Continuing my project making my own custom versions of rare sci-fi toy figures, here's another one I've finished.
Zython.
To make Mattel's elusive Space 1999 alien I bought a cheap loose and green Monster High doll.
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I then shrank her head but I'm unsure it worked. All her hair was removed and her tippy-toes clipped. I adjusted the head a little with some hot pinching and fimo, added long ears and a beard and painted it a similar lime. Finally the eyes and brows were drawn on.
The costume is from the Missus's felt stash with gold braid, all glued together. The cap is a plastic spoon. Shoes are trimmed Barbies. The trident is a marshmallow stick with Cootie legs on top.
Here it is complete.
Hope you like it.
Here's Mattel's original doll for comparison
Not perfect, by a long chalk, more of an impression really, my Zython - Mython! ha ha - will look even better once mounted on a recreation of the original Mattel backing blister card.
That particular piece of graphics wizardry is in the hands of Billy the Boxer!
Watch this Space .... 1999!
[you can read more about the original figure on the ever-informative Plaid Stallions https://plaidstallions.com/reboot/toy-ventures-zython-from-mattels/]
That is a stunning transformation. Well done. Totally out of my league.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul. You're a proper modeller. I'm just a bodger!
DeleteAmazing work, but I don't remember this alien in the show at all.
ReplyDeleteDid it actually feature ?
Thanks a lot Mish. No, Mattel made Zython up!
DeleteSuper inventive job - head shrinking indeed! Old Zython is an early exponent of what Lucas did with Star Wars marketing in the 90's - the 'Expanded Universe' idea, where figures 'just off camera' were produced to pad out the line. At this rate, you'll be your own toy company! Bill
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Thanks Bill and I'm enjoying collaborating a lot. I've got more ideas now from my new Knockoffs Book by the ever brilliant folks at Plaid Stallions. So many fabulously rare cheapo figures I'll never own!
DeleteWow! I'd never heard of this figure.
ReplyDeleteA quick Google for the toy blog Plaidstallions turned up this useful info...
"However, sales on Space:1999 merch weren’t strong enough to warrant a wide release and the Zython seems to have only been offered via this contest for a German comic book above (Thanks Eddy for the scan). It’s speculated that less than 300 of these were made, we’ll probably never know for sure but a few have trickled out of Deutschland over the years."
It's a pity all your fossicking in Germany hasn't turned up an example, but your hand made version is a great alternative, well done!
Fossicking! Ha ha! Love that and thanks Looey. Oddly enough I got some Zack comics in Germany but none with Space 1999. There more chance of owning the Mexican version, Nocton, with it's Big Jim body.
DeleteWell done, Woodsy! The likeness is there, definitively so!
ReplyDeleteZython features also in German Mattel dealer catalogue of the time, but was not released beyond that Zack competition.
Thanks Arto! Is it a figure you have had your eyes on over the years? For some reason it has a Star Maiden vibe to it.
DeleteHave you got that catalogue Arto?
DeleteGot a loose figure and the German catalogue, the latter stashed somewhere.
DeleteWow, now I'm gobsmacked. Youve got a Zython! How did you find one Arto?
DeleteIt's the one pictured above.
ReplyDeleteFabulous!
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