Internationally renowned British artist/sculptor Mike Hill has apparently unveiled his newest Christopher Reeve as Superman 1:1 portrait entitled ‘A Friend’.
Finished in silicone with punched hair, the figure is clad in an accurate uniform from Action Costumes. At this time it is unknown if this figure is a private commission or intended for public display…
Both a labour of love and and a product of great expense and obsession, SuperFan Chris King has been responsible for commissioning and fabricating some of the greatest high-end Superman collectables ever made.
His dedication to the pursuit of the perfect Super costume lead to several differing versions before submitting definitive amendments to makers Action Costumes which are still in use by them today. The ambitious project shown above was a combination of said costume, (including belt made by yours truly) mannequin and a silicone headsculpt (featuring glass eyes and punched hair) by UK sculptor/artist Mike Hill.
If you notice more than a passing resemblance to the recently offered Cinemaquette 1/4 scale statue it is no coincidence as that was also crafted by Mike. Ever the perfectionist, Chris would do further revisions of the costume and eventually sold this piece to fund those and other projects…
Superfan Chris King is a purveyor of high-end replica props and figures – chances are you’ve seen a piece commissioned or initiated by him (especially if you’re a Star Wars fan) without even knowing it.
The above is a typical example of Chris’ unparalleled pursuit of the perfect replica to date unsurpassed by any licensed offering. Commissioned by Chris and sculpted by Philip Robinson, this chunk of solid, exquisitely cast resin was originally in six parts (body, head, hands & boots) and was clothed in a specially-tailored outfit sourced by Chris and fabricated by Philip, complete with heat-sealed emblems and vinyl belt.
There is also a Hot Toys connection in the piece lineage as the paintjob was applied by noneother than J.C. Hong – providing at least some idea of how the upcoming figure from Japan may eventually look…
The Superman exhibit in the Six Flags Movieland Wax Museum Of Buena Park, CA. had the distinction of being the first (and most expensive) installation in the Stars Hall Of Fame for the blockbuster movie of 1978. Christopher Reeve himself attended sittings with renowned sculptor Logan Fleming (second pic) to capture his likeness and the finished figure would stand proudly atop an elaborate custom-made Fortress Of Solitude set in an original costume gifted by Warner Bros.
A top attraction for many years, time and dwindling numbers meant the Museum would close its doors forever in 2005, by which time the Superman figure (in similar fashion to the waxwork figure from London’s Madame Tussauds) had been stripped of its original costume (Bottom pic) before being sold in auction for $16,000 just days after the untimely death of Dana Reeve…
Second in a series of Movie-faithful replicas in 1/6 scale beginning with General Zod and concluding with Lex Luthor – Pictured above is the landmark first-ever officially licensed action figure bearing the likeness of Christopher Reeve.
Though specially produced for the adult collector, for $60, these figures are somewhat basic and doll-like in their execution. While the headsculpt is passable, the paintwork is sub-standard and the body (revised by Mattel after disastrous reception of the prototype revealed at SDCC ’09) is still disproportionately top-heavy. As stated with Zod, these are not figures for cynics and if nothing else, fill a 30-year void.
Nonetheless it is beautifully presented, the graphics of the box suitably retro and the accessories stellar (there’s something very exiting about a 1/6 Green Crystal!) with the exception of the boots (which should’ve be made from vinyl).
The costume is also an arguably reasonable representation of the screen-worn version, with nice bold chest shield replicated in yellow on the cape. Just pulled from sale by mattycollector.com, expect both this and Zod to re-appear on the site for the release of Lex Luthor in the coming months. With Hot Toys release (hopefully) fast approaching, this line will probably be notable for producing the first rather than definitive versions of these iconic characters.
My sincere thanks to Jim Bowers of Capedwonder.com who ensured this figure made a safe flight across the pond for the SUPERMANIA collection..!