Tigra Mini Bust - Bowen Designs

[Jesse321]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P70400012.jpg

Just got in the Tigra MB and I gotta tell ya, this one is an instant winner!

THE GOOD POINTS

Where to start ...

First and foremost, what strikes me most about this piece is the beautiful face on Tigra, thin, feminine and elegant are all adjectives that easily come to mind.

The figure itself is a perfect balance of athletic, strong, powerful, yet still undeniably feminine.

The fluid motion of the hair only adds to the beauty of this sculpt.

The tail is an amazing feat of engineering, because it doesn't touch the base for support any where, it simply connects where its supposed to ... on the small of Tigra's slender, but perfectly formed back.

The paint job (at least on mine) is flawless. I'm especially surprised at how accurate the bikini top and the totem at it's center are painted ... not one bit of paint it out of place. The colors used on the figure are absolutely perfect.

The base is simple, but adequate and doesn't distract from the figure at all.

THE BAD POINTS

The ONLY thing that I can find fault in on this piece, is the color of the totems used on the base. The totem on Tigra's bikini top is silver, the ones on the base are gold ... I personally would like to have seen them dry-brush painted in silver so they would match. But in all honesty, this is such a small complaint, it's hardly even worth mentioning.

I would definately recommend this piece to anyone, even if you're not an Avengers fan, this one is just to damn beautiful to pass up.

I give this one a 9.5 out of 10!

It's definately Jim's best work to date for Bowen!

[rychehitman]

One would think that you really like this Jess! :eplus2:

[Jesse321]

Honestly ... I knew it was going to be a great piece when I saw the shot of it at Bowen, but this is a piece that you REALLY have to see in person to appreciate.


Now when does NOVA get released?!?! :eplus2:

[nexus]

Yep, this is probably the nicest female bust to come out of BD. Beautiful design, excellent sculpt, striking pose, perfect face. And got the tail in there. Jim hit a home run with this baby.

[moon_knight1971]

Absolutely beautiful! Great pick up! Great review! Jim can sculpt all of BD's women with my (& many or our) blessings!! About time Randy got someone who could capture a lady right! :D

[bat_collector]

Great rview jesse, not moving this to the bowen board. Can you post a pic of it next to rogue, she hulk, or spiderwoman?

gotta get this one!

[Jesse321]

Great review jesse, not moving this to the bowen board. Why would it need to be moved? It's a review. :confused:

Can you post a pic of it next to rogue, she hulk, or spiderwoman?Do you one better .. how's this?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P70500031.jpg

[marvelboi77]

Tigra is hands down the best mini bust in my collection and has moved up to my #2 favorite rather quickly. I think we all know who my favorite is. I've had this bust for 5 days and I can't stop looking at it. I love it, and I own 3 of these babies.

[bat_collector]

Tigra is hands down the best mini bust in my collection and has moved up to my #2 favorite rather quickly. I think we all know who my favorite is. I've had this bust for 5 days and I can't stop looking at it. I love it, and I own 3 of these babies.
where do you put them? is one set at work?

[bat_collector]

Why would it be moved? It's a review.

You got the concept of a review down pat. I moved two other "reviews" to the bowen board. :D

[Jesse321]

You got the concept of a review down pat. I moved two other "reviews" to the bowen board. :DIs there another sort of format that you're supposed to follow or something? This is the same format that I used for the Attuma review.

[bat_collector]

Is there another sort of format that you're supposed to follow or something? This is the same format that I used for the Attuma review.
No, your's is great! I moved two that were one paragraph reviews. no worries, your's are awesome.

[nexus]

Why would it need to be moved? It's a review. :confused:

Do you one better .. how's this?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P70500031.jpg

Am I the only one who would have liked to have seen all four of these done by Jim? Not to mention Storm, Scarlet Witch, Sue Storm (the whole FF for that matter), and a bevy of other Marvel beauties.

[Jesse321]

Am I the only one who would have liked to have seen all four of these done by Jim? Not to mention Storm, Scarlet Witch, Sue Storm (the whole FF for that matter), and a bevy of other Marvel beauties.
HARDLY!

[marvelboi77]

where do you put them? is one set at work?
No there spares in case the big one hits. :bawling:

[Bullseye]

Nice review Jesse. Very nice sculpt by Jim.

[JDH]

Jesse, your review was so good it even got reviewed. How big of a compliment is that?:)

Great stuff, looking forward to getting this one.

[bat_collector]

Am I the only one who would have liked to have seen all four of these done by Jim? Not to mention Storm, Scarlet Witch, Sue Storm (the whole FF for that matter), and a bevy of other Marvel beauties.
I don't think the rogue needs to be redone, but spiderwoman and she hulk DEFINATELY need to be redone. I sold mine out of not liking them so much, despite me wanting them very much.

