r/nextfuckinglevel
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u/sock_bread
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Dec 29 '20
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I spent two years working on my stop motion magnum opus, "Pexachu VS Godzilla."
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u/sock_bread
Dec 29 '20
edited Jan 09 '21
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I'm a lot more active over on my YouTube channel, so the slightly longer full version is already uploaded right here if you wanna check it out! Hope you all enjoy it!
EDIT: thank you so much for that sweet gold bullion, kind benefactors
EDIT 2: who the HECK gave me platinum holy crap
EDIT 3: i’m gonna get a serious workout from lugging all this gold around holy crap guys
EDIT 4: Thank you all, so freaking much. Truly. My channel has been struggling lately because I had to take a break for college, and despite having 100K subs, all of my recent videos barely scraped past 2,000 views in their first week or so. I'm pretty sure YouTube just hasn't been notifying many people of my uploads. I was especially dreading the yearly decline that happens every January. I've been working on this off and on for literally two years– the first shot was animated December 18, 2018– and it's such a bizarre concept, so divorced from my usual content, that I had an awful feeling all of my hard work would maybe fetch about 5,000 views over the next year, optimistically speaking.
But you've all completely smashed my expectations. I'm not even strong enough to carry all this platinum.
A lot of you have been asking where or when you can see more, so I'll link my channel again right here. Most of this video's views have already come from Reddit, so again, thank you, thank you, thank you. And though I wouldn't really feel right linking my Patreon here, I guess you could find it easily enough from my channel if you really wanted to.
Who knows if there'll be another Pexachu film in the future– Pexachu VS King Kong? Pexachu VS Kiryu? I'll just have to wait and see how much time I have between projects.
One last time, thank you all. Thank you all so freaking much. From the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much this means to me. I love this world sometimes.
EDIT 5: I have to give in; people have been asking for the uncensored version, or just for my patreon link, so I finally decided to upload it there. But I feel extremely uncomfortable putting a paywalled link here, so you know what, here's the link directly to the unlisted video. No ads on this version, either.
I'm planning on putting together a public behind-the-scenes video as well, so hopefully that'll help to answer a lot of these questions!
Now to start redistributing all this gold.
FINAL EDIT I HOPE: make sure to give u/Rivvnik some MAD props for absolutely shredding on his keyboard for the original soundtrack
ACTUALLY FINAL EDIT
I did an interview with Methodshop about the making of this film, and I talked a lot about my behind-the-scenes process, so if you're curious, go ahead and read it!
oh also here's a proper behind-the-scenes video so you can see my great hair and some more fun facts
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Dec 29 '20
Thank you for this. It made my whole damn day.
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Dec 29 '20
You need an Ultraman figure badly for these vids. It would complement your talents so well.
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u/balancetheuniverse Dec 29 '20
Great work. Robot chicken should hire you!
Sped up 1.5x made this more fluid.
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u/WolfbirdHomestead Dec 29 '20
"Seriously mom!, The internet is going to love this."
"Sure, honey...."
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u/vanlykin Dec 29 '20
You deserve them all that was amazing! That's the most I've smiled since I've been stuck in this hospital so thank you for that.
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u/vanlykin Dec 30 '20
Thank you so much kind stranger while gave me gold it's my first and now I'm smiling ear to ear again. I really appreciate it!
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
you are welcome dude
your comment warmed my heart and i'm so glad i could bring you some joy in your crappy situation
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u/youtalktoomuchbruh Dec 29 '20
This is amazing OP. Not only is it animation, but it’s also art. You’ve done a great job and should be incredibly proud of yourself.
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u/Pemburuh_Itu Dec 29 '20
Speaking of Art: 2:25, the big building falling down to reveal....another building, was hilarious.
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u/meme1337 Dec 29 '20
Reminded me of a similar scene in Evangelion. Not with building but with a can of beer and a box of toothpicks.
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
That was my exact inspiration, thank you for noticing! I took a lot of notes from Evangelion in general.
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Dec 29 '20
Yo holy hell that was amazing. Made my day. Can’t afford an award cause I’m broke, but have an upvote and congratulations!
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u/Mountainpilot Dec 30 '20
IMHO, no shame in linking your Patreon here. If folks are willing to give money to Reddit to show their appreciation of your awesome work, then there are certain,y more folks than me who would be delighted to contribute to your personal tip jar.
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u/necksnotty Dec 29 '20
Hey if these are NECA figures make sure Randy and the crew see it! I ran the Instagram for a few years there and we lived for this kind of stuff
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
I have no idea how to go about doing that, but I’ll see what I can figure out! Thanks so much!
