For the month of August we are checking-in with one of the next generation of Mego customizers, Sean Gordy. Sean is the son of Chad Gordy, a longtime customizer of both packaging and figures. Sean has been quite busy since being bitten by the customizing bug.
EH: Sean – any Personal Info you are willing to share: (Married?(ha!) Pets? Future occupation? Other hobbies or interests?)
SG: I’m 17 years young, and I’m still at home with my awesome parents and my sister. And Megos are slowly becoming my life.
EH: How did you get started collecting Mego?
SG: When I was young I got bit by a dog, and as a present, members from this forum sent me a “Get well soon package” full of different Megos and I instantly became attached.
EH: I remember that – quite a scary event. What is your favorite original Mego figure and line?
SG: World’s Greatest Super Heroes hands down.
EH: What is, in your opinion, the biggest “hole” in Mego’s original lines? (What figure or figure line is missing that should have been done?)
SG: I definitely believe Star Wars should have been done. In my opinion, it would have been VERY successful given the time period.
EH: Agreed! What motivated you to start customizing?
SG: Well I always wanted a Link Mego and nobody I saw made one. So I decided to make one. And that’s what encouraged me to start making my own. Also seeing other customs people had made.
EH: What was your first custom (and do you have a pic)?
SG: My first Mego was Link from the game series Legend of Zelda.
EH: How did it come out? (looking back on it now)
SG: I thought it turned out pretty well for being my first custom. I never really merged 2 heads together and being my first custom, it was quite ambitious.
EH: What have you done/learned that has improved your customizing skills?
SG: I’ve learned that being patient and taking your time is the most important trait a customizer needs/ has.
EH: What areas of customizing are your strongest points, and/or favorite things to do?
SG: My strong point would have to be painting. On all of my customs, I have done the paint on all my figures. I also like making all the little accessories to go with my figures too.
EH: What resources make it easier for you as a customizer? (is there a favorite source for parts? Information? Etc… that aids you more than anything else?)
SG: Just always having a full stock of good paints, brushes, and sewing materials always helps at any time.
EH: Definitely – sometimes the cheap paints and brushes just won’t cut it. What is your favorite custom you’ve done and do you think it’s your best work? If not, what do you think is your best work?
SG: I can’t say which custom of mine is my favorite. I like them all equally the same. But the ones I’m most proud of are my Mark VII Ironman, Solomon Grundy and my Hellboy. They were my favorite ones to piece together. And certainly were the most ambitious and creative Megos I have made.
EH: I am pretty partial to the Grundy. Is there any particular strategy behind the projects you choose?
SG: I mostly try to make Megos that haven’t been done or haven’t been attempted a lot. Or simply, ones that appeal to me.
EH: What are your favorite customs others have done and why? (if there is one- for example, Derek Combs’ Scooby Doo line, the Flying monkey by Mike Oz, etc, etc…)
SG: I am VERY fond of Leitner’s Hawkeye. Anything made by Type3Toys, Random Axe, and MegoSpidey are top notch in my opinion.
EH: Great choices, hard to go wrong with any of those guys. What is on your “to do” list in the near future?
SG: I would like to make a Thanos. I’ve also been tossing around the idea of making the cast of the movie Kick-Ass but they’re all still in the idea stage.
EH: Kick-Ass in Mego style would….kick ass. How do you think customizing affects the Mego collecting hobby?
SG: Well I’ve just now started my own collection of original Megos. I think all the customizing I have done has really made me appreciate the originals. They are pieces of art that I hope to keep alive and preserve for many years to come.
EH: Any tips or words of customizing advice to new customizers?
SG: Never give up and be willing to try new ideas. I may not be the best, but I like every single custom of mine just because I made it. This is coming from a 17 year old, who has never taken a painting, sculpting, or sewing class. If I can do it, anyone can.
EH: Don’t sell yourself short. It’s been fun to watch your skills develop, and you definitely have talent that not all of us possess. Do you intend to ever sell your custom figures or parts? Why or why not?
SG: I would LOVE to sell my figures but I find myself growing too attached. Maybe if someone asked really nice, I’d at least try.
EH: Understandable. A way around that is to just make two – one for yourself; one to sell/trade. What does your family/friends think of your Mego custom work/hobby?
SG: Everyone I’m around loves my interest in Megos. They love how I spend my time doing something constructive instead of doing something, destructive lol. My parents are my biggest supporters. And many members have encouraged me and gave me LOADS of helpful advice too.
EH: A lot of us have gotten a real kick out of watching you dive in and join the fun. Any closing remarks?
SG: I’m very happy to be nominated Customizer of the Month and it’s much appreciated. This forum and the people in it are truly a second family to me. This forum is a place to meet amazing and nice people who will go out of their way to help you. I’m very thankful to be part of this family and to be accepted.
EH: And we’re glad to have you Sean. Thanks for taking the time to interview with us, and keep up the good work.
Be sure to browse Sean’s gallery to see what he’s been doing.
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