"Iron Man’s Versatile Mechanical Suit..."

"...Makes Tony Stark a very well-rounded hero."

This 40mm scale model of Iron Man is produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and can be found inside the Marvel United Core Box. Designed by Edouard Guiton, Tony Stark’s alter-ego is one of five costumed crime-fighters found inside the “fast-paced cooperative” board game, along with the super-villains - Red Skull, Ultron and Taskmaster.

Manufactured in a bright, light blue hard plastic, this is actually the second time I've tried to pigment this particular gaming piece with my previous attempt being consigned to a container full of Paint Remover by "Green Stuff World". Resultantly, once the miniature was dry, it was (re)undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being base layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"In Marvel United you take the role of iconic Marvel Heroes cooperating to stop the master plan of a powerful Villain."

"Developed by scripter Larry Lieber" for the December 1962 issue of "Tales Of Suspense", the comic book character was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and enthusiastically dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal. I next applied a few coats of "Citadel" Blood Tearers Red to the majority of his powered armour, and prepared the way for some areas of "Vallejo" Gold by first giving them a lick of Heavy Sienna. These panels, such as Iron Man's face plate were subsequently treated to a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and a careful dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Gold.

The founding Avenger's palm repulsors, chest-mounted Unibeam and eye slits were carefully 'picked out' using a little "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and a healthy dose of "Citadel" Talassar Blue. With this part of the paint-job finished, I gave the entire ensemble a covering of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish with a brush. I purposely dabbed this "acrylic resin" on in places, as I've found in the past that it can pull away the "Citadel" Contrast and Shades range from the model quite easily, and therefore make it appear that an armoured model has been chipped/weathered. 

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - This Reaver is being painted from his mini-tank tracks up

For Iron Man's base I purposely decided to steer away from the bright blue of the super-hero's foot repulsors - as per the official palette - as I thought it might draw the eye away from the actual figure itself. Resultantly, I went for a much more straightforward combination of "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow over a White Star base layer, a bucket full of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and then a dry-bursh of (more) Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats".

With my latest miniature finished for Marvel United, I have turned my attention to working on one of the numerous Reavers (Brutes) found inside the Marvel Zombicide core box by "CoolMiniOrNot". I'm actually hoping to batch paint a number of these "literal tanks" in the near future - at least up until a certain stage - but wanted to get a feel for a pilot piece or two first...

"I'm Very Sorry About This..."

"...But that was the backup system."

This 30mm scale metal Enslaved Computer is manufactured by "Beast In A Broch" and can be brought either individually as SKU: FFF15 or as part of the seven-figure Scorpius Crew set SKU: PAK05. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the two-piece miniature is clearly inspired by the flight computer of the Scorpio from the fourth and final season of the cult BBC science fiction television programme "Blake's Seven"

Before painting, I actually had a few decisions to make with this kit as to its overall look, and how I was going to base it. For starters, Slave is actually completely housed inside a set aboard a Mark II Wanderer class planet hopper, so I wasn't at all happy with the sculpt abruptly ending at the top of the mainframe's cylinder. Instead, I wanted the Central Processing Unit (CPU) to appear entirely self-contained, so took the rather expensive route of purchasing a second copy of the model, and using the large, square-shaped base for a roof (of sorts).

"Don't be sorry. Be Quiet."

In addition, I really wanted to use the 'figure' with the likes of my Idealistic Leader, Cynical Second, Space Smuggler and Cowardly Thief on the tabletop, as opposed to just having it stuck on a spaceship somewhere - maybe as a terrain feature or objective marker. So resultantly decided to have the miniature represent the computer being in direct communications contact with a crewmember (and presumably providing them with some short-lived House Rule bonus as a result). This meant I simply plonked the ensemble onto a "Citadel" 50mm circular base and gritted/flocked the stand as normal.

"A unique system installed by Dorian, possibly making use of work by Ensor", the model was primed using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being layered with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. It was then positively drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Blade is being painted inside out and from the ground up

With the basics completed, I then just patiently worked my way around all the different buttons, displays and circuit boards with splodges of "Vallejo" Heavy Red, Heavy Green, Neutral Grey, "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and White Star by "Two Thin Coats". Many of these areas were later treated to a shade of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, Biel-Tan Green and Nuln Oil as appropriate.

Having completed the latest addition to my "Blake's Seven" project, I have begun working in earnest on the Blade figure from the old Marvel United Kickstarter by "CoolMiniOrNot". Considering the meticulous detail found on some of this board-game's other sculpts, this particular stretch goal appears reasonably straight forward to pigment, so will hopefully be finished in short(ish) order...

