Photo Study #39: Hair Apparent

I had come across a picture of the model Samuel Schimi and I was thinking to myself, "Self, having a head of platinum silver hair with darker facial hair and/or stubble looks really, really good..."

So I embarked on a journey to find a good wig to make that combination happen. I have enough masks that I could mix and match between them, but "off the shelf" wigs were either the wrong color, wrong style or the ebay sellers had enough bad feedback to avoid them altogether. After one initial callback and an email with the reference pics to Herohair.com, they wouldn't even return emails- so much for their customer service.

But I persevered. This is a high-end wig made by JJ Studio here in NYC.

I brought my reference pics and I was given the full treatment - I had my head measured, (with the Bryan Silva "Chiseled" mask on - which I think was a first for them!) a soft plastic mold made, and I got to pick out the colors for the wig and left it in their more than capable hands. We also decided on doing a full silicone membrane since the only thing that sticks to silicone ... is SILICONE... and this would assure that the hairline would not leave gaps and would not move. I've had previous experience with toupee tape and that stuff - even the most powerful on the planet - works about as well as a post-it pad on a mask. Ordinarily, a full silicone membrane on real skin would be too hot and sweaty, so there was some reassurances made to the French company making the wig that it would not be a problem.

The Chiseled mask below was made to resemble the "Renegade" version of Commander Shepard from Mass Effect, but I have yet to be able to find a decent (read "hero level") set of N7 armor to go with it.

Waste not, want not … I decided to mix the wig, the mask and the leather eyepatch used for Xander Cannon to form a new character. And what better season to introduce Eliot Nakimoto, an ex-Special Forces mercenary whose silvery-white hair is a mere reflection of his ice-cold calculating intelligence and ruthlessness??

And no, I am NOT going for an evil Bill Clinton! He and his wife are evil enough thankyouverymuch.

 

Finally, I want to sincerely thank all my readers who visit the blog and inspire me to write these stories and reviews. On behalf of me, mobsters, monsters, cops, dark-skinned thugs (Converted or not) and all my other characters...

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays a very Happy (and kinky) New Year!

(And yes - this is some of Zack's latest work... )

Photo Study #38: Masters of the Universe (and of anal probes as well)

Little green men. Aliens. Greys. The Asgard (if you're a SG-1 fan). The fellas from the big ship in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

Enigmatic and shadowy, with a backstory no doubt longer than a few million years.

 
You know, those smaller-statured, big eyed sentients with no clothing and long fingers that love abducting people and subjecting them to medical experiments.

Just my type of guys!

Alien masks have been around for a while, and many of the other mask makers have them in some shape or form:

• Composite Effects: "Gray The Alien"
• Immortal Masks: "The Other"
• ShatteredFX: "V'ok The Alien"
• O'Neail FX Studios: "Mr. Gray"
• Darkride Studios: "The Visitor"

But there was always something not "just right" ... on all of these that held me back.

Then Yves Gravelle came out with "The Grey"

THIS was the type of mask that really hit the nail on the head when you thought of grey aliens. There was a lot of R&D done on the lenses - materials, forming, durability and attachment into the mask.

The mask is a bit heavy since the back of the head is solid silicone, but it's fairly easy to adjust to the change in balance once it's on your head. I also have a demon with ram horns, and it took me longer to not bang into doorways than adjust to the balance of the mask.

The lenses are great - it's like looking through a pair of medium-dark sunglasses. There is a little bit of distortion in them, but nothing that affects normal activities - I definitely wouldn't drive a car with this mask on - and fogging is not an issue either. I use a mask defogger for scuba divers and it works like a charm.

Mouth movement is excellent - Yves' design has also been completely faithful to the proportions of the grey alien - smaller than normal, but still full movement available.

I'll admit ... I'm at a bit of a loss for the outfit, now that I have the mask... I was thinking somewhat of a military type costume, but now I'm having second thoughts. I do have a horror mask that makes an excellent alien soldier/mercenary, so perhaps this mask should represent something else. I had one person suggest the flowing robes that were in the original Star Trek pilot "The Menagerie".