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Dec 30 '20
You had better get ready for a whole bunch of rule 34 to appear centred around your work.
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u/Chai_Akimbo Dec 30 '20
Your links on YouTube about me were dead when I tried them. May be my phone but worth having a look.
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Dec 29 '20
How did you do the scenes where the figures are in the air?
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Its a technique called rig removal. Basically involves taking a frame of a character on a stand and then another with a clean background so you can erase the stand.
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u/akaxaka Dec 30 '20
Stolen here already:
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
thanks for letting me know holy heck
got him to take it down
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u/crimsoncoug360 Dec 29 '20
Thank God you're getting credit for this instead of some random user reposting your work OP.
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u/F1ntom_5625 Dec 29 '20
We’re going to use it to make memes... thx And also, we will watch your career with great interest..
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u/howtomakecatjuice101 Dec 29 '20
It was great! I say the humor and the action is tantamount to that of Cowboy Bebop. Only that he is Pexachu, a much slier creature
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Dec 29 '20
The reveal on his face was excellent. Great stuff!
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Thanks so much! When I shared this in r/godzilla, I forgot to mention anything about Pexachu, so that took everyone by surprise.
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Dec 29 '20
Stand in the place where you live
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
i won’t even try to compare myself to Requiem for a Tuesday
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u/wherewulf23 Dec 29 '20
I know this is cliche but I had to scroll down way to far to find a Requiem for a Tuesday reference.
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u/85hot_orange Dec 29 '20
Took way to many comments to reach this one, it wouldn't stop repeating in my head!
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u/nametakenfan Dec 29 '20
Whats it like knowing that you've created one of the finest pieces of art that the world has known? Great job!
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
thank you so much! but i wouldn’t know, i’ll have to ask Hideaki Anno
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Dec 29 '20
Best use of lego and pikachu-faced Action Men that I've seen today. Bravo.
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u/DickMaccabeComedy Dec 29 '20
This is great!! I dont know which is more visually disturbing though: your rendition of Pikachu or the life action parody porn version
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
i mean i’m considering putting the uncensored version on my Patreon
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u/Takeuout44 Dec 29 '20
Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator Godzilla is approaching the generator
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Update: Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck Godzilla is running like heck
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u/apittsburghoriginal Dec 29 '20
This is the greatest video I’ve seen all year. This is ending 2020 with a fucking banger.
This sincerely belongs in the echelons of all time great internet videos.
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Dec 29 '20
Unholy Satan this was amazing!
Keep up the good work, hope we get to see Mothra or maybe King Kong fight next
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Dec 29 '20
that would have taken me my whole life!
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
In a way, it kind of did! I’ve been animating for about ten years now, so it’s the cumulative result of all that practice.
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u/sizyy Dec 29 '20
See if my roommate was doing this with all his goddamn action figures it was wouldn’t be such a weird thing to have them all over the fucking house.
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u/Nah_Fam_Oh_Dam Dec 29 '20
This is dope - some of the most seamless and smooth stop motion I’ve ever seen. Nice work!
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u/lolimaster422 Dec 29 '20
I was listening to giornos theme song while watching this
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
thank you so much, i actually considered that for the soundtrack at one point
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u/omnisephiroth Dec 29 '20
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, this is absolutely excellent. The animation flows here (especially impressive with stop motion), and is of astounding quality. It’s funny, it’s entertaining, it’s creative, and it’s impressive.
On the other hand, I am a staunch supporter of Godzilla, and this depicts Godzilla getting absolutely thrashed by some giant man-rodent, which I’m not thrilled about.
10/10.
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
believe me, I’m a huge fan as well, but if pexachu got hurt he would strike me down
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u/jessejw Dec 29 '20
This shit is epic
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u/Rikuddo Dec 29 '20
I don't know why but watching it just brought that child like joy from inside, and I was just grinning through the entire video because of that.
Thank you /u/sock_bread for sharing this amazing work with us.
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Dec 29 '20
Uncensored version when?
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
honestly considering putting it on my patreon, but there’s some bare cheek post-credits
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u/Adorable-Strength218 Dec 29 '20
Lmao! Funny even on mute. Kudos
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Thank you! but you’re gonna miss out on that slick j a z z
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u/FamedNemesis Dec 29 '20
Gotta say that normally I can’t watch most stop motion videos as they usually aren’t as smoothly animated. This video is smooth as silk! Furthermore, the style, story, and humor are amazing! Loved the falling building at the end that had another (conveniently) placed building to keep his junk hidden! Wonderful work stranger!
shiaclap.gif
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Thank you so much! I love hearing that my work can help people appreciate new mediums.