"The Ancient Icons..."

"...Represented the inviolable and nigh-omnipotent authority of the Emperor."

This 28mm plastic miniature of a Space Marine is by "Games Workshop" and comes from the Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Age of Darkness boxed set by "Games Workshop". The multi-part figure has been assembled wearing MK VI armour and is carrying a Legion Vexilla (Legion Standard) which will allow its unit to add +1 "to the Wounds score used to determine if they win a Combat in the Assault Phase."

Due to the miniature forming part of my second Sons of Horus Tactical Squad for the Horus Heresy, it was undercoated with "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before being heavily washed with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. I then applied some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to his Bolter, the joints of his Corvus Armour, and a couple of parts making up his backpack.

"Their Primarch was Horus, known to them as Horus Lupercal."

The model's power tubes and firearm were subsequently treated to a combination of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Whilst I layered his left shoulder-pad, chest buckle and Legion Vexilla with a little "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and Gold. These areas were later given a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and highlighted with some additional touches of "Vallejo" Gold on the sharpest edges and rivets.

As a final touch I applied some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal to the Space Marine's eye slits, and then a single layer of the "Citadel" Contrast colour Flesh Tearers Red. I also fixed a couple of the many decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto his right shoulder-pad and in the middle of his standard's circular central emblem.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Russian infantryman is almost finished

Alongside the last of my Sons of Horus MK VI armoured tactical space marine squad, I have also dusted down one of the 28mm metal models I own from “Wargames Foundry" blister RN023 Infantry in Oilskin Covered 1812 Shako Marching. I've probably not touched any of these remaining Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry for a good ten months. But have recently acquired a copy of The Silver Bayonet by "Osprey Games", and figured these miniatures would help make a sizeable Coalition unit to battle the rule-set's supernatural creatures.

Ultimately I intend to field bands solely dedicated to each of the Nationalities covered by the core rule-book. However, for now at least, these winter-clad Infantrymen will join forces with my already painted British Riflemen and Officer. I also believe I have enough painted Frenchmen to represent an elite hunting party from the ranks of La Grande Armée - even potentially utilising the skills of the odd Prussian ally...

"Despite Hank McCoy's Feral Appearance..."

"...He is depicted as a brilliant, well-educated man in the arts and sciences."

This 32mm scale plastic model of Beast was produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their "Marvel Zombies" stand-alone game using the "Zombicide" rule-set. One of the "Kickstarter" campaign's numerous exclusive figures, this particular incarnation of Henry "Hank" McCoy's fur-covered alter-ego was created by Mark Millar and Greg Land for the September 2005 issue of "Ultimate Fantastic Four" by "Marvel Comics".

Believed to have been residing at the Xavier Institute on Earth-2149 when the zombie plague first struck, the mutant superhero was initially undercoated using a couple of licks of "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, quite literally drenched in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade, and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I then picked out his trunks using a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and base-layered his waistband with a line of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Blade, Baron Zemo and Squirrel have all been primed

Beast's belt was next treated to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Gold, sploshed with "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade and tidied up with a few well-placed strokes of (more) "Vallejo" Gold. The figure's official paintjob by "CoolMiniOrNot" shows the X-Man's belt buckle to be a black and red affair. However, the detail was so tiny on the miniature that in the end I decided to leave it being the same gold colour as the rest of the girdle.

I did though decide to carefully trace out McCoy's spectacles with a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, as well as catch his fangs with a spot of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. In addition, I applied some "Vallejo" Heavy Green and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to a pair of bottles littering the model's base, and some White Star by "Two Thin Coats" and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to some battered books. I had intended to pigment the covers of these tomes with "Vallejo" Heavy Red. But ultimately stuck with just "Citadel" Abaddon Black leather jackets instead.

"Games Workshop" WIPs - Three more Sons Of Horus Space Marines are on the hobby table

Staying with super-heroes, albeit figures from Marvel United by "CoolMiniOrNot", I have primed three more of the co-operative boardgame's models - Squirrel Girl, Blade and Baron Zemo. I strongly doubt I'll get these all finished by the end of the month, so will probably end up pottering on with them well into August 2024 too.

Furthermore, I've started working on another trio of 28mm plastic space marines by "Games Workshop". I seem to have painted a good handful of traitorous Sons of Horus over the past few weeks, so thought I'd see if I can finally well and truly break the back of my push to field a 500-point force for Horus Heresy...

