Hey, I've never done a custom figure before, but after I discovered that some toy makers sell blank bodies to be used for custom figures, I've become interested in maybe trying to make some for myself.

However, I don't know what materials to use. I've seen people use clay, but I don't know how well that would keep on the finished product, so I was hoping anyone here who has made custom figures or at least knows enough about making them could recommend other materials for me.

Would it help if I shared images of characters I'd like to make customs of?

I use milliput. It's a little tricky to work with, because it can get pretty sticky if you don't keep your fingers damp, but it air dries very solidly without baking. It also takes paint very well. I, by no means, am anything other than a rank amateur when it comes to customs, though.

I'm glad it dries solidly without baking, since I don't think putting figures in an oven or kiln is a good idea.

What do you recommend for fx pieces (like fire or laser beams)? I was thinking of doing a custom figure of Captain Falcon from F-Zero, since I don't see an official one from Nintendo ever happening at this point.

I've never tried making any effects pieces, but I've seen some cool things done with a hot glue gun.

Is milliput non-toxic?

Also, how are hot glue guns for creating fire effects?

Milliput is nontoxic.

I've only seen laser effects and water effects with hot glue, but I imagine fire would be ok, depending on the user's skill level.

Ok.

Do you recommend any specific blank action figure bodies for making a Captain Falcon figure?

I kitbash from other figures and modify as needed. Not too sure about blanks.

I'm not comfortable with kitbashing because I've seen Toy Story too many times, so I'd feel guilty. That's why I was hoping to try customizing a blank instead.

I haven't seen Toy Story, but I get the sentiment.

Do you know of the best blank figure bodies I could maybe use to make Captain Falcon? If not, can you tell me who else could help?

I was wondering if maybe these blank figures from Boss Fight would be good to build on.