight7 replied to KingPixels's topic in Community
No, digital printing (which is actually UV printed inks) stay on actually better than pad, which is it's biggest benefit. It would actually take someone to chip off part of the torso to get the printing off. The thing that most people have against digital printing is that it is printed on top of the lego piece itself. And so, unless you have a good experienced printer, it will create a layer on top of the surface that you can feel (like a bumpy surface where the print is). And so, that's why many including myself prefer pad printing. I also think pad printing is generally cleaner and more clear, it is debatable. Though some digital printers (like one I'm working with for a future fig) are creating very clear prints. As far as eclipsegrafx, he does excellent work! I have two of his pad printed figs (Cyclops and Rogue) and they are some of the best figs I own. Even his digital figs, like Rio De Janeiro Spector and his newer Reaper military figs are as good as pad in many senses and some of my favorite customs. It really comes down to if you like the design and if you think the print surface is to your liking. -
Bootleg Super Heroes minifigs - worth it or not?
DarkKnight7 replied to KingPixels's topic in Community
Yeah they are good. Some are must haves and very well done! What were you thinking of getting? -
Thanks, buddy! You have a PM. Thanks, Robianco, it'll be landing on my site this upcoming Friday.
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Wow, that is ridiculous! I like the rock details you did there. Very cool!
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Well, now that I got word from the printers that it will be sent next week, it's no big deal that the pics are up now. I figure it will be for sale on my site by next weekend so there shouldn't be any issues, not yet at least
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Photoreal LEGO Rendering
DarkKnight7 replied to Renderbricks's topic in Digital LEGO: Tools, Techniques, and Projects
I think you are doing excellent work here, I love this and can't wait to see some more renderings of other sets, too! I actually prefer the picture rendering you posted on May 22 better. Taking pictures of LEGOs for a while, I know that when cleaned properly and put in good light, they are actually that reflective. For evidence, look at this picture from Brickmania Toys, taken by someone who's photographed LEGOs in wonderful light for some time: https://www.flickr.com/photos/screamingforvengeance/14170833067/sizes/l/in/photostream/ As you can see, the surfaces are VERY reflective in this light. So, your May 22nd picture is much more reflective of what LEGOs can look like when well lit, which I prefer to the more dull second picture (May 23 post), which almost looks like it was put in a shadow. So, I will have to respectfully disagree with legolijntje on his criticism there. There are some pieces that are less reflective than others (like the wedge pieces, that are more rough), but for the most part, properly cleaned and lit pieces are like glass, and I like that clean look to them. That is my own opinion at least and we are all welcome to share our opinions, just thought I'd share mine. ;) Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your wonderfully crafted work here! I will send you a PM shortly. -
Ah, thanks for the heads up, Ryker_Hill, last time I checked it wasn't showing up! I'll contact the admins here and see if they can do something about getting rid of the residual image (because when you click on the link, it leads to a blank error Flickr page).
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Sorry I had to remove the picture above, but the Chinese knock off companies tried to steal my design (luckily they only had the front and did a crappy job printing it). I'll post it again once I officially release the fig on my site. I apologize guys, but it had to be done.
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I can't say here, so check your PM
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Thanks, Piranha! The WW2 Suit was made by Christo already and he is also planning on releasing a Winter Soldier pad printed fig very soon. But, both should compliment this fig well. I have the Christo First Avenger version and he looks excellent, you can see my picture review of him here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phoenixcustoms/12619921624/
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Hey guys, I have another custom pad printed minifigure that is available now on my website that we are excited to share with you all. Here's the information and pics for you, please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback on him below! I'd love to hear what you think! American Super Soldier by Phoenix Customs Minifigures Product Description American Super Soldier is a superhero who uses his stealth movements, super strength, speed, and agility and specially crafted shield to take out enemies that threaten his country. Based on the popular comic character! This figure includes: 1 Dark Red - Star Pattern Shield Printing This figure is professionally pad printed, just like official LEGO® figures. Features top quality head, torso, back, and arm pad printing.
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Thanks guys, and glad you like him! You guys should send me a PM via my website as I have a few available with very minor defects in print or on the surface of the part that I'm selling for much cheaper. But, as he is sold out on my site, these are going fast, too.
