A commissioned painted build of the Good Smile Company Moderoid Thunderjaw from Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West, especially paired with a custom river diorama, would be an impressive piece of art that combines both model-building expertise and creative environmental design. Here’s a detailed review of what you can expect from such a commission:
1. Thunderjaw Model Build
- Assembly Quality: The Moderoid Thunderjaw is a complex and intricate model that represents one of the most iconic machines in Horizon Zero Dawn. A commissioned build ensures precise assembly, with seamless joints and parts that come together tightly without visible seams or gaps. Thunderjaw’s mechanical intricacies, like the moving parts of its weapons, are also well-articulated.
- Durability: A professional build should handle Thunderjaw’s weighty and large structure well, ensuring a sturdy frame that can be posed or displayed without risk of instability. Given the Thunderjaw’s size, precise balancing is key, and a professional build will ensure the figure stands firmly.
2. Painting
Base Colors and Detailing: One of the highlights of the Thunderjaw is its unique design, combining metallic and mechanical aesthetics with a sleek, deadly look. A professional paint job would bring out the contrast between its mechanical elements, such as metallic plating and the more natural, weathered look of some sections.
- Metallic Finish: The mechanical components, such as the armor and weapons, should feature a metallic finish to replicate the feel of the in-game machine. A professional painter will likely use airbrushing or metallic paints to achieve a realistic steel-like sheen.
- Weathering Effects: The Thunderjaw in the game has a worn look, having been exposed to the wilds and battles. A good paint job will include weathering techniques like dry brushing, rust effects, and subtle scratches to give the machine a more battle-hardened appearance.
- Bright Accents: The signature blue glow from the Thunderjaw’s sensors and energy parts should be handled with precision to make the model stand out, using either glow effects or luminous paints to make it look alive.
Fine Details: The Thunderjaw has an abundance of small details, such as the complex parts of its weapons, tail, and exposed gears. A professional paint job ensures every tiny detail is highlighted with precision. In areas where the machine’s inner workings are visible, such as joints or exposed circuitry, detail painting should give it a realistic mechanical feel.
3. Diorama - River Scene
Base Design: A river diorama creates a stunning backdrop for the Thunderjaw, immersing the model in a natural environment reminiscent of the wild settings in Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West. A custom river diorama can feature flowing water effects, natural rock formations, and lush plant life to contrast the metallic, futuristic design of the Thunderjaw.
- Water Effects: For the river, the use of clear resin or water effects gel can create a realistic flowing water appearance. A professional diorama builder may also add ripples or currents to suggest motion, giving the scene more dynamism.
- Rocks and Terrain: To replicate the rugged terrain, the riverbanks can be made from foam or plaster, painted and weathered to resemble realistic rock. Details like moss or small plants will add further depth to the diorama, matching the wild, untamed landscapes in the game.
- Plant Life: Custom-built plant life using synthetic materials will evoke the vibrant natural surroundings seen in Horizon. Grass tufts, bushes, and other foliage will contrast beautifully with the cold, mechanical Thunderjaw.
Dynamic Posing: A well-designed diorama should feature the Thunderjaw in a dynamic pose, such as stalking along the riverbank or preparing to fire one of its weapons. The inclusion of interactive elements, like splashes in the water or disturbed ground, can enhance the feeling of motion and action, making the display even more engaging.
Scale and Environment Balance: A great diorama balances the Thunderjaw’s imposing size with its environment. A custom-built river scene should be scaled to properly frame the machine, giving the diorama a natural and immersive feel without overwhelming the viewer with too many competing elements.
4. Overall Impact
- Visual Appeal: The combination of a meticulously painted Thunderjaw model with a natural river diorama creates a stark, visually appealing contrast between the futuristic and natural world, mirroring the visual themes of Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West. The metallic, deadly machine set against a serene and wild natural environment makes for a striking display.
- Collector’s Value: This custom-built and painted diorama elevates the Moderoid Thunderjaw from a standard model kit to a true collector’s piece. The attention to detail in both the figure and the diorama makes it a centerpiece for any fan of the game or model-building enthusiast.
Conclusion
A painted build of the Good Smile Company Moderoid Thunderjaw with a custom river diorama is an ambitious and impressive project. The combination of detailed assembly, expert painting, and a carefully crafted environment would result in a stunning display that truly captures the essence of the Horizon games. For collectors, this commission is more than worth it, offering a unique and high-quality representation of one of the franchise’s most iconic machines.
