Follow me here, the idea is forming in my head as I type this-

There's a lot of custom painted toys out there, some good, some not so good, some that appeal to some but not to others... But then there are some truly great customs, really memorable ones that are something special. Those are the ones I'm talking about. I want to see pictures of the best, it doesn't have to be something you own (being unique or nearly so the chances are you don't own it) but I know there are pictures that you have saved to your computer, or favorited in flickr that you always come back to stare at- those are the pictures I want to see.

And I don't want to see a flood of 10+ shots from one person because you think they are "awesome!!1!+1"- They may all be awesome, but I want to see the best. The creme de la creme, and not everything can rank as the best... and thats ok, but this is the Hall of Fame.

And when you post, tell a bit on why you chose it if you can-

This first one is the whole reason behind this thread, I go back again and again to look at this figure in wonderment and awe:

Paul Kaiju's "Sacrilege" Skullwing


For years I've admired this toy, and for me it's one of Paul's true masterpieces- it's like the Mona Lisa of Fight Figures. The colors are muted and not flashy or metallic but they don't need to be. Its got the classic Paul Kaiju Flames (which I've always loved and hope make a comback on his work) and the head- My god! You can feel the heat from the burning edges of the skin/bone its looks so good! Its an incredible custom toy. Incredible.

Now I want to see what you gush about, and why.

Because I had never seen a thing like this before, put a blacklight around him and enjoy!

Companion, Kaws x Pushead x Paul kaiju par nico marchand, sur Flickr
PK x KP

as much as i love the work you do on rangeas, phil... i have to say this one by robert
just blows me away. it's like something you'd see in a certain class of dinosaur books
from when you were a kid. and the attention to and level of detail, from the color shifts
on each of those small spikes along the back, to the stripes and mottled skin... there's
a level of realism that i half expect to see him start moving on his own.

holy s*(&#!!

this is such a killer paint app.

that skullwing is terrific also.

I was just looking at my saved pics of that PK Skullwing the other night... best 'wing custom EVER, hands down.

Here's something I had Joe Dunaway do for me a few years back... I sold it to Pogue, I assume it's still in his collection:

These are some serious pics, keep it up! What's interesting to me is that, of the four posted so far, none of them are basic ol' 'classic kaiju sprays', but far more complex and interesting finishes.

Shit, while I'm at it, here's another Dunaway piece that I feel merits inclusion in this HoF:

one of the best customs i seen nice color combination

That Dorbel is incredible! The paint really fits the character well.
What first popped into mind was this Cure/Mars Attacks custom. It just looks like it should have been a production kit - perfect.

Dead Mickey paint app.= pure INSANITY.

Oh yeah, no hurt feelings there, Rob's Rangeas is a favorite of mine too. I've had that pic saved since the day it was posted.



I personally don't like the Kaws Companions, but Paul does do some amazing things. Thats why he's Paul Kaiju!

And I've had pics of that Dorbel saved somewhere since the day I saw it, on an old Harddrive somewhere.

Huh... where's the love for this thread?
I wonder if people are hesitant to post their picks for "all-time greats", as judgment is so subjective? Personally, I can think of many custom examples that I find great in terms of detail or technique or thematic presentation, while perhaps the colors or aesthetics wouldn't really suit my own collection. While many picks will speak for themselves, I say if you can state your case on why you think something is an all-time great, go for it! I really dig the discussions of what makes a great custom in general, and this thread could be a good vehicle for that.

I just haven't had the time to look through everyone's work.

IMG_4419 400x599 by toybot studios, on Flickr

Aaaahhh... nice, Kirkland!
Reminds me of one of my fave KvP customs by Pus, the one that Arin C. scored a few years back... would post if I could easily locate a pic, but i can't seem to at the moment...

Ah, here it is... bottom of this page:
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=12748&hilit=arin+pushead&start=50

Love the realistic finish on the teeth, amidst all the psychedelic gas-puddle madness!!

yea, no kidding.

this one is so stupid fresh, just like the rest of Arin's collection.

fu#*&ing sick AP box too.



and kirklands is outstanding as well.

One of the highlights of my collection by Lee. He has taken what was a great figure to begin with to a higher level.


Leecifer custom

Ah, I thought I heard my name
Here is the KvP...I really should take some new pics though!


Here are some motorbot zombies that I really lurve too

zombies by motorbot, on Flickr
More pics of them on his Flickr link

My all time favourite has to be Coop's nagnagnag dissected custom by Shigeru.
Can't find a picture at the moment, but the amazing detail Shigeru put into it shows his true talent shining through all of the nag hype and hate.

My jaw's in the floor on that Nag... AWESOME.

That PK Damaged Brain is a great pick, Mark!

Loooe the Damaged Brain. Simple = perfect.

I think that is the only Nag I would own