Steampunk Feature: Chanchala

In a new program I'm starting for The Steampunk Review, you could win the chance to have your shop featured on my blog!  It's simple, all you have to do is follow me on twitter: @TrevorSSchmidt to submit for your chance to be featured here!

Today's feature: Chanchala, is a shop out of Brighton, UK that creates Steampunk Jewelry, pins, and creatures.  According to her website, 'Chanchala' means 'ever-changing.'  Here are links to her Etsy, Website, Twitter, and Facebook.

I love the bee pin (at right).  It's sold for $39.15 on Etsy and his name is Eric.  Each one has unique watch movement, which I'm a big fan of.

About her shop, Chanchala says, "Most of my pieces incorporate found objects which are old and unwanted. My line of Steampunk jewellery began with a pile of old watch and clock parts which got caught in the 2004 Tsunami, courtesy of my Dad. He owns a shop in southern Sri Lanka which was badly damaged. There is so much joy in turning such a tragedy into beautiful pieces of history"

 I'm also a fan of this Fox Pin, sold for $35.74.

Be sure to check out Chanchala's wares and follow me on my Twitter for your chance to be featured right here on The Steampunk Review!

Steampunk Chattergrub Review

This item would definitely fall under the 'oddities' category.  It is a polymer clay creation straight from the mind of etsy user tinplatestudios.  A quick browse of their storefront revealed a ton of neat creations like the Chattergrub (shown at right) with the same odd and unique style.  This item is going for $45 on etsy which I don't think is half bad for what it is.  A person trying to create an evil laboratory would almost have to have this sitting on a shelf.

From the description: "If its darling little claws don't work their way into you, then its horrifying dentition will!  Mind your fingers!"

As of this writing the Chattergrub has 122 reviews with an average 5-star rating.  I did look through to see what the negative comments were.  One user described getting a product that didn't have as much detail as the one pictured here.  From all of the positive reviews, I'm going to go ahead and label that one a fluke.

Do any readers have experience with this item firsthand?  If so, leave a message in the comments!

Trevor's Rating of the Chattergrub: 94% (For a piece that would be great as a set prop in a Steampunk movie.  I'm crossing my fingers to see it happen after writing it here).

Steampunk Film Review: The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box

I found The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013) on Netflix recently and decided to give it a try, mostly because it features stars like Lena Headey and Sam Neill.  The film is based on a series of books by G.P. Taylor.  From the outset I knew it was a film rooted in Steampunk, and so I really wanted to like it.  I really tried.

The supporting cast was great and the main actor did fine, but the film lacked a well-written script.  No amount of Steampunk nostalgia and campy nods can save this film from what it is at heart: a film thrown together, based on a series of young adult novels trying to cash in on the Steampunk trend.

I don't mean for this review to sound truly scathing, as there were genuine moments in the film that intrigued me.  The architecture of Sam Neill's hotel was breathtaking and the concept itself wasn't bad.  Some of the best moments came from Steampunk inventions owned by Sam Neill's character, including a pair of goggles that can see recently trodden footprints.  A useful tool if I do say so myself.

It's entirely possible that the Mariah Mundi books by G.P. Taylor are far better than this film.  That said, if you have time to kill and want to see Sam Neill play a baddie the film isn't a complete waste of time.  I'd queue it up in Netflix, but don't waste any money on it.  You'd be better off with films like Stardust (2007).

Trevor's Rating of The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box: 62% (For a visually interesting movie with a terrible script).

Steampunk Linear LED Watch

Rubbertoe Replicas is a company out of Cardiff, South Wales UK that principally makes props for the set of Doctor Who!  They also sell replicas of those set props on Etsy and their website.  Their Tan and Brass Linear LED Watch caught my eye so I decided to feature them here on The Steampunk Review.  This item is fully functioning and had a real leather strap held together by rivets, nuts, and bolts.  They claim the battery also had easy access.  By looks alone, this product is sure to grab the attention of passersby and set you apart from the hordes of "Winner" watches out there.  It's a little more expensive than the "Winner" variety at $139.95, but it would serve as a great talking piece.

I know from personal experience that when I walk around with my Doctor Who T-Shirt I get stopped several times in a day by a fellow Whovian.  If only my shirt were made by the actual prop makers for the show, I would have a lot more to talk about.

I would urge you to check out their website and learn a little more about the company.  Click that last link and you'll be brought to some of their set designs, large and small.  They made the TARDIS, the Daleks, and more.  My nerd alert has tripped.

Trevor's Rating of the Linear LED Watch: 93% (For an interesting design that would serve as a great conversation piece)

Steampunk Alphonse: Full Metal Alchemist Cosplay

Hello and welcome back to The Steampunk Review!  After my short hiatus, I am back, and reviewing this wonderful piece of anime cosplay.

Etsy User VanguardSmithing has created this amazing piece of work.  I've posted their description of the piece below:

"This is a cosplay and costume piece from the anime Full Metal Alchemist made by hand with over 65 square feet of metal, around 300 rivets, 12 feet of leather, and 600 hours of combined labor and love. It weighs in at under 30 pounds but the metal is strong and it is built solid. It has won a judge craftsmanship award at Anime Expo Los Angeles and it is my shops biggest and best build thus far"

It's a 9-piece set that requires help to get in and out of it.  The quality of the detail appears quite good, like it should last for decades of Comic-Cons and Anime Expos.  At $10,000 this piece is hardly for the casual cosplayer, but an avid collector might find the price just right.  This blogger would be in for about $500, so it looks like I'll probably be sticking to cardboard if I want to cosplay Alphonse.  Sigh.

Trevor's Rating of the Alphonse Real Metal Armor: 95% (For a sick hunk of metal I want to walk around in but won't ever have enough money to actually buy so I will continue to window shop and drool at for the foreseeable future).

Steampunk Gatling Gun Review

Yes, you heard that right.  A Steampunk Gatling gun! This product comes straight from LaBoutiqueVapeur's Etsy shop, where I also found some other unique Steampunk weapons and lighting fixtures.

At $1,650.00, I think it's a bit out of my price range, but is fun to look at nonetheless.  It weighs 30 Ibs and contains mostly copper and brass parts.  A sewing machine makes up much of the body, which has moving parts that are fun to fiddle with.

About the barrel, the vendor said, "The barrel does not spin, non-firing, and the gauge is authentic, but decoration only. Orange tips at end of barrel are for weapon posting rules only...will be removed before shipping."

In my opinion, this shop is a fresh sight after all of the etsy vendors that have popped up in recent years selling Nerf guns that have been spray painted to look like copper and brass.  La Boutique Vapeur uses all real copper, brass, and antique parts, which is surely a factor in their price tag.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Gatling Gun: 92% (For an awesome weapon that is, unfortunately for my pocketbook, too expensive.)

Steampunk Lightsaber Review

I couldn't pass this one up.  The Etsy vendor SynnSilver has created a work of art in his rendition of the classic lightsaber, with a steampunk twist.  The vendor is a Special FX artist, which explains the craftsmanship in the design.

Unfortunately, according to the vendor, it will not kill clones or toast your bread as you slice it.  Therefore, my rating of this product will reflect that inadequacy...

I think this would be a great cosplay item for conventions.  While at Comic-Con 2013 I saw several handmade lightsaber hilts, and this one ranks up there with some of the best.  If anyone has made one of their own, I'd love to see it!  Please post a link to a picture in the comments and I'll feature it in my next post.

Trevor's Rating of the Steampunk Lightsaber: 80% (For a good effort that would look good in cosplay, but one that will not kill clones...wtf?).