Hello, all! Here's my newest addition to the life found on my fictional little world, Somniferria. I call it a FrostHulke. Crits/Comms welcome, as always, and a very big Thank You for visiting; and another one for all the feedback I've been given thus far! (please bear with me as Flavortext is added over the next few hours, and don't miss out on my Teaser Pic for my latest Bionicle mess, called "O.G.R.E.", at the end!)
About this creation
Out on the glacial plains of the northernmost landmass of Somniferria, natural faults of the unique tectonic system have splintered the landscape - veining the subsilicon wastelands with rivers and bodies of liquid nitrogen in naturally-occuring flows. Maintaining temperatures supercooled to little short of deep space, over time these 'scapes are perpetually bathed in strange radiations, due to the minimal protections afforded by the polar caps' thin atmosphere. Eventually, a silicon-based race arose, seamlessly blending the complex supersilicon lattices with the abundant localized biosteel at a molecular level - and the amazing race of sentient troll-like beings that evolved have capitalized on the potential of these specials crystals and metals ever since.
I haven't found the trick to ordering uploaded pics in a chosen sequence yet, so; in no particular order, here we go: a first look at the lower forearm and left calf/ankle.
The 'Hulkes are massive creatures, their superdense forms weighing in between 15 and 20 tons, nominally. Their unique flesh allows for deceptively fast movement, due to the incredible strength of the steelweave muscle fibers, and the spiral crystalline properties of their connective tissues.
This MOC was designed with heavy linear-vaned armblades for combat and foraging. I bounced around a bit deciding which looked right, finally selecting those heavy scythe-like blades shown. As this shot and many following show: they are an additional musclegroup, branching winglike from the wrist-end of the radial forearm bones.
The vestigial blade-limb is ball n' socket articulated, allowing the FrostHulkes to position in an incredible range of motions and uses. Belonging to a paired nerve cluster, they operate with full independence from the forearms, prehensile and quite deadly.
...arrangeable in virtually endless configurations for combat or everyday use, as shown here...
...and here. The 'Hulkes have a complex oxygenated liquid nitrogen compound for blood, and are further unique for the specialized subdermal crystalline organs their bodies contain. As seen here, they are capable of storing and redirecting cosmic radiations for amazing effect!
Shot of a reversed blade formation...
...and an inverted one, without hypothermal charging underway.
An overhead shot of the armscythes swept forward to address an enemy or rival.
A classic pose. Those forearms are quite heavy in this build, and I changed out several lengths of HF technic pieces until I found something stable...
Not only do the 'Hulkes thrive on the supercold temperatures of their polar continent, they depend on them: the highly crystalline brainmass of these frozen creatures behave like cooled supercomputers, operating at peak efficiency, provided they stay at sub-arctic degrees at all times.
A look at the leg articulation as this 'Hulke climbs a polar shelf.
Fully-effaced, armscythes at the ready...
...and now, charging to bonecracking depths as this 'Hulke diverts stored energy to these special weapons.
Those fists are unnecessarily triple-articulated. I couldn't really justify it(just wanted the look), but perhaps nutrition is absorb-able through supinated palm-vents.
Torso and knuckle detail.
'Hulke SMAAAAaaash! (Sorry. Couldn't help m'self.)
Adding insult to injury pre-strike, hypothermalizing the fists.
Foot detail. Been dying to try out those HF armor bits as toes. (Thank you out there, for the inspiration, if you've done the same. Props and Cred to You.)
First of several Size Comparisons. Bonk! on Emberhawke's noggin...
Head and shoulder profile detail.
Effaced head and armored pauldrons.
Overhead of same.
First of two shots showing off weight distribution on those ankle and thigh pistons: some really nifty poses have been possible...
...like this one. That center-of-gravity can go well-forward, and I was pleased with the build's stability.
Retracted armscythe detail.
Left inner calf/ankle articulation detail.
A 'Hulke Tribal Seer, consulting the stars...
Full rear detail. Wasn't as pleased with the way the rear face looked, but this is a first attempt. Perhaps revision will follow.
Same detailing, torso and back crystalline armor.
Looks like that Seer is off to commune with the stars...
Inner bicep armor detail.
