Megatron Papercraft

This is my second Transformers papercraft, the first one was of Optimus Prime.  I loved that papercraft because he was actually able to transform from robot mode to auto mode.  Unfortunately Megatron doesn’t transform into a gun, so he’s always in robot mode.  Not that this makes a failure, but it just would have been nice to see him transform.  Megatron does come with some cool features such as a removable cannon and a classic 80’s look.

This papercraft requires two sheets of paper, one for instructions and the other one is the template.  To create him you will need scissors, glue and string.  The instructions are pretty easy to follow, and he is fun to build.  Megatron is such a cool villain, and if you’re going to make Optimus Prime you also have to make Megatron (and once you make him, be sure to squash him).

Papercraft template link:

http://www.paperrobots1999.com/model10.html

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-TJ7zXMlCc

Mr. Potato Head Spider-Man

I never owned a Mr. Potato Head when I was a kid.  Even the daycare I would go to, never had one.  So when I saw this Spider-Man Mr. Potato head it was my first Mr. Potato Head I ever bought.  I loved it as soon as I saw it because it was so cool to see a Spidey suit on Mr. Potato Head.  This version of Spider Spud was released in 2006 by Playskool.  Accessories included are a spider suit, spider web, a pair of glasses, and spider shades.  The version I have is the Canadian version of the box.

I love the art on the box, it has this sort of comic book feel towards it.  I also like how it comes with some clear plastic panels, so I am able to display the toy without having to remove it from the box.  Yes, I’m a mint in box collector, lol.  Since buying this version of Mr. Potato Head Spider-Man I have now started to collect more special edition Mr. Potato Heads, (such as the Transformers and Darth Vader versions) but I give them to my nephew to play with.

Playschool:

http://www.hasbro.com/playskool

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d-xfw6BgIo

DunkID

nWo SB Dunks

My first dunk is called the nike SB nWo.  It draws inspiration from the wresting gang from WCW.  I would have to say this was the pinnacle of wrestling on TV; when the Outsiders and Hollywood ruled the wrestling wars.  The uppers have black patent leather, the swoosh is in white but will have this spray paint affect on them, the laces, midsole stitching and bottom soles are in white.  And of course I added a patch on the side because once you’re in nWo, you’re in it 4 Life.

Steinway & Sons SB Dunks

My next dunk is inspired by Steinway & Sons pianos.  I was listening to some classical music when I was designing them.  They are very similar to my nWo dunks because they also use black patent leather.  However they feature a gold patent leather swoosh, black soles, piano key design on the insole, and a Steinway & Sons design stitched on the side in gold thread.

Legend of Zelda (Link) SB Dunks

I have been playing a lot of Phantom Hourglass lately and thought creating a dunk inspired by Link’s dress wear would be cool.  However I used the colorway from the version of Link I remember from the 80’s.  This dunk is very similar to the Nike SB Jedi’s in that the strap, eyestay, and tip use premium leather in a dark forest green.  The base uses buttery soft suede in a green colorway.  The swoosh is in yellow and uses premium leather, the midsole is golden brown (similar to Link’s tights), the bottom sole is chocolate brown as well as the laces, and I added a triforce emblem on the side wall.

The Avengers

This summer, the one movie I wanted to see most of all has been Batman.  My growing anticipation started 2 years ago when pictures of the actors in costumes started to appear online.  Then a few months later the trailer was released and the nerd in me exploded with excitement.  As more trailers, pictures and news were released I took the decision to stop cold turkey, and wait until the movie came out.  I didn’t want to know about any more spoilers, so since that time I have turned away wherever something new appeared.

In focusing only on the Dark Knight Rises, I unintentionally ignored the new Avengers movie.  This was a decision that I now believe was worth it because after seeing the movie I have to say it blew my mind.  I thought this movie was fantastic and that coming into it without knowing any spoilers made it much more enjoyable.  The story was great, the jokes were funny, the action was entertaining, and the actors were exceptional.  There wasn’t one single thing I hated about this movie.  Unlike a Michael Bay film, that has so many parts that make it cheesy, the Avengers was a thrill ride from beginning to end.

