"You Will Die One Day!!"

"But Being Dead Again Is Just The First Step In The Process!"

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of a Hand Ninja is miniature number 6 from the Marvel “Heroclix” Xplosion range. This evil mystical assassin first appeared in the September 1981 issue of “Daredevil” and was created by Frank Miller.

To cover the model’s fairly ghastly pre-painted colour scheme the figure was initially given an undercoat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black and was then dry-brushed with “Vallejo” Heavy Red in order to create some red highlights to the occult practitioner’s dark garb. The Tengugui was then re-painted with more “Citadel” Abaddon Black. The mercenary’s sword was painted using a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. Finally his flesh areas were first given a layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone and then washed with some watered down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. Finally the fingers, and cheekbones were highlighted with some more “Vallejo” Heavy Skintone.

The Hand WIPs - Plenty of fiddly areas of flesh yet to paint

Having finally finished this ‘test piece’ from the end of last year, I have based up and started work on another five of these deadly mercenaries. Once finished I actually plan to use these nicely generic-looking figures to represent both the Hand and the minions of Lady Shiva, a martial arts expert from “DC Comics” who I plan to use as one of the crime bosses for my ‘Gotham City High-Rise’ campaign.

The Joker's Gang WIPs - Early days yet but these models have plenty of character to encourage painting them

Lastly, I’ve been slowly pottering away on four minions to accompany my “Heroclix” Joker. All of these miniatures are actually from “Wizkids” “Horrorclix” range and are either Undead zombies or, in the case of the big chap with the hammer, a Vampire Roustabout. The original yellow Yama actually only had half a head with his brains showing, so I have used some Green Stuff to sculpt him a more appropriate-looking clown wig.