"As Heads Roll And Blood Flows..."

"...More daemons from beyond the veil are summoned forth to partake in the slaughter."

This 28mm multi-part model of a Bloodletter has been assembled from one of the sprues found inside an old "Start Collecting" Daemons Of Khorne set produced by “Games Workshop”, and was based upon a "Citadel" 32mm round base so as to fit in with the rest of my Blades of Khorne "Age Of Sigmar" warhost. Armed with a ferocious Hellblade, this "finely detailed plastic" figure was assembled using the instructions found within their box.

Like all his demonic brethren before him, this particular Slaughter-kin was given a double undercoat of “Vallejo” Heavy Red, washed with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade and dry-brushed with (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Red. His deadly two-handed sword was then given a base layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, twice pigmented with Gold, and subsequently dulled down using "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

"The pact between Horus and the Chaos Gods was straightforward."

To suggest that the Hellblade's "razored edge is sharpened by pure hatred" I highlighted it by dry-brushing the weapon with (more) "Vallejo" Gold, and later frustratingly spent some time tidying up the rest of the miniature due to all the specks of metallic paint this process inevitably seems to accidentally spatter the rest of model with. However, I did use this opportunity to apply a little "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the Bloodletter's horns, hands, hooves, spine and sword hilt.

These blackened areas were ultimately gently blended back in with the rest of the Taker of Skulls' red coloured limbs and head. Finally, I patiently picked out its sharp teeth using a combination of "Two Thin Coats" White Star and “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade, before dabbing in its eyes and tongue with Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats". To finish it off the tongue was also drenched in “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Golden Avenger is coming to fruition

Alongside my first 28mm Bloodletter to be painted in approximately five years, I have also completed another 28mm plastic Space Marine by "Games Workshop" from their now OOP (Out Of Production) Betrayal At Calth stand-alone boxed game. The multi-part model was assembled wearing MK IV armour, and was pigmented in the colours of the Sons of Horus Legion for "Warhammer: The Horus Heresy."

Sliding across to Marvel United by "CoolMiniOrNot", I've finally finished all the armour on my previously 'stripped' Iron Man miniature. This was largely achieved using some thinned down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red over a fairly basic dry-brush of "Vallejo" Gunmetal, as well as a coat of "Vallejo" Matt Varnish. In the past I've found the Contrast paint has pulled away from the model when varnished with a brush, and whilst I am hoping for this to occur in places - so as to suggest wear and tear on Tony Stark's armour - I didn't want the red to be transferred onto other aspects of the model...

"An Unusual Mutant..."

 "...Whose simian physique was apparent at birth."

This 40mm scale model of Beast is made by "CoolMiniOrNot” and is one of six super-heroes found inside the Marvel United: X-Men Starter Box. Based upon the comic book character Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy created by Stan Lee and Jack "King" Kirby in September 1963, the figure is produced in a light(ish) blue hard plastic, and was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and Heavy Blue.

The founding member of the X-Men was then layered in pure "Vallejo" Heavy Blue, before being drenched in plenty of "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Blue. I next carefully 'picked out' the hairy mutant's belt with a couple of coats of Skulker Yellow by "Two Thin Coats", and ensured that any flat areas still allowing some of the "Vallejo" Heavy Blue to show through were subsequently given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" White Star.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iron Man has been layered, shaded and dry-brushed

The belt was later given a second coat of Skulker Yellow or two, a serious splosh of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, and finally highlighted with some thin lines of (more) "Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow. I also considered trying to somehow plonk a litle "Vallejo" Heavy Red onto the Beast's belt buckle. But in the end thought it was wisest (and certainly easiest) to simply pigment the fastener with some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

Having completed the majority of Hank McCoy's colours, I began picking out his piercing eyes and pointed teeth with some careful spots of White Star by "Two Thin Coats", as well as his tongue in "Vallejo" Heavy Red. These wonderfully sculpted details were ultimately shaded in "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade or Carroburg Crimson as appropriate.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Beast is now ready for his tiny details to be 'picked out' 

Moving over to a super-hero model found inside the Marvel United Core Box, I've made some significant in-roads on my 'stripped' Iron Man. This figure has been increasingly problematic for me in the past, as I never found myself happy with whatever red paint I pigmented Tony Stark's armour with. However, I'm now pretty happy with a thinned down layer of "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red over some "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, so am finally focusing on 'cutting in' all the Avenger's gold panels now.