I really would appreciate any suggestions from my readers as well!

Below is a quick movement video I did of the mask:

Photo Study #37: Worthy of the Mjolnir

I generally like my masks to be clean-shaven, or when there is facial hair involved, well-trimmed and generally short. Too much facial hair seems to make the mask look older and more disheveled, and that's not the look that I prefer.

Except if I could look like Lasse Matberg.

Lasse Matberg is a Norwegian naval officer and he is the physical embodiment of the character "Thor" from the Marvel universe.

Of all the realistic masks that have been made, there hadn't been one in existence that looked close enough to him to actually plunk down the money for the mask and the hairing to create this look.

Until Yves Gravelle came out with his "Clark" mask.

I've purchased several masks from Metamorphose already - his Superhero and his Soul Man - all are well-made, beautifully painted and finished, with excellent eye and lip fitment. I didn't expect any less with this one, and I was not disappointed. Yves is really stepping up his game for his masks and each one is improving on the last.

The "Clark" mask is a bit lighter than his earlier masks, but still has a comfortable heft to it. It's also a bit snugger on my face and neck, which I appreciate - the worst thing in wearing a realistic mask is having the neck wrinkle if you turn your head.

One item that is a new innovation is his nose bridge. I've been involved for a long time with silicone masks, going back to when Rusty Slusser first made his "Thug". And I was also working with Rusty when he came out with his nose bridge as well. His initial concept was far more flexible and customizable than the thermoplastic he eventually included in his masks, but his implementation was not well-suited for the long-term.

THIS bridge design is one of the top-of-the-line. It is comfortable and infinitely adjustable and allows the perfect drape of the silicone across your nose to keep the lower eyeholes tight to your face. By either pressing or pinching it, the mask will conform to your own individual nose shape.

 

Yves also did the hairing on the mask and as usual, he did an amazing job as well. I love this mask and it's one of the most realistic masks I own.

And I've done a video review of the mask as well...

Il volto dell'Italia

CreaFX is a silicone mask maker based in Italy, and I've been intrigued by their masks for a while now. Two of the things that made me hesitant however, were two of the most important things in a mask - ears and eye fit.

From the pictures I had seen, the ears looked a bit... unformed... and the eyeholes always seemed to be cut a bit too large.

I was also warned that the mask is thin - about half the thickness of a CFX mask. Supposedly, this makes the mask more flexible on your face. After my experience with the Asian mask from RealMaskMaster, this sort of set off some warning bells, but I figured, "If it's a tighter fit, it should be okay."

The tipping point was some pictures of the mask being worn by the guy who runs the "Adam Chang" page on Facebook. It really looked good as far as the eyeholes went. So I contacted the company and placed an order. I also asked if they could possibly reduce the size of the eyeholes.

This was also my first purchase from Italy, and I was surprised that there was some customs duty on it. Not a lot - about $31USD - but I've never had to pay duty on anything from overseas before - Germany, Austria, UK, China, etc.

When I opened the package, I was very surprised at how light the mask was. It was thin - probably as thin as the RealMaskMaster - but definitely had a more substantial texture to it.

And then I tried it on.

FUCK.

The eyeholes were too big on the outer edges and the ears appeared to be a little too low and a little too forward. I can't believe that I just wasted money on another poorly made mask. And because it was so thin, I had also had CreaFX hair it as I was afraid my regular hair guy could pull it out of shape. Good money after bad.

Now, this was when I got home from work and was a bit sticky from the commute home. At that point, I was figuring to put it on sale and take a loss. With the Euro exchange rate, there would be no way in hell for me to recoup my purchase price. So for the sales photo shoot the next day, I washed up right before, put a little bit of talcum in the mask and put it back on.

What a difference a clean, dry face makes!

The mask being as thin as it is requires a bit more fiddling on the face to get it just right. Heavier masks (Immortal, CFX, Realflesh, Metamorphose, Studio135, Evolution, ShatteredFX - basically all the North American manufacturers) have a tendency to settle onto your face immediately with a minimal adjustment necessary. The "Frank" mask also has an adjustable nose bridge (much smaller than the other manfacturers' ones) so again, more fiddling is required to get a decent fit.

