Chinese Student Creates Life-Sized Kwansformer
China Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) student Bi Heng, 26, used components from a China-made Jiefang CA10 military truck to construct a 9.7-meter-tall statue / ‘Kwansformer’ of the great Chinese General Guan Yu.
Heng spent over 300,000 RMB (43,000 USD) to create what he calls a kwansformer for a semester-long class project. The 2-ton kwansformer now stands at the grounds of the CAFA Academy, with a gigantic Green Dragon Crescent blade in hand. Heng even hired fellow classmate Han Han to create a 3D video clip of the fictional transformation process (see end of article).
The kwansformer pays homage to the Transformer franchise, while honoring General Guan Yu, who according to Wikipedia “played a significant role in the civil war that led to the collapse of the Han Dynasty and the establishment of Shu Han.” He has since been immortalized via the fictional historical fiction novel ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’
According to China Daily, Heng originally conceived the idea back in 2006. He now hopes to commercialize his kwansformers—including his upcoming Monkey King (to made from a taxi) and Olympic Torch (to made from a cudgel-shaped weapon).
He’s even been offered money for General Guan Yu (codenamed Revolution), but has thus far turned down all offers.
“Transformers (toys) are a cherished memory of the post-80s generation, but these people are still not rich enough to buy my work,” he said.
Suffice it to say, it looks like Heng is holding out for the big bucks!
By V Saxena on 21-07-2010
Comment by Ace
July 21st, 2010 at 11:25 pm
I like it more than the movie ones, hahah.
Comment by Mèo Xù
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 am
Cool <3
Comment by anonymous
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
Cool and all, but this is probably the FOURTH time i’ve read someone making these “Transformer” bots IRL. Call me again when someone makes one of those that can ACTUALLY TRANSFORM. Kthxbye.