Nick Fury
Source: The Avengers (2009)
Brand: Dragon
Scale: 1/12
Medium: Vinyl (+Injection-molded styrene)
Release Date: 2012
Pieces: 13
Life Lost: 30 hours
Enhanced: Yes (see captions)
TSF Rating: * * * * *
Simply put, this is one of THE best kits I have ever slapped together. The solid vinyl pieces that make up the body required almost no work before assembly. The fit of the parts was brilliant, and they were cleverly divided at natural seams or joins, (i.e. where pants meet boots, gloves meet cuffs etc.), so no fillers were needed to conceal construction points.
This high quality model is detailed in a way that is truly astounding, and the likeness of Sammy-boy himself (one of my favourite actors) is fantastic! Of course, all the work was in the painting to bring this figure to life. But I must say, the accuracy and depth of the sculpt made the task reasonably pain-free, and I just can't wait to crack open the next Dragon Avengers kit.
This high quality model is detailed in a way that is truly astounding, and the likeness of Sammy-boy himself (one of my favourite actors) is fantastic! Of course, all the work was in the painting to bring this figure to life. But I must say, the accuracy and depth of the sculpt made the task reasonably pain-free, and I just can't wait to crack open the next Dragon Avengers kit.
Even with a less-than dramatic pose Dragon have managed to create something that evokes tension, drama and a certain gravitas. Perhaps it's a Samuel L. Jackson thing!
The simple round base in the kit lent itself perfectly to being blinged up with a banged up S.H.I.E.L.D shield - a simple affair utilising a sheet of styrene and photocopied template. After strategically stamping rivet detail with a nail punch and a base coat of gun metal, I scored scratches and dents with scalpel and Dremel. Dark washes and chrome silver dry-brushing finished off the deck detail.
Many shades of black make up the "monotone" palette of Fury's costume. In most instances I avoided using straight black, instead adding a hint of blue, orange, or brown to various mixes. I also tried to add variety to the finish by using different clear coats. In this shot you can almost see the difference between the leather on the boots and the rubber soles.
Again I was nervous about skin tones with this build, but Dragon's callout for the colours to use was brilliant. I would never have thought to use clear orange in the mix with "sail" and "wood brown", but it really works well and offers that slightly translucent look that skin should have. Before I sealed the head with a clear matte coat I dusted it with a chocolate brown chalk pastel to darken the skin tone ever so slightly. I will definitely use this formula on Worf (when I get around to working on him!)
The flowing "swish" of Fury's trenchcoat is a beautifully sculpted part of the kit. It looks pretty natural and adds a final flourish to the figure. The coat is actually one piece of soft vinyl that slips over the torso and is then locked in place by the solid arms. This made painting an easy task with none of the hassle to get paint into awkward places. The only modifications to the kit were made here on the end of the garment. Using my trusty Dremel I carved out the undercuts in the flares of the seam which, due to the molding process, were solidly blocked in.
All images property of The Starship Factory 2017.