"Ripley, We Have To Talk."

 "We've lost contact with the colony on LV-426."

This trio of 10mm scale metal Xenomorphs are sold by “Pendraken Miniatures” as either a pack of five single-pose sculpts under the code SFC2 Medium Creature Type 2, or as part of their SFC-AP Alien Creatures Army Pack. However, the sculpts are much closer to 15mm scale (from head to tail-tip) than 1/150th scale, so will rather conveniently mingle alongside my growing collection of deadly extra-terrestrials by "Ground Zero Games" rather than form part of a separately sized nest of the space "serpents".

In addition, I actually began working on these models a good few weeks ago, so they would contribute to last month's Monster May(hem) Challenge over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, as H.R. Giger's creation for the 1979 film "Alien" is still widely regarded as the most famous science-fiction monster of all time. However, an unexpected and rather disconcerting disinterest in any painting whatsoever completely ruined that cunning plan, so I figured I would simply just get the three xenomorphs tabletop ready now instead.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - The Red Hulk, Spider-Man (Miles Morales) and Korg

The miniatures themselves were understandably dead simple to pigment, thanks largely to the heavy-lifting being achieved via an undercoat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The aliens were then dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, liberally sploshed in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later had their domed-heads touched up with a smidgeon (more) of Abaddon Black, so as to make them slightly stand out from the rest of each horrifying creature.

So straightforward a paint-job has also given me plenty more time to work on some of the "CoolMiniOr Not" figures I want to use for my foray into the Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game (MMRPG). I have been desperately trying to stick to five of the six central super-heroes found in the rule-set's Escape From Planet Hulk Starter Set - namely Captain America, Black Panther, Storm, Spider-Man (Miles Morales), and Wolverine (Laura Kinney), with these "Marvel United" gaming pieces. But frankly, still haven't been able to resist working on a few of my favourite comic book characters as well.

"CoolMiniOrNot" WIPs - Doop has been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Resultantly, I've dug out a load of the figures from the board-game's various expansion boxes, with such notable luminaries as Red Hulk, Sauron, The Thing, Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau), Groot, Sasquatch and Doctor Doom all unhelpfully littering my hobby table. I have also found my model of Korg. The Kronan gladiator plays a 'big' role in the MMRPG opening adventure I plan to play, so will need some tender loving care with my paintbrush if I wish to have him join the protagonists as an ally.

In addition, along with the "Enter Hydra" adventure, some maps, FAQ and Errata, I've found some free MMRPG character sheets online - one of which is for the X-Force videographer Doop. I know absolutely nothing about this extra-dimensional being, so thought it might be fun to have him as a possible team-member (or random encounter) for a future scenario should the opportunity arise...

"My Mommy Always Said There Were No Monsters."

"No real ones. But there are."

These 10mm scale metal Xenomorphs are produced by “Pendraken Miniatures” as code SFC2 Medium Creature Type 2 from their Alien Creatures range, and come in a pack of five single-pose sculpts. Intriguing however, the sculpts are probably closer to 15mm scale (from head to tail-tip), so surprisingly sit down on the tabletop with my old collection of aliens by "Ground Zero Games" rather nicely.

I also thought these deadly extra-terrestrials would fit in rather nicely with the Monster May(hem) Challenge currently being held over on the "Dead Dick's Tavern and Temporary Lodging" blog, as its rules specifically state that the entries needn't be limited to fantasy-based beasties. And frankly, I think there's only a few people who wouldn't think of H.R. Giger's creature from the 1979 film "Alien", if they were asked to name the most famous science-fiction monster of all time.

The models themselves were pretty simple to pigment, largely thanks to a double coat of "Citadel" Abaddon Black doing most of the work. The miniatures were then dry-brushed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, drowned in "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and later had their domed-heads touched up with a little (more) Abaddon Black, so as to make them slightly stand out from the rest of their horrifying horde. 

The Russians and British approach a revenant infested ruined chapel

Alongside my painting, I have also managed to play another game of "The Silver Bayonet" by "Osprey Games". Having previously tackled a couple of the rule-book's PvP (Player verses Player) Scenarios, this time around we thought we'd try a co-operative game of "The Ruined Chapel", and set up a disconcertingly small 30" x 30" board accordingly. In addition, I dug through my collection of scenery and placed a ruin, six gravestones, four clue markers, half a dozen (straw bear) Revenants and plenty of trees as the set-up instructions directed.

As I wanted to use some of my Russians by "Wargames Foundry" for this battle, I selected a sword-wielding Officer, a pair of (recently pigmented) Moscow Militiamen as Irregulars and a lone Infantryman. Whilst my ally went with an assortment of British soldiers from so many different manufacturers as to almost set off my OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder). Fortunately, they were being led by a certain Major Richard Sharpe, so I had high hopes that the quartet would at least do a sterling job on the tabletop, even if their different physical sizes was rather jarring to me.

Just as soon as a Vampire appears the British flee from their position

Sadly, things went wrong straight from the start as my Officer bravely marched up to the closest Revenant emerging from behind its gravestone, and was savaged to death. To make matters worse, my British compatriots - having deployed in a corner opposite my own forces - realised that they were too close to one another and couldn't manoeuvre as they had hoped. This caused Wellington's men to waste some actions rejigging their respective positions, and set them up perfectly for the Vampire which appeared right behind them at the end of Turn One.

