Best Of

Carissa Alanis said:

This is PHENOMENAL!!! Great work

This character was created as a tribute to the incredible work of the makeup and prosthetics team behind HBO’s The Last of Us.
Their attention to detail, the richness of the colors, and the way they brought the infection to life through makeup is nothing short of breathtaking. Their artistry has been a major inspiration for me.

I wanted to explore what the infection might look like at a later stage of mutation, when the fungus has fully taken over the host — pushing through the skull, bursting from the brain, and spreading across the face and torso in vivid, grotesque textures.

To bring this idea to life, I sculpted and applied multiple custom-made prosthetic elements and texture pieces, building layers of color and form to give the illusion of fungal growth overtaking the human anatomy. I aimed for a vibrant, saturated look — something organic yet striking.

Interestingly, once the model stepped onto set in full makeup, the team couldn’t help but laugh and say:
“He looks like he just stepped off the Flying Dutchman!”
Apparently, we accidentally sailed into Pirates of the Caribbean territory — part fungus, part crew!

Still, this project is, above all, a love letter to practical creature effects. It’s a celebration of transformation, sculpture, storytelling through texture — and a nod to the masters who continue to push the boundaries of what makeup can be.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this creation.https://youtube.com/shorts/gNyi5e6igeI?feature=share

Created by: Chad Leduc for Labyrinthia

Description:
Introducing Tricerascourge, a biomechanical juggernaut born from ancient tech and primal DNA. This gladiator-style beast is a sentinel within the alien labyrinth known as Labyrinthia, where it patrols the endless shifting corridors, challenging any who dare enter.

Design Inspiration:
This creature was inspired by my two biggest creative influences: the legendary Predator design by Stan Winston—a perfect blend of alien menace and tribal warrior—and my lifelong fascination with Roman gladiators. Tricerascourge is my homage to both: a savage arena champion fused with brutal, futuristic tech.

Materials & Process:
This creature was kitbashed using parts sourced from the dollar store—dinosaur toy pieces combined with a vintage He-Man action figure as the base body. Key tools used in the build included two-part Apoxie Sculpt putty for seamless blending and sculpting, and super glue for strong, permanent bonding between parts.

Additional detailing—like the straps, belts, and mechanical armor pieces—was crafted using Worbla, a heat-moldable thermoplastic. The entire figure was hand-painted and weathered to give it a battle-hardened, aged appearance, bringing the creature to life as a weathered warrior in the world of Labyrinthia.

Backstory (Lore):
Within the labyrinth's ever-changing walls, Tricerascourge is both executioner and trial. Genetically engineered by the ancient Architects of Labyrinthia, this creature was designed to blend brute force with mechanical precision. Its triceratops headplate doubles as a ramming helmet and sensory array, while its shielded arms deliver crushing blows. Many challengers have entered the maze... none have escaped Tricerascourge.

Why It Belongs in the World of Labyrinthia:
Labyrinthia is a place of traps, trials, and terror. Tricerascourge fits perfectly as one of its most feared inhabitants—a relic of a forgotten war, eternally bound to defend the labyrinth’s secrets.