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| "...Young Jimmy Marks appeared perfectly normal..." |
This 52mm tall plastic “Wizkids” model of Hybrid is miniature number 35 from the Marvel "Heroclix" Avengers Assemble range and is based upon the super-villain James "Jimmy" Marks; a Dire Wraith/Human hybrid who fought both Rom the Spaceknight and the uncanny X-Men. Created by Bill Mantlo and artist Sal Buscema, the "half-mutant" possesses telekinesis, telepathy, transformation, as well as superhuman strength, and made his first comic book appearance in the April 1981 issue of "Rom".
Removed from his 'clicky base' with a sharp modelling knife, Jacob Marks' offspring was super-glued onto a 40mm circular stand, and undercoated with "Vallejo" Squid Pink. The model was then washed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and Carroburg Crimson, before being dry-brushed with more "Vallejo" Squid Pink. Finally the grotesque figure had his large luminous eyes 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.
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| "Victrix Limited" Grenadier WIPs - The Frenchman is slowly having all his equipment blocked out with black |
With such a reasonably 'simple' subject finished, I have found myself with a little extra time to progress the first of my Grenadiers for my "Portable Wargame" Napoleonic French force. As with my Fusiliers, this particular model is one of four figures I assembled over six years ago, but unlike my "ordinary line infantry" I only need to paint a quartet up in order to represent my regiment's elite company.
Interestingly, I seem to have decided upon a white undercoat for this particular foursome, as opposed to my usual "Citadel" Chaos Black, and resultantly, I have started 'black-lining' all the different elements of the soldier's equipment, straps, uniform, baggage and bottles rather than 'pick out' all the "Vallejo" Dead White parts as I've done in the past. Time will tell whether this change in tactic will help speed up my progress on the "Victrix Limited" project or not, but I'm hoping that I'll soon have worked my way up the Grenadier's instantly recognisable bearskin.
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| Wight WIPs - The two Undead Kings are slowly being dry-brushed and having their armour 'picked out' |
My enthusiasm for "Kings Of War" by "Mantic Games" is also currently running particularly high, doubtless aided by the superbly sculpted Wights I am currently working on. I have been extremely tempted to simply leave my test 'warrior king' well enough alone, having applied my usual ethereal combination of watered-down "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green and Agrax Earthshade over a "Vallejo" Dead White basecoat to the piece. But having given the matter some thought, I'd decided to try and make parts of his (doubtless) rusty armour and weapon far more tangible.
For now though I have simply added some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to areas of the Wight, in preparation for a future application of Ironbreaker. I've also, having eventually determined how I want to paint the trio, started applying my ghostly washes to the regiment's second combatant, and in doing so noticed how much more of this model's armour, weapon and shield I believe I'll be able to make corporeal.
Hybrid is a weird but cool model and I do like how you've complted him.
ReplyDeleteAs my knowledge of Napoleanics is minimal, i can't really comment on the grenadier, but the wights are lovely. I haven't currently got a use for them, but find myself drawn to them anyway. Might have to take a closer look at them on the Mantic site.
Thanks very much Jez. Hopefully the Wights will turn out rather nicely. As they're new purchases though, they won't be counting towards my Painting Pledge Challenge, so I can't currently give them the time they deserve in order to finish them quickly.
DeleteGreat job on the hybrid Simon, shall be interesting to see how the nap turns out with the different base coat, I'm guessing the silver glaze didn't work then, you can try a green glaze over the top of the metal to help tie it in
ReplyDeleteCheers Dave. I foolishly laid down a black glaze on the sword first, thinking I wanted a base layer for the silver, and obviously thus ruined any such prospect. Hopefully, the partial corporeal look will work though. "Mantic Games" do some cool looking Wraiths, which I want to try the same trick on :-)
DeleteI blink and you have another post published. As you know not a Napoleonic's fan but the other two look very good indeed. I particularly like the shade/tone of green on the Kings of War (mantic games) figures a brilliant colour to start with.
ReplyDeleteThanks Clint. "Don't blink" as the Tenth Doctor used to say ;-) I really enthused with "Kings Of War" currently, but am desperately trying to stay strong with my other ongoing projects - its hard though when the minis are so great-looking :-)
DeleteThose Mantic wraiths are turning out very well indeed.
ReplyDeleteCheers Phil. They're great sculpts imho.
DeleteJimmy Marks has turned out really well. I do like him a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing how your Wights turn out. So far, I like what you're doing with them. You're off to a great start with this undead army.
Thanks Bryan. I'm not sure why I never finished Jimmy off last year, as he only took a slow patient dry-brush. I'm really excited for this Undead Army. Need to dedicate a month to finishing it in the near future.
DeleteGreat stuff Simon! I just can't get over how perfect that ethereal green is - any chance I can send you my box of LOTR Army of the Dead to paint for me lol!
ReplyDeleteCheers Ivor. LOL :-) I've got the same boxed set to paint at some point myself!!
DeleteWell, another super hero/villain I didn't know about. Jimmy is a nice sculpt, I do like him and the paint job is great. Another Nap? Well you are a glutton for punishment, but seeing how well they turn out I can see why they are on the paint table as they look awesome. The wraiths do look good, that ghostly glow you have going there is a great effect and I can't wait to see the unit done. Another nice read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Undercoat. I'm rather pleased with Hybrid and a bit disconcerted with the white primed grenadier... Hoping to get some more progress done on my "KoW" forces over the next few weeks.
DeleteAlthough pretty familiar with Dire Wraiths, Hybrid is new to me - excellent work on him mate. :)
ReplyDeleteCheers Leon. Its always nice to surprise a "Marvelite" such as yourself with a super-villain. Excelsior! ;-)
DeleteLove the finished Hybrid and yet more Napoleonic madness that proves (to me at least) that there is no cure.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe. I seem to be getting further and further behind with my Napoleonic minis, but I'm hoping to address this over the next few weeks.
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