Forging a Man of Steel
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Story by Terry Smith
In the room fondly referred to as “the Sculptor’s Parlor” deep in the heart of the Sideshow Collectibles building Andy Bergholtz works diligently. Life-sized skulls of humans and monsters keep a vigil from above, just below a plaque that reads Haunted Mansion. On the wall to the right of the desk is another plaque, stamped with the words of Walt Disney: “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.”
It’s appropriate. Andy’s eyes, framed as they are by his reddish mutton chops, peer through his framed glasses at his current project. Which, as it turns out, is the Man of Tomorrow himself. He’s forging a Man of Steel, carving from a dull grey material and into 1/4-scale life the Premium Format Figure of Superman™.
“It’s not a specific comic book version,” he says. “That is, the design isn’t based on the artwork of any single artist. Our idea was to just sort of draw a little from one artist, a little from another.”
Illustrator Kris Anka’s concept art for the figure lies propped up behind the sculpt. In it, the Man of Steel stands wrapped in a frozen fog atop an icy pinnacle of the Fortress of Solitude, eyes stern and burning red, his brilliant blue uniform and billowing red cape the only colors evident in the harsh arctic environment.
The figure will come with two head sculpts. “He’ll have one staring-into-the-distance portrait,” Andy explains. “The other one will be looking down, like in the Anka print, with very stern eyes, like he’s getting ready to light something up with his heat vision. After working on Batman, it’s rather exciting for me to be working away now at another iconic figure from the DC Universe.”
Click any thumbnail to find out more about products related to this article:
You could win by commenting! Learn how
When do we order this and I am in hopes of it being a very limited piece. OK, order me one NOW.
just can’t wait!!!!! This is a real must have!
this is going to look awesome in my basement
I saw some photos of this finished piece taken at Comic Con and I have to say that it’s really beautiful. I absolutely love that it’s the classic look of the character/costume, with no attempts to pander to the kids who want everyone to look young and “badass”.
If I had one criticism, it would be that the cape, though gorgeously sculpted, is a bit too long for a classic Supes. A minor complaint.
I am a fan of Superman for almost 45 years now and I am glad to see “Big Blue” in his previous outfit! Not time yet for the new 52′s outfit. Being staioned overseas is great but miss out on a lot, so keep up the good work SSC and hats off to Mr. Andy Bergholtz!! Hope I can afford it!
This one should be great….unless the one thing that can screw it up. The Cape! I’ve seen some good sculpts, but the cape just took away from it. Hopefully they do it justice.
1 thing will make me pass… if he’s in the DCnU “kryptonian armor” outfit.
is it just me or is there a little bit of Reeve in that face?
excellent job, sir.
Traditional costume WITH the funny red shorts, PLEASE.
WOW, I am so excited about this already Superb looking Sculpt! As an Artist & occasional sculptor I am very envious of the Mega Talented Andy B-mutton Chops;)However…This is Clearly a JOB for the Mighty Mutton Chopperz.
I Have high hopes for this piece, the beautiful Head (so far) Looks almost like a blend of Henry Cavill, Christopher Reeve & a tiny bit of Ben Affleck..just a little.IMHO.A great look regardless of who it looks like it’s HOT!
Thanks to Sideshow & Co. for getting this made for all of us Fans of both Superman & Mr.B.. Thank you Andy for putting the love into it as you do so well with all your Awesome Sculpts.
CAN’T WAIT to see it in Person….the Wait is gonna destroy me!
Super! Man
Yes.. Finally! Someone is doing Superman justice. I have been excited about this DC line since it was announced. Thank you Sideshow! You have fired the collector in me back up..
I think the cape is really going to make this one look great. Also I think I like the head sculpt in the illustration better. I hope I can get this!!!
I’m going to buy this figure. I just want Superman and Batman premium format statues.
RED light up eyes??? going to be iconic!
Faster than a Speeding Bullet,able to Leap Tall Buildings in a Single Bound,More Powerful than a Locomotive and about time.DC JLA we have been waiting for this Man of Steel.From the Print Art this looks Amazing.Nice Sculpt on Superman so far Andy.Can’t wait to see the completed Statue.
WOW..This is a MUST HAVE!! I cant wait!!
Andy B on Superman is a match made in heaven. I can’t wait to see WW next. Loving that the JLA gets the full treatment first. :)
This is the one I’ve been waiting for!It’s looking great!
YESSS MAN. THIS IS WHAT I VE BEEN WAITING FOR. BRING IT ONNNNNNNNNNN
I can’t wait for this to come out!!!
Same pose as Captain America pf
I can’t wait to see this, bring it on now!!!!
Oh heck yes! This is what I’ve been waiting for and even without paint or clothes, I can tell it has been worth it!
NOW THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!!!