...and fist assembly
...followed by right leg detail. For no good reason.
Readying for a crippling strike, armscythe locked fully supinated...
...and then swiveled to re-lock into the forward-swept, classic formation, post-swing.
...and then swiveled to re-lock into the forward-swept, classic formation, post-swing.
'Hulkes aren't known to take anything as Baby Steps. Here, a warrior delivers an icy stomp with massive force.
First of two more Size Comparisons, with Emberhawke for Scale.
'Hulke weighs in at juuuuust under 12" tall fully erect, and about 8" wide at the shoulder armor. This would be a good place for a side-note; concurring with one of my favorite Builders, Yuri Fassio; buying Witch Doctor 3.0 gets one GREAT parts, with MUCH potential (but the 'Doc himself kinda... sucks.(i.m.h.o.)) I loves those masks as pauldron armor. I also chose to forego my traditional Panel-Lining for this figure, wanting as mush White as possible still showing. Ever found yourself saying 'Man, if I had just one more , this thing'd be EPIC!'? Yeah. I found m'self saying that ALOT during this build. I would have chosen FAR more particular color selections, collection-permitting. But they'll have to wait for revisions after I get lucky on E-Bay. Overall I don't think the scheme is bad, but I'd dug endlessly in me Bins, trying to find just the right color - and came up short all-too often. =(
A hulke in shambling mid-stride.
Charging up for a mean Right Hook, diverting some stored cosmic radiation to specially designed reservoirs in the bone structure. The hypothermals fitfully shed frost and crackle with lethal potential.
Lumbering along, these massive creatures are generally peaceful, but thousands of years of precise evolution has made them more than ready to respond, with ruthless ferocity, to virtually any threat Somniferrium has to offer.
A view of that specialized endoskeleton soaking up some life-giving cosmic energy, one crackling Giga-Rad at a time. Aaaah. That's gooooood.
These sentient trolls have thrived where little else even survives, and have adapted with grace to their harsh environs. Who knows how high the next evolutionary rung will see them climb?
A final titlesplash of that hypothermal supercharge above in the list.
And finally, one last very special Size Comp:
Here, my friends, is the source of much recent frustration: the O.G.R.E.
It has taken me too long to get even FrostHulke on the books because of quite a number of setbacks with this build. BEFORE any questions arise, here is some initial information:
Easily the largest MOC I've ever attempted, O.G.R.E. is shown here, teaching 'Hulke that, no matter how big you think you are, there's always someone bigger out there ready to teach you some very painful lesson in Humility. Somewhere near 26"tall, this beast is rippling with gimmicks and mods - lights, sounds, hidden weapons - aaaaaaaand RIDDLED with severe, embarrassing, and teeth-grinding PROBLEMS. At the very top of the list are WEIGHT ISSUES Folks, I am but an Amateur. I made a laundry list of bone-headed decisions along the path to building this thing. Sometimes barely able to even stand on its own, it has, more than once already, toppled with DISASTROUS results. It also truly takes four hands to move anywhere safely, as I've learned, much to my woe.
While I AM indeed proud of it, it has become my Frankenstein's Monster, and while I will and fully DO intend to get an entry for it up on MOCpages; it may not survive long after that. It's awesome, but awesomely flawed as well. I had big dreams when he started as just a clever pair of nifty hands...but the road to Lego Hell is paved with good intentions. More will come, but he's a story for another day.
Until then, bless you for looking, PLEASE comm/crit Frosthulke, and THANK YOU all again for your input thus far. It has been fantastic, and has already influence my building habits. Thanks again, Crowe - out.
Quoting Jaks5100 GriefAura
Hai!
It's great to see another good creation of yours here on the Pages. I especially like the odd 'ape' feel this creation gives us, though like you I'm sure that it would be better if you had more pieces in the right colors. Keep up the good work!
~Jaks
It's weird how much I still like this guy, considering how early on he was in my works. Thanks for the Review, and I acknowledge the Color comm, but of all the things I think of going back and Custom Painting, 'Hulke's not on the list. I think he just kinda works, as is. Thanks for the feedback, m8; Cheers!
Hai!