I will be the first to admit that ear sculpting is one of the hardest things in designing a mask, but the ears here don't lend themselves on being seen in their altogether - you really need a wig on this mask to disguise them a bit. With the ear issue resolved somewhat; the eyes were much better, but still could have been cut smaller on the outer edges - see the area in red below...

Quality of the hairing was good, but not great. I guess I'm spoiled rotten with my hair guys here. I send them reference pics and I get exactly what I asked for. Or better. Here, I sent CreaFX some specific pics for a very short-cut beard stubble, and I was informed that they couldn't go that short, but would make it as short as possible.

The eyebrows and beard were done well, but not 100% of what I was looking for. Also, the sealing on the beard is a few generations back from the North American process. Here, the hair is kept longer on the inside, steamed flat, and then a thin layer of silicone is used to produce a smooth surface on the inside. The CreaFX mask left a very short bit on the inside without any smooth sealing. This has the potential to become very itchy, but thankfully, the hair used in the "Frank" mask did not do that.

The bib on the mask is also very small. You can get away with the collar button and one button open on a shirt. Because of the thinness of the mask, however, there is a tendency when you move your head forward and down that you will get some minor wrinkling.

To summarize, here are the pros and cons of the CreaFX mask

PROS

• Well made
• Well painted
• Well seamed/flashed
• Nose is good with a small, adjustable bridge
• Lip fitment is good. About 7/10 on the Silva scale 
• Mask thinness does not subtract from a well-made feeling. Actually a bit cooler to wear.
• Fit around the face and head is very good

CONS

• Ears could be little better placed, but can be adjusted to look okay. Ear design is still below North American standards. The necessity of wearing a wig is higher with this mask
• Eyeholes are definitely too big. They need to be reduced by about 2mm on the outer edge. Judicious adjustment of the mask to place the ears helps fix (but not remove) the eyehole issue in conjunction with adjusting the nose bridge.
• Short bib can produce some neck wrinkling. 
• Requires more "fiddling" once on to achieve a realistic look

Overall, I'd give this a 7.5-8/10.

But this is not up to my expectations and I'm selling it.

 

UPDATE:

Danilo (the owner of CreaFX) listened to the constructive criticism and did make the eyeholes smaller. I'm glad that he did, but I still don't think I'm going to purchase another one.

Photo Study #36: Night of the Comet

It all happened the night of that falling star. When the young'uns brung home some of them dark green shiny stones we didn't think nuthin' of it... that is, until the cattle starting gettin' sick ... first, they fell over and couldn't barely breathe ... then them sores came. Big, big, bloody sores all over them. Never healed up, but they did. Weren't the same neither... mean as the devil and stronger than God himself. We had to put them down - but it was hard - damned hard. Them cattle was our lifeblood; killing them was gonna destroy us as well, but we had to do it.

Some of that sickness must've gotten to us as well, as we was burning them carcasses. Harry Johnson was the first and the same thing happened to him. Soon as the weakness left him, he was like a raging bull - killed his entire family, left his homestead and came into town. Slaughtered fifteen people before someone threw a torch on him and he lit up like a tar-soaked rag.

It spread to the rest of us ... and now I'm the only one left. I'm stronger than 20 men now, and fast as a blaze of lighting. I can see sharper than a hawk even if'n I don't have no eyes left. And I can see just as easy in complete darkness. But I know I'm damned to Hell for the things I've done. The madness left me after a few weeks, but it was replaced by a hunger for human flesh that got worse and worse. Only thing that's left of a town of 200 people is a pile of gnawed bones. I locked myself up in jail, hopin' that the good Lord would put me out of my misery and let me die, but I just ripped the steel door off its hinges when a black rage came over me.

I don't know what I'm gonna do - I can't control myself no more and the next town - full of people ...  full of MEAT - is only two weeks away by horse... I can probably get there now in a day or so...

* * *
Something about the "Crater Face" by Immortal Masks just called out to me. I'm not generally a monster person, but this definitely was one I wanted to get.

