Having been somewhat distracted painting the five "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" Federated Security models I received as my Secret Santa, I have rather fallen behind with the figures I had planned to submit to this week's Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. I have however managed to significantly progress one of the six "Heroclix" Hand Ninja miniatures. Indeed as I've been treating him as my 'test' figure for the assassins' deep red attire, he is actually very close to being finished.
I'm rather happy with the way the black wash over red dry-brushing has turned out, and it certainly looks better than the original thick dirty brown scrapings the pre-painted model had to begin with. Unfortunately I can see why all the ninjas have such appallingly bad (pre)paint-jobs, as the sculpting for each figure's 'sword clenching hand' is simply atrocious with the assassin's wrist wrappings just melting into the palm of the hand. As a result it took several attempts to paint this area on my 'pilot' piece and even now I'm not entirely sure I have got it right.
I'm rather happy with the way the black wash over red dry-brushing has turned out, and it certainly looks better than the original thick dirty brown scrapings the pre-painted model had to begin with. Unfortunately I can see why all the ninjas have such appallingly bad (pre)paint-jobs, as the sculpting for each figure's 'sword clenching hand' is simply atrocious with the assassin's wrist wrappings just melting into the palm of the hand. As a result it took several attempts to paint this area on my 'pilot' piece and even now I'm not entirely sure I have got it right.
Fortunately the sculpting on my "Wizkids" Silver Samurai model does not have the same issue, as this super-villain is rather well detailed and has been simple to paint so far. Having undercoated, washed, and dry-brushed a few times, the figure now just needs his lower face, hands and Imperial Japanese Sun to be picked out before he'll be complete. Although I am tempted to break up some of his shininess by picking out his boots and belt with a much more dull metallic silver; possibly with a black wash over the top.
As I'm a bit behind with where I want to be with my Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge submissions, I've moved up my painting queue a few more "Heroclix" models for next week in the hope I can also get a "DC Comics" Rogue Gallery entry in as well. I've already re-based and undercoated three of these five models, including Chemo; an appallingly bad sculpt which towers over the others at a height of 70mm.
I agree that the Heroclix Hand Ninjas are not their finest sculpts but you have done a very good paint job on them. Did you know that historically, Ninja did not wear black uniforms? They were a dark reddish brown colour. So your red and black paint mix is spot on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryan. I love the ninjas' pose but they are just slightly over-sized compared to the "Heroclix" norm, and as we agree their sculpting leaves something to be desired. I wasn't aware of them originally wearing reddish brown. My choice of colours was just a lucky accident as I wanted them to tie-in with their current Hand attire. But at the same time wanted to avoid the bright red and gold look they've adopted in recent appearances (to tie-in with Daredevil I believe).
DeleteYou really do discover some wonderfully original miniatures - can't wait to see this bunch completed.
ReplyDeleteCheers Michael. I do like to paint and post minis which make people go - I didn't know they did a mini of that!?!" Certainly I've an eclectic taste in my subject matter :-)
DeleteGreat progress so far dude! Looking forward to seeing these completed.
ReplyDeleteDo you have the entire Heroclix range?
Thanks Bob. I have far from a complete collection I assure you. Indeed most of my "Heroclix" are from the early ranges of ten years ago. The newer sculpts are all done on CAD (I believe) and are smaller, slighter and... rubbish imho. I still buy quite a few but most now go straight to my eldest (who plays Heroclix) as they're no use to me.
DeleteI've never really paid much attention to the Heroclix range, though I've been aware of them for years. So this stuff is all very interesting, especially when you finish them so nicely!
ReplyDeleteCheers C6. That's very much appreciated. Lots of weird models coming this year I assure you :-)
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