Disappointingly, things did not get any better for Major Sharpe's contingent in the subsequent fighting, as his soldiers failed to cause any damage whatsoever to the deadly blood-drinker in their midst. Admittedly, some musket fire did start to take its toil upon a pair of Revenants that were closing in upon them from the ruin. But both Richard and his fellow Rifleman took some significant damage themselves in return. Indeed, it eventually became clear that the surviving members of the group needed to head south away from the Vampire as fast as their mud-splattered boots would allow them.

***** 'Bravely ran away, away! When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled. Yes, brave Major Sharpe turned about. And gallantly he chickened out. Bravely taking to his feet. He beat a very brave retreat, Bravest of the brave, Major Sharpe!' *****

The brave Russians attempt to hold line against the Undead, as the British flee for their lives

Happily however, despite losing my Officer early on, the rest of my plucky Russians got busy bagging plenty of Revenants with their withering gun-fire. This eventually allowed my Infantryman to head into the ruin unmolested, and discover a bag of Silver Shot for his musket. In addition, the top fellow then uncovered a Small Icon, which would soon be needed to save him from the foul jaws of a Revenant.

Outside, an already dire situation was worsening for the remaining British, as a second Vampire emerged from the surrounding woodland to join his fellow Nosferatu in stalking Major Sharpe. Setting up a firing line along the southern-most edge of the map, both forces combined their musketry in a last ditch effort to keep the Undead horde approaching them at bay. This did momentarily appear to be working as one of the blood-drinkers was finally wounded. But in the end Richard and my Russian in the ruin fell, and this caused the rest of our fighters to understandably retreat back into the forest...

"If It Gets Off This Planet."

"It'll kill everything."

These 10mm scale metal Xenomorphs are produced by “Pendraken Miniatures” as code SFC5 Small Creature from their Alien Creatures range, and come in a pack of ten single-pose sculpts. Somewhat disconcertingly though, the models are actually 15mm in height from base to tail-tip, so seemingly fit in far better with other figures from that larger scale rather than anything else found inside the Middlesbrough-based manufacturer's 'Old Science Fiction' range.  

The critters definitely seem to show H.R. Giger’s creations during the early stages of their transition from Chest-burster to adult drone, so in August 2021 I simply pigmented them as smaller versions of the dark grey/black "endoparasitoid extra-terrestrial species" depicted on the Silver Screen. This time round though I was tempted to change their palette to the much lighter, almost white-coloured hue seen in Ridley Scott's 2017 film "Alien: Covenant".

"London Is Only Thirty Minutes Away!"

However, as I was planning on just adding these miniatures to my current horde of Xenomorphs, I eventually decided to stick with their 'original' colour, and subsequently undercoated them with a couple of lashings of "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The models were then dry-brushed using "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and treated to a double-helping of "Citadel" Nuln Oil so as to tie them in with the rest of their brethren.

One change I did make though was to create two bases of four figures each, in order to represent a pack of the predators rushing at their prey, as opposed to just plonking them in pairs upon the small plastic "Flames Of War" stands by "Battlefront Miniatures" I have used in the past. This was done purely to add an extra element to my homemade rules, and increase the chances that the young Xenomorphs' opposition could potentially get swamped by the rambunctious infants - and resultantly be torn to bloody shreds by them.

"Wargames Foundry" WIPs - This Austrian Jaeger is having all his details 'picked out'

In addition to my latest Alien reinforcements, I have completed another of my Soviet invaders by "Athena Miniatures". Taken from my third AS12 Russian NBC four-figure set, this 28mm metal model was painted using “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII , "Citadel" Nuln Oil, "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna, "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade, and "Vallejo" Gunmetal.

Finally, I have started to turn my attention to an Austrian Light Infantryman from the "Wargames Foundry" blister AN038 Jaegers 1805-15 Running. This will be a test piece so I can work out how best to tackle all the soldier's straps, cuffs and collars, before moving on to paint at least another three identical figures to form a tiny unit (for "Black Powder")...

"Remaining In Moscow For Five Weeks..."

"Napoleon awaited a peace proposal that never materialized."

This 28mm scale metal model is produced by “Wargames Foundry", and can be purchased as part of their RN043 Moscow Militia with Muskets set. The figure is one of eight Napoleonic Russian soldiers sculpted by Alan Perry found in the blister, and is based upon a 'typical' member of the nation's civilian population who played a "crucial, though indirect, role in Napoleon's defeat in Russia."

The chap was primed using a couple of layers of "Citadel" Abaddon Black, and had his trousers pigmented with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Neutral Grey. I then gave his winter jacket a healthy lick of "Vallejo" Neutral Grey, and thoroughly shaded the coat with "Citadel" Nuln Oil. As a final touch for this particular process, I went back with some (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and dry-brushed the Russian's sleeves and the bottom of his greatcoat.

"As early November arrived, snowfall and frost complicated the retreat."

All of the militia member's numerous straps, his ammunition box, baggage and headwear were treated to some "Citadel" Abaddon Black, whilst his waist sash was 'picked out' using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Red and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. I also took this opportunity to apply a little "Vallejo" Gunmetal to the man's water bottle, musket and hat decoration. These areas were were later washed with a spot of "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

With a quartet of these particular Napoleonic Russians now finished , I have also found the time to put together an MDF movement tray for them by "Warbases". Admittedly, the four-figure stand will only represent a tiny unit on my "Black Powder" battlefield. But it does mean that I should still be able to play some games of the "Warlord Games" rule-set in the near future.

"You just said the company is coming for it." 