I think this is jim's best work by far. :thumbs2:

[stormshadow75x]

I got to pick this one up
really impressed

[stormshadow75x]

I'd love to see JIm work on BLINK, SPIRAL (FS!!!!!!) & Black Cat

[MKS]

Anyone else notice a slight bit of missing red lipstick/paint on the left side of her mouth (looking at the bust). You only see it if you look up close, so not a major distraction.

[Jesse321]

Not on mine.

[bat_collector]

I'd love to see JIm work on BLINK, SPIRAL (FS!!!!!!) & Black Cat
There is nothign wrong with the current black cat bust.

[chromesamurai]

This one is beautiful and one of the best female head sculpts I've seen in a while. But how the hell is this bust packed in the box to avoid breaking the tail?

[Snyder-Man]

I don't think the rogue needs to be redone, but spiderwoman and she hulk DEFINATELY need to be redone. I sold mine out of not liking them so much, despite me wanting them very much.

I think this is jim's best work by far. :thumbs2:

As an artist, there are many projects you wish you could revisit. As time passes, you find so many things that could be better if you could only work with the piece again for a few more hours. Understanding that Spiderwoman and She-hulk weren't as well received by some fans as other work from our studio, there are aspects of these busts we would love the opportunity to go back and perfect if it were possible.

Having said this, it is difficult at times for a sculptor in this very commercial market to be able to produce a piece that reflects 100% of their talent and ability. All of the busts our studio has sculpted for Randy, were carefully designed by him (Bowen Designs) so that each sculpt not only looks appealing individually, but also looks good when displayed with other busts in his line. Our challenge is then to translate that design into three dimensions while adhering to the specifications of the design and the character itself as drawn in the comics. Once the sculpt has been completed, revised, and sent out, Randy often adds his touch to the piece, adjusting things he had not noticed from the pictures, and revising some design issues based on fan feedback from the message boards.

After the statues are mass produced and painted, the desired result is always a piece that is visually appealing, anatomically correct, true to the comics, compatible with other BD busts, and most importantly, pleasing to the fans of the character. It is very challenging with certain projects to get an A in all of these categories, but that is the goal. Bowen Designs does an amazing job of achieving this in most occasions, and has established a very effective, fan-friendly process for doing so, but with so many different variables, it is impossible to meet these expectations on every single project.

I think that Jim Maddox did an awesome job on the Tigra and is a very talented sculptor. I'm sure if he were to sculpt a Spiderwoman or She-hulk, they would be very nice, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the finished product would be a better one with so many other variables involved. She-hulk for example has been drawn in several different styles, making it very difficult to determine the right dimensions and features for a MB.

Overall, Bowen Designs does an excellent job and Randy has been an awesome client to work for on every project. I also want to say congratulations again to Jim Maddox on the awesome bust and Jesse for the sharp review.

These are all just my opinions and I know that others may be different, but that's cool. We're all comic fans right? :thumbs2:


All the best,

Joshua Snyder

[bat_collector]

All of the busts our studio has sculpted for Randy, were carefully designed by him (Bowen Designs) so that each sculpt not only looks appealing individually, but also looks good when displayed with other busts in his line. Our challenge is then to translate that design into three dimensions while adhering to the specifications of the design and the character itself as drawn in the comics.Joshua Snyder
This is just my opinion, Mr. Snyder, but I think these two busts are a failure not because of the artist who sculpted them (your wife), but a horrible design concept.

Spiderwoman doesn't look good next to other busts because it is a display nightmare. Hands sticking out, too much hair in the back, it was impossible for me to put her in a good angle and have other busts around her. I find this the biggest flaw in many of the recent BD busts (Mr. Maddox's Absorbing Man comes immediately to mind). These concepts are just flawed period and make a good display angle or grouping with other busts very difficult.

She-Hulk looked great in sneak peak pics (like other busts I've seen from many companies), but just didn't look good when I got her. Too generic, odd base, and akward pose. While others may like her, she did not exude any of the qualities (including sexiness) that she should.

But, for both of these I blame concept more than I blame the sculptor.

[Jesse321]

Overall, Bowen Designs does an excellent job and Randy has been an awesome client to work for on every project. I also want to say congratulations again to Jim Maddox on the awesome bust and Jesse for the sharp review.

Joshua SnyderJosh .. while I'm admittedly not a fan of the She-Hulk sculpt, I agree with BC in so far as I think that the fault lies more in a poor design choice than any lack of talent/skill on Joy's part.

But I whole heartly disagree with BC on the Spider-Wowan. I'm a HUGE fan of both the Vindicator and the Spider-Woman that Joy did for BD's.

