I use to cut my favorite hero mask from cardboard as a boy. The muscle memory to create what I…read moredeemed as an exact Batman replica with my mother's scissors that I'm not suppose to be using...is probably still in this this war veteran's hands.
The proper ceremony the power ranger gods' have ordained for the righteous creation of a Power Ranger helmet for maximum safety, comms, vision enhancement and targeting...locked deep within my memory warehouse.
This wonder, I now get to share with my sons, as we've now attended the last two Comic Cons. My eldest has been Deadpool back to back. My youngest SubZero and Symbiote Spider-man. I was Majin Vegata the first year, and Peter Parker the second. A little saint joined us as Freddy Krueger. (We told her he wasn't a "Comic" character)
What seems like a breathe after Comic Con my inner child is summoned to play with other citizens of the world in many worlds. Halloween.
A little saint and I decided to be Magneto and Psylocke. We constructed her battle dress, and I needed a helmet.
I called a few 3D printing shops, and none of them sounded like they could get the job done in the timeframe I was requesting, at I price I found agreeable.
One shop I called, who's machine was down referred my to Hollywood 3D when I asked for their professional recommendation.
I found Hollywood 3D on Yelp, read the reviews, and decided to give them a call. I believe that many of the previous communication failures are remedied by the woman I encountered at the helm. I was transferred to Miles, who I found just as layered, complicated, and oddly ordered, but order nonetheless, as I expected someone in such a fascinating, incredible, forward, and progressive industry as 3D printing.
Miles could do the job in time, and within an agreeable price. Miles agreed to some kind of veteran discount, and we agreed to meet the following morning where I'd provide the file required for the sacrifice...and, money of course.
Hollywood 3D Printing is located on the iconic Los Angeles street Melrose. I found it particularly convenient that Hollywood 3D Printing is a block from an acting studio I belong to. The Anthony Gilardi Acting Studio, also reviewed.
The morning meet was filled with boyish fort building whispers.
I delivered the file, Miles and the woman behind the desk scaled.
Miles measured my Dodgers' cap to be sure.
The Helmet is three pieces, needing my final praise to two 2D image from the pages of Stan Lee's X-Men to life.
Out of the box I felt I got what I paid for, with a veteran discount.
I labored with a smile, gluing, sanding, and painting. Welcome madness.
The night of Halloween I floated above the metal woven streets of Los Angeles, my cape flailing in the cool autumn night, my helmet protecting my most precious assets...my mind.
Thank you Miles and your trustee sidekick. You've proved yourself allies to this super mutant.
I look forward to paths crossing again.
With love,
-@bananarojo