I have to give credit to Robert Downey Jr. first for making a superhero like Iron Man appealing.  I never thought he (Iron Man) could be a popular superhero until he (Downey Jr.) made the first movie.  He brought excitement to the role, and was responsible for getting the ball rolling in the Marvel franchise (I also have to acknowledge Jon Favreau).  Before him I hated superhero movies like the X-men, Batman Forever/& Robin, Daredevil, Superman Returns, and many more.  The first Iron Man film illustrated the formula for a great superhero picture; an actor that fits the role (i.e. that is likable) + graphics that are outstanding and realistic + a story that is easy to understand and follow + staying faithful to the actual comic book heroes + building continuity from one movie to the next = a box office winner that the fans and general public will like.

I saw the Avengers in 3D AVX, and while it was much more expensive I think you have to treat yourself to a film like this once in a while.  There’s something that makes the movie better when you go to a theater that is packed, put your 3D glasses on, and munch on some really expensive popcorn.  I swear this was the first film I have been to in a while that the audience laughed out loud, cheered, and clapped at the end.  Like most people, I will probably see it again once it comes out on DVD.  The best part of the film was that it ended with a clip that hints at a sequel, so I can’t for that.

Edmonton Oilers Jersey

A couple months ago I decided to finally get an Edmonton Oilers jersey.  I have wanted one for years because I love the colors on the jersey and it was such a prestigious team back in the 80’s.  I went to my local sports store to find the jersey but was surprised by how expensive retail for the jersey was ($134.99 plus tax).  I thought I could get it much cheaper online so I bought one from e-bay for real cheap.  Two weeks later it arrived and as soon as I opened the package I knew something was wrong.  The stitching was lousy, it smelled awful, the tags were blurry, it had a fight strap that seemed flimsy, and it was made in China.

Luckily I was able to return the fake jersey and got my money back.  I didn’t want to take any more chances, so I went to the sports store again.  I pick my jersey, and when I went to go pay I found out that it was on sale so I bought it for much less.  This has now become one of my favorite jerseys because I bought it on sale, and it’s really good quality.  I bought a size medium because it fits great, and looks slim on me.  Especially with a hockey jersey, I don’t want to be wearing something that will be heavy and annoying to wear.

This is a Reebok premier jersey that was used by the Oilers between 2008-2011.  I know this because I went to the website nhluniforms.com and found out that between those years that jersey featured the Reebok crosscheck logo (the newer version after 2011 just used ‘reebok’).  The version I have is the team’s third jersey that was used as an alternate home jersey.  It is very similar to the royal blue and orange version used between 1981-1995.  I love this version because it is very retro and reminds me of the version ‘the great one’ used.

The jersey is made of a heavy polyester fabric and features solid mesh inserts for ventilation. The front crest Oilers logo is embroidered and stamped on, but I kind wish it was also stitched on.  Other features I love about this jersey are the use of polyester material on the elbows, and the NHL shield patch that is sewn on the front neckline.  I loved this shield so much that its one of the reason I bought this version.   Reebok has impressed me with the quality and design of this jersey, and I definitely recommend it to anyone one else that is interested in buying a jersey from them.

NHL:

www.nhl.com

Oilers Jersey:

http://www.nhluniforms.com/Oilers/Oilers.html

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFty8sR-CHE

DunkID

U.S.S.R. SB Dunks

I have wanted to do some of my sneaker design ideas for a while (maybe years), but I have never had the time to learn Photoshop.  It will simply take too long to achieve a basic understanding for the ideas I want to create.  So rather than wait a few years longer I have decided to use my current software image program by jotting down a few ideas.  It’s not the best looking result, but it will satisfy for now.  So my first sneaker is a Nike SB low called; ‘The U.S.S.R.’  It will feature premium full grain leather, the same kind used in boxing gloves.  It is inspired by Ivan Drago, from the Rocky IV movie.  It has golden-yellow laces, and matching sunflower yellow soles.  I’m also a fan of patches, so I added the hammer and sickle emblem used in the flag.