In addition, I didn't want to fully turn my back on my massive Zombicide backlog either, so thought I might as well slap some colours on my Beast miniature for that co-operative boardgame by "CoolMiniOrNot" too. The palette is slightly different to Hank McCoy's 'bigger brother' and the sculpt is obviously in an entirely different scale as well, so working on this particular X-Man hasn't thankfully felt too similar to working on his completed Marvel United incarnation...

"Even In Defeat The Menace Of Ultron Always Looms..."

"...As even a trace of his code can potentially lead to a full restoration of his consciousness."

This 40mm scale model of Ultron is made by "CoolMiniOrNot” and is one of three super-villains found inside the Marvel United Core Box. Designed with an "all-new visual take" by Edouard Guiton, the figure is produced in a red hard plastic, and was initially undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black.

The robot super-villain was then layered in "Vallejo" Gunmetal and Silver, before being washed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil and dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Silver. I next carefully 'picked out' all the areas which I wanted to be vibrant red, such as the mechanical fiend's eyes, with some White Star by "Two Thin Coats", and later covered these in thinned down "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Ultron's internal workings were 'picked out' with "Two Thin Coats" White Star

I also considered adding some 'glow effects' on these parts by carefully trying to catch the surrounding edges with a light dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Red. However, I really didn't like the effect, so in the end, I simply re-worked these edges with some patiently-placed lines of (more) "Vallejo" Silver. I did though want the metal piping on Ultron's base to tie-in with the actual figure's colour scheme, so gave them a splash of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson before varnishing them.

In addition to my fifth model for Marvel United, I have also completed another 28mm plastic Space Marine by "Games Workshop" from the now OOP (Out Of Production) Betrayal At Calth stand-alone boxed game. The multi-part model was assembled wearing MK IV armour, and is another one of the ten figures I need to field my third Sons of Horus Tactical Squad for "Warhammer: The Horus Heresy."

"The Horus Heresy truly began after Warmaster Horus was wounded by the possessed Eugen Temba." 

The miniature was originally primed using "Citadel" Sons Of Horus Green, before I used a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold, and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to the rim of his left shoulder-pad and anywhere else which I intended to be gold. I next picked out the sharpest edges and numerous rivets in (more) "Vallejo" Gold, before applying some "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the traitor's knee-joints and elbow-joints, as well as the top of his backpack and the majority of his Bolter.

The model’s power tubes and firearm were subsequently given a splodge or two of "Vallejo" Gunmetal and "Citadel" Nuln Oil, whilst some "Scalecolor" Speed Metal and "Citadel" Flesh Tearers Red was carefully slipped into the Space Marine's eye slits. Once all this brush-work was finished, I gave the MK IV armour a good dousing in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and dry-brushed it back up with (more) Sons Of Horus Green. Lastly, I attached one of the numerous decals found on the "Games Workshop" Sons of Horus Legion transfer sheet onto the right shoulder-pad.

"Constantly Trying To Undermine General Stahl For The Emperor’s Favour..."

"...Professor Krazvo leads his mechanical army to prove that metal is mightier than flesh."

This 28mm scale metal model of Professor Krazvo is produced by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" and can be brought as part of their "Rick Rhodes - Pirates Of Luna City" range. Sculpted by Ernst Veingart, the miniature appears to have been inspired by Doctor Hans Zarkov of "Flash Gordon" fame, and resultantly will portray the "brilliant scientist who... forces Flash and Dale Arden to come with him to the planet Mongo" on my tabletop.

Undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, the figure's boots were simply layered with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had their markings 'picked out' with some "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, Gold and a splash of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. I then tussled with the decision as to what palette to go for, as I was initially planning on doing something to the costume colours worn by Chaim Topol in the 1980 feature film.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Ultron has been layered with "Vallejo" Gunmetal and Silver

However, as so much of that cult movie seemed to revolve around red and black, I wanted something a bit different to help Zarkov stand out from the crowd - and found inspiration in some tinted pictures of actor Frank Shannon's attire during the science fiction franchise's 1936 superhero cinematic serial. As a result, the model's trousers were given a lick of "Two Thin Coats" Wyvern Green, shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then carefully dry-brushed with a tad (more) "Two Thin Coats" Wyvern Green. Whilst the good doctor's top was pigmented in "Vallejo" Turquoise and "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade.