In addition, I've completed another three 10mm metal endoparasitoid extra-terrestrials by "Pendraken Miniatures", which I recently stumbled upon whilst searching through some plastic containers. These models can be purchased from the company's old Science Fiction range as SFC1 Medium creature, type 1, or as part of their SFC-AP Alien Creatures Army Pack.

Due to my wanting these sculpts to replicated the dog-like Xenomorphs seen in David Fincher's 1992 movie "Aliens 3", they were predominantly painted using "Vallejo" Charred Brown and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Albeit, I also applied a couple of coats of "Citadel" Abaddon Black to the domes of their heads as well...

"Why Do We Have To Kill It?"

 "It'll kill them all."

These three 10mm metal endoparasitoid extra-terrestrials are by "Pendraken Miniatures" and can be purchased from their old Science Fiction range as SFC1 Medium creature, type 1. I actually bought these many years ago as part of their SFC-AP Alien Creatures Army Pack, and, due to their quite alarming size, thought they'd mix in very well with my large swarm of 15mm "Ground Zero Games" Xenomorphs which I assembled way back in 2014.

However, rather than just pigment them predominantly in black, I thought I'd tap into the sculpts' dog-like pose, and replicate the brown palette used for the canine-formed killer in David Fincher's 1992 movie "Aliens 3". I also figured I'd plonk all three of the models onto a single Medium "Flames Of War" base by "Battlefront Miniatures", so as to hopefully imbue them with the feel of a hunting pack.

"You try and stop us Volgans taking your food, eh..?"

The figures were undercoated using a mixture of "Vallejo" Charred Brown and Leather Brown Surface Primer, and subsequently base-layered in (pure) Charred Brown. I then heavily washed the trio using plenty of "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade. Unfortunately, as seems to happen a lot with my metal models these days, I found that the "Games Workshop" Shade somehow disintegrated certain areas of my prime/base coat, so resultantly I had to rather annoyingly go back and redo the aforementioned processes once (or even twice) more, simply to ensure that the Aliens had a lick of paint all over them.

In the end, I also decided to give the Xenomorphs a dry-brush of (more) "Vallejo" Charred Brown, simply to completely ensure that no metal was still peeking through my paint-job. In addition, I applied a couple of brush-tips of "Citadel" Abaddon Black across each extra-terrestrial's dome-shaped head, to help make them stand out all the more on the battlefield.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three figures from the Galactic Explorers 1 pack

Alongside these pieces, I have also finished work on another of my Soviet invaders by "Athena Miniatures". Taken from my third AS12 Russian NBC four-figure set, this 28mm metal model was largely painted using  “Vallejo” German Fieldgrey WWII and "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Though I did pick out any wooden areas/buttons using a combination of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade.

Lastly, I've purchased, assembled and primed the entire quartet from "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" recent released Galactic Explorers 1. This was most definitely an impulse buy, as I wanted some extra figures to help 'bulk out' an order, and felt they would be rather straightforward to get tabletop ready. Plus, as a big fan of Dean Parisot's satirical science fiction comedy film "Galaxy Quest", they were impossible to resist...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Games Workshop” March 2024

"The Horus Heresy is a dark, far future military space opera."

Following my early departure from the Fourteenth Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I figured this month may well provide an ideal opportunity to finish the last ten Sons Of Horus tactical Space Marines I need to fill out for my Traitor Legion's 500-point core force. I've actually got a few other partially-pigmented "Games Workshop" plastic figures to polish off too, including the army's Praetor and Esoterist Consul. But my main mission will be to get my (old) Mark IV armoured warriors completed and finally on the battlefield ready for some games.

To do this I'm planning on stepping away from my tried and trusted method of 'base layer/shade/dry-brush' in favour of leaving the final wash and rough highlights until the very end. This cunning notion should save me some significant time whenever I make a mistake by catching my brush tip on an armoured leg or arm, as in the past its resulted in my painstakingly redoing all of the above stages again - repairs which never quite look right despite my best efforts to blend the re-painted area back in with its surroundings.

"But they kill for survival, food, self-defence."

In addition though, I do still aim to finish off many of the miniatures I had set aside for the AHPC and its Challenge Library bonus points. One such potential entry (for the Science Fiction section) were five more 15mm alien models by "Ground Zero Games". Available as code SG15-X01 Xenomorphs, the six-figure pack contains two similar(ish) poses, and are clearly based upon H.R. Giger's famous extra-terrestrial killers from Ridley Scott's 1979 science fiction horror flick "Alien".

Ordinarily, I usually tackle 15mm miniatures individually on wooden sticks. However, on this occasion they were all permanently placed upon a "Battlefront Miniatures" large plastic base, before being primed in "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The deadly creatures were then enthusiastically dry-brushed "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, and darkened back down with a positive drowning in "Citadel" Nuln Oil.

February 2024 - "Black Tree Design" has maintained its early lead due to my continuing interest in "Doctor Who"

There's probably little doubt that the last four weeks have not seen me at my most productive - largely due to my disenchantment with the AHPC and subsequent decision to take some time away from the painting table once I'd left the event. But I did still manage to rattle off a good few figures from my "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" backlog, as well as some more "Doctor Who" models by "Black Tree Design".

Looking to the imminent future, I aim to get many more science-fiction figures finished from both these manufacturers, as I've finally managed to start playing the latest incarnation of "7TV" and want to set several campaigns in the worlds of "Flash Gordon", "V", Planet Of The Apes" and "Doctor Who". Add this to my primary goal of getting another Space Marine squad completed, and all this enthusiasm bodes well for a busy time to be had...

