DOOM (2016)
Building the ThreeA DOOM Marine Collector’s Figure
DOOM (2016)
At over a foot tall, the DOOM Marine figure from ThreeA is a stunning addition to any hardcore fan’s collection.
The DOOM Marine comes complete with three sets of interchangeable hands; three of the in-game guns (the Plasma Rifle, the Combat Shotgun and the Super Shotgun); plus the fan-favorite Chainsaw if you order through the Bethesda Store. If you want to secure your DOOM Marine figure, pre-orders will remain open until September 20, but you’ll still be able to purchase the figure in the store after that date until the supply runs out.
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The highly detailed Praetor Suit is a top tier collector’s item, and we spoke with the man behind the figure, Ashley Wood, to talk about the process of bringing such an iconic character into the real world.
What is your team’s history with DOOM?
DOOM is such a staple, it’s hard to think of a time it wasn’t part of the gaming lexicon. There’s a member of our development team that has vivid memories of their mother walking in on them blasting away at a demon, hearing her exclaim “What the hell are you playing!?” and immediately unplugging the computer. Now that’s quite an impact and legacy.
Walk us through the process of creating something like this.
We look at the game art and the character model, and discuss with the team the best way to approach the figure and map it all out. That’s when we sort out the articulation, how to approach the materials, and make the paintwork just sing. Thankfully we have Kim, the co-founder and co-owner of ThreeA, who has twenty-plus years of experience in the industry. He’s assembled the best engineers, sculptors, painters and tailors around.
How long would you say each stage of development took?
Altogether it takes about a year from design to pre-order. Even then that’s not a fully tooled sample; work is put in until they’re nearly out the door. We don’t rush anything when it comes to development or production, it’s more important for us to take the time to get it right.
There is an almost impossible level of detail to this figure. How do you get your figures to look so realistic?
The development team at id Software are incredible and there’s a level of madness required for the amount of work that’s put in. We all truly study and observe the in-game models to capture the essential details. We make extensive notes on how the Praetor Suit moves, how the armor is layered, the proportions, the textures of the undersuit, how best to apply the grime and weathering... It’s that attention to detail that really makes things shine.
What was it like building such an iconic character from a series you’ve been a fan of for years?
It’s all a great bit of fun, you know? It’s a true privilege to get to do what we do and work on characters from a game series as iconic as DOOM. Everyone working on the figure has such a genuine affinity for the game.
Do you have a favorite DOOM weapon, both as a fan of its demon-killing properties and as an artist?
Hard not to love the chainsaw. Always had a preference for the shotgun when it comes to playing the game. Part of the excitement of making the figure is picking out the weapons.
Was there a particular part of the figure that gave you some trouble while designing and building it?
Originally we had planned to make the helmet removable, but it just wasn’t working. You kinda realize that by revealing the face of the Marine it takes away the magic.
What are you most proud of with your DOOM figure?
Getting the final figure in hand, that tactile connection of being able to hold it, pose it – seeing and feeling all the work that’s been put in. That’s the best part of the job.