I next tackled the miniature's belt and chest emblem with plenty of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, some Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, before patiently splodging all the raised baubles and details with a little (more) "Vallejo" Gold. I also considered applying the same paint scheme to Krazvo's cuffs and collar. However, I stayed my hand having once again looked at the aforementioned publicity stills, as I got the impression Shannon was wearing some sort of woollen pullover in some of them.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Beast has had his fur dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Blue

In addition to my "7TV" Co-Star, I have also been pushing along a couple more 40mm hard plastic figures by "CoolMiniOrNot" for "Marvel United". As I currently only have one finished super-villain to battle against in the boardgame, I thought I'd slap some layers on the Ultron model found inside the Starter Box, as well as see how I got on with a bottle of "Vallejo" Silver I recently rediscovered in my stockpile of paints.

I also thought I should bring my heroes up to 'full strength' by adding a fourth member to my team, and decided to go with a miniature taken from the X-Men Starter Set - Beast. This particular comic book character is also a veteran Avenger, so can easily be swapped between the two groups should the fancy take me. My plan is to complete two crime-fighters for every evil genius, so with that in mind I aim to work on my recently stripped Iron Man shortly too...

"Marvel United" Battle Report: Black Widow & Hulk Verses The Red Skull

THE RED SKULL ATTEMPTS TO TAKEOVER NEW YORK CITY

This game is the first in a series of planned games designed to encourage me to paint up a significant number of the numerous hard-plastic miniatures available for "Marvel United" by "CoolMiniOrNot", and to help refamiliarize us with the core rules. It was played using some of the figures from the original starter set, and took place upon the 90cm diameter double-sided playmat - which was exclusively released as part of the game's "X-Men" Kickstarter in April 2021.

“The story so far… The dastardly Red Skull is leading a deadly attack upon S.H.I.E.L.D. (Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage and Law-Enforcement Division) in New York City with the help of his Hydra hordes. Alerted to the mad Nazi super-villain's evil machinations, the Avengers have dispatched both the Black Widow and incredible Hulk to take the maniac and his minions down."

THE TABLETOP - NEW YORK CITY

Due to featuring just two heroes, the Red Skull was awarded four health tokens, and the following six locations were deployed: S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Central Park, Avengers Mansion, Stark Labs, S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and Avengers Tower. All of these sites' marked slots where then appropriately filled with either Civilian or Thug tokens. The villain's threat cards were also randomly placed face up at the bottom of each location.

Johann Shmidt's nefarious alter-ego started his assault at Stark Labs, whilst both the Black Widow and Hulk began at S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters - facing off against the Red Skull's personal bodyguard, Crossbones. In his first move, the "confidant of Adolf Hitler" moved to Avengers Mansion and triggered "Subversion", which caused one Civilian at that location to be removed and the Fear Track to advance to one. However, having added some more Thugs and Civilians to the adjoining locations, the Fear Track ended up at four (of twenty).

In response, the Hulk moved over to Central Park and immediately started clobbering poor Bob, Agent of Hydra. The Black Widow followed this up by joining the Green Goliath and making short work of the colourfully-costumed goon. This cleared the public open space of Hydra's malign influence, and allowed a Civilian there to relocate to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, and a Thug go to Avengers Tower.

POOR BOB, AGENT OF HYDRA IS CLOBBERED STRAIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL PARK

With one of the Red Skull's three minions already 'out for the count', the Hulk performed a "Smash" to leap over to Avengers Mansion where the super-villain himself was waiting. The impact of the founding Avenger's landing caused both Thugs there to be KO'd, the Civilian to scatter and even Shmidt to take a wound.

Incensed at the arrogance of his savage foe, the Red Skull remained where he was and whacked the muscle-bound Hulk in retaliation, costing the brute a card in damage. With the Fear Track subsequently advancing to six points, Natasha Romanova decided the Avengers should stick together as best as they could, so joined Hulk at Avengers Mansion, and then used two Heroic actions to almost best the "Subversion" threat present there.

THE RED SKULL STANDS TOE-TO-TOE WITH THE INCREDIBLE HULK

Building upon this team-work, the Jade Giant also used a Heroic action to remove "Subversion", moved over to Stark Labs, and beat-up a pair of Thugs loitering there.

The momentum was clearly with the heroes at this stage, as the Black Widow followed up her recent success by visiting Central Park, stinging the two Thugs awaiting her, and simultaneously rescuing a Civilian there too. It certainly looked like the Avengers had things well in hand currently.

Realising he had to act quickly to stop the gamma monstrosity before him, the Red Skull gave a "Hail Hydra" and damaged the Hulk a second time (removing another card from the monster's hand). The Fear Track was also move up to seven, meaning the diabolical super-villain was already a third of the way to succeeding in his devilish plan.