"The Place Is Full Of Leathery Things Sealed..."

"...Soft to the touch."

These five 15mm alien models are by "Ground Zero Games" and can be bought as code SG15-X01 Xenomorphs. The six-figure pack contains two similar(ish) poses, and are clearly based upon H.R. Giger's famous extra-terrestrial killers from Ridley Scott's 1979 science fiction horror flick "Alien".

All the miniatures were super-glued in place upon a "Battlefront Miniatures" large plastic base, before being painted using my 'quick and dirty' method of dry-brushing "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black undercoat. Each alien was then drowned in one or two applications of "Citadel" Nuln Oil, depending upon just how prominently the "Vallejo" "Heavy Bluegrey was showing through after its initial sploshing.

"Crooked Dice Game Design Studio" WIPs - Three X-Commandos

I had actually been saving these miniatures for later on in the Fourteenth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) as a submission for its Challenge Library's Science Fiction bonus. But now I've left the AHPC early, I fancied pigmenting them a bit sooner as they were relatively straightforward to finish - so took them down from where they've been sat for the past several years, gave them a quick dusting, and quickly got them tabletop ready.

With such a simple side-project, I have also have time to get cracking on four 28mm X-Commandos by "Crooked Dice Game Design Studio". Quite embarrassingly I recently discovered that I have a whole bag full of these body armoured bad-boys (and girls), so felt it was about time I added a few more to those I previously-painted back in March 2021.

"Black Tree Design" WIPs - These Sea Devils have had their feet and bases pigmented and shaded

This substantial 'find' has proved doubly-timely as I aim to add the soldiers to my Heroic Sci-Fi genre Cast for a series of "7TV" games, using the rule-set's latest Neutral Extra cards - "Sarge" and "Soldier". These two-three point troopers will join my "Mysterious Stranger" and his trusty "Final Girl" in a series of 'linked' scenarios against the diabolical "Evil Overlord" and her nefarious minions.

Lastly, I've taken some additional 'baby-steps' with a load more 28mm Sea Devils by "Black Tree Design". Sticking with my present obsession for all-things "7TV", I recently purchased the game's "M.A.N.T.A. Ray 5" Feature Pack, and was delighted to find it contains the rules for the Villainous Extra "Nautican Warrior"; a role which I feel the "bipedal marine race" from "Doctor Who" will admirably fill...

This posting and many others can now be viewed on the main "Fantorical" website.

Top Ten Miniatures Of 2023 - A "Rantings From Under The Wargames Table" Viewpoint

Another year has been and gone, and so as we all look forward to 2024, sing “Auld Lang Syne” and drink far too much. But first I’d like you to indulge me as I take a retrospective peek back at Simon's wonderful output of 2023. Yes, it’s that time again when 'Blax Kleric' throws the keys (and keyboard) to "Fantorical" over to me so I can lower the usually high standard of writing here, and he simultaneously raises the standard over on my own blog. Anyway having pawed over the past twelve months' posts, I’ve dragged my “Top Ten” favourite finished figures kicking and screaming back into the spotlight for one last hooray before they are consigned to the annuals of Fantorical history. So in no particular order (except rising from ten to one, of course) I give you my ten best figures by Simon for 2023…

No. 10 - Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator by "Papsikels Miniatures" - March 6th

Yes I admit it I did copy and paste the official name of this smashing figure off of Simon’s original post. Though we all know why they couldn’t just call him what he so obviously is for copywrite reasons, it’s a bit of a mouthful! But I digress, This is a truly iconic character and this 3D printed version has been painted to perfection in my opinion. His mainly black costume falls right into Simon’s wheelhouse as they say, as he does black so damned well it's sickening! The flesh along with all the other details have also been picked out superbly well. Top work!

No. 9 - Sauron by Wizkids - February 16th

It wouldn’t be a review of Simon’s stuff without at least one character of the comic book variety, and even though I think he has painted less than in previous years - Simon will now no doubt prove me wrong on this! - there was just something about this rendition of the “X-Men” baddie that made him stand out to me. He is of course very well painted and the colours are the usual perfect match for his “Savage Land” comic/cartoon source material. Perhaps therefore it’s his pose? I really don’t know. But there is something. Sometimes you can’t quite put your finger on it, yet something just appeals to you at a base level, and that’s what this chap does.

No. 8 - Mk IV Space Marine by "Games Workshop" - July 5th

Now the figure in at number eight is from one of those projects that has been around for well over a year now, though I won’t say exactly how long it’s been rumbling along for to save Simon’s blushes. Anyway, we all have them and this is one of his lovely “Sons of Horus” Space Marines. Now, he is also doing these in 15mm scale using Alternative Armies “Ion Age” miniatures and a couple of those have made my list in the past. But I think this is the first time one of the larger “official” figures has made the grade. This is not however a reflection of my lack of admiration as to the amount of work that has so obviously gone into these lovely plastic miniatures - the level of detail picked out (by a very small brush I imagine) is mind boggling, and coupled with the great teal and gold colouring of his armour, I can even forgive the “slotta” base he is mounted on (almost). This individual is simply my pick because his pose and helmet combination is reminiscent of one of my own “beaky marines” from my early days of gaming.

