On The Cover - Studio135 "GQ" Video Review

After a long hiatus, Bryan Silva and Studio135 are back in action and better than ever!

Bryan's new additions are "Punishment" and "GQ" - I decided to purchase a GQ and I asked Bryan to give me a very light painted stubble around the face and a well-edged painted stubble on the head. As usual, the paintjob is 10/10.

THE GOOD

The mask is based on a brand-new core, and believe it or not, fitment is even better than Chiseled, Knuckles and Brawler. The mask itself is definitely thicker than the aforementioned earlier models, but eye, lip, nose and overall fitment is incredibly improved.

Bryan's lip fitment remains the best in the industry; you still feel like you are being "kissed" by the mask's lips and I find that mouth movement (smiling, laughing, etc) improves to an 11/10. Fitment around the eyes is customizable via the flexible metal nosebridge, as well as the design of the sculpt itself; I find that there is a more complete coverage around the eyes WITHOUT impairing vision or feeling uncomfortable or pinched.

Ear design is always one of the most difficult items on a sculpt, and Bryan has continued his excellent work here - the ears are in proportion to the face and the angled earholes also give it an additional dollop of reality.

I had previously owned a CFX Derek that looked like a very sexy Dominican, and I wanted to have my GQ approximate that look - Bryan did an outstanding job for fleshtone and overall design match; eyebrows, stache and patch was done by the Crown Prince of hairpunching - the (in)famous Jerry Almond.

THE BAD

Minor at most. Two things that are missing on the GQ that were a staple of Bryan's earlier works are the sculpted front bib, and a well-defined neck musculature. The first is a side-effect of the 3D printing of the molds; the latter I hope will be addressed in either later versions of the masks and/or new designs.

As I mentioned above, the mask is thicker than his earlier models; I have a 22.75" noggin and this mask is absolutely, positively comfortable on me. This may not be the mask for those that have a much bigger head.

THE UGLY

None. Nada. Zippo. This is an incredibly handsome and realistic mask and a superb addition to Bryan's lineup of realface masks. This earns a definite "BUY" from me. 

 Below a video review of the mask. Say hello to Rafael "Rafa" Castillo! Enjoy!

A Glutton for "Punishment"

 "Punishment" was the first "new" mask released by Studio135 since they came back from hiatus. The mask is a more rugged and slightly older character than "Chiseled" and definitely puts me in mind of Dominic Purcell of "Prison Break" fame.

The mask is developed from a 3D-printed core, and no longer features Bryan's muscled sculpted bib.

From time to time, I have some of my buddies do a "guest appearance" on the blog and I asked my good friend Rhett to do the video review of the mask (since I don't have one). I think he did a very good job and this is another great mask from Bryan Silva and Studio135. His alter-ego is named "Sebastian" or "Seb" for short. (I actually prefer "Bash", but it is what it is... )

Update: By the way, this handsome stud is now named "Sebastian Taylor"

 

Studio135 "GQ" - First Looks (March 2022 Update)

Some work in progress pics for my "GQ" from Studio135. I had sold a CFX "Derek" mask, and I'm planning a similar hair design and skintone for this one. (for a review of that mask, see here)

Fresh out of the mold... (but I DO miss Bryan's old-school molded chest bib)

Next step: Paint. 

Next Step: Off to Jerry Almond for hairing!

Work-in progress shot from Jerry!

 

Another year, another dumpster fire...

Well dear readers, we're at the end of 2021 and this year has had some aspects that were even worse than 2020. Supply chain. Inflation. Lockdowns. Crime. Fortunately, I've been healthy, as well as those around me.

I apologize for not being more prolific this year (only 3 posts), but I haven't really been in the mindset to write any fiction. I am expecting a new mask from Studio135 but due to production issues, I'm not going to receive it until after the new year. A review will be forthcoming when I finally get it.

I've also decided to move out of NYC, though the timing is yet to be determined. I have responsibilities here that prevent me from moving away, but once those are gone, I'll be able to leave. I just can't stand being here any longer; the pandemic really did it for me. That's also another reason for the dearth of entries - in anticipation of moving, I've been clearing out a lot of furnishings (and gear) that I didn't use or could potentially raise issues during a move and this ongoing cleanout has been sometimes traumatic - and always depressing. The good news is that I'll probably save some money on moving expenses.

And I have to admit that I did have a lot of stuff - I was more into collecting than extensively using - so all in all, the cleanout has been a good thing.

So on behalf of my characters, my alter-egos, and myself, I wish all of you a Happy and Healthy 2022 and hoping everything starts getting back to normal!