Monday 13 April 2015

"Just what I Needed... Annuder Mystery."

 "First guy to ask me ta make a speech gets a fat lip."
This 28mm plastic model of The Thing from the Fantastic Four is made by “Wizkids”. It is model 003 from the Marvel Tenth Anniversary range. The rocky human mutate was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961 and features in the “Fantastic Four” comic book by “Marvel Worldwide”.

As I already own a Ben Grimm, and felt this figure’s rather static pose better suit a non-moving gaming piece, I decided to base the miniature on a thin-lipped 40mm circular base so I could use him as an objective marker. Having initially hidden the model’s (frankly) awful pre-paint job with a coat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black I then painted the super-hero’s mackintosh with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown before applying a heavy wash of “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade all over the coat in order to make it look a bit dank and grubby. For Benjamin’s fedora, I simply painted it “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, picked out the hat band with “Citadel” Abaddon Black and then washed it all with Nuln Oil.
"Vallejo" Brass WIPs - Girder needs a black wash applied to his hair. Whilst Robotman requires dry-brushing 
The hardest part to paint on the model was the brute’s rocky hide. As I wanted The Thing to be the same colour as my other painted model of him I used a combination of “Vallejo” Heavy Orange and Umber Shade. I really like the effect left when the transparent acrylic wash dries. But unfortunately the ‘Lavado Sombra’ has a nasty habit of flowing everywhere when applied. Which it did on this occasion and necessitated some major repainting. I plan at some point to try and fit the sign post with some actual place names as decals, such as Yancy Street. But for now I simply painted it with “Gunmetal Grey” and gave it a wash of “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

My other painted "Heroclix" model of The Thing can be found here:

Moving away from “Marvel Comics Group” and instead turning to some characters from “DC Comics”, I have now washed this “Heroclix” model of Girder and subsequently dry-brushed him with Brass. Despite being a nicely sculpted figure of the super-villain, the detail is quite soft so I’ve only been able to apply a very light touch to the figure. I have though managed to paint his hair and beard with a nice dull steel colour, which once inked should help break up the miniature’s monotone look. Speaking of “Vallejo” Brass, having now applied a second layer over this Robotman miniature, I have washed the hero with Umber Shade and now just need to dry-brush the member of The Doom Patrol before starting to paint out some of his metallic body’s details.
Clayface WIP - Some rather roughly applied black separation lines are on show
Finally I thought it was about time I turned my attention to another of Batman’s Rogue Gallery, and although I dislike this particular model as it’s a bit too cartoony for my taste, I do rather like Clayface as a super-villain. The rather squat-sized miniature has for now just been undercoated brown. Though I have started to base coat both the safe and iron girder which Basil Karlo is carrying. 

12 comments:

  1. Ben looks the part for sure. All ready to meet up with his cute blind girlfriend for another session of "love me even tho I'm a monster".

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    1. Thanks Dai. Not one of my fave models of the big guy but he's done. I'm afraid I don't recognise the quote though its very apt :-)

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  2. Really liking your clix repaints. Always nice to see the models with a good paint job rather than the rubbish one they come with. I think I have clay face somewhere but not sure if it's that version but it may be a while before I get round to painting it. Love the models of girder and robot man. :)

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    1. Thanks CW. The original even had a couple of googly-eyes painted on his cheeks!?! I've ensured they're suitably shadowed by his fedora :-) Girder and Clayface are actually rather wide miniatures and based upon 40mm bases as a result. Whilst Robotman is a little taller than I'd like. But good models and fun to paint.

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  3. I love your rendition of the Thing there Simon well worth the wait. I have that Robotman model myself now. I plan on doing him in a couple of weeks or so, along with a few others, but as you know I'm not allowed to just repaint him in the same colours, he has to be a completely new character (shame as yours is looking rather tidy!). I see what you mean about the cartoony element to clayface, not sure about that figure I reserve judgment there I think till he's painted. Girder on the other hand gets a big thumbs up from me already!

    Cheers Roger.

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    1. Cheers Roger. Ben has definitely turned out better than the original imho. I think Robotman is a great model and I'm really pleased with the way the Umber Shade has dried. Girder is an impressive model too. I just wish the detail was a little stronger. But he's almost finished. I think the jury is out on Clayface...

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  4. I do like how the Thing has turned out, Simon. He's so full of character and attitude. The others are coming along nicely and I look forward to seeing them completed.

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    1. Thanks Bryan. I'm rather pleased with The Thing. Plenty of super-heroes and villains coming over the next few weeks.

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  5. And supervillian badness (I hope!).

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    1. Oh absolutely Roger. I already know what I need to paint for next week's Fortnight Painting Challenge, and it's going to be a little known "DC Comics" super-villainess with her minions. All I'll say is things will get furry for Batman in the future Batrep ;-)

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