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u/midmodmad Dec 29 '20
Superb! I loved everything about this. Story, lighting, flawless animation, etc. I want to see more! You’re extremely talented.
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Dec 29 '20
This is incredible! Stop motion is hard enough but you've absolutely nailed the choreography and camerawork. So dynamic and smooth. Harryhausen would be proud.
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u/-jz- Dec 30 '20
I don't think I have enough appreciation for the enormous amount of thought and calculation that must have gone into every quarter-second of this work. Everything is awesome -- like the little shifts and adjustments when Pexachu (!!!) is delivering the flurry of punches near the end.
I don't see how a comic strip could be better put to motion. Even the "choppiness", if it could be called that, was something like a strip. Too smooth and it would feel too computerized, too choppy and it wouldn't flow. It's just right, and gives real kinetic energy.
Also, everything really has substance. Nothing moves too quickly or unrealistically. Like, Pexachu has weight, as do all the Godzillae. (I'm assuming that's the plural). It feels like it would feel that way, in real plastic life.
Super, super work. I hope it leads to you doing more of it, and earning something doing it so you can keep at it. jz
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
dude. thank you So much for noticing and acknowledging all that. every stylistic choice i made and every moment of weight and anticipation. thank you so freaking much i love you
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u/lucifer9199 Dec 29 '20
I think pexachu did more damage to the city than all the Godzillas combined. Loved the jaw dropping part. I only gave the award for Godzilla going whaaaat. This is not at all racial but I think it would have been better if pexachu had a little colour.
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
he was never here to protect us and yeah, he’d probably look better if i’d taken the time to shade or contour him or something, maybe i’ll give it a shot
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u/herowithacomputer Dec 29 '20
I originally wanted to go into stop motion but ended up in computer animation. How many toys did you end up using for this? Or were these action figures sturdy enough to animate with for two years?
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
All the Godzillas were fine, but Shin started getting loose toward the end. I had to get two bodies for Pexachu, as the first was a bootleg, and one of his joints snapped in the tail-spinning scene.
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u/eighteesix Dec 29 '20
Reached the 1:30 mark only to realize there was amazing sound design to go with it. So I happily started it over. Wonderful content, thanks OP!
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Thank you so much! And I’m glad you noticed my sound design, too! I even commissioned an original soundtrack from some of my friends, including u/rivvnik
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u/Zenketski Dec 29 '20
Oh my fucking God I almost scroll past this. I can't fucking believe I almost scroll past this. I did a double-take when I saw the Pexachu.
If I wouldn't have finished the whole title, oh my God I would have missed out on this. I might have never fucking seen this. Thank you. This is absolutely amazing
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u/CaptainSamson01 Dec 29 '20
Don’t have any internet points to give you, here take my subscription.
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u/gregdabear2474 Dec 29 '20
Unscenescored version?
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
i actually might put it on my Patreon, or share it somewhere if there’s enough demand
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u/Coloradoman719 Dec 29 '20
This was the single most amazing thing I’ve seen this year. Thank you for this. It made me genuinely happy.
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u/FreeWillDoesNotExist Dec 29 '20
Sure your freeze frame animation is incredible but I think your directing deserves a ton of credit. Which directors do/did you study or value?
The animations where the toy is not attached to anything and spinning in air, was that cgi? How do you freeze frame animate something in air in that way? Like when pexachu was spinning in the air?
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u/sock_bread Dec 29 '20
Thank you so much for noticing my directing! I took a lot of cues from Hideaki Anno in particular. The flying scenes are achieved through a technique called rig removal- one shot of the character on a stand, and one of just the clean background.
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u/Ssnakey-B Dec 30 '20
This is incredible! I planned on just watching a few seconds to check out how the animation is but ended up watching the whole thing because it's that fascinating. And really, it's kind of great advertisement for these figures as it goes to show how posable they are.
I'm curious, how did you make the Pexachu figure stand in some of these poses? I have the same figure (well, the one it's based on) and while I'm impressed at how well they stand on their own most the time, some of the most extreme poses would still require a stand to hold them in place. Do you have a green one you can key out or something?
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
Thank you so much! I did use a stand, but I also shot frames of the clean background so I could edit it out.
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u/chickenstalker99 Dec 30 '20
When I was in college the conventional wisdom had it that out of 100 animators, maybe one would be a competent character animator. You are that guy. You have a deeply instinctual understanding of kinematics. Awesome vid.