No. 7 - British 95th Rifleman by "Wargames Foundry" - July 31st

And now for something completely different - historicals! I have painted up a small unit of 28mm Napoleonic figures myself in the past, so am perfectly well aware of how time consuming and infuriating they can be. Resultantly, when these first started appearing on this esteemed blog I knew that if Simon stuck with it we were in for a treat. Suffice to say he did and we were! It might have taken some twenty plus years to get these miniatures painted (though we’ve all been there right!?). But the final results were worth the wait as these two (yes there are two) renditions of “Green Jacketed” Riflemen are lovely and convey all the hard bitten, no nonsense intent of these famous British chosen men perfectly.

No. 6 - Proto Keeler by "Papsikels Miniatures" - February 23rd

Now before I start “waxing lyrical” about how good this figure is I would just like to clear up a couple of points. First off, I have included figures from the "Alien" franchise before in my Top Ten listings, and they are usually of the black-hued variety because anyone who has read one of my lists before will no doubt be aware of my deep appreciation of how well Simon paints black! In fact I’ve already mentioned it above!. This however, is obviously not black and is also from one of the much weaker entries in the series too - based as it is upon the Xenomorph’s featured in “Alien Covenant”. Simon actually painted two of these wonderful renditions, and even though he admitted to problems with the “3D printing” of  the sculpts, it did nothing to distract me from turning my head with the truly excellent flesh and blood stained finished articles.  

No. 5 - Renaissance Knight by "Steel Fist Miniatures" - September 6th

Renaissance gaming is not a period I’ve ever been tempted by, though I don’t in all honestly know why as the figures available for it (my usual attraction to a new period) are quite lovely. Such a case in point is this model, along with the other “Steel Fist Miniatures” that have appeared on "Fantorical" over the past few months. It’s always nice to see bloggers I follow stepping outside of their normal frames of interest, especially when the results are as good as this, as the painting of said miniatures has been of the very top order. Indeed, frankly the only thing that has kept we away from the company's web-site has been the trials and tribulations Simon has endured with the fragility of some of the other miniatures in this range. Whether this is actually a sculpt of the Marquess of Mantua, Francesco II Gonzaga or not, I don’t know (or if I’m honest even know who he is!). But issues aside the colourful paint scheme and wonderfully accurate painting has been a joy to behold.

No. 4 - Aquaphibian by "Big Mr Tong" - May 29th

Now I’m a big fan of anything connected to Gerry Anderson - the man was a genius and of course anyone with an interest in modeling has to be in awe of the detailed models and sets used in most of his television series. So when this lovely 3D print of one of the main protagonists from his 1963 puppet series “Stingray” appeared, it was basically a done deal that he’d end up on here. This is one of those deceptively complicated paintjobs, at first glance he looks green right. However, when you look closer you can see all the wonderful work and subtle layering that has gone into his skin. Simon does this so well, it’s like a background in a movie, if you notice all the details then it’s been done wrong, but if it’s not all there it’s also wrong - getting it right is an art, and a masterclass on how to do it right is what this is.

No. 3 - Orr'ugs Wolf by "Artisan Guild" - December 9th

"Simon, you are a big fibber, sir!" Sorry for that outburst. But I felt it was justified as he wrote on my own “Top Ten Miniatures” last year and I quote - ”I tend to stick to using just one colour for their fur”. Then how exactly do you account for the exquisite blending on show on this gorgeous Orr'ugs wolf? Now this is a pretty large model, based as it is upon a 50mm base, so I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of his lead! And he’s a dead ringer for Gmork the Wolf from “The Never Ending Story” movie. So the blending from light grey to almost a dark blue grey is sublime, and add in the pin sharp detail work on his jaws and eyes and I don’t think you could find a better example anywhere! You are a dark horse, sir (actually it’s probably a Piebald!) as he went and did it again less than a week later with a second Orr'ugs Wolf.

No. 2 - Failed Experimental Battledroid Series 1 by "Papsikiels Miniatures" March 20th

Simon has painted lots of lovely miniatures from various film series this year, including several from the “Robocop” franchise. However, the one that really stood out to me was this figure that whilst only appearing in the second Robocop movie for a few seconds, proved so iconic that it’s been stuck in my head ever since. Resultantly, when this cracking sculpt of the failed experimental second Robocop turned up on "Fantorical" there was always going to be a damned good chance he’d make it into this year’s Top Ten. Posed with him pulling the helmet from his head to reveal the bloody screaming skull underneath, this is just such a cool miniature and one that I never in a million years thought would ever be produced. Albeit these days we live in a world where just about everything can get sourced if you know where to look. The painting is sublime of course and he looks like he’s just walked out of the screen. As I said just so damn cool!    

No. 1 - Zombie Hulk by "CoolMiniOrNot" - November 27th

So what’s edged out all these wonderful miniatures and has taken the top spot this year..?Well I have to admit I’ve gone back and forth over this list so many times, with both the second and third-placed figures having been at the top. However, I always leave at least one space free when I start this list as Simon keeps producing figures right up until the end of the year, so I like to have a little wiggle room in case his last figure is a contender. Luckily, it was a "Nu [Doctor] Who" model, so that wasn’t an issue this time round (sorry Simon). I did though, spot this figure of a “Zombie” version of the Hulk on my last look through, and even though he hadn’t even made my original short list, on perusing his post I was struck by just what a superb job Simon has done on him. Everything is right, the colours, the shading, the details, the gore, even the base is a joy of little details. Everything meshes so well and is done to perfection, so yes, from out of nowhere this has leapt to the top of the pile, I give you my favourite miniature of 2023.

