Hello! I am the creative of ThunderCats: Illustrated. I was first introduced to the cartoon series ThunderCats in 1985. My fascination of learning new things, meeting new people and developing my creative talents have been due through my exploration of the world of the Thundercats. I have the blessing of cultivating long- lasting friendships with people who I wouldn't have met if it hadn't been for our love for the show's characters. Including TCsI.net, my short story Weights & Measures, and my upcoming web comic First Sight, the contributions I have made to the fandom are as follows:

I waited for years to find an impressive replica of the Eye of Thundera/Sword of Omens before I thought I found one on eBay in 2004. To top it off, it is a valuable item due to only six supposedly made from a custom metal sword replica. However, I know of only four resin copies sold.

When I finally received my item, the shape of the replica was as I expected the Sword of the Thundercats would be but it had been painted so horribly. It was also dented, as if someone engaged in sword play with it before sending it to me. As appalling as it was, I remembered why I bought the over-priced item in the first place: a replica of the Eye of Thundera/Sword of Omens was the only sword I ever wanted. Like it or not, the replica I acquired was as close as I was going to get to it. I also paid enough for it, so it would not be wise of me if I didn't at least try to make it look like it was supposed to. Just as importantly, I prefer finishing what I start.

Repainting

The whole process of stripping off the old paint took six months. I'm sure it would have taken less time, but I had other obligations to attend to and painting on models was not something I had done before, nor ever had the interest of doing. I also sanded areas where there were holes and broken off pieces with a medium sand paper, filling them in with Squadron Green Putty, and repainting it with a combination of Folkart and DecoArt acrylic paints. It was trial and error, taking patience and some skill with a paintbrush for delicate details. What I didn't attain with the resin's texture itself I faked it with shades of paint. The final touches were permanently gluing faux jewels on the handle (azure) and pommel (red).

After I had finished repainting my replica and posting a page about it to this site, I heard from two more buyers after they had received their copies stating that they too had not been happy with the way their copies looked. They asked me what supplies I used, and techniques to get mine to look like the Eye of Thundera/Sword of Omens should. I have yet to hear from any of those who wanted to attempt the same project. As far as I know, this is a one-of-a-kind item in its rendering.

©2008 Celesta Johnston. All rights reserved.
This article, including the photos, may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted
or otherwise used without my written permission.

Supplies Model Sheet: Folkart 449 Olive Green (hilt) 665 Metallic Garnet Red (Eye) 661 Metallic Sequin Black (Eye) DecoArt Shimmering Silver (hilt) White Pearl (blade) Liquitex Titanium White Acrylic brush sizes 1-12 sand paper Easy Off oven cleaner Squadron Green Putty Beads/jewels: 1-round, royal red 14-oval, azure

Here are more of my loves and interests in life:

A R T

P E T  P A R E N T H O O D

M U S I C

O T H E R  H O B B I E S

O N  T V / D V D

W E B S I T E  H E L P

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