We need folks to understand why they would want to avoid buying the product - please read on before you decide as you could instead buy a PS5 (Costco has mountains of them) + Cyberpunk 2077 + Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty DLC.
I first encountered the panel-line aesthetic in the 1995 anime "Ghost in the Shell" - it's a particularly memorable movie for me as it was when I began to learn the Japanese language which in turn changed the trajectory of my life.
Panel-lining on humanoids can be seen in much anime of the cyberpunk genre, but of late, I've been seeing it every day in Night City playing Cyberpunk 2077 ;-)
Now, with our Smart Doll Cyber Shell Body, the panel lines seamlessly integrate with and accentuate the ball joint aesthetic. Each vinyl body component features panel lining in a color meticulously chosen to complement its skin tone. For Cinnamon, we've opted for dark brown; Tea is highlighted with metallic purple; Cocoa dazzles in metallic gold; and for Gray, we've chosen metallic silver.
Metallic paints contain tiny metal flakes or powdered metal that give them their shiny, reflective quality. The type and size of metal flake or powder can vary, but common metals used include aluminum, copper, and bronze. These metal particles are what give metallic paint its distinctive sparkle and sheen when exposed to light.
Each Cyber Shell girl comes with a sports bra set and the support stand.
REASONS NOT TO BUY
PRICING
Producing the cyber shell bodies has been a challenging endeavor due to the intricacies of painting every single body part. Although we utilize paint masks to aid in the process, the vinyl tends to squish during air-brushing, leading to less-defined edges than we find acceptable. As a result, our production capacity for these bodies remains limited.
We're contemplating the release of a simplified version with fewer panel lines, particularly on the back and in areas typically covered by pants and a camisole. This alternative would allow us to increase production while maintaining a cybernetic aesthetic for those who plan to dress their dolls in at least the bare essentials.
As for pricing, it could potentially decrease if we introduce this simplified version or manage to streamline the painting process. You might consider holding off on a purchase if your spidey senses are telling you this may be the case. On the other hand, if we can't simplify the design or improve efficiency, the limited production might lead to a price increase.
It's worth noting that simplifying the design isn't as straightforward as just taping off areas on the paint masks, as they require washing after each spray application to prevent stencil clogging.
Metallic paint necessitates thorough cleaning after every use, given that the metal particles within the paint prove more challenging to extract from the stencils in the masks.
PAINT SCUFFING
We use the same grade of Fujikura paint for the panel lining as we do for the face design, meaning the lines should remain intact unless subjected to harsh substances like paint thinner or abrasive tools like a chainsaw. However, there's a caveat. The thighs feature a design that contours along the top, and as a result, movement in this area can lead to friction against the thigh sockets on the torso. This friction may scuff the paint, giving it a mecha-like weathered appearance. If you're not a fan of this aesthetic, this product might not be for you.
I had considered altering the design around the crotch area to mitigate this issue, but ultimately chose not to compromise the overall aesthetic for the off-chance that the paint might scuff in that specific region.
While the face of the doll usually remains untouched, the body is often handled and exposed to friction from clothing. Based on my personal experience, taking my Cyber Body Smart Dolls on international trips to the UK and Malaysia, I've seen no signs of paint scuffing.
It's worth mentioning that we have produced characters with vitiligo and birthmarks using the same Fujikura paints and have received no customer complaints about paint wear on the bust or shoulders. While I don't anticipate any issues, it's still worth noting that clothing with hard surfaces, or even long fingernails, could potentially scuff the paint in the same way that they could affect the facial paint.
OPTION PARTS
We plan to offer a Cyber Shell Medium Bust as an optional part in the future. However, there are currently no plans to introduce optional hand parts. Instead, we'll be offering Mecha Hands that complement the Cyber Shell aesthetic.
PHOTOS
Some of these photos may show the Smart Doll dressed in apparel other than the sports bra, which is not included. Items in the background, such as stairs, a trailer house, and fields of grass, are also not included - this could be a deal breaker for some.
ABOUT COCOA SKIN
Soft vinyl, while a wonderful material, is prone to scuff marks. While these are almost invisible on Cinnamon or Tea skin tones, they can be more noticeable on Cocoa. To address this, we provide a free Melamine sponge upon request with your order. Include a note in the order field requesting the "free melamine sponge."
When removing scuff marks, gently buff the surface with the sponge in a circular motion. If the scuff is on the face, take extra care to avoid disturbing the makeup. The process may leave a bit of sponge residue, but it's easily brushed off. Following these steps, scuffs will either vanish or become significantly less apparent.
Please be aware that due to the slush casting process, minor blemishes can occur, which might be more visible on the Cocoa skin tone. If you anticipate this as a potential issue, we recommend considering this factor before purchasing.
ABOUT TAKING PHOTOS
We often hear feedback suggesting that our cocoa skin tone dolls pose a challenge to photograph. For those finding it difficult, consider researching photography techniques or trying out camera apps that offer adjustable exposure settings.
It's worth noting that this advice isn't exclusive to cocoa dolls - it can equally apply to our cinnamon skin tones, where overexposure can be a concern. A slight adjustment of exposure settings (and willingness to learn) can go a long way in getting the perfect shot.
