Limited edition resin versions of some Wrath of Kings models are now available from the Cool Mini or Not store.
Wrath of Kings is being developed by the same studio that made Rackham so famous years ago. Some of those aesthetics are on display here, but for the most part Wrath of Kings represents an obvious transition into a new stylistic direction. Kudos to the team for not letting their past haunt their future, and for finding new focus for their creative energies.
Posted in 28-32mm fantasy
Tagged Cool Mini or Not, Dust Games, Dust Studio, Edouard Guiton, Rackham Miniatures, Wrath of Kings
Tre Manor of Red Box Games has just posted previews of two beasts included in their next scheduled release. Both models should be available in about two weeks (pending confirmation from the caster).
The Fenris beast (top) is the first strong competition I’ve seen for Tom Meier’s giant wolves (stalking, baying); I actually think Tre has outdone Tom with this sculpt. I hope more are coming, as one of these will not be enough.
According to Tre, the Nether Beast shown here is just one of three in development (the other two are about 95 and 50 percent done). As it’s rather massive (that’s a 40mm base it’s standing on), the sculpt will be cast in resin.
For the past four years I’ve been looking for proper mounts for an old-school goblin/ogre/orc/troll/giant army I’ve been working on, and you can’t imagine my elation when I saw the Nether Beast and learned there were two more in the pipe. Part lizard, part bull, hints of dragon, a dash of human anatomy, built for speed on the back and strength on the front–perfect!
I’m ordering these as soon as they are available (plus several other models on my RBG to-buy list). Expect a review sometime soon.
Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Red Box Games
Tagged Red Box Games, Thunderbolt Mountain, Tom Meier, Tre MANOR
CoolMiniorNot is now distributing the English edition of the French gaming magazine, Ravage. From their website:
Ravage, the premier French miniatures and table top gaming magazine, is now available in the U.S.A.! The only independent magazine in print catering to the fantasy and science fiction tabletop gamer, each bimonthly issue is chock full of reviews, previews, news, event coverage and painting how tos!
Issue 1 has 69 full color pages, including an exclusive interview with Raphael Guiton on the revival of Confrontation, the legendary fantasy skirmish game!
Congratulations! You are now an official backer of Ogre Designer’s Edition.
I think I first heard about this project two years ago; my interest was piqued immediately then, and I backed the project almost as soon as the Kickstarter announcement was made.
I never played the first edition of OGRE or any of its later incarnations, but was keenly aware of the game when I made my first steps into the hobby. That was back in 1982; I was nine. I was far more drawn to D&D, Grenadier and Ral Partha miniatures, and board games like Dragon Pass, Dragonhunt, Circvs Maximvs, and The Trojan War (the latter by the same publisher as OGRE, Metagaming Microgames). I knew OGRE had a loyal following, but recall that I was strongly disappointed to find that the game had nothing to do with fantasy ogres. I’m happy to say I’ve since shed such prejudices.
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Posted in board games, Uncategorized
Tagged Kickstarter, OGRE, Steve Jackson Games
Mannikin Studios has recently posted a painted version of Bylot, one of their first models, by Anakron. From the announcement on their website:
David AYRAL (Anakron) of Anakron Miniatures Studio recently submitted these pictures of his stunning version of Bylot (glennling 1). We’re quite impressed by Anakron’s incredible display of skill, and humbled that he was inspired enough by the piece to bring it to life. Thank you, Anakron.
Bylot is one of the ghosts from Henry Hudson’s ill-fated crew that haunt the Catskill Mountains in Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle, and is included in our range of characters based on Arthur Rackham’s illustrations for the work. Bylot was sculpted by Anakron.
Visit Anakron’s gallery on Cool Mini or Not to cast your vote for his rendition of this model, and stop by Mannikin Studios to check out their growing catalog of miniatures.
Cyanide Studio recently informed us that the much anticipated Confrontation video game will be released “just before Easter.” In the meantime, they are running a contest leading up to the release on their Facebook page.
Anakron Miniatures Studio just released a preview of their next signature model, Le Guide. The sculpt measures 30mm to the eyes. No word on when it will be available other than “soon.” They’ll also be releasing two or three scenic basing elements as well.
