First Look at the Cyberzoic Comic Book with new preview art!
about 1 year ago – Tue, Oct 31, 2023 at 08:52:22 AM

For those who've been following the development of Cyberzoic on my social media, you may recall mention that there's a Cyberzoic comic in the works to accompany the action figure line and help flesh out the story. Well we've been working on writing the first issue for some time now and we finally have the first sample pages to share with you all here, with art by comic artist Tadd Galusha! 

The comic begins with a typical Fire Clan gladiator match, in this case featuring Sykron and our main protagonist, Helina (who's fighting as 'Dragolina' at this point in the story). The gladiators with their thrill-seeking mentality provide some levity in the story, a contrast to the more stoic characters like the Tech Clan members.

Despite the upbeat tone of these pages, it is the 'calm before the storm' as the Tech Clan eventually interrupt the match, causing a disturbance in which all hell breaks loose.  If you can call being attacked by a wild Acrocanthosaurus 'calm' anyway. Speaking of which...

Fun fact, this Acrocanthosaurus color scheme was based on my own model kit from 2010, which was inspired by the Marine Iguana.

And for those wondering, Acrocanthosaurus will be part of Cyberzoic II. It is my favorite dinosaur after all. :)

Drawing process

I'm willing to bet that there's interest to see Tadd's process for this art, so he's also provided me with the inks and pencils for each page as well! 

I hope you all enjoyed this preview of the new comic. We're working really hard to make it something special and costs permitting, I hope to include a mini version with the figures next fall, just like we had in the 80's toy lines!

We're rapidly closing in on that Utahraptor Set stretch goal so I expect to be back later today with more on that. And just to make sure the Fire Clan doesn't get all of the attention,  I'll leave you with a look at our potential Tech Clan crew. 

See you all at the next unlock!

-David

Utahraptor is UNLOCKED and a 'first look' at the Carnotaurus!
about 1 year ago – Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 06:21:19 PM

We've reached yet another stretch goal, this time for the Utahraptor ostrommaysi figure! This item is now available to add as a reward tier or add-on. 

The colors and patterns were based on the Harpy Eagle.

The Utahraptor figure was brilliantly sculpted by Jake Baardse, with articulation by Raul Ramos. Who said feathered raptors weren't cool?

Here it is with its Cyberzoic rival, Achillobator, each have armors that are compatible with one another. 

And alongside its Beasts of the Mesozoic counterpart... what a lovely couple!

And next to the big boss, the Arctic Dragon!

Now it's time to complete this set with the Knight Pilot (I almost called him a 'Knight Rider' but that was taken apparently) and the Jetraptor armor at $410K! This will also finish out the Wave B assortment, giving us additional wave bundle options. And then...

It's Carno time!

The next dinosaur unlock, is none other than the much anticipated Carnotaurus sastrei, unlocked at $430K! 

The listing has now been added to the campaign page.

Congrats on the new unlock, everyone. We're doing great so let's keep the momentum going! 

Later!

-David

New finished Dryptosaurus package art by Raph Lomotan!
about 1 year ago – Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 09:40:52 AM

I just wanted to share this brand new completed package art for the Dryptosaurus Set, done by Raph Lomotan! 

Those familiar with paleoart may recognize this composition. It's an homage to the 'Leaping Laelaps' painting by Charles R. Knight, from way back when Dryptosaurus was called Laelaps aquilunguis.

In the art, we get to see Helina and her rival, Sykron, battle it out in the Fire Clan gladiatorial arena.

While these contests were not meant to be 'to the death', serious injuries would often occur to any of th parties involved. But for fighters such as these two, the danger only made the matches more exciting.

We're now less than $5K away from letting the Utahraptor loose- let's go!!

-David

Dilophosaurus Gallery added w/ Pyrodactyl and Fire Knight; Remaining stretch goals, and Utahraptor Set preview!
about 1 year ago – Sun, Oct 29, 2023 at 02:27:50 PM

Full Dilophosaurus Set Gallery up now!

Hi All- my apologies for the tardiness of this update. This Pyrodactyl was set was much trickier to photograph than I expected. Silver on a white background can make photo editing quite a chore! But I'm here for it and obviously you are as well- so I thank you for that! Without further ado, you can check out the selection of photos below or go directly to the Dilophosaurus Set gallery here.

 Pyrodactyl Armor

 Also, something that I neglected to note before- the Pyrodactyl set has two interchangeable tail axe options, for when you can't decide how much mayhem to cause.  :)

 Pyrodactyl Design and Sculpt

 The Pyrodactyl armor was based on designs by Ross Persichetti. This was our second transforming animal armor after the Razorhound. Still not completely sure if it was meant to be a bird, pterosaur, or a dragon, but I love it!

