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My son has become obsessed with this fun little cartoon called "Dex Hamilton - Alien Entomologist."
So for his 5th birthday, I decided I would surprise him with custom Dex Hamilton action figures.
The Case
I really felt this project needed some packaging to bring it all together... but little kids aren't that into toy packaging. So I made this fun yet functional carrying case using one of those CTVT cases. If nothing else, the artwork shows you what the characters are supposed to look like...
Of course, inside the case I also included lots of rubbery insects and little accessories to add to the play value.
Dex Hamilton
Dex Hamilton is an entomologist, or a person who studies bugs. Dex is the leader of his team.
Head is a CTVT Clark... the resemblance, particularly in the hair curl, actually inspired this project. Custom sewn outfit complemented by pmwasson's awesome stickers. The "bug catching cannon" was a fortuitous dollar store find.
Tung
Tung is "the fantastic frog boy". His keen sense of smell makes him the best insect tracker in the galaxy.
I figured anything hand-painted wouldn't last long to rough kid play, so I elected for a sewn outfit over a Friar Tuck head. Goggle eyes are buttons on elastic. Decals by pmwasson.
Zap Monogan
Zap is the team's ace pilot. He is also a half-human, half-insect hybrid.
Head is a CTVT Peter topped with custom button-based goggles. More wonderful stickers from Paul on the outfit. Since Zap is half bug, he sprouts wings... so I gave him velco attachable wings.
Jenny 10
Jenny is the team's brilliant mechanic.
Head is a truly inspired reroot by Bizarro Amy. She also insisted on making me the little pencil, which in my mind, totally makes the figure. I sewed the outfit and rigged up the belt and goggles.
Playtesters!
Here's a pic from his birthday party this weekend. I think they were a hit. Some stickers have already been lost, and gauntlets have been pulled off a couple of times... which I pretty much expected. But we played with these on the family room carpet for hours and had a great time. And in the end, that's what this whole thing was all about...
A million thanks to Amy and Paul for helping this crazy little project come together. You guys are insanely talented and I truly appreciate your contribution.
So for his 5th birthday, I decided I would surprise him with custom Dex Hamilton action figures.
The Case
I really felt this project needed some packaging to bring it all together... but little kids aren't that into toy packaging. So I made this fun yet functional carrying case using one of those CTVT cases. If nothing else, the artwork shows you what the characters are supposed to look like...
Of course, inside the case I also included lots of rubbery insects and little accessories to add to the play value.
Dex Hamilton
Dex Hamilton is an entomologist, or a person who studies bugs. Dex is the leader of his team.
Head is a CTVT Clark... the resemblance, particularly in the hair curl, actually inspired this project. Custom sewn outfit complemented by pmwasson's awesome stickers. The "bug catching cannon" was a fortuitous dollar store find.
Tung
Tung is "the fantastic frog boy". His keen sense of smell makes him the best insect tracker in the galaxy.
I figured anything hand-painted wouldn't last long to rough kid play, so I elected for a sewn outfit over a Friar Tuck head. Goggle eyes are buttons on elastic. Decals by pmwasson.
Zap Monogan
Zap is the team's ace pilot. He is also a half-human, half-insect hybrid.
Head is a CTVT Peter topped with custom button-based goggles. More wonderful stickers from Paul on the outfit. Since Zap is half bug, he sprouts wings... so I gave him velco attachable wings.
Jenny 10
Jenny is the team's brilliant mechanic.
Head is a truly inspired reroot by Bizarro Amy. She also insisted on making me the little pencil, which in my mind, totally makes the figure. I sewed the outfit and rigged up the belt and goggles.
Playtesters!
Here's a pic from his birthday party this weekend. I think they were a hit. Some stickers have already been lost, and gauntlets have been pulled off a couple of times... which I pretty much expected. But we played with these on the family room carpet for hours and had a great time. And in the end, that's what this whole thing was all about...
A million thanks to Amy and Paul for helping this crazy little project come together. You guys are insanely talented and I truly appreciate your contribution.
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