An Afterschool Special With Grandpa Troll

Normally when picking masks for this blog, I would only choose things that feature the mask proper. Occasionally I'll come across one that shows the mask being utilized outside of just general photos, and I'll usually save those for the Round Ups, but this is an instance where I'm willing to break my own rules. There's just something absolutely spectacular about these photos, and the mask is a big part of why. I'll also usually avoid masks that are fairly standard and generic, such as witches, goblins, werewolves, etc, and trolls are no different. They're such a standard amongst the monsters and mask design that I simply refuse to really cover them, often because they're also not ever really done uniquely. But this set of photos, and the mask to boot, proved me wrong.

Grandpa Troll here is enjoying a nice summer day on his wicker chair, watching his hideous troll grandchildren play in the yard. I think a big part of what makes this whole thing work is simply the beard. The mask itself is great, and we'll get into the details certainly, but the beard is what really ties it all together. Usually hair on masks is terrible, and a lot of masks forego the beard outright, even if they're necessary. Or, and this is a cardinal sin in my eyes, they simply make the hair or beard out of latex, like everything else. You just don't do that, man.

But this thing? This thing has a real beard. Okay, it's probably not real hair. I highly doubt someone shaved an Alpaca purely for the hair required for this mask, but it's still impressive nonetheless.And, as an added bonus, it covers the area where the mask and the body meet, which makes it actually seem somewhat like its the persons real face. A really really good creative decision, honestly. But that's enough drooling over a beard, let's look at this thing up close. Come, Grandpa Troll, let us closely inspect your face.

And I can think of no better place to start than with the eyes. The mask itself has a lot of detailing - wrinkles, bags under the eyes, a big ol' honkin' nose - but as cool as the nose and the ears and the beard are, and as much as they attract the eyes because of their enormity, I personally think the eyes are the nicest visual addition to this design. The eyes are sad, like Grandpa Troll is reflecting on a life best forgotten, yet appreciative of the time he's had on this horrible earth. The color is also excellent, because it actually matches the skin tone of the mask proper. There's a small shade of mint grin, but it's also mixed with that sickly cobalt, and altogether it works.

Eyes are, just like hair, usually an area that gets ignored or done improperly. Which is ridiculous, because eyes are often one of the best pieces you can use to your advantage, design wise. I can't believe how many masks I run across that don't do something even remotely interesting with their eye design. Then again, a lot of masks have empty eyeholes so the wearer can see out it, so this is kind an unusual mask once again, because I can confidently say I have no idea how someone is expected to see out of this thing.

The exaggerated features are, of course, what draws you to the whole thing though, that much cannot be denied. The big ears and big nose. But there's so much sculpting technique that went into giving this mask age. Whoever did this gave him a face full of years, thanks to the wrinkles and lines they put into his skin, and that's another nice little touch.

Again, far too often are the masks I cover - cool as they might be - are rarely given history in their face. They appear fake, because they don't have any patina, even man made. I like it when a designer goes the extra mile and gives it those small touches that make it really seem like this is the face of a thousand year old being. This level of craftsmanship is rarely encountered, and it's a shame, because when it is, I'm not only impressed, but also disappointed in what everyone else churns out, when I know they could be doing better. Then again, this is, as much as it is an art form, also an industry, and an industry only knows fast and cheap. There's a reason Marvel movies have become the bread and butter of the megabucks film world this past decade.

All in all, I think Grandpa Troll is one of the best designed masks I've ever had the pleasure of covering, and I'm more than happy to share him with the rest of you. It's masks like this that make me want to keep doing this blog for years to come, just to see what other treasures I might uncover. As for Grandpa Troll, he's here to stay, so long as he remembers to take his medicine and not overexert himself. He is thousands of years old, after all. Last thing he needs is a hip replacement.

Love you, Grandpa Troll.