The armor was then sculpted by Chris 'Chaotic' Albers and turned out amazing! Here some renders.

Chris also sculpted the flame effect parts, but the wings had to be trimmed a bit for the final version.

We've come a long way from our display at PowerCon this past August, but this flight stand is still currently in progress.

Fire Knight

 The epic Fire Knight is finished, and was designed, sculpted and painted by Ross Persichetti!

This figure included two different heads- the one on the left I think of as the 'Commander Knight'.

Compatibility with Fire Guard

The Fire Knight shares parts with the Fire Guard and likewise there is a lot of interchangeability between the two figures. 

 Here are just some the different combinations!

 Heads, weapons, shoulder pads, and forearm covers are all swappable between the two figures. 

 There are plenty more ways to mix and match, but we gotta move on!

Remaining Stretch Goals

As we head into the home stretch of this campaign, I've had some requests to announce which stretch goals are still to come and what the remaining bundle options will be. Please know that the corresponding prototypes are still in progress and building and painting these physical models, as well as the accompanying photography, does take a fair bit of time, so there are no images to show just yet outside of the preview for the next set. But here's a rundown of the remaining stretch goals and pricing.

-Wave B- 

Reward Set 10- Tech Clan 

Utahraptor set w/ Knight Pilot ($125)- unlocked at $410K (now added to campaign page)

Wave B Bundle- $445

Wave A +B bundle- $1,110

-Wave C- 

Reward Set 11- Fire Clan

Carnotaurus figure ($90)- unlocked at $430K

Carnotaurus Set w/ Dybukk ($160)- unlocked at $460

Reward Set 12- Tech Clan

Yutyrannus figure ($80)- unlocked at $480K

Yutyrannus Set w/ QiLara ($145)- unlocked at $510K

Reward Set 13- Dragon Clan

Forest Dragon ($175)- unlocked at $575K

Wave C Bundle- $470

ALL IN (Waves A,B,C- 1 of everything)- $1,550

Beast Bundle (Earth animals only- 9 figures, no exclusive)- $600 

Dragon Bundle (both dragons)- $445

Some people have also asked what will happen to the developed stretch goal items if the funding is not met. Well, in the past we have continued the funding process via BackerKit, which would be an option. However I don't have any formal announcement to make for this scenario just yet as I'd prefer to explore different ideas before deciding. It goes without saying though that funding here on Kickstarter is the ideal method, and would allow us to proceed with everything as soon as possible.  

In any case, I hope you all find that info helpful!

 Utahraptor Set preview

 And here's a peek at the final prototypes for the Utahraptor Set- one of the first prototype sets we worked on! It's gone through a few versions by now, but I'm really happy with the final look here. It's about time Argenteus got some back up!

Interviews and Podcasts

For those who enjoy interviews and podcasts, check out my most recent talks where I discuss more about Cyberzoic, the future of Creative Beast Studio, and the toy industry as a whole. Big thanks to these creators for hosting me, and please check out their channels for other toy-related content!

Spector Creative

OakhurstStudios

Off The Card: An Action Figure Podcast

Whoo, that was a lot and we still have plenty more to come before the big Kickstarter finish on Thursday night! We'll be cranking to get get as much done as we can on the remaining prototypes, but in meantime, please keep sharing the Kickstarter where ever you can and hopefully we'll be discussing the Utahraptor Set unlock very soon.

Thanks again everyone, and until next time!

-David

The Armored Dilophosaurus w/ Fire Knight Set is UNLOCKED!
about 1 year ago – Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 06:05:42 PM

For those that haven't heard, the Armored Dilophosaurus w/ Fire Knight Set is now UNLOCKED! The Dilophosaurus, Pyrodactyl armor unit, and Fire Knight are all available to add to your pledge as a reward or an add-on, individually or as a set!

I'd hoped to have the gallery finished tonight, but I want to take just a bit more time with it. So for now I have a few preview images to share of this exciting set!

I was even able to get the Fire Knight to ride its steed!

In either the Pyrodactyl mode or armor mode, you can't go wrong with this one!

Also, a troop builder 3-pack has been added for the Fire Knight action figure. 

I'll have the full, epic gallery up tomorrow as well as the reveal of the remaining stretch goals, so stay tuned for that! 

Congratulations everyone on yet another unlock and have a great night!

-David