Archive for June, 2010

Quantum Mechanix doesn't seem to be slowing down much when it comes to shiny new Serenity stuff, and I'm glad to see it. Two new items just hit the pre-order lists: a scary-accurate scale replica of the Mule, and a River maquette.

The Mule is just gorgeous.

QMx has produced the first ever exact scale model replica of the Flying Mule as seen in the movie Serenity. Measuring 14.5" x 10.75" x 4.5," the Mule replica is a highly detailed model, hand-painted to match the movie vehicle exactly, right down to the emblems and decals. Using the studio-supplied blueprints and AutoCAD model, plus extensive photographic reference, this Mule replica is the last word in accuracy.

Included with the Mule replica is a cast-resin diorama measuring 15.5" x 10.75" x 1." This hand-painted base simulates the sandy surface of some Border moon perfectly.

The QMx Mule can be displayed in one of two modes: CGI mode, where two heavy-duty acrylic posts are used to hold up the Mule, simulating the hover effect. And Backstage mode, with a replica of the dolly used to store the Mule between shots that you can set your Mule on.

Mules don't come cheap; retail is $349.95. But pre-order from TFAW.com and you can get it for $314.95 instead. Limited to 1,000 made, due October 27th.

Then there's the River maquette:

QMx has dedicated our first Big Damn Heroes animated maquette to the awesome that is River Tam. The Big Damn Heroes line of maquettes feature more mature anime-style designs, including realistic wardrobe, props and settings. Significantly larger than our best-selling Little Damn Heroes, the new line adds a serious edge to it's subject matter, offering a sexier, more heroic take on Big Damn Heroes.

River is captured in the midst of battle with the Reavers, her pose showing a dancer's grace while her expression (and a copious spattering of her enemy's blood) shows she means business. Great pains were taken to study both River's prop sword and axe as well as her dress and boots, all of which are recreated in precise detail. Even the detailed, hand-painted base invokes the lived-in quality of Whedon's Firefly and Serenity Verse.

Each River Tam maquette is cast in polystone resin and hand-painted, reflecting the high standards you've come to expect from a QMx maquette. River measures 6" tall by 6" wide without the base. The separately sculpted and painted base measures 5"x7"x1". River Tam is being offered in a limited edition of only 1,500.

River runs a bit more reasonable like, just $69.95 (or $62.95 if you preorder). Hits the streets running August 25.

I have to admit I'm not as excited about the River maquette as I should be, largely because I already have a statue of her from that scene. Granted, the pose, anime-ish style and (I'm certain) quality will be far superior to Diamond Select's doomed series, but I would have preferred to start this new line of maquettes with Mal or, hey, maybe one of the 4 characters who haven't gotten a single toy or statue yet. Just sayin'. Most likely when I see the others in the set I'll be more excited about this one.  Looks awfully good, though…

New at the Prop Store of London: a freaking engine from Serenity.

Well, from a Serenity model, anyway.

Well, the model they modeled the CG Firefly from, anyway. But still.

This is a master pattern of an engine for the model of the ship “Serenity” used in the 2005 Joss Whedon film of the same name. Engines such as this can be seen throughout the film as this piece was used as the pattern for the engines on the models used for the ship’s exterior shots. The engine features a domed top, and has a very futuristic mechanical design, reflecting the time in which the film is set: 510 years in the future. This unique piece is made of resin, hardened foam, is painted silver, and is in very good condition, offering collectors a rare chance to own a piece that was instrumental in creating the beloved ship!

Just $495, cheap to keep her in the sky.

Because it's been a while since I wrote anything. 94 words.

Good Dog

Groaning, Harkness stood up from the pile of paperwork on his desk and collapsed on his couch, where his dog, predictably and promptly, leaped on him.

“You’re lucky, Billy,” he told the dog fondly. “No bills, free food, nothing to do but play. You haven’t a care in the world.” He patted and stroked his wriggly pet and felt his headache began to slip away.

And Billy, fighting back the encroaching madness borne of his lifelong imprisonment to a whimsical overlord, wagged his tail in terror and dutifully, doggedly, romped and romped and romped.

A shot from last week, looking out over the Atlantic from the deck of the Grand Seas Motel in Daytona Beach.

Yeah, there are times I don't mind living here at all.