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Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it. And I would agree, pad printing is the way to go, much better quality, but people have to know that unless you have your own pad printer (which are expensive as all get out), than you will have to pay more for that quality, as TLG is only able to sell cheaper because they mass produce (1,000s + of one figure), which customizers can't afford to do. I've seen many discussions on the "knock-offs" that you discuss here from China. What I wish people would understand, though I don't think many care, is that when they buy that $2 fig for cheaper than the TLG or Customizer version which is more, they are supporting a model of economics where the production is cheap, the quality of print is not good (and not safe, from the latest reports from China on inks), and WORSE than that...you are supporting the stealing of designs of good honest companies, like TLG and the Customizers. That person buying from these Chinese companies (like Decool) is supporting and allowing a company, protected in China from having to follow any form of international copyright law, to steal the work of those who are trying to produce a quality design (and who love LEGO themselves) and product, and make it without any concern for the customer (other than give them kind of what they want). These things are crap and are not worthy of being in the world of LEGO, and I feel sorry for those who feel buying a stolen Christo design is worth it to them. Well, when the customizers are forced out of the game, the customer will be at the whim of a company that cares very little about its customers and the quality it produces. Anyway, that's my rant. But, that's also the power of capitalism - those who can do it for cheaper (and legally get away with stealing) will always win out.
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Thanks, p_o_s_t_y, appreciate it! And just to clarify, these designs both consisted of FIVE colors...on each piece! That's five on the head AND five on the torso and hips. So, yes, the cost was quite big compared to others. Why yes, I do have a couple planned. Here's a picture of the two I have on deck after my next fig (Capta...I mean American Super Soldier), the one on the left (Suitcase Armor) is coming first: Would these be ones you'd be interested in? These both are planned to be pad printed as well. Mmm, tend to disagree with you on the legal end And thanks for the compliment on Red Robin! Some news on him coming next week. More news will be coming hopefully next week on my next figure.
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I have no problem with that and I'm glad to discuss it, actually, as I feel they are fair prices myself. But, I just know that the moderators here don't appreciate if the threads get into the business side (like pricing) and I would like to keep this thread within the guidelines if possible and focus only on the figures themselves. So, I dont mean to slight your comment at all, I just want to keep the discussion from being moderated if I can help it. I hope you can respect that and understand why I posted that in response. I'm sure the moderators would agree.
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I definitely respect your opinion.And thank you Ultron32 for giving a bit of perspective on the price. But, just so you know, the price of the custom figures reflects two things: a) the cost to pad print custom figures as a small business and get quality prints, and b) the fact that it was printed in manageable but small numbers. If I could print at the ridiculous rate that TLG does (1000s+), the price of these would be MUCH lower. But, given the fact that I had to find my own print company to produce these prints and at such a relatively low number, makes the cost jump quite a bit. But, I think that is the price for creating figs that, in my opinion, can be used interchangeably with other legos - no bumpy UV printing surface and good clarity of print (like Legos). And I did a LOT of considering when coming up with that price, looking at similar products being offered by other companies (Not Another Custom Minifigure, eclipseGrafx, Christo, etc.) and taking my costs per figure and many other things into consideration, this is the lowest prices I can offer to make a small enough profit just to expand and make other figures. But, this is an endeavor to bring to market things that TLG isn't producing that we can add to our collection, and at the rate that is best for you as customers and to allow me to bring more fun figures in the future. If this was digitally printed (which is good quality too, but not what I prefer if I can help it) it would have been MUCH lower. So, I chose quality and that brought higher costs and higher sales price, but for good reasons. I hope you see why and hopefully others do as well. And as the moderators would agree, for future comments please keep the discussions on this thread to just comments, criticisms, and feedback about the minifigure(s) themselves. I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks again for all the feedback, these figures took a lot of love and effort to release in this fashion (over a year of planning, and 3-4 months to get the products in order and printed). So, I truly appreciate it!
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He's available now and you have to go to my site to see, which is listed in my signature at the bottom, and I won't give price here, as per the usage rules here on the board. I appreciate your comments, I'm glad you like him! Cool, I'll look forward to shipping to you! I noticed a lot of my friends and fans are actually in Europe/Asia so I knew that would have to be the case shipping wise. So, no problem, and glad you like him!
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Hi everyone, It's been a while since I've been on here, but I've been busy preparing and starting my new custom minifigure company, Phoenix Customs LLC, which took a lot more time than I had anticipated. Some of you may remember me from creating and sharing some decals on here (Dark Knight, Soccer Players, James Bond, and Assassins Creed, etc.), and I met and worked with many of you all here on Eurobricks, so I thought I'd share my first two figs for you to see what I've been up to. So, without further ado, here are my first two figures, and information about both. I hope you all like! Kinetic Man Here's my first figure. About Kinetic Man is a superhero that has the power to use kinetic energy as he sees fit to defeat his enemies. Based on the popular comic character! This figure includes: 1 MMCB Capes trenchcoat - Reddish brown 1 light gray LEGO cane This guy is pad printed just like TLG does. The Red Bird Here's my second fig: About When trouble strikes, count on Red Bird to swoop in and save the day! Based on the popular comic character! This figure includes: 1 MMCB Capes black cape This figure is professionally pad printed as well. NO DECALS or PAINT! So, what do you guys think? Would love to hear your feedback and comments below. Thanks!