Ernesto Hernandez of Gotham Customs

What does the word Customizer mean to you?
To me a customizer is anyone who can alter or transform an original piece (be it action figure, automobile, clothing, or anything) into their own making it original in a sense, because that actual rendition has never been created, or has been poorly reproduced for the public. When you customize anything you are really “creating” whether it is your idea or someone else’s, you are manifesting a vision

As a Customizer what do you create?
I am partial to the Super Hero genre. I prefer working in the 1/6 scale (that’s 12” tall) action figures.

The Dynamic Duo

Tell me about Gotham Customs and how you began customizing?
It all started about 6 years ago while looking for a particular batman figure I couldn’t find in any store I wanted an Adam West Batman figure. I was asking around comic book specialty stores & one guy suggested eBay. Well when I checked out eBay, for custom figures & I saw what was being created, I said to myself, “hmm, I can do that”. But more importantly I was not satisfied with the customs I saw. If I was going to have an Adam West Batman figure, it needed to be detailed. I mean you have to do the man & the character justice, and so it began. When I finally completed the first custom I was happy with it so I had to make more, The 1966 Yvonne Craig Batgirl was next on my list, and she had to be sexy! The rest as you say is History. I came up with Gotham Customs because I focus on “Bat Man” related characters, and being from Gotham (NYC) itself it seemed like a perfect name.

Why Batman themed Customs?
I am a diehard Batman fan. I have loved the character ever since I can remember. In my opinion Batman is the Ultimate hero. The Dark Knight is my preferred character, but I can create just about any character.

Do you Customize any other type of figures?
I have customized famous covers figures, and also different vehicles.

Catwoman

What is your process when you are Customizing, from start to finish ?
I have to envision my customs first. Then I look for any points of references. This could be comic books, magazines movies, etc.

Do you make the clothes and sculpt the heads, etc…?
Yes and no. I do both, make clothes and sculpt heads and alter body parts on the actual figures depending if the character calls for a larger or smaller physique, but sometimes I have to outsource the costuming work if it is too large an order and I have time constraints. I have an excellent source who happens to be a great customizer himself, he does great work and has helped me out tremendously. I also look for other customizer’s sculpts that I can use and alter as well.

Captain America

Do you keep any of your customs?
I have not had the opportunity, but I’d like to

Where do you sell your Customs?
I sell them on eBay and have sold many commissions as well.

What has been the highest price that you have received for a Custom?
I received $925.00 for a Custom.

Do you get requests?
I absolutely do. What would you like? (laughs)

What has been the oddest request?
I got a request for a “Rocket Man” and I also got a surprising request once from Sandy Collora who Directed the Short film “Batman Dead End”. He requested a complete 1966 Batman custom set which included the Three heroes & the four main villains: the Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and of course the sexy Julie Newmar version of Catwoman.

Unfinished Custom Batmobile

When you are Customizing what are the essential tools one needs?
It all depends on what you are customizing, but for action figures: A base figure of course, an X-acto knife, precision scissors, some kind of sculpting material, Paints & then anything at all (& I do mean anything)you can find to alter your figure.

Who in the Customizing world or other has been an inspiration?
Chris Longo, Peter Tassler, Blair, Paul “Dr. Mego” himself.

Bruce Wayne

What project would you like to take on as a Customizer ?
I am in the process of creating all the Bat vehicles from the 1966 tv show. The Batcycle, The Batboat and the Batcopter all In the 1/6 scale for the figures to fit in.

When you want to see other Customizers is there a place where you go?
eBay or many of the custom sites on the web. There used to be a great site called zappowbang.com (I don’t think it exists anymore) where dozens of customizers would display their creations. It was a great site.

Batgirl

What has been the best creation that you and/or someone else has made?
The Best Custom Creation That I have seen from any Customizer is from a Korean artist named Arnie. He is a master sculptor & has brought Bruce Lee to life with his work. His custom Bruce Lee figure is so realistic it is Scary!

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate yourself as a Customizer?
Jeez, I don’t know, I would have to say a 5? I believe creativity is an evolutionary process that always keeps us improving. There is always room for improvement.

What would you say makes your Customs different from others?
I really strive for good details & try to capture the essence of the character.

Why do you think people started Customizingand where do you think Customizing will lead to in the future?
I believe it derived from the industry not producing a certain character or an unacceptable rendition of a popular character. Unfortunately the big companies are concerned with making $$$ and quality detailing is sacrificed for quantity.

Do you hope to create your own toy line like McFarlane?
I would love to someday, but for now I am having a great time with my custom endeavors

Do you also Collect toys or artwork perhaps for inspiration?
Of course, I have an extensive Batman comic book collection as well as statues & figures.

"Birds of Prey"

1960's Batgirl with Batcycle