I also somehow got a 1800's western vibe when I decided to do this shoot, hence the sepia tintype look of most of the photos.

Paint job is gorgeous, and overall fit is excellent. Fit across the bridge of the nose is amazingly comfortable, and lip fitment is excellent. Can't really say anything about the eye fit as it doesn't have eyes per se...

This is my FIRST Immortal, but I'm sure it won't be my last! Here are some pics without the sepia and tintype effect as well, just to show off the detailing and paintjob.

And below is a video showing off the mask movement

Pinup Boys

Gregg sighed as traffic slowed and stopped ... again.

"Fuck it. I'm getting off at the next exit. We'll take the service road to the Queensboro Bridge..."

* * *
The van pulled into a gas station. Eddie Ramos got out and stretched as the photographer filled the tank. The young Latino rolled his neck and could hear the 'pop' of the bones realigning themselves. He had enjoyed his day "playing hooky" from the Four-One and being Transformed from his previous existence as the black-haired and blue-eyed police officer 'Charlie Hawke'.

"Greg!!" The dark-haired photographer turned around to be embraced by a tall, powerfully built man in a tank shirt and jeans.

"Uncle Rod! What are you doing here?"

"Same as you. Filling up, before I head to the station." Eddie noticed the Maltese cross on the shirt over a well-developed pec and the large gasmask and helmet tattoo running down a powerful arm. Fireman.

"Johnny! Eddie! This is my uncle Rodrigo Torres! He's a Fire Captain. This is Johnny and Eddie - we were doing a shoot out at Westbury Gardens. Traffic was so bad, I just got off at the next exit I could." The men shook hands and the fireman gave both younger men a knowing grin as his eyes traveled over their well-developed physiques. And lingered on their bulges before moving up again.

"Having fun, I see... why don't you stop by the station? You could get some great shots there as well..." He gave Eddie another lascivious look. "We definitely have some gear for Eddie..." and chuckled as he winked at the smaller man. "...though we may be hard-pressed to find anything for this pipsqueak here..."

Johnny laughed. "Greg, let's do it. We're not going to get back into the city until late anyway, so what's another hour or two, right?"

"You've got a point." He turned to the older man. "You up for it?"

Rodrigo nodded. "As long as we don't get a call..."

* * *
Greg followed his uncle's car to the firehouse. It was a large brick building, and the firefighters on duty were as handsome and as well-muscled as their captain. Several were in the process of washing one of the large vehicles - the men were half naked and gleaming with a combination of sweat and suds.

 

"C'mon fellas! Let's get you kitted out!" Greg remained behind to set up the equipment and began chatting with several of the firemen on duty; obviously he was extremely well-known to them given the level of physical intimacy between them.

The captain moved over to the side of the building where the bunker jackets and pants were hung up. He moved through the rack and picked out a bottom and a top for the powerfully-built young Latino.

"Those should fit you fine - a little on the loose side to show off for Greg..." He looked down at the young man's sneakers. "Ten and a half?"

"Yessir."

The fireman grabbed a pair of boots and a helmet. "Put those on." Eddie stripped down to this thong and sat down to slide on the bunker pants. Rodridgo stopped him. "Take off everything, son ... " He grinned. "...the pics will look better that way... plus the fellas here like showing off, too... Greg does an 'unofficial' calendar with them every year."

Then he turned to Johnny Kane. And shook his head. "You're just not big enough to be one of our firemen, stud... let's see what else we can do for you..."

* * *
Greg smudged a little bit of dark makeup on Eddie's face and then stood back to look at the results.

"Niiice... we're going to have some great shots here. Give me a serious look..."

"Perfect!!!" The other firefighters shouted encouragement and whistled in appreciation as Eddie posed for the camera. The muscular young Latino could see from the bulges in their shorts that they were as enthusiastic as he was about the shoot. Maybe we can get a little action with some of these guys before we leave...

The photographer continued snapping, as Eddie moved around the interior of the station. Greg motioned him to move towards the fire engine.

