Steampunk Cybermen Mask Review

I ran across these beauties today while browsing etsy's geekery section.  Avid Doctor Who fans will immediately recognize the classic cybermen helmet.  These look to be of high quality and the seller certainly took the time to get the detailing right. 

Seller Notes: "Available for a very limited time, the dreaded Cyberman has been recreated as a battle-scarred denizen of the Age of Steam! Perfect for lovers (or indeed, mortal enemies) of the Doctor, or those with for an affinity with all things punk, this fully functional voice-changer helmet with LED light-up mouth can be worn or displayed."

Later, the seller notes that if you plan to wear the mask as cosplay, you should put some padding in it...That would have to be my one gripe with this listing.  You're already paying $127.37 for this product, I would kind of expect the seller to spend a couple bucks to put the padding in there for you.  Maybe that's just me...

Overall, this appears to be a quality product with the potential to impress at any Con.

Steam Rating: 89% (Just put some padding in it!  You know whoever buys it is going to be wearing it around all the time anyway!)

More Adventures from Comic-Con 2013!

Steampunk Link and Zelda

Comic-Con 2013 has come and passed, but my memories of it live on!  Here are two more pictures from Comic-Con.  The first features a Steampunk Link and Zelda cosplayed by two very nice people.  We were standing in line waiting for the HIMYM and Syfy panels near each other and I talked to the girl cosplaying Zelda for a bit.  Her friend made their costumes, but the guy insisted it be known that he made his boots by himself.  The costumes were really well done and were not something I had seen done before, so props to them!

I found one more picture from the League of S.T.E.A.M. booth, where this Steampunk enthusiast used his handy (no pun intended) device to hand out flyers for their webshow and performing group.  It was great to see them live and in character after having watched their webshow.  If I ever get a chance I'll definitely check out one of their live performances.  Unfortunately for me, they're based near L.A., so the chances of me seeing them live is about the same as my chances for getting into another Comic-Con.  (I was hovering over my keyboard at 9:00:00 and was number #40,000 out of 130,000 when I clicked exactly on the hour.  It was a stroke of luck that got my brother and myself 4 day passes).  Comic-Con is definitely something every geek and nerd of any fandom should experience at least once.  There are booths and exhibits dedicated to Steampunk, Comics, Anime, TV, Video Games, Films, and just about anything else you can think of.

Another Goldie from the League of S.T.E.A.M.

This year, however, was the most crowded year ever.  I might try going to a less crowded Con in the future, solely because Comic-Con has just about outgrown the San Diego Convention Center.  However, if you enjoy waking up at 4 AM and getting in line for Hall H before 5AM, only to be in the very back of the room because thousands of people camped out overnight, be my guest.  It was certainly an experience I will always cherish and never forget; but, it isn't likely I'll go again.  I might try a small Steampunk convention next time.  I think Steampunk as a genre isn't meant to be on the scale of Comic-Con.  What do you think?  Is Steampunk meant to remain niche and tightly knit?  Or, should it spread its wings and cross over even more into the mainstream than it already is?

Jet Pack/Time Machine Review

It's that time again, for another review of stuff I find on Etsy from the Steampunk persuasion.  This time, I found a Steampunk Jet Pack that doubles as a Time Machine.  At a price of $699.00 this item is sure to work...for real.  Aethertech is the seller, and they had some interesting things to say about their product.

"It has a range of about five years if fully fueled. If one wishes to survive the trip through the temporal rift and hence the condensed lumeniferous aether, it is advised to employ both ocular protection and breathing apparatus. If properly fueled prior to transit, adequately protected during transit, and operated by an Aethertech Industries certified precognitive psychic, this device is guaranteed not to kill you our your money back!

Though the original device was engineered before Aethertech Industries received a charter, the design has been improved greatly since then. It burns aether ore, a curious material that simultaneously exists and does not exist. The source of aether ore is a closely guarded secret of Aethertech Industries and the Aether Brigade. One must refuel from a certified Aethertech Industries Supply Depot and Semi-rigid Dirigible Docking Station."

Sounds like a steal!  I do wish the Jet Pack looked a little more robust.  As it stands, it looks like it belongs at a tea party rather than in the hands of an adventurer.  I was thinking something that looks more like the Jet Pack from the Rocketeer would make for a more practical and fun experience.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Jetpack: 84% (For a nice effort at a Jet Pack/Time Machine that only falls short in its lack of a robust appearance).

League of S.T.E.A.M. Review

Hello all! On my recent trip to Comic-Con, I ran into some of the performers from the acclaimed web series League of S.T.E.A.M.!  I was able to talk to them a bit and loved interacting with the various characters of the show.  Haven't heard of League of S.T.E.A.M yet?  Here's a bit about who they are:

(From the League of S.T.E.A.M. website) "Our talented group of inventors and actors take the audience back to a time of scientific adventure; a common ground between the paranormal and the Pythagorean. We are monster hunters from the Victorian era. From up on the stage to mingling the crowd, our members engage the audience with proton packs capable of firing blasts of “steam,” zombie manservants on chain-leads, net guns and titillating electro-shock packs and ethereal glowing ghosts. Every piece of machinery is meticulously designed, detailed, and fully functional, from the steam cannon to the extendable “Punchy Fist”. The League travels with an archive of past adventures, preserved and documented for the ambient pleasure of the viewer, featuring exotic specimens and chilling relics from the ancient Orient. Audiences for this extravagant experience continue to grow. The League of S.T.E.A.M. is one of the fastest-growing entertainment groups of its kind, and our series of filmed exploits has ensured us a popularity that fills our events to capacity."

One of my favorite videos from their website is "Dead End."  It's the first video that pops up when you enter their site.   Be sure to check out their videos and events!  I had a great time at Comic-Con this year and the personalities at the League of S.T.E.A.M. helped make it a memorable experience.  Stay tuned for more posts about the Con and what other Steampunk wonders I stumbled upon!