I would’ve wanted to save this post for a later time when this blog
would have more traffic, but I couldn’t wait and will probably re-post it again
at a later date.
DoubleDealer Aka. 2dtoys is my all-time favorite customizer/action
figure creator. I first discovered his
work through chatting with other customizers back in 2006 (Cal’s Customs and
Zombihamma). I recall asking them if
there was a cusotmizer that influenced them or they admired and one name stood
out in their minds, DoubleDealer.
I visited 2dtoys.com and that day changed how I saw action
figures. To me, 2D knew exactly how to
make the perfect version of each character.
Here's a sample of some of his work: A Little Personal History
I first introduced myself to 2D on TheFwoosh forums, and asked
him for a commission of Cable based on his old 80/90’s design (big shoulders
pads, tons of pouches):
I remember him saying “Sounds interesting, it would be fun
to do a Cable from Rob Liefield’s design!” and that was it … I didn’t know if
that was a yes or a no! So I messaged
back asking if he would and he replied “Sure! I’m busy this month but I can
start next month” and that’s how my first commission from 2Dtoys started.
For Cable, he was originally going to use a ML Hercules base…
then a few days later I get a message:
2D: “Hey, had some problems with the Herc figure… his hands are ugly… are you okay with using ML Thor as a base?”
2D: “Hey, had some problems with the Herc figure… his hands are ugly… are you okay with using ML Thor as a base?”
I couldn’t picture how that would work, but I trusted his
talent and went ahead with it.
I was curious: “Why Thor?”
And his reply was: “Thor just has a sexier build to him.”
I knew when he said that it was going to be good. A few weeks later, I get this in my inbox:
I was mind blown. What an amazing creation. This was everything I was looking for in a
Cable figure, and he delivered it perfectly. If you were to see the reference art I provided, it literally looks like he jumped out of the comic. To today, this is definitely still my favorite Cable action figure.
Since then, 2D and I have emailed back and forth for the
last 8 years. 99% of the time it’s me
bugging him to make me a custom, and over the years I've managed to hunt (sometimes literally HUNT) down a
few more from him:
I am a very fortunate to own such masterpieces and they are
definitely the highlight of my collection. His work really captures exactly what I want
in a figure…the feel, likeness, proportions, everything is perfection. I really enjoy the idea that these are
one-of-a-kind pieces I own, hand crafted by the man himself. It adds a high sense of rarity and uniqueness
that I value very much so.
I remember after he sent me Cable in 2007, he mentioned his
goal was to sculpt for a living. Nowadays,
Fred has transitioned to sculpt for Hasbro, working on lines such as GI Joe,
Star Wars and Marvel. He sculpts using a
wax and his attention to detail has gotten even better if you can believe
it.
Please check out his website: 2dtoys.com . It hasn't been updated for years, but he
provides a lot of his thought process for each figure he made. For more recent work, check out his facebook
page.
There is a lot to say about 2D’s work, I’ll save it for
another time. If you ever get a chance
to chat with him, Fred is a great guy with a deep passion for his work.
I've got a small list of characters I've always wanted him
to craft for me (actually it’s 6 characters).
My dream is, if he’s willing to; to hopefully get them done sometime in
the near future. If I do, I’ll be
sharing the process and the finish piece with you guys here. Hope you enjoyed this post!
Hey Trev
ReplyDeleteFREAKING AWESOME WORK by 2D toys. So crazy how you own several of his pieces. You're totally right about how his pieces look like they jump out of the comics. Really enjoyed how he totally went a different direction with the base of Cable and went with Thor as well - haha 'sexier'.
I gotta ask you:
1) Asides from Cable, out of all your 2D collection, which one do you like most?
2) Does Fred do all the painting himself? If so what do you think about his paint jobs?
3) Would you ever consider giving his figures to someone else to commission to paint?
4) What's your next piece you're going to get commissioned by 2d? :p
Keep up with your posts - can't wait to read your next one!
2FreshToys
Hi 2FreshToys,
ReplyDeleteMy apologies for the late reply! I’ve been out of town.
Thanks for visiting the blog, and I’m happy you enjoyed 2D's work. To answer your questions:
1. That’s a tough one... I guess I would say my favorite is either whatever character I’m most into at the time or the next custom I'm hoping to get done from him!
2. Fred does all his painting himself. His paint apps are incredible. I feel he picks colours that really bring his figures to life. For example, his Jim Lee Wolverine was painted in this vibrant yellow...very reminiscent of the comics, While the Batman has this nice dull grey that really gives him that dark kind of feel.
3. I love if artists can collaborate on a piece. For example, a lot of miniatures are made up by 3-4 different artists (concept artist, sculptor, painter). But I feel Fred is at the highest level in both sculpting and painting... so I never considered getting anyone else to paint his work.
4. Uww.. I’ll let you know when it's done.. you'll have to wait. But to be honest I literally bug him every month for the next one... I’ve got 6 characters I’ve always wanted to get done by him, hopefully I can get them done in the near future.
Thanks for checking out the blog again. I will be away this week for work, but will have something when I get back! take care.
AWESOME - waiting for your next post.
ReplyDeleteHey TREV! Looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDelete