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| "Bring back life form. Priority One. All other priorities rescinded." |
This somewhat oversized 40mm pre-painted plastic "Wizkids" model of an Alien is from the "Horrorclix" AVP Alien Verses Predator: Aliens Collector's Set. Based upon the "highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature that stalks and kills the crew of a spaceship" in the 1979 science-fiction horror film "Alien" and designed by "Swiss surrealist artist" H.R. Giger, the success of this creature has "spawned a media franchise of novels, comic books, video games and toys."
Unsurprisingly, considering the simplicity of the monster's colour scheme, I initially gave it an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black and then simply dry-brushed it with "Vallejo" German Grey. The model was then washed with "Citadel" Nuln Oil before I gave it a second, much lighter dry-brush of more "Vallejo" German Grey. Finally the Alien's mouth was painted using a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal Grey and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst its head's carapace was given a coat of Abaddon Black.
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| Alien WIPs - The central extraterrestrial is Grid, the Alien who killed Chopper and Celtic in "AVP" |
Having finished this test piece, I have subsequently started painting several more of the Alien miniatures found within the 'Whoever Wins, We Lose' boxed set. These additional figures are a very much appreciated gift from the incredibly generous Bryan, who runs the highly popular "Vampifan's World Of The Undead" website.
Based upon the 2004 motion picture "Alien verses Predator" a few of the models actually come attached to some rather nice looking Aztec-influenced stone columns. These little vignettes are very dynamic but would look rather out of place upon some of the tabletops I want to use these lethal extraterrestrials with. So I somewhat regretfully separated the figures from their 'clicky bases'. However as I wanted to use the terrain as some objective markers, I then just re-based the ornately carved columns on to some thin 40mm circular bases.
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| Alien WIPs - The Alien Spawn Marker will require some careful dry-brushing once the alien is finished |
I did though leave one of the miniatures attached to its column, as I felt the pose would look silly simply being stuck to a bare base, and also thought it would look rather good as an Alien Spawn Marker. As a result I only removed the overly large human upon whom the creature was about to launch. Initially I had hoped to super-glue the hapless explorer to a base of his own. But unfortunately the sculpt was noticeably bigger than even some of my 35mm miniatures and thus has simply been put to one side for now...
In the meantime I have managed to undercoat all the Alien models with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and heavily apply a dry-brush of "Vallejo" German Grey to them.
Scary!
ReplyDeleteCheers Gordon :-)
DeleteWow! It really didn't take you long to get them based and under-coated. Well done, Simon. I know that at 40mm tall some might find them over-scaled but I think their extra height actually works in their favour. Remember that in the original Alien film, the actor, Bolaji Badejo, who played the Alien was 6'10" tall! Aliens are meant to be tall.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for these Bryan. Inspirational minis imho. I'm actually hoping to have these all finished by the end of the week and ready for posting next week. I like the size personally. Though was disappointed that the human explorer was similarly large.
DeleteHowever this gift has spurred me on to slap some paint on some of the other minis you (and Roger) have sent me in the past, so expect plenty more "Horrorclix", superheroes, aliens and gratitude in future posts :-)
There's so much difference between the original alien and those that were shown in the films following. THe first one was still very human, standing far more upright than in Aliens and Alien 4. Too human.
ReplyDeleteI like these poses very much - gives a more hunting-pose, less posturing or doddering about the corridors of a ship looking for a bottle of Corona Lemonade for his acid reflex.
Good stuff mate. Reminds me I am way overdue for watching the films again.
Cheers Dai. The poses are great and should make for a formidable-looking horde once they're finished and based. I've certainly been watching "AVP" whilst painting these guys up.
DeleteThe all-black scheme is the way to go. They look great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Finch. I do like the range of subtle black paints "Vallejo" produce.
DeleteI agree with the comments above buddy, nice figs and the Aliens were meant to be bigger than puny humans it was only when they were being thrown around by the Yautja "predators" who were significantly taller and heavier than the "soft meat" (humans) and only slightly smaller than the "hard meat" (aliens). I love these models!
ReplyDeleteCheers Andy. These are impressive models imho and do look especially large and intimidating on their 40mm bases. Can;t wait to get them on the table.
DeleteGreat stuff; I have loved the visual design of these creatures. Well done with them. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks PulpCitizen. Much appreciated :-)
DeleteNot at all. Great choice of subject matter! :)
DeleteHopefully I'll do them justice.
DeleteNice work, Simon. One of those iconic creature designs that has stood the test of time. I will, of course, be making my own from licorice...
ReplyDeleteCheers Jez. I'm not at all surprised ;-)
DeleteIf this is a 40mm model then it's just a very *large* alien, right? Even worse than the smaller versions we've seen in the films...
ReplyDeleteIt is a formidable looking beast Hugh, and definitely dwarves the vast majority of my "Heroclix" minis.
DeleteVery nice Simon, you do, do black very well. These are iconic films, probably the best sci/horror movies ever produced (apart from "Killer Clowns from outer space" of course).
ReplyDeleteCheers Roger. (that last was a joke before everyone jumps on me).
Cheers Roger. Much appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting the rest finished and having a game of these... Though I do have a fair few clowns to paint as well ;-)
DeleteFantastic job Bk! I love me some xenomorphs, great franchise. Being bigger make them even scarier dude!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob, and these are scary I assure you!!
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