I’m snatching up this model as soon as it’s available. I’m not sure if this will be limited like past releases (I’ll ask), but traditionally AMS models have been limited to just 30 castings. I’ll have an update on this as soon as I hear back from Mr. A. In the meantime, enjoy the preview.
P.S. Want to see more of Anakron’s work? Be sure to check out Mannikin Studios and GCT Studios to add more of his fantastic sculpts to your collection.
Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Anakron Miniatures, Mannikin Studios
Norsgard has just released a new model for their forthcoming game, Oracle of Storms (9.00 €). The Oracle was sculpted by industry veteran Nicolas N’Guyen based on artwork by Nico Kopf.
Norsgard is made by the same people who published Sapphire Wars about a year or so ago. I’m not sure what happened to the latter, but according to their Facebook page they’re still planning to release models and a game. Between the handful of models produced for Sapphire Wars and the two made for Norsgard so far, I think the Oracle of Storms is by far their strongest concept, but then I’ve a bias for the artist’s work.
If you’ve never heard of Nico, you will. He’s an up-and-comer in this industry with a promising future ahead of him. To date Nico has done concept work for Norsgard, Anakron Miniatures Studio (Cartomancer, forthcoming), and Mannikin Studios (ogre mercenary, currently being sculpted), but expect this list to start growing soon.
Cartomancer
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Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Anakron Miniatures, art, Mannikin Studios
Tagged Anakron Miniatures Studio, concept art, Mannikin Studios, Nico Kopf, Norsgard
The current US issue of ImagineFX (#80, $15.99) has a nice little article on Paul Bonner, one of the leading concept artists in the miniatures and gaming industry. In the article the “England-born fantasy artist talks about some of his artistic highlights, and why you should ‘paint what you love’.”
The article is pretty short, and if you’re at all familiar with Paul’s work there’s likely nothing new to see. Personally, however, I’m a sucker for this kind of thing, and didn’t hesitate to pick up a copy. There’s a ton of great work by other artists in the magazine, too.
If you’re interested in seeing more of Paul’s work, be sure to visit his website or buy a copy of his book, Out of the Forests: The Artwork of Paul Bonner, from Titan Books (£19.99).
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Tagged concept art, ImagineFX, magazines, Paul Bonner
Confrontation is coming back. The announcement was made at the Game Manufacturers Association‘s (GAMA) trade show, currently being held in Las Vegas. The game and all associated products will be licensed by Cyanide Studio, produced by Legacy Miniatures (a division of Dust Studio), and distributed by Cool Mini or Not.
I haven’t seen a huge response to this news yet, and it’s too early to tell how successful this venture will be. So far my impression is that people are either extremely excited about this announcement or somewhat indifferent. I never played the game initially, and don’t predict that I’ll start with this new edition. That’s not because the game doesn’t appeal to me; I just don’t have the time at this stage in my life (maybe again one day). Consequently, I’m in the indifferent camp.
I’ve also had more than my fill of Confrontation products. I became a Rackham devotee back in 2003, and have a nearly complete collection (all in storage, sadly). That being said, I picked up most of the Legacy sets that were released in the past months, and might purchase a few bits and bobbles this year if tempted enough. I’ll even get the rulebook, assuming they hire a writer worth their salt to edit the volume (someone with a thorough knowledge of composition, grammar, style, and punctuation). That purchase will be mainly for the art and photos, however, and to satiate my incessant appetite for books.
Some of the most informative tidbits on this incarnation of Confrontation were in a QA with David Preti of Dust/Legacy posted by Almanro on the DragonPainting forum. I’ve posted this below (with some edits):
Q: Is it a new edition of the C3 manual with the integration of the C3.5 rules?
A: It starts from version 3 and 3.5 with a complete review and refreshQ: Are there changes (improvements) to C3.5 rules, or will they remain the same as we know?
A: I think there will be changesQ: If the previous is “yes”, is there the opportunity to propose changes or the project is already closed and tested?
A: The project is not closed and is being testedQ: Is a print hard copy version planned or only the pdf will be offered on-line? If a hard copy version is planned, which will be the languages?
A: A hard copy of the manual will be available in English and French.Q: Do you think to re-release all the Confrontation miniature range?
A: No. Of course the miniatures that are too old won’t be re-releasedQ: Will there be new miniatures no longer in “limited edition”?