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And so that’s it! My ten favourite figures from this year’s "Fantorical" - the home of well painted miniatures and stuff you never even knew existed, let alone knew yow wanted so much! As always I’ll end by first thanking Simon for letting me run free and easy over his baby. I mean honestly will the man never learn! Secondly thanks to you dear reader, without whom there would simply be no point to blogging in the first place.

Now I could list a few of the things that didn’t quite make the cut this year. But frankly they were all good, so my advice is nip out to the kitchen, make yourself a big cup of tea (or something stronger if you’re so inclined), settle back and work your way back through all of Simon’s posts of 2023. In fact, don’t stop there keep heading back towards the sunset. I promise you a damned fine read! All the best to you all for the New Year, may your dice roll true and your paintbrush bristles never splay. I now return you to our regular program...

Cheers Roger.

N.B. You can visit Roger's excellent wargaming blog and see both his excellent output, as well as my own Top Ten of his 'best in show' here:

"Rantings From Under The Wargames Table"

"What We Hoped To Achieve Was To Meet Our Makers."

"To get answers. Why they even made us in the first place."

This 32mm scale Omega Zelucerean Tamer is produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and was downloaded as part of a free set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon”. Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, the sculpt is clearly inspired by Ridley Scott’s 2012 science fiction film “Prometheus” and was predominantly painted using “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint” range. 

Standing at an impressive 60mm, the figure is actually part of a two-piece set which has her right hand nonchalantly resting upon the head of a seemingly docile Xenomorph. However, as I just wanted the 'Engineer' on their own, I decided not to print  out the weirdly squatting, domesticated alien, and instead simply glued the miniature to a "Citadel" 40mm circular plastic base, before priming them with a double layer of Gravestone Blue.

"Big Mr Tong" WIPs - Four primed Aquaphibians awaiting the first of their shades

The Zelucerean Tamer was subsequently shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Gravestone Blue. This really helped bring out all the partly organic looking details of her survival suit, including the hands - which appeared to have the fingers poking out of something akin to a pair of space mittens. However, I did think that the “Space Jockey” looked a tad boring as she was, so decided to pick out her stomach, throat and a pair of vents running along her shoulder-blades, using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash.

This palette somewhat tied into the motion picture stills I have seen of the technologically-advanced race's costumes, which generally appear to have a semi-translucent silvery/bone sheen to them. Lastly, I applied a couple of coats of Ivory Tusk to the Omega's bald head and fingers, washed these areas with watered-down “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, and later spotted her eyes with Doom Death Black.

"C27 Studio" WIPs - One Man Zoo's undercoated Bird, Bear and Tiger

Sticking with 3D printed models, I have started work on a fifteen-figure strong contingent of Aquaphibians produced by "Big Mr Tong". Strongly influenced by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's 1964 television series "Stingray", these marvellous 28mm miniatures are admittedly somewhat larger in size to Mike Tongue's usual fare. But once finished I'm hoping I can still use them on the tabletop against some of the other factions the sculptor has released - or wait until he releases his own version of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol (WASP).

Finally, I have managed to produce and prime a trio of 35mm scale miniatures by "C27 Studio" from their One Man Zoo kit. Having previously painted an all-green Gorilla, Tiger and Bird from the "Batman Miniatures Game" Teen Titans Bat-Box by "Knight Models" almost four years ago, I thought I'd see whether I could use some of “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint” range to better capture the cartoon green of (not) Beast Boy's bear, tiger and bird...

"Containment Is Impossible, Sir..."

"I think they swept the barracks."

These two 32mm scale Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly aliens, the figures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Both Xenomorphs were given a double layer of Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" and dry-brushed in Cold Corpse Blue. They were then drenched in Oblivion Black Wash before being (re)dry-brushed with (more) Cold Corpse Blue and (much more lightly) Gravestone Blue. In addition, I splashed the pair of models in "Citadel" Drakenhof Nightshade to help blend all the different blues together.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - This 7.5cm Tank-Hunter Team is just missing its fourth crewman

Finally, I 'picked out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, and applied a coat of Doom Death Black across their dome-like foreheads. Ordinarily these days, I protect my figures with some "Vallejo" Matt Varnish - which can actually prove to be a bit silky at times. However, for the Xenomorphs' temples I opted to apply some "Citadel" 'Ardcoat (gloss varnish) in order to make the smooth surface appear super-shiny.

Alongside my final submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have been steadily working on the 7.5cm Tank-Hunter Platoon I want to field for a game of "Flames Of War" I have planned for next week. Originally, I was going to just field two gun teams for my 50-point D-Day German Beach Defence Grenadier Company. But having recently seen how utterly ineffective my sMG34 Machine-gun Platoon was against my opponent's tanks, I'm now hoping to get three stands completed and swop out the heavy machine-guns.

"Pendraken Miniatures" WIPs - Three of Six Sherman tanks which have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

Resultantly, I've now sourced and assembled a third Tank-Hunter kit by "Battlefront Miniatures" and already gritted its large base ready for priming. Hopefully, I'll be able to squeeze the team in with the other two before my fast-approaching deadline, as I've now finished all but one of the soldiers staffing my first base, and intend to get the second unit finished within the next few days.

Furthermore, as part of a huge clear-out of long forgotten projects stored in the loft, I stumbled across a bag containing half a dozen 10mm Shermans by "Pendraken Miniatures". These metal models were part of a planned Battle Of The Bulge campaign which never saw fruition. However, as I do still own a significantly sized German and Russian Winter Army in that scale, I thought I'd keep the tanks rather than sell them on "eBay" and simply pigment them up for a quick 'homemade rules' battle involving armoured vehicles in the near future...

