Sure, it may not be Justice League Unlimited. But Batman: The Brave & The Bold is a fun show. And while more kid friendly than collector-oriented, the toys are equally fun. (And yes, I know, the big hex plugs are goofy.)
So in the second installment of easy ideas I think Mattel should use, I present the second Blue Beetle: Ted Kord!
This custom required minimal sculpt changes and the character is achieved mostly with paint! The base was a B&TB Batman. I simply carved down the head, added a pair of goggles and "ears", cut off the glove fins, smoothed out his belt and painted the rest of the details.
For Mattel to create this figure would require at most, a new head, new belt and retooled forearms (assuming they couldn’t just re-use the belt and forearms off another figure like the Atom or some other fairly plain figure…)
And though he is deceased on the show as well as in current DC "Continuity" (if you can call it that after the mess Dan Didio has made of it…) Ted was nonetheless featured IN the show.
The current Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) got not one but FOUR figure offerings in the first wave of B&TB (deluxe, 2 pack, Vehicle Pack, Vehicle pack w/ Batman) so clearly Mattel thinks the Beetle Legacy is worth pushing…
Just imagine it: you could re-offer The Bug with Ted as a Pack in:
Or offer him in a 2 pack with Jaime. Or as a single carded figure. Or even better? In a 3 pack with Jaime and the first Blue Beetle Dan Garrett!!! (Who also had a cameo in the show!)
I know, collectors will say, "Never mind B&TB, we want a JLU Ted Kord!!!". Sure, so do I. But if you can summon up the kid in you enough to enjoy The Brave & The Bold, I think you’ll see that the line will be a little bit more fun with a Ted Kord that ride in the Bug and wear ridiculous plug in accessories…
‘Til Next Time,
SpyMagician
Stunning paint job, sir. You have mighty steady hands.
C.
You sold me, Jeremy! When I started reading I was silly enough to think you’d just be doing straight alternate universe characters instead of something this cool… silly, silly me…
I’m lukewarm on the show, and meh on the toy line, but damn if this isn’t a fine custom job. Just incredible work! Production quality!
Peace,
Chip
that paint job is astounding!
Thanks so much guys!!!
In fairness, he photographed really well, as in person you can see some brushmarks, but it did come out rather well for a free-hand paintjob if I do say so myself! (I did skimp a bit on the back detail though, as there’s a big hex socket there anyway… LOL!)
Agreed on all accounts. The show is fun. Kid friendly as superheroes should be. And the toys are fun. I’d like to see Ted Kord Blue Beetle in this line as well as JLU. Why not, practically every other character who has appeared has been made.
Figure looks amazing. I’d also like to see a B&TB Jonah Hex and Question.
Wow! Looks great!
The lines are remarkably sharp and well done! The color choice is exquisite!
Great job! You’re a master of lines and smooth custom work.
Damn, that’s perfect!