"Great, Eddie! Great! Now, take off that jacket and slide those suspenders off your shoulders..."

"But Greg, these pants are gonna slide off..." He looked around at the other men in the station, who were grinning back expectantly at him.

"Exactly!!!"

One of the other fireman laughed. "Go ahead, bud! Ain't nothing we haven't seen before in the showers ...  or stretched over the rec room table!"

The catcalls increased in volume as the bunker pants slid down and exposed his smooth, muscular ass. Eddie chuckled and grew stiff as the encouragement amped up.

"Hey! Keep that serious face on... Yes!!! Keep it up!" The camera kept going. Several more shots were taken with Ramos posing with only bunker pants and helmet; with these, Greg allowed him to show a bit of a shy smile.

"Perfect!!! Now, let's get some with Johnny..."

One of the firefighters spoke up. Frank Delvano had intense brown eyes surmounted with thick sculpted brows and a razor-cut stubble on his chiseled face.

"We don't have anything small enough for him, Greg. I'm the smallest guy here..."

Another fireman piped up and fondled his crotch. "But not where it counts, Frank!!"

Frank chuckled and continued. "... but we can do some semi-FDNY shots of him..."

Greg quirked an eyebrow. "Hmmm ... show me..."

* * *
"Wider stance, Johnny ... perfect!" The smaller model shifted his feet and looked into the lens. Greg fired off a number of shots. Kane was leaning against one of the white emergency vans doing a front double-biceps pose using his knotted shirt as a way to tense his arms and increase the size of his guns.

"Dog shots next... Jeez, why didn't I think of that???" Johnny pulled on a pair of jeans and Greg misted the model's torso with some vegetable oil spray. Once he was satisfied with the gleam coming off the muscular body, he added some darker makeup to smudge both Kane's face and torso. The model held out his arms and gave a whistle.

"Harriet! Time for hugs!"

At that, a large pit bull puppy - nearly fully grown - gave a happy bark and jumped into his arms, joyfully licking his cheeks.

"Ooomph!!! You're heavier than you look!" Kane laughed and wiped the slobber off of his face and rearranged the dog in his arms.

Frank laughed - "She's a complete mush and still thinks she's a puppy... always wants to be on someone's lap... rub her stomach and she'll go completely still..."

Greg chuckled as well. "Okay, you two - give me some nice pics!" The camera whirred as model and mascot posed with pics. Johnny stroked the thick neck. Harriet turned her head and gave him a happy squeal, a big smile splitting her muzzle. Kane laughed and held her closer, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.

* * *

"Frank, you're amazing! You've got a fantastic eye!"

The firefighter grinned. "I try. I've had good teachers... being in your annual calendar for five years running has given me some idea of what gives the viewer a boner..."

Johnny was stretched out in the partially-filled vintage tub at the firehouse - he was soaking wet and wearing only a t-shirt that had become translucent on his powerful physique; he stretched it down to cover his package as he grinned at the two men. "After being out in this weather, being in a tub feels like heaven...."

"These will look great with the other bathroom shots of you and Eddie!" The camera kept shooting as Greg moved around the tub, capturing different angles and different patterns and planes of light on the prone porn star.

"Plus, it's a great way to cool off!" Eddie had stretched himself under the shower and let the cool water play over his naked body; despite the temperature of the water, he was engorged and swollen with lust. Greg spun around to take pictures of the naked young Latino as Johnny stepped out of the tub and began to dry off. After a few more minutes of shooting, the photographer motioned Eddie to towel off and get dressed as well.

He pulled Frank into a strong hug. "Thanks for the inspiration! It's about time we headed back to the city - the traffic should have lightened up by now. I have to work out with Uncle Rod when I can get all of you studs together for next year's calendar!"

* * *

I was thinking of a firehouse photoshoot in the original entry, but I felt that I was starting to lose myself (and the story itself) in the weeds, so I cut it out and finished up.

I did, however, want to explore the situation, so I figured I'd do an "add-on to the add-on" for that story.

I never get tired of looking at Raciel Castro (aka "Eddie Ramos") and the always sultry Johnny Kane!!