THE RED SKULL'S "HAIL HYDRA" ALMOST BRINGS THE HULK TO HIS KNEES 

Badly wounded, the Hulk used as many wild cards and heroic acts as he could muster to eradicate the "Brainwashing" threat at Stark Labs, and then returned Avengers Mansion once again to use its location's effect - drawing his hand back to three cards (and resultantly regaining his health).

Natasha Romanova decided it was time to "Interrogate" the heavily-muscled minion Crossbones, so moved over to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters to do so, and having learnt of Schmidt's imminent scheme, decided to allow the villain to continue his master plan. Brock Rumlow however suffered two damage at the Avenger's not-so-delicate hands.

Knowing what was coming next, Bruce Banner's alter-ego returned to Stark Labs, and knocked out the thug there, completely clearing the technologically advanced facility.

THE HULK COMPLETELY CLEARS OUT STARK LABS OF THUGS

Deciding he had done all the damage which he could at Avengers Mansion, the Red Skull joined Madame Hydra at Avengers Tower, and ordered a number of abducted civilians be brought to his location, S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters and the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier - raising the the threat level to eight.

In the meantime, the Black Widow continued to pummel Crossbones for more information, and again decided to let Shmidt continue with his machinations in the short term, now the Avengers knew precisely what they were. The Hulk decided to tackle the formidable Hydra Elite Troops aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Just a single thug was left standing after his attack, meaning that the super-heroes needed to just defeat one more to completely resolve the "Defeat Thugs" mission.

THE BLACK WIDOW HEAVILY INTERROGATES CROSSBONES

Having beaten as much out of Crossbones as she could, Natasha Romanova knocked the bodyguard out for the count and successfully concluded the "Clear Threats" mission. This meant that the Red Skull would now act after every two Hero cards rather than the normal three, so she subsequently whacked a thug at S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters too, and finished the "Defeat Thugs" mission too. Now the diabolical Nazi villain was vulnerable to direct attacks, and knowing full well what Shmidt planned next, the Black Widow travelled to Central Park to thwart him.

It was clear things were not going well for the leader of Hydra, so mustering all his evilness for one last 'roll of the dice', the Red Skull 'retreated' to S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters and managed to raise the Fear Track to an unhealthy twelve.

However, with a roar the Hulk was soon upon him, courtesy of another "Smash!" The impact not only hurt Shmidt directly. But also cleverly dispersed the four civilians the scarlet-faced bounder had been using as a shield. Before the despot could complain though, the Green Goliath socked him in the mouth.

THE HULK AND BLACK WIDOW FACE THE RED SKULL AT S.H.I.E.L.D. HEADQUARTERS

This just left room for the Black Widow to reach S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters and defeat the Red Skull with a shock from her Widow's Bite. New York City was safe, and Johann Shmidt had been beaten...

"I've Unmasked You At Last!"

 "But... It can't be! It can't! Daredevil is... Matt Murdock!"

This 40mm scale model of Daredevil was produced by "CoolMiniOrNot", and unlocked during the company's highly successful February 2020 Kickstarter for "Marvel United" when it achieved a whopping $1,670,000 in funding. Based upon Stan Lee and Bill Everett's blind crime-fighter for "Marvel Comics", the hard plastic figure (and his twelve cards) can be found in the boardgame's Season One Promo Box.

Originally undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Grey Surface Primer and Heavy Red, the 'Man without Fear' was subsequently layered with (more) Heavy Red, drenched in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, and enthusiastically dry-brushed with (even more) "Vallejo" Heavy Red. With the basics finished on the "Scarlet Swashbuckler", I then 'picked out' his batons and belt buckle in "Vallejo" Gunmetal, before dabbing these areas with a little "Citadel" Nuln Oil to darken them down somewhat.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Iron Man has been stripped in order for a new technique to be applied

I also decided to carefully trace over the super-hero's 'DD' emblem on his chest with "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and spot his eyes using a smidgeon of "Vallejo" Dark Vermillion and a wee splosh of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I actually considered using this colourful combination on Matt Murdock's gloves, belt and boots too, as per his card artwork. However, I wasn't a fan of this palette to be honest, so simply decided to leave the Marvel Knight well enough alone.