It's great to see another good creation of yours here on the Pages. I especially like the odd 'ape' feel this creation gives us, though like you I'm sure that it would be better if you had more pieces in the right colors. Keep up the good work!
~Jaks
Quoting Tom Elert
Clever Crowe i used this as a bit of an inspiration and made something similar, it will be on my Mocs page in a few days. Of course its not as good as yours but its something, you'll see
Can't wait, Tom - thanks for the heads up! Don't forget to drop me a link to it if you want a Review, Cheers m8!
Quoting that crazy kansan taylor snowden
Awesome. Watch john Carter that movie is amazing and this is not really that close to looking like a white ape but I will soon post something that is! :)
I think the reference to the Apes is a fair one. These are definitely lumbering brutes, but I wrote a small caveat about tribal organization suggesting intelligence in their higher ranks. Look forward to seeing your White Ape! Cheers!
Clver Crowe i used this as a bit of an inspiration and made something similar, it will be on my Mocs page in a few days. Of course its not as good as yours but its something, you'll see
Awesome. Watch john Carter that movie is amazing and this is not really that close to looking like a white ape but I will soon post something that is! :)
I like it
NoWhereMan .
July 13, 2012
I recently saw the movie John carter, and this looks like the White apes from said movie.
NoWhereMan .
July 13, 2012
actually, the movie wasn't too good, but that's just my opinion.
Quoting NoWhereMan .
actually, the movie wasn't too good, but that's just my opinion.
Fun fact about that movie: there've been plans to make that film since BEFORE COLOR TELEVISION, as a black n' white Feature, since the 50's! So: I respect your opinion, but am determined to give this Movie a shot, to see how it turned out. Cheers! ;)
Quoting Dave Benson
Top creation! I wish there were this much info on every complex creature design. It creates so much more depth and appreciation. Much like my Cora The Great White has done so far :)
I love a little Science in my Science Fiction. =) The Terrestrials are definitely my take on Alien Animals, while the Ancients are... something More. Sometimes the biology behind the idea can help me shape the bodies themselves. Cheers, Dave. How's the Real-Life Cora build coming?
Top creation! I wish there were this much info on every complex creature design. It creates so much more depth and appreciation. Much like my Cora The Great White has done so far :)
Quoting Red-Eyes Rider
I too agree with Jimmy here. You sir come up with the greatest designs for like the body. In fact, I say you would've had more than 100 favorite builders if people were to actually look at these designs (And the only moc I had that ever sorta matched with yours was that Chaosdoom Chimera I took apart. BTW liked the comment! Thank you) So again, you have amazing designs on ALL of your mocs, and that's why you're one of my favs! :D
Red I totally appreciate both the review and the compliment. And I don't usually track such stuff, but your comment made me curious, so I counted: looks like 117 (as of this morning). I have to admit some confusion, here. But hey, again, not that important - I am concentrating on just enjoying what we do. CHEERS, m8!
I too agree with Jimmy here. You sir come up with the greatest designs for like the body. In fact, I say you would've had more than 100 favorite builders if people were to actually look at these designs (And the only moc I had that ever sorta matched with yours was that Chaosdoom Chimera I took apart. BTW liked the comment! Thank you) So again, you have amazing designs on ALL of your mocs, and that's why you're one of my favs! :D
Quoting jmmy avila
ive got to tell you your a very skilled mocist. i like the over all design on your frosthulk and im looking foreward to see this ogre project your working on. i see that you also dont settle on the ordinary toa size, you enjoy cranking out these masterpieces! i hope to someday have enough money to create moc the can compete against yours in size and creativity. but for now keep up the good work and dont let anything keep you from your passion.
Appreciate the Visit and the Compliment, Jimmy - my thanks, Sir. But I've looked at your Works, and, you clearly already HAVE skill, mate. =) As far as Size goes...well, you called me on it. I didn't want to try adding to the Bionicle universe, so struck out on my own with Somniferria, instead. All my works are large(er) MOCs, because I think they're easier, and inferring from that; it means that the REALLY skilled MOCists out there are CAPABLE of BUILDING SMALL. I'm....kinda not. So, I just go with what works for me. You should, too! Cheers, Sir!
ive got to tell you your a very skilled mocist. i like the over all design on your frosthulk and im looking foreward to see this ogre project your working on. i see that you also dont settle on the ordinary toa size, you enjoy cranking out these masterpieces! i hope to someday have enough money to create moc the can compete against yours in size and creativity. but for now keep up the good work and dont let anything keep you from your passion.
