Blog Archives
Geek Bling Part 3: Howl’s Moving Castle
Earlier I invited readers to guess what film this ring appears in, and Dennis L. from Montreal correctly answered Howl’s Moving Castle. Howl wears two of these, and gave one to Sophie to help her find the way back to the castle.
I always strive to post ideas that do not exist yet, but this one does and is available for purchase. I should have Googled beforehand (usually do), but I assumed this was very obscure.
Apparently there is a huge cosplay following for this film, and the ring can be purchased here.
Also discounted from what I hoped to feature in the Geek Bling series: the Schwartz Ring from Spaceballs, which can be purchased on Etsy.
Another ring I had to scratch off the list is the one for Team Zissou (featured in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou), which is also available on Etsy.
Geek Bling Part 2: Star Trek
This is a more humorous entry in the Geek Bling series - a pair of earrings based on those vile Ceti Eels from Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan. You know - those alien creatures that burrow into the ear and set up shop in the brain stem? Quaint little parasites.
I think the lady Trekkers out there can appreciate this design. And maybe those who like insect-based jewelry.
I was hoping to post the clip from Star Trek that featured these horrific creatures, but none can be found. So much for traumatizing people who are not in the know.
Geek Bling Part 1: Superman
Geek Bling is a followup to the Watch This series, wherein I try to address the shortage of bling geared towards fashionable geeks.
This one is pretty simple - a scaled-down replica of the Kryptonite chain that Superman wore (against his will) in the first movie. It was cleverly bestowed upon the Man of Steel by Lex Luthor.
Sure it’s not much to look at, but would come in handy during times you’re not 100%. Make a mistake? Blame the Kryptonite chain you are wearing. All will be forgiven.
It really pains me to say this, but the makers of Smallville did something right in allowing fans to buy a replica of the Kryptonite chain worn by Lana in the first few seasons of the show. Very forward thinking. But alas, nothing from the first film is available.
Watch This! Part 5: Watchmen
I know what you’re thinking - this one is pretty darn obvious. A watch based on the Watchmen! And you would be correct.
But I wanted to address what should’ve been a no-brainer product for the feature film. By all arguments, a wristwatch should have been the signature tie-in item for the film (after the comic). A watch was released, but it was just a smiley face logo on the clock face in a simple Casio-looking product. Rather uninspired, in my opinion.
(EDIT: Turns out that watch was issued in 1986! Appears no watch was released for the 2009 film)
And the official watch, like lots of other merch from the film, revolved around that iconic smiley face - which is both good and bad. Good that it’s recognizable, but bad in that it’s just a worn out logo. Even by the time Wal-Mart was using it heavily in the mid 2000′s, smiley face was dated. That may be a reason why I still see Watchmen stuff collecting dust on shelves everywhere.
But I digress! For my ‘signature’ version of the watch, the smiley face is used, but as a replica of the button the comedian wore. Gives it a bit more personality than a flat logo.
It serves as the cover for the watch face, a copy of the ‘Doomsday Clock’ featured in the comic and film:
To give it some added character, I then lined the strap with bullets, looking similar to an ammunition belt. I had to use smaller bullets, not the big shells the Comedian liked to wear (in the film).
For a few alternative looks, I made a bullet-less version for Nite Owl, and a clear blue plastic Dr. Manhattan version. Yes I realize Manhattan would be the last person ever to wear a watch.
I probably could have done a few others, like a Rorschach-style strap, maybe a black and yellow leather strap for Silk Spectre, but I think you get the idea.
Hard to believe after all the speculation and hype leading up to the film, it’s already been two years since it’s release. I think an item like this doesn’t have to be tied to the film, it can be a one-off product, as the Watchmen are about as timeless (no pun intended) as Superman.
That concludes the Watch This series for now.
Watch This! Part 3: Final Fantasy VII
Accurate size comparison of Cloud's sword to the city of Midgar
So for the third entry in the Watch This series, my attention turns to Final Fantasy. Specifically the most iconic chapter (in my opinion) - Final Fantasy VII (1997).
There are so many elements of FFVII that lend themselves to a watch layout. The roman numerals the series uses is at home on a clock face. The city of Midgar has a great circular clock shape. The oversized weapons of Cloud and Sephiroth make for excellent clock hands too.
I made Aerith’s staff the seconds hand, which is a perfect fit compared to the other weapons. It’s also fitting as she is a pivotal character.
Even more obscure, I utilized those Materia capsules from the menu screen for the wrist band. That way if you’d like a more lively watch, you could add a bunch of colorful Materia orbs:
My personal preference would be the white gold version or the galvanized black one. Regardless of which style, Final Fantasy makes for a classy looking watch that screams luxury.
The eight Mako Reactors that encircle the watch would have smoke stacks that illuminate white or green. A number of spotlights, as well as the central city hub, would also illuminate.
To Patent Or Post?
Most of my ideas I have posted have been for the benefit of everyone. Whether it’s plugging an oil leak, or making a new form of energy, or making something safer - the idea is for everyone.
And most of my ideas are tied up with intellectual properties as well, so there is that caveat. Or the idea is somewhat disposable and of no real value.
But now I possess an idea for shoes that may prove to be the next Velcro, and suddenly I am hesitant to post it. What if Nike or Reebok or Adidas run with it? Do I want my simple life to be tainted with legality and stress? Or do I just say ‘to heck with it’, post the idea, and claim bragging rights should it come to fruition?
Maybe I could find an investor, or approach a shoe manufacturer? Do I spend a small fortune and attempt to patent the idea? So many possibilities.
What do you think?
