1966 SPIDER-MAN Aurora Model Kit Re-Issue! Re-Built and Crazily Customized!

Here's another fun model kit re-issue that was a blast to re-build! It's the Polar Lights re-offering of the famed 1966 Spider-Man model kit from Aurora! I added lots of fun features when assembling this larger-scale re-issue, so follow along below! Click images to enlarge!

Above: I carefully detailed Spidey's suit webbing, with a very fine artist's pen!
Also note his reflective metallic eye-pieces!

Above: I wanted to add a more realistic and "organic" web-line, so
I used some fine mesh fabric for the job!

Above: I had a ball detailing Kraven, using not only enamel
paints, but paint pens, artist's pens, marker...

Above: I added a colorful gradated background to the transparent "web-wall" behind the kit!

Above: I also added some grit to the floor, along with using dry-brushing
techniques to add textures and darker areas...

Above: So, where did the Aurora firm get the idea for this particular scene?
The above panels come from AMZING SPIDER-MAN # 34, from
early 1966!

BONUS: Click here to see my customized Aurora Hulk kit, and here to take a peek at the Captain America model kit!

1966 INCREDIBLE HULK Aurora Model Kit--Revisited! Marvel Comics Molded Madness!

Here is a real blast from the past! This is the re-issue of the famed 1966 Incredible Hulk model kit, from the folks at Polar Lights! Offered to a panting public in 2003, these fabulous re-released kits not only included the Jade Giant, but also Spider-Man, and the star-spangled superhero himself, Captain America! All three kits were re-crafted in a larger scale (1/8) size from their original 1966 counterparts! Click images below to enlarge!

After assembling the kit, and sanding away seams, I went to work
on the paints, using lots of dry-brushing and over and under-
sprays to get a great shading effect!

I wanted Hulk's "desert floor" base to look a bit more like city
 rubble, so I used lots of over-sprays and dry-brushing to get the
desired effect! I even added real sand and gravel to portions
of the base!

I added some gloss to Hulk's hair, eyes, teeth and lips, keeping
his clothing to a dull, matte look...

I also added a bit of cloth to represent a torn shirt! The final
touches involved some fine linework on the eyes,
teeth gaps, nose, ears, and hands!

The kit, which originally appeared in 1966 and 1974 (as part of
the "Comic Scenes" line) from Aurora, is a fine representation of
the Silver Age Hulk, as drawn by Jack Kirby and others!

Above: The colossal kit, now residing at the center of
my own "Hulk collection!"

Above: My 1974 "Comic Scenes" kit box, signed by
70s HULK artist supreme, "Happy" Herb Trimpe!

Above: The 2003 trade advertisement that heralded
the re-release of these two captivatin' kits!

BONUS! Click below to view the actual box art for the model kit's original 1966 release!

Art by Neal Adams!

Custom Aurora CAPTAIN AMERICA Model Kit! Jack Kirby! Marvel Comics!

Here is the 1974 (originally released in 1966) Aurora "Comic Scenes" CAPTAIN AMERICA model kit, re-cast recently in a larger scale by Polar Lights! I added a GI JOE gunbelt and accessories to give Cap an "Ultimates" (or movie) look... I also substituted the kit's over-sized head with a plaster cast head from the Bowen Yellowjacket bust! I then tried to give it a "Jack Kirby-drawn" look.  Click images below to enlarge!

I also assembled Cap's left arm so that it (and the shield) didn't conceal his body in the way the original kit did! I wanted more of an "open" pose...

I used a heavy gloss coating on the puddle, then, once dry, added some clear cellophane...

I paid a great deal of attention to flat matte areas (the costume and base) and glossy areas (the shield, puddle, etc...), in an attempt to bring added realism to the kit...

Another look at the detailed base...

BONUS! Click below to see the original "oversized" heads that came with the Polar Lights kit (below, left), and the finished, un-customized kit (below, right)!

BONUS BONUS! Look below to gaze at the original assembled 1966 Aurora Cap model kit!

BONUS BONUS BONUS! Click below to enlarge this model magazine article, detailing one hobbyist's building of the re-issued CAP kit!