"Unauthorized Opening Of Cage Three."

"Unauthorized opening of cages five, seven, eight, ten..."

This trio of 32mm scale Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and can be downloaded for free as part of a set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their "Patreon" subscription service. Based upon a species of H.R.Giger's infamous deadly aliens, the figures were produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer.

Due to these sculpts looking somewhat different to the other Xenomorphs I've recently pigmented I decided to go with a different palette than the predominantly brown one I've used in the past. Resultantly, whilst the three Xenomorphs were all still primed in Doom Death Black by "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats", they were then dry-brushed in Cold Corpse Blue before being drowned in Oblivion Black Wash.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPS - Two Series 5 Sexycops and a FKMSA Failed Experimental Battle Droid Series 1

I next (re)dry-brushed the miniatures with (more) Cold Corpse Blue, before applying a light highlight of Gravestone Blue across all their raised areas. Finally, to help blend all the different blues together, I enthusiastically showered them in Drakenhof Nightshade. This left me just needing to 'pick out' all the aliens' metal teeth with a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, as well as apply a coat of Doom Death Black (and "Citadel" 'Ardcoat across their silky-smooth foreheads.

Alongside my latest submission for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) I have also continued working on some of the figures from "Papsikels Miniatures" latest "Patreon" release entitled "Corpo Cops". Based upon Paul Verhoeven's 1987 science fiction film "Robocop" and its subsequent sequels, I've actually finished 3D printing the entire release now. But have actually begun rescaling a few of the smaller 28mm sculpts so that they better match the 'girth' of the company's larger 32mm scale figures. Furthermore I am hoping this move might help strengthen some of the incredibly fragile-looking limb joints a handful of the models have at the smaller size.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - All the details on these Panzer IVs is slowly being 'picked out'

In addition, I've almost finished the four-vehicle strong 15mm Panzer IV unit I require as an armoured support unit for my 50-point German D-Day Defence Force for "Flames Of War". I'm currently really enjoying working on these marvellous plastic kits by "Battlefront Miniatures" and having picked out such little details as fire-axes, shovels, tow-wires and stowage on three of them I've decided to utilise a fifth tank sprue with a view to expanding the platoon up to maximum strength for some 75-point conflicts.

With an imminent battle against an invading force of Americans scheduled for later this week, and my sole-remaining Panzer IV currently sat in the grit-box as part of its post-painting process, I'm now focusing much of my attention upon the eight German soldiers I must swiftly pigment as part of two 7.5cm Anti-Tank gun teams. These heavy weapons were temporarily pushed aside to allow me to work on my tanks. But now the Panzerkampfwagens are almost completed, I've shifted my brush-tip back to them...

"The Engineers Have A Multitude Of Different Names."

"Deciphered hieroglyphic tablets found in Tanaka 5 referred to them as Ossians."

These three 32mm scale Yurneyan Golem Exofist Mask figures are produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and were downloaded as part of a free set of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files from their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon”. Produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer, I had initially planned to 'field' four of the figures. But one of the models' arms failed to print – probably due to my overloading the build plate.

The 55mm tall sculpts are recognisably inspired by Ridley Scott’s 2012 science fiction film “Prometheus” and were predominantly painted using “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats paint” range. They were all primed with a double helping of Gravestone Blue, shaded using Oblivion Black Wash and dry-brushed with (more) Gravestone Blue. This really helped bring out all the partly organic looking details of their survival suits.

"C27 Studio" WIPs - Conroy has been primed and dry-brushed

However, I thought the “Space Jockeys” looked a little bland so decided to pick out their stomachs, fingers and throats using a combination of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash. This somewhat tied into some of the pictures I have seen of the alien’s costumes for the movies, which appear to have a somewhat silvery/fleshy sheen to them. As a final step I applied Ivory Tusk to their heads, washed these areas with watered-down “Citadel” Carroburg Crimson, and dotted their eyes with Doom Death Black.

Alongside my latest submission to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, I have been working on a Kevin Conroy tribute sculpt by "C27 Studio". The company ordinarily create 40mm scaled miniatures which are similar in size to those found in the "Marvel Crisis Protocol" super-hero game by "Atomic Mass Games". But this particular figure of the Dark Knight from "Batman: The Animated Television Series", has been crafted at the somewhat smaller scale of 35mm - hence it's been placed on a "Citadel" 40mm circular base.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - A Panzer IV now sporting a "Vallejo" German Grey colour scheme

In addition, I have been plugging away at the remaining models by "Battlefront Miniatures" which I need so as to complete my initial 50-point strong German D-Day Defence Force for "Flames Of War". Things had been going reasonably well, with my 7.5cm Anti-Tank guns even receiving some odd spots of camouflage over their "Vallejo" Dark Yellow undercoat/wash/dry-brush as a precursor for doing something similar to a quartet of similarly-primed Panzer IV tanks.

Unfortunately for some bizarre reason though, I inexplicably decided to veer away from doing small, self-isolated batches of coloration, and instead chose to use some "Vallejo" Luftwaffe Camo Green as a guide by snaking the odd line over the first of my armoured vehicles. Before I knew it this haphazard spider's web had got completely out of hand, and my attempt to rein it all in with "Vallejo" Heavy Brown just looked like messy splodges. As a result, and in view of having my first game pencilled in for late next week, I have subsequently decided to keep this particular tank formation nice and straightforward, by sticking with "Vallejo" German Grey and some trusty "Citadel" Nuln Oil shade...