Quoting Jeff Garcia
I've always wanted to make something similar to this but I was never able to get it. Besides, yours is much better than my idea :) Great job!
No, no, go for it- I'd love to see it! I truly LOVE the big, muscular brute-style MOCS, this guy came from that affinity. I'll watch to see what you develop!
Quoting Jacob Manahan
This is very nice! I like all the thought you put into these, and how it seems to have branched away from bionicles mythology roots.
I have tried to do the same thing, yet mine is not developed enough...back to your moc though it is well designed and built out! 5/5
I will nod back to the reply I gave to Baron von Ben back in Dominael: I SO VERY MUCH appreciate that you read ANYTHING at all of the connected Lore. I cannot ever catch up to all the Bionicle that's been written; coming up with my own Story has been something of a self-preservation reflex - it's a cleaner, fresh Start. Perhaps LEGO will notice ;) To you I say WRITE THAT MYTHOS of yours! - you never know, right? THANKS for the Visit!
This is very nice! I like all the thought you put into these, and how it seems to have branched away from bionicles mythology roots.
I have tried to do the same thing, yet mine is not developed enough...back to your moc though it is well designed and built out! 5/5
Quoting Max MIkulski
super awesome extreme cool, although his not that big really that big as I he was in size comparison, and once again a mega moc.
Yep. He's bout 11.75", and O.G.R.E. is between 24-26" depending on what weapons are out. Let u know on that How-To you've requested. Still working on 2 other projects. Cheers!
Quoting Colton VIcellus
wondering if any chance on getting a how to on the arms for Frosthulke if you dont mind
Colton: I don't mind being asked. Let me see what I can come up with - I'm still Editing the 4th Somniferrian Surfacer right now. When I finish him and post, I'll try disassembling one and see if I can explain how to re-build (which basically means seeing if I can remember how the heck I did it the first time =p). Be patient, and we'll see what can be done. Cheers!
hey fellow mocer here just haven't posted anything yet still alot of W.I.P.s but i love your work its amazing and was wondering if any chance on getting a how to on the arms for Frosthulke the blade thing is awesome and if you dont mind i would love to use it on a moc im workin on obviously giving due credit if you dont have any objections thank you for any consideration to my request
Quoting Ru Corder
I'm not really a Bio fan, but your work is really great!
Hey, I can respect that. And, much appreciated! I browse as wide as I can here, and while I happen upon stuff I know I would never personally build - doesn't stop me from LOVING it. I find wild Castle MOCs, Steampunk, a universe of amazing DIOs out there - that kind of thing. It's not in me to Build in those genres, but I still respect the heck out of those that do, and I think you should always find your Happy Place and go there as often as possible. Cheers! =)
Quoting Rogue Spartan
Dude! This thing is awesome! I got tired of bionicle when they started hero factory and don't look at most bio mocs but this is awesome! How do you do those picture effects? I would like to do that for my mocs too! (I would give you credit of course.)
Honestly, Sir, I'll give it to you as straight as I can: I got told once that Photography/Photoshop had 3 rules: 1)LIGHT the darn shot well to being with. 2) Process it patiently. And Photoshop is all about LAYERSLAYERSLAYERS. 3) Re-read Rules 1 and 2.----Those have served me well. I use a 200-watt (sometimes 2)strong overheads when I can, and good old fashioned Sunshine when God sends enough my way. In Photoshop, find the brightest points of light and ENHANCE 'em, as Duplicate Layers to the original, and never-hardly-ever alter the Original (let your edits exist exclusively in stacked Layers of the Original). Literally 'paint' on what you want to see with brushes and Filters - Lens Flares, Color Balance, Hue and Saturation, Sharpen (sparingly), The Burn Tool and, believe it or not, THE ERASER TOOL can do some AMAZING things when dipping down through layers of effects. Don't take my word for it, TRY it. ANY version of Photoshop is great, but there are PLENTY of great alternative photo-editing programs out there on the market ( I recommend LEGALITY; gives you access to free updates, and occasionaly new Filter Packs, etc.) I hope SOME of this helps. If not, hit me back, and I'll try to clarify more. Lastly, THANK YOU for looking! Cheers!