[Snyder-Man]

This is just my opinion, Mr. Snyder, but I think these two busts are a failure not because of the artist who sculpted them (your wife), but a horrible design concept.

Spiderwoman doesn't look good next to other busts because it is a display nightmare. Hands sticking out, too much hair in the back, it was impossible for me to put her in a good angle and have other busts around her. I find this the biggest flaw in many of the recent BD busts (Mr. Maddox's Absorbing Man comes immediately to mind). These concepts are just flawed period and make a good display angle or grouping with other busts very difficult.

She-Hulk looked great in sneak peak pics (like other busts I've seen from many companies), but just didn't look good when I got her. Too generic, odd base, and akward pose. While others may like her, she did not exude any of the qualities (including sexiness) that she should.

But, for both of these I blame concept more than I blame the sculptor.

Just to clear up, I am Joshua Snyder. Joy and Tom are my parents, however I currently run the business end of the company.

I want to thank you for clarifying your stance on the bust. I feel that sometimes when a pre-painted statue is being discussed, that any problem found with the finished product is often directed towards the sculptor. I know this is not the intention of many people, but it is just the nature of online forums that many opinions are expressed in short, non-specific responses and this is the sentiment that is often implied.

I have heard others mention in the past, that a piece would have turned out better if it had been attempted by another sculptor. Of course this may be true in some circumstances, but I only wished to point out that there are many steps in the process that could have caused problems with the finished product, outside of the sculptor's efforts.


the artist who sculpted them (your wife)

And my father would hate me for saying so, but despite what he may convey to others, all projects that are released from our studio are generated utilizing both of their talents. It is always an equal contribution, but you will never hear him say that.

Thank you again bat and Jesse, I appreciate the claification.


Joshua Snyder

[wktf]

No, your's is great! I moved two that were one paragraph reviews. no worries, your's are awesome.
Isn't a review a review? Why would a paragraph review need to be moved. I'm confused, is there a format requirement for posting a statue review?

[JDH]

Isn't a review a review? Why would a paragraph review need to be moved. I'm confused, is there a format requirement for posting a statue review?

B_C has posted some suggestions for budding reviewers at the top of this section. I think he wants to ensure it's a high-quality resource for people who are umming and ahing over whether to buy a bust or statue. He's looking for something set apart from a standard post. Otherwise, taken to extremes, 'It sucks' or ' :buttrock: ' could qualify as a review here. My guess is he wants reiews here to be as considered and useful as those provided by your fine self, his fine self, and that barely literate pie-guzzler you hang around with to make you look good... (Man, I'll be in for a ballpeen hammering after that...);):)

[Primal]

I'd love to see JIm work on BLINK, SPIRAL (FS!!!!!!) & Black Cat :buttrock: :buttrock: :buttrock:

[wktf]

B_C has posted some suggestions for budding reviewers at the top of this section. I think he wants to ensure it's a high-quality resource for people who are umming and ahing over whether to buy a bust or statue. He's looking for something set apart from a standard post. Otherwise, taken to extremes, 'It sucks' or ' :buttrock: ' could qualify as a review here. My guess is he wants reiews here to be as considered and useful as those provided by your fine self, his fine self, and that barely literate pie-guzzler you hang around with to make you look good... (Man, I'll be in for a ballpeen hammering after that...);):)
Ya know, I never noticed those guidelines before. Thanks for pointing them out. My confusion is confusion no longer!

[wktf]

As an artist, there are many projects you wish you could revisit. As time passes, you find so many things that could be better if you could only work with the piece again for a few more hours. Understanding that Spiderwoman and She-hulk weren't as well received by some fans as other work from our studio, there are aspects of these busts we would love the opportunity to go back and perfect if it were possible.

Having said this, it is difficult at times for a sculptor in this very commercial market to be able to produce a piece that reflects 100% of their talent and ability. All of the busts our studio has sculpted for Randy, were carefully designed by him (Bowen Designs) so that each sculpt not only looks appealing individually, but also looks good when displayed with other busts in his line. Our challenge is then to translate that design into three dimensions while adhering to the specifications of the design and the character itself as drawn in the comics. Once the sculpt has been completed, revised, and sent out, Randy often adds his touch to the piece, adjusting things he had not noticed from the pictures, and revising some design issues based on fan feedback from the message boards.

After the statues are mass produced and painted, the desired result is always a piece that is visually appealing, anatomically correct, true to the comics, compatible with other BD busts, and most importantly, pleasing to the fans of the character. It is very challenging with certain projects to get an A in all of these categories, but that is the goal. Bowen Designs does an amazing job of achieving this in most occasions, and has established a very effective, fan-friendly process for doing so, but with so many different variables, it is impossible to meet these expectations on every single project.