A: There will certain be new miniatures, but not immediately. Be patient!Q: Will be the cards modified to improve the game dynamics?
A: YesQ: What is the expected timing?
A: At Gama previews will be shown of what you will see from now to 6-9 monthsQ: Metal or plastic or resin?
A: Resin and MetalQ: Possible costs?
A: In line with other miniature games (certainly not Legacy prices! Which will remain for the moment for the next few waves)Q: Is there the possibility to create an official tournament circuit supported by the brand?
A: Yes
Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Legacy Miniatures, Rackham (old)
Tagged Confrontation, Cyanide Studio, Dust Studio, Legacy Miniatures
Red Box Games recently previewed a new sculpt from their forthcoming Helsvakt Expansion, Belegast the Bloodthirsty.
This is by far one of Tre’s most technical sculpts, but also one of his most successful. My RBG to-buy list is starting to get long again. I wonder if I can hold out until the cavalry come along?
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Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Red Box Games
Tagged Red Box Games, Tre MANOR
Heer46 has just released a Panzer VII Löwe kit, 1:100 scale. From their website:
All work is done and now i start the pre-order for this kitty.The tank comes with two kanonen one you see on the picture from the E-100 and a second one isthe 10,50 cm.The kit is made in resin, the two kanonen are with metal.When you order a Löwe until 04.03.12 one tank cost 15,00 € . Shipping is world wide (USA, GB, New Zealand,Russian usw.) 3,50 € for 1-3 Löwe.
If you take four Löwe there are no shipping cost.
After this time the price goes up to 16,80 € for one Löwe.
I own a couple HEER46 kits, and plan to review them here sometime in the near future. They are good quality kits. I’m more partial to Soviets, but if I collected Germans for 15mm WWII gaming, this kit would be at the top of my to-buy list.
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Posted in WWII
Tagged Battlefront, Flames of War, HEER46, WWII
Mannikin Studios released their first model for 2012 earlier this year, Twa Corbies. From their website:
Twa Corbies is based on artwork from Arthur Rackham’s Illustrated edition of Some British Ballads, and is the third of twelve models planned for our fae tree series. It is a three-part resin model (optional third branch not shown), measures 48mm tall, and comes with a 30mm round base.
Twa Corbies was sculpted by Jody SIEGEL of Imbrian Arts and cast in resin of the highest quality. The model is comprised of small, delicate parts, and as such is intended for advanced modelers.
Twa Corbies is available now from our online store for just $12.50 USD + $3.00 worldwide shipping.
This is a fiddly model, to say the least, which will make it challenging kit for even the most advanced modelers. That being said, it’s an incredible sculpt, and would look fantastic as part of a plinth diorama or a centerpiece on its own.
Earlier this year Mannikin Studios also previewed sculpts of one of their forthcoming models, Puss in Boots and the Ogre (RFB001 and RFB002), which should be available sometime in the next few months. More photos of Puss and the Ogre are available on the Mannikin Studios website.
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Posted in 28-32mm fantasy, Mannikin Studios
Tagged Arthur Rackham, Jody SIEGEL, Mannikin Studios
Anakron Miniatures Studio launched a new website recently.
Anakron’s new website is a testament to his high standards for aesthetics, functionality, and design. It’s a huge improvement over his last site, especially with respects to navigation (his famous tutorials, for example, are much more front and center now, and shouldn’t be missed).
There is a treasure trove of material on Anakron’s site, including links, galleries, and resources for painters and sculptors of all skill levels, but only for those with the highest regard for quality and presentation.
Don’t leave the Anakron Miniatures Studio site until you’ve thoroughly digested the repertoire of painted miniatures and sculpts on display, as it’s representative of some of the finest work in the industry. More importantly, don’t forget to visit Anakron’s boutique to pick up some models from his studio range of miniatures.
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Posted in Anakron Miniatures, Uncategorized, Web sites
Tagged Anakron Miniatures Studio
Red Box Games has just launch a new website, and it’s a huge improvement. Kudos to Tre, et al, for keeping the design simple, smooth, elegant, and smart. The new logo is much more fitting as well, blending perfectly with the aesthetics of the world Tre is building. Test drive the site, pick up some beautiful models, and support one of the most respected companies in the industry.