"Where Is John Connor?"

"Get out."

This 32mm scale Colonist Marine Cyborg Hero E-900 Exterminator is produced by "Papsikels Miniatures" and was sent to me as a free STL (Standard Triangle Language) file as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". The miniature was produced using "Elegoo" Water Washable Resin on a Mars 3 Pro 3D Printer and is clearly inspired by the “less-advanced, reprogrammed Terminator” played by Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1991 science-fiction film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”.

Pigmented using “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” paint range, the cyborg assassin was undercoated in Doom Death Black, dry-brushed using “Vallejo” Heavy Charcoal”, had his T-shirt ‘picked out’ in Cold Corpse Blue and drenched in Oblivion Black Wash. I next applied a little Sir Coates Silver and splash of (more) Oblivion Black Wash to his belt buckle, pistol and large automatic weapon, before using a combination of Glistening Gold and Battle Mud Wash on the killing machine’s cartridge belt.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - Three Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors on "Citadel" 50mm Round Bases

The Terminator’s hair and boots were treated to some Cuirass Leather and (more) Battle Mud Wash, and his remaining skin picked out with a little Elven Flesh and watered-down “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade. His exposed exo-skeleton was given a layer of Sir Coates Silver and Oblivion Black Wash, before I dotted his robotic eye with a drop of Demon Red and a dab of "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. Lastly, to try and break up the all-black colour scheme, I gave his jacket a light dry-brush of more Cuirass Leather and blended this in with some additional Oblivion Black Wash.

Having completed my latest submission to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), and sticking with "Papsikels Miniatures", I've found the time to almost finish five of the company's 32mm Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors. These sculpts actually gave me quite a headache to base on account of their sweeping tails making their 'footprint' much more circular than the Cheetah-based variants I've previously housed upon "Citadel" 60mm oval bases.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - These 7.5cm Anti-Tank guns have been primed, shaded and dry-brushed

In the end I opted to super-glue each Xenomorph on a 50mm round stand. But even at this size their tails slope over the edge for a significant distance - and doubtless will end up getting broken at some point in the future whilst wargaming. Furthermore, the move has completed exhausted my supply of that particular base just when "Games Workshop" have frustratingly announced that they ("temporarily") have no more in stock online and I have other miniatures waiting to be painted which require that size.

Finally, I've managed to make some more in-roads on the two bases of World War Two 7.5cm Anti-Tank guns I need for my German D-Day Defence force. These 15mm plastic "Flames Of War" figures by "Battlefront Miniatures" have now had their Panzerabwehrkanone 40 defence cannons primed, shaded and dry-brushed, so simply need a little tidying up before I can get to work on their crews. In addition, I might do a bit of camo on them, despite having seen plenty of images of them without any...

"Like Father, Like Daughter."

"Justine Hammer inherited her father's ruthless criminal leanings."

This 28mm scale pre-painted plastic model of the Crimson Cowl was produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 091 from their old Marvel “Heroclix” Ultimates range. “The mysterious boss of the Masters of Evil” Justine Hammer’s alter-ego was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley for the April 1997 issue of "Thunderbolts" by "Marvel Comics".

Snatched from the top of the figure's flying 'clicky' base and super-glued upon a plastic 25mm circular base, the super-villain was treated to a double-coat of “Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats” Sanguine Scarlet and shaded in "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson. She was then heavily dry-brushed with (more) Sanguine Scarlet, before having her eye slits spotted with a smidgeon of Skulker Yellow and “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade.

"Papsikels Miniatures" WIPs - These three Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors have simply been dry-brushed

With so simple a submission to the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC) completed, I've had the time to progress five Gigerian Royal Brood Warriors I was freely sent as STL (Standard Triangle Language) files by "Papsikels Miniatures" as part of their PAPSIPACK Welcome Models subscription set on "Patreon". These 32mm xenomorphs are somewhat different looking to the other aliens I've pigmented from the company's range, so I wanted to go with a different palette than the predominantly brown one I've used in the past.

To be honest, I've always found these iconic Internecivus raptus somewhat daunting to paint as they're so darkly coloured that I've always felt a simple highlight over a black prime (and perhaps a wash) does little justice to their fascinatingly detailed biomechanical appearance. As a result, I thought it would be worth taking the time to slowly build-up this variant's muted blue via three increasingly light dry-brushes of different blue-greys and a couple of shades too - all from "Duncan Rhodes' Two Thin Coats" range.

"Battlefront Miniatures" WIPs - A pair of German 7.5cm Anti-Tank guns

In addition, and making a rather agreeable change in both scale and genre, I have been tinkering away at the two bases of World War Two 7.5cm Anti-Tank guns I need for my German D-Day Defence force. These 15mm plastic "Flames Of War" figures by "Battlefront Miniatures" have been patiently gathering dust since I first started working on them at some point last year, so the first thing I've needed to do was brush them down.

I also appear to have lost one of the crew's officers or look-outs, so I've been scratching around my various piles of shame looking for a replacement. Luckily, I have found a pair of German large gun teams still on their sprue, courtesy of some reinforcements I purchased at "Salute" in October 2021, and these do seemingly consist of a spare figure. However, quite bizarrely these slightly resin(ish) models are slightly larger than their counterparts in hard plastic. So I'm a little perplexed as to whether the 'new' gunner will annoyingly stand out from his brethren...