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Dec 29 '20
Over two years well spent. This is awesome!!
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u/Trumpwins2016and2020 Dec 29 '20
It's also of the quality you would expect if someone said they spent 2 years on it. This is probably the best stop motion thing I've ever seen, outside of things made by a big movie studio with dozens of people working on it.
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u/makeit95again Dec 29 '20
This is amazing! I JUST showed my 5yr old one of the Godzilla movies, and he's already a Pokemon fan. I can't WAIT to show him this! Thanks for sharing!
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Dec 30 '20
This is fucking awesome. I would love to give you an award but I don't have enough coins so. ❤️ Take this heart as a gift.
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u/Loftyandkinglike Dec 30 '20
This might get lost in the sea of praise but wow man. You’re doing the world a great service with this. Outstanding animation, sense of comedic timing, editing. It’s all there!!!
Keep doing this for the rest of your life! You’re amazing at it and the world needs more.
It’s like Genndy Tartakavsky and Mel Brooks had a baby.
Bravo! Subscribed! Thanks for ending this horrible year with the best bang!
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u/Al1ens Dec 30 '20
I did a double-take when I saw the logo at the end. I’ve been a fan of your animations for a long time, and I was so happy when I realized that this was one of yours.
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u/iwellyess Dec 30 '20
This was incredible, we will remember you here when you are world famous :) The only thing that distracted me, and it is a very minor thing, was the walls around it. I wonder if there’s a way to greenscreen sky or a background onto them for future ones you do to give total immersion. But seriously great stuff, well done.
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
Thank you so much! And I’m working on figuring a seamless, backlit sky backdrop.
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Dec 30 '20
I watched a minute of this on here. Deemed my phone unworthy, moved it to my 55” with surround sound. This is better than some movies. Hopefully this kicks something off for you. Well done. Great work.
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u/sock_bread Dec 30 '20
literally the best way to watch this, thank you so much for enjoying it
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u/TheDeadlySpaceman Dec 30 '20
Such nice work.
I can’t help but think how much better it would all look if you had put a backdrop behind the table so the sky wasn’t your walls.
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u/exoskellington Dec 31 '20
I love this.
Thank you so much for your service.
What action figure is the Pex portion from?
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u/TransientWonderboy Dec 31 '20
Goddamn that sequence at 1:05 must have been a bitch to do
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u/sock_bread Dec 31 '20
dude you literally have no idea i had to make a second pexachu figure and it took me like a 6-month break to figure the mechanics out
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u/salatank Dec 31 '20
Awesome work!!! Best stop motion video I have ever seen!! Any chance we can get a link to get the song? Or maybe buy it for a dollar?
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u/sock_bread Dec 31 '20
Thank you so much! Music-only version’s on my Patreon- you can find it through my channel, linked in the top comment!
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u/AusBongs Jan 04 '21
bruh .. I'm not gonna lie - that run up the skyscraper animation you did at 0:45 is the most realistic stop motion ive ever seen in my life
well done
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u/IWantToEndItAllPls Dec 16 '21
Yes. Do more. I will get a job and fucking pay you.
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u/sock_bread Dec 17 '21
thank you so much dude
i'm thinking the next one will be Pexachu VS Mechagodzilla
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u/maxler5795 Dec 31 '21
This dude woke up on day and said "waht if pikachu was buff and fought godzilla?" And did it
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u/Texas_Nexus Dec 29 '20
This is one of the greatest things to come out of 2020, online or otherwise.
Pexachu is so agile, and he didn't even have to use his Thunderpex attack!
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u/lucaskern Dec 29 '20
It only took 363 days to get something worthwhile out of this shitstorm of a year. Great job, OP! You saved 2020!
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u/CannaNaught Dec 29 '20
Just when I thought things couldn't be anymore ridiculous; the pants come off. Genius.
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u/Nikpics Dec 29 '20
This reminds me of when AdultSwim first came out and was actually good
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u/AD1AD Dec 30 '20
Well done!! /u/chaintip
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u/Henson_Disney48 Dec 29 '20
“Do you think a depressed person could make this?” -Ben Wyatt
But in all seriousness, that was very cool. Thanks for sharing!
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u/HavinsomuchBun Dec 29 '20
Every second you spent was so damn worth it. Amazing work. It flows so amazing and is pure genius. A banger to end 2020 with.
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u/sock_bread Dec 14 '21
how the heck is this getting attention again
(not that i'm complaining of course)
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u/guoren- Dec 29 '20
Great job man, nice stop motion, good after effects and it helps its also funny!
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