Dude! This thing is awesome! I got tired of bionicle when they started hero factory and don't look at most bio mocs but this is awesome! How do you do those picture effects? I would like to do that for my mocs too! (I would give you credit of course.)
Quoting Baron Von Ben ~
Amazing! Despite the difficulties you had in construction, which, trust me, will happen for ANY titan, I'd say your efforts are quite fruitful! The idea is great, and the design and build itself are AWESOME!! I love the details, the articulation of the blades, and the way you've edited everything, just really brings out something special here. Even the background, which is usually something I make note of when it's not blank, was used effectively!! There's nothing here I could see to make this a better MOC. Absolutely spectacular job!! :D
That is deeply appreciated, and I thank you. It's all a work in progress - I get my best inspirations from browsing all of YOU!!! =) I love how the tiniest little thing you spot on somebody else's work can totally set your mind going down a path to creating a whole new MOC out of it. S'the Geek in me, I guess. But hey, I love this stuff. =P
Amazing! Despite the difficulties you had in construction, which, trust me, will happen for ANY titan, I'd say your efforts are quite fruitful! The idea is great, and the design and build itself are AWESOME!! I love the details, the articulation of the blades, and the way you've edited everything, just really brings out something special here. Even the background, which is usually something I make note of when it's not blank, was used effectively!! There's nothing here I could see to make this a better MOC. Absolutely spectacular job!! :D
Quoting CEO Luiz Camargo
Man, I'm not a fan of Bionicles/HF/Technic but this thing is freaking awesome! Everything perfect in this one.
Much appreciated; and I can respect that. I think my thing w/HF is mainly about the great b.n.s. frames it added to the lego lineup, and I was really dubious at first, but after working w/it alot, I think it's really grown on me. HF has its downs, but some nice 'plus'ses, too. Putting up something called an 'Umbravore' tonight or tomorrow - take a look and tell me what you all think.
Totally fair suggestion, I wrestled with going back to the black background, but I was going for kinda emulating the 'Hulke's glacial haunts. I also knew I wanted to give you guys a sneakpeek @ O.G.R.E, and while white works very well for him, it was lousy for Frosthulke (and black woulda been great for 'Hulke, ironically, and terrible for O.G.R.E. --- can't catch a break, rite?). ;)
Quoting Raviel Ze MOCist!
After you finish loading your pictures,there are choices at the bottom.Click "large" and you won't have to click on the pictures.You good now?
I found that feature, but after having 'published' your pics to MOCpages once, the option to re-select doesn't reappear. I could completely re-upload and retype all my Flavortext, but... I think my brain would explode. Sorry, mate - clicking for Zooms will have to do for this one. Next time, I'll know better. Thank you, though, I shall use those in the future!
Quoting Overlord Galaxus (Instant Noodles)
And who is that giant moc I see there?
Thank you, and Check those last two blocks of Flavortext. I'm trying out a new service called Animoto to produce vids. I'll try to learn the html to link a preview here.
Didn't use Creator, so I can't give you the step-by-step, but I can describe the basics. Mostly a Bionicle limbset, two HF torso branches, and a LOT of HF armor and accessories.
A million thanks for you all - would like to respond to a few questions, just got in, let me bat them back out to you as fast as I can, bear with me...
Quoting Alien Entity
:O soooo AWESOME! (btw, to upload pics in a certain order, you must simply select the photos in that order. It helps to use the advanced uploading thing instead of the simple one. hope this helps!)
Holeeesmokes! So simple! YES! It does help, and THANK you.
:O soooo AWESOME! (btw, to upload pics in a certain order, you must simply select the photos in that order. It helps to use the advanced uploading thing instead of the simple one. hope this helps!)
As a footnote, I meant to praise the HF Design Team for this, the second fantastic Helm design to inspire an entire MOC dedicated to their potential. GREAT Stormer 3.0 design: Cheers, you lot!