I did though decide to make Daredevil's base stand out a little differently from those I've pigmented before, by treating it to a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey (and later "Citadel" Nuln Oil), rather than the Heavy Bluegrey I ordinarily use. This was due to me wanting the partially broken statue upon which he's stood to be slightly darker in colour than normal - hopefully suggesting that the gargoyle is made of a different type of stone.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Professor Krazvo is almost finished

Alongside my fourth finished figure for "Marvel United", I have also finally taken the plunge with some Paint Remover by "Green Stuff World" and stripped my Iron Man miniature for the game. In the past I've tried various different paints by a variety of manufacturers to create a metallic red I thought looked good on his armour. Unfortunately, despite these efforts nothing every seemed to work, so in the end the gaming piece was simply stowed away in a dusty drawer until I could be bothered to immerse it in the aforementioned foul-smelling solution.

Lastly, I'm making great progress on an old(ish) sculpt of Professor Krazvo by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio", I originally started working on during the semi-recent Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. Having left that event early, the scientist had been dejectedly sat in a far corner of my hobby space. But now my mojo appears to have returned, I thought it was about time Doctor Hans Zarkov joined my slowly growing collection of (not) Flash Gordon miniatures...

Miss Fantorical 2023 - An "Undercoat" Painting Pageant

Better late than never and hopefully a welcome break from elections, sport and hot sweltering days, here are my top picks from the "Fantorical" blog from 2023. Following on from my last set of choices, I have picked a miniature for each month and then picked an overall favourite. My selections are based on the miniature, the paint job, the rule of cool and other eclectic factors, such as nostalgia etc. This means some great models didn’t make the list as it is only one per month and I tried to avoid picking the same type of model if it appeared over multiple months. You may disagree, which is fine, as we all like different things and I encourage you to comment on what your favourite(s) were/are.

January - Cheetah Aliens by "Papsikels Miniatures" - January 18th

These 3D printed miniatures by "Papsikels Miniatures" really caught my eye. There have been a lot of "Alien/s" themed miniatures from this manufacturer's range of STLs. But these ones were different from the more traditional alien we know and love (to run away from!), and the poses were very dynamic too. The painting also captured the xenomorph look. Terrific stuff.

February - E-800 Exterminators by "Papsikels Miniatures" - February 27th

A second choice from this manufacturer - which I have allowed myself to do as it is a different range and we have moved from the organic to the robotic. These miniatures are just awesome and demonstrate that Simon has really mastered the painting of metals and metal work. They look utterly gorgeous and a squad of these on the tabletop would be glorious (and deadly I am sure!).

March - Pak 40 Anti-Tank Gun by "Battlefront Miniatures" - March 31st

This 15mm model is for the "Flames of War" game and, being a bit older, I seem to find myself drifting away from my usual love of sci-fi/fantasy more often towards historical miniatures these days. This model is basically a little diorama of soldiers working a gun on the battlefield and is full of character, life and has no right to be a tabletop miniature as it is so much more. There are ammunition boxes, camouflage and loads of little details that make this a must pick for me.

April - Failed Experimental Battledroid Series 1-B by "Papsikels Miniatures" - April 20th

I get it! I am in danger of being boring here by picking another miniature from this manufacturer. But that just shows how full of character these sculpts are. This model is unusual with some really fine and delicate details. However, it is the cracking painting that really got me here. The metals are amazing as usual. Plus, all the cyborg's wires and other little details have been are picked out too.

May - Groot Thor by "Wizkids" - May 22nd

I know that there are a vast number of Superhero comics, and that includes some weird/whacky stuff and what if scenarios. But I did not know that Groot had this character variant. When I saw it I was like Groot as Thor? What the heck is this!?! It immediately caught my imagination, mainly due to the excellent painting that brought it to life. The tree like details have been expertly painted and it just looks fabulous and full of character. So good!

June - Zombie Silver Surfer by "CoolMiniOrNot" - June 30th

I find the whole Marvel zombies thing weird and intriguing at the same time. It is also great to see heroes and villains as zombies, and this miniature is, quite frankly, awesome. I was wondering how the Silver Surfer could be “zombified” and this is how! I think it is just incredible how a being made of metal can be painted so you know it’s a zombie. Everything about this just screams quality.

July - Napoleonic British Riflemen by "Wargames Foundry" - July 31st

Last year there were an increasing number of Napoleonic miniatures appearing on this blog and they really caught my eye. This period of history looks great on the tabletop, but brings with it untold challenges in terms of the details and colours in those magnificent uniforms. This uniform, whilst not the most colourful, is arguably the most iconic - mainly due to a certain Richard Sharpe I would suggest. I love these. They just look great. I would so love to paint some Napoleonic troops. However, that is one deep rabbit hole to jump down. Hats off to you Sir, these are great.

