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Mystic
(from: The
Dark Crystal - 1982)
Manufacturer: Black Star Models
Sculptor:
Unknown
Material:
Resin
“Another world, another time, in the
age of wonder. The land was green and good until the Crystal cracked
and a single piece was lost. Strife began and two races appeared;
the cruel Skeksis and the kind Mystics. The Mystics live in a dream
of peace. Their ways are the ways of natural wizards. Yet now there
are only ten. A dying race numbly rehearsing the ancient ways in a
blur of forgetfulness….” (excerpt from The Dark Crystal)
This model is a representation of the
kindly creatures created by Brian Froud and brought to life by
Muppet creator Jim Henson. I say representation because it is not an
exact rendering of the Mystics in the film. It is however an
excellent version.
I do not know who sculpted the kit
and probably never will since Black Star Models is defunct. But of
their line of kits, I think this is one of their best. The design,
detail and execution of the piece are great. The casting was
excellent with little clean-up which made the build of this kit a
pleasure. When completed it stands 7” tall. The kit includes the
figure and staff, no base, and 2 heads – one with sculpted hair and
one without hair.
I chose to go with the “no hair”
version so I could add my own coiffure to the little fella. In
addition to the application of hair to Mystic’s head, I added fur to
his costume. This texture was sculpted into the kit but I figured
since I was using real hair I certainly couldn’t go with sculpted
fur. Both were applied in layers, over several days, using Elmer’s
glue. I also added some additional costume details such as braided
cords with beads around his neck and on his back.
The figure was hand painted with
acrylics and very little airbrushing. I added multiple layers of
washes to get the textures I wanted and highlighted by dry-brushing.
Everybody needs something to stand on
so I had to make a base. I used a wood base from the craft store and
added sand to recreate the Mystics’ magical patterns as seen in the
beginning of the film.
The hair and fur made this a time
consuming project but well worth it. The kit screams to be
customized as elaborately as you like and the results can be very
effective.
I mentioned Black Star models is gone
but there is still hope if you want a Mystic of your very own. It is
my understanding that Scott Kelly’s Alternative Images may have
picked up the Black Star line. You may want to contact him and see
if they are available. |