A commissioned painted build of the Good Smile Company Moderoid Thunderjaw from Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West, especially paired with a custom river diorama, would be an impressive piece of art that combines both model-building expertise and creative environmental design. Here’s a detailed review of what you can expect from such a commission:
1. Thunderjaw Model Build
- Assembly Quality: The Moderoid Thunderjaw is a complex and intricate model that represents one of the most iconic machines in Horizon Zero Dawn. A commissioned build ensures precise assembly, with seamless joints and parts that come together tightly without visible seams or gaps. Thunderjaw’s mechanical intricacies, like the moving parts of its weapons, are also well-articulated.
- Durability: A professional build should handle Thunderjaw’s weighty and large structure well, ensuring a sturdy frame that can be posed or displayed without risk of instability. Given the Thunderjaw’s size, precise balancing is key, and a professional build will ensure the figure stands firmly.
2. Painting
Base Colors and Detailing: One of the highlights of the Thunderjaw is its unique design, combining metallic and mechanical aesthetics with a sleek, deadly look. A professional paint job would bring out the contrast between its mechanical elements, such as metallic plating and the more natural, weathered look of some sections.
- Metallic Finish: The mechanical components, such as the armor and weapons, should feature a metallic finish to replicate the feel of the in-game machine. A professional painter will likely use airbrushing or metallic paints to achieve a realistic steel-like sheen.
- Weathering Effects: The Thunderjaw in the game has a worn look, having been exposed to the wilds and battles. A good paint job will include weathering techniques like dry brushing, rust effects, and subtle scratches to give the machine a more battle-hardened appearance.
- Bright Accents: The signature blue glow from the Thunderjaw’s sensors and energy parts should be handled with precision to make the model stand out, using either glow effects or luminous paints to make it look alive.
Fine Details: The Thunderjaw has an abundance of small details, such as the complex parts of its weapons, tail, and exposed gears. A professional paint job ensures every tiny detail is highlighted with precision. In areas where the machine’s inner workings are visible, such as joints or exposed circuitry, detail painting should give it a realistic mechanical feel.
3. Diorama - River Scene
Base Design: A river diorama creates a stunning backdrop for the Thunderjaw, immersing the model in a natural environment reminiscent of the wild settings in Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West. A custom river diorama can feature flowing water effects, natural rock formations, and lush plant life to contrast the metallic, futuristic design of the Thunderjaw.
- Water Effects: For the river, the use of clear resin or water effects gel can create a realistic flowing water appearance. A professional diorama builder may also add ripples or currents to suggest motion, giving the scene more dynamism.
- Rocks and Terrain: To replicate the rugged terrain, the riverbanks can be made from foam or plaster, painted and weathered to resemble realistic rock. Details like moss or small plants will add further depth to the diorama, matching the wild, untamed landscapes in the game.
- Plant Life: Custom-built plant life using synthetic materials will evoke the vibrant natural surroundings seen in Horizon. Grass tufts, bushes, and other foliage will contrast beautifully with the cold, mechanical Thunderjaw.
Dynamic Posing: A well-designed diorama should feature the Thunderjaw in a dynamic pose, such as stalking along the riverbank or preparing to fire one of its weapons. The inclusion of interactive elements, like splashes in the water or disturbed ground, can enhance the feeling of motion and action, making the display even more engaging.
Scale and Environment Balance: A great diorama balances the Thunderjaw’s imposing size with its environment. A custom-built river scene should be scaled to properly frame the machine, giving the diorama a natural and immersive feel without overwhelming the viewer with too many competing elements.
4. Overall Impact
- Visual Appeal: The combination of a meticulously painted Thunderjaw model with a natural river diorama creates a stark, visually appealing contrast between the futuristic and natural world, mirroring the visual themes of Horizon Zero Dawn/Forbidden West. The metallic, deadly machine set against a serene and wild natural environment makes for a striking display.
- Collector’s Value: This custom-built and painted diorama elevates the Moderoid Thunderjaw from a standard model kit to a true collector’s piece. The attention to detail in both the figure and the diorama makes it a centerpiece for any fan of the game or model-building enthusiast.
Conclusion
A painted build of the Good Smile Company Moderoid Thunderjaw with a custom river diorama is an ambitious and impressive project. The combination of detailed assembly, expert painting, and a carefully crafted environment would result in a stunning display that truly captures the essence of the Horizon games. For collectors, this commission is more than worth it, offering a unique and high-quality representation of one of the franchise’s most iconic machines.