I think that Jim Maddox did an awesome job on the Tigra and is a very talented sculptor. I'm sure if he were to sculpt a Spiderwoman or She-hulk, they would be very nice, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the finished product would be a better one with so many other variables involved. She-hulk for example has been drawn in several different styles, making it very difficult to determine the right dimensions and features for a MB.

Overall, Bowen Designs does an excellent job and Randy has been an awesome client to work for on every project. I also want to say congratulations again to Jim Maddox on the awesome bust and Jesse for the sharp review.

These are all just my opinions and I know that others may be different, but that's cool. We're all comic fans right? :thumbs2:


All the best,

Joshua Snyder
Joshua, thanks for this very insightful input into the thought process, sculpting process, and collaboration process.

[bat_collector]

I have heard others mention in the past, that a piece would have turned out better if it had been attempted by another sculptor. Of course this may be true in some circumstances, but I only wished to point out that there are many steps in the process that could have caused problems with the finished product, outside of the sculptor's efforts.

Josh, honestly I doubt any artist could have made the concept of these two busts appealing to me.

Thanks for clarifying. loved your input! :thumbs2:

[chromesamurai]

Based on this review and pics I've seen from people who got it, I'm happy to say I re-ordered a Tigra MB from Diamond before it sold out. I'll be very pleased, I'm sure, it looks great.

Reviews work!

[COI]

Why would it need to be moved? It's a review. :confused:

Do you one better .. how's this?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/Jesse321/P70500031.jpg

This pic speaks volumes....thanks for posting it. It isn't that the other busts are bad(I don't own any so I'm not going to judge) but Tigra is just so above and beyond what I've seen from BD busts.

[Jack8022]

The Tigra MB is a great piece all around. Fantastic sculpt and a terriffic paintjob.
This was a definite home run from BD.

[chromesamurai]

I don't think this has been mentioned...

What edition size is she? How many of these total were produced?

[moon_knight1971]

She's 2500. Beautiful. Just got mine on Wednesday from my LCS. Same height as QUICKSILVER... :)

[Crom]

I think Tigra confirms (to me at least) that the design without the legs is the way to go. It is just cleaner, less clunky looking. The tapered waist works best in my opinion.

[moon_knight1971]

As much as I love this bust if Tigra was made fs instead I would be all over it! FS look so much better IMO! :)

[Vince-Vell]

I think Tigra confirms (to me at least) that the design without the legs is the way to go. It is just cleaner, less clunky looking. The tapered waist works best in my opinion.


Agreed!

[Endless Wake]

I got this as a gift a few days ago, love it! Even my gf loves it! Maddox is the man, especially with female sculpts.

Be sure to pick up this piece with two hands, one on the torso, another under the base. I can imagine the tail breaking very easily.

[JLM]

I gave up after reading all these comments and bought one. Arrived this morning and it's pretty sweet IMO.

[buchieboy]

As much as I love this bust if Tigra was made fs instead I would be all over it! FS look so much better IMO! :)

i agree..she would look "HOTTER" :redface: :redface:

[JLM]

For those of you who want a FS Tigra, how about this as a concept (by StatueForum's Mark Spears)?

http://users.nehp.net/mspears/Marks%20Pics/tigra707.jpg

[bat_collector]

I gave up after reading all these comments and bought one. Arrived this morning and it's pretty sweet IMO.
sounds liek hte best thing to do

[CaptCracker]

This has got to be one of the best female busts out there......cant wait for Kitty Pryde w/ Lockheed and Wasp :buttrock:
Jim Maddox has got to start sculpting FS statues!!

[chromesamurai]

Alright, that sketch is great, but I have a feeling Marvel will never approve it once they see it in 3-D. :eplus2:

I would love one, that is where Marvel and I differ.

[Ink]

that sketch would work just dump the litter box, for a tree limb or somethin

[touche22]

I gotta say, this review changed my mind. I originally was going to pass on the Tigra bust but I just got one of ebay from thirdzone. This thread's pictures and opinions were very helpful. Thanks Jesse

[bat_collector]

I gotta say, this review changed my mind. I originally was going to pass on the Tigra bust but I just got one of ebay from thirdzone. This thread's pictures and opinions were very helpful. Thanks Jesse
You wont' regret it. Its one of the best busts of this year.

[chromesamurai]

I was unsure about it too, but now that I have one here, it looks great. This is probably my favorite Bowen Designs female sculpt.

[pspiwak@sbcglob]

EXCELLENT !!!

[jsnchrry]

As much as I love this bust if Tigra was made fs instead I would be all over it! FS look so much better IMO! :)

I just bought this Bust after reading the reviews, i cant wait for a Full size