August - Confederate Soldiers by "Warlord Games" - August 14th

Look at the picture. These are 15mm soldiers. You could be mistaken for believing they were 28mm. This unit is not only painted as a themed Florida unit, but they have different coloured trousers, hats, facial hair etc! The attention to detail is phenomenal and makes these a worthy choice in my opinion because of the effort and love that has been poured into these diminutive soldiers. Finished off by those excellent flags, this little unit looks stunning!

September - Renaissance Knight by "Steel Fist Miniatures" - September 25th

A few of these Italian Wars miniatures were painted in 2023, and were both unusual and full of character. I picked this gentleman as he isn’t sporting the usual steel armour, but a black lacquered set banded in gold. He looks great, as well different and memorable. A great little miniature.

October - Tiger II by "Pendraken Miniatures" - October 13th

This monstrous vehicle is from a 10mm range of miniatures and part of a frightening number of tiny tanks that have been painted on this blog. This one stands out because of its size, and I felt unable to not include a vehicle from this range due to the absolutely phenomenal time and effort that was put into them. A group shot of this army must look glorious!

November - Napoleonic French Fusiliers by "Wargames Foundry" - November 6th

Ooops! I broke a rule and repeated both a manufacturer and genre. I make no apologies as these miniatures look stunning and are so full of character. The Perry Twins are so good at sculpting aren’t they? And the painting has made me believe they are trudging away from Moscow bedraggled and defeated. I must stop myself from ordering a box of Perry Napoleonics…….

December - Orr’ugs Wolf by "Artisan Guild" - December 9th

This is a 3D print from a fantasy range of miniatures that has really stood out for me by giving off some serious World of Warcraft vibes. I also adore this sculpt. However, the painting really brings this to life with the fur looking absolutely amazing. I really love the transition from light to dark with the darker coloured facial features making this wolf look very nasty indeed. I adore the painting on this so much. It is stunning.

Well that is my top 12. My overall favourite is……

The Artisan Guild Wolf. I cannot tell you how well painted this miniature is. It is absolutely brilliant. Amazing. Glorious.

Hopefully I will be forgiven for my tardy submission of my review of 2023 as it brought back memories and hopefully inspired you to look at past entries for inspiration. Perhaps you might also now give some of these manufacturers a look too as they are well worth a peep. Goodbye and thanks for reading.

"Not All Heroes Wear Capes."

 "Some wear full plate armour and wield a raw plucked chicken."

This 32mm scale plastic model of a Knight with a raw chicken is produced by “CoolMiniOrNot” as part of their Monty Python's Flying Circus expansion for "Zombicide", and was sculpted by "Big Child Creatives". Played by actor Terry Gilliam in several sketches during the British comedy television show's first series in 1969, the "poultry paladin... on an epic crusade against epic fails" can be used as a Survivor in the cooperative boardgame.

Able to cross "any distance necessary" to give a fumbling Survivor "a good character-building whack over the head" with his raw chicken, the miniature was undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Surface Primer Black and "Warlord Games" Pitch Black, before being layered with "Vallejo" Gunmetal. He was then drenched in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and subsequently dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Daredevil now just needs some odd details to be 'picked out'

The figure's tunic was pigmented in "Vallejo" Heavy Grey, shaded with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and roughly highlighted with a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo Heavy Grey. I also took this moment to 'pick out' some of the armour plate's rivets and decorations using a combination of "Vallejo" Gold and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Finally, I got to work on the plucked chicken using a couple of coats of "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey. The dead bird was then sploshed with plenty of "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade, dry-brushed with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Warm Grey, and toned down a little via a splodge of watered-down "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade. As a last touch, I also carefully traced out the poor poultry's sewn up eyes with some lines of "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Professor Krazvo is being painted from the feet up

Alongside this bizarre "Zombicide" gaming piece I have begun working on the Daredevil miniature found inside the "Marvel United" starter box by "CoolMiniOrNot". I'm not terribly sure just how powerful the Defender is in the board-game. But thought he'd make a good pairing with his old comrade-in-arms, the Black Widow - who I've previously pigmented.

In addition, I've started applying the final touches to Professor Krazvo by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". The scientist is actually a villain according to the "7TV" ruleset. However, I plan to use him as Doctor Hans Zarkov for my "Flash Gordon" project, and have resultantly tried to utilise a palette more akin to the costumes worn by actor Frank Shannon during the science fiction franchise's 1936 cinematic serial...