Another year has come and gone, and it sure does seem to go quicker as you get older! Once again I'm sticking to the annual tradition of reviewing all the miniatures posted up on this "Fantorical" wargaming blog during 2024, and as per last year will pick a model for each month, before then selecting an overall favourite. My choices are based on the miniature, the paint job, the rule of cool and other eclectic factors - such as nostalgia etc. Some months had some straight forward choices, whereas others were very tricky due to them containing multiple miniatures that would have made a straightforward 'Top Twelve' pick. But rules are rules.
I have long admired the crisp looking miniatures that this company produce, and this one is a sculpt that has a great balance between pose, detail and character. The paint scheme is dark, which contrasts with the hair and face, so your eye is drawn to the latter as a superb focal point. I really like this one a lot.
February - Maus Super Tank by "Forged In Battle" - February 26th
In complete contrast to the last miniature in both scale and theme this 15mm scale World War Two leviathan looks amazing in my opinion. First of all the miniature is incredible, but I adore the tiny crew that have been added. I also really like that camouflage pattern that has been applied - despite it was described as being 'splodged on'..! It looks intricate and eye catching to me.
March - Howard Quartz by "Warlord Games" - March 31st
This miniature is from the ABC Warriors game, and forms part of the company's 2000 AD range. The model just oozes character to me, and it again demonstrates how well metallics are painted on this site. The splashes of colour break up the large metal areas brilliantly and really draws the eye in. Plus, who can possibly resist a dapper robot with and umbrella..?
Right, I know this might be controversial as April is jam packed with miniature goodness. However, this cute little blue monster is different, eclectic and just plain superb. Admittedly, figures from both the Horus Heresy and Napoleonic Period came in with all guns blazing during this time period, and nearly defeated the cute little kaiju. Yet ultimately I couldn’t resist. I fully appreciate being a "craft piece" that this 'Pokemonesque' little guy isn’t really a wargaming model. But he looks absolutely fabulous to me due to the paint-job's colours popping, it oozing charm, and looking brilliant!
Now, May didn’t have a whole lot of choice in it, but this "Heroclix" has filled in the almost obligatory superhero pick on my list. A character I don’t really know a lot about - so the potted history in the posting was a blessing - who looks funky and shows repainting pre-painted miniatures is worth the time and effort.
Okay, we are going weird again. If there is one thing this blog does exceptionally well, it is to show off unusual eclectic miniatures, and 3D prints. The stuff that is out there on the periphery of the hobby is just amazing. This model is certainly different. It is the foot from Monty Pythons Flying Circus and is used in the popular Zombicide game. It’s a foot! And, I love it. The skin is painted so well and it just looks sensational. Mad, but sensational. Anybody else wonder who keeps the toe nails so well trimmed..?
Another tough month. So why Ultron? Another superhero/villain. Another CMON figure. I know, but he just looks awesome. The miniature looks so full of character sculpted in that chibi-style which the game uses, and the paint scheme, while simple enough, just explodes off the screen. Great metallics with red details that pop like a balloon in a pin factory. I just adore this one.
I have always loved the Sharpe novels set in the Napoleonic Wars. But I have not really been interested in Napoleonic miniatures until recently, due to a perception that the uniforms and forces can be both complicated, as well as confusing. However, this blog has done a good job in promoting how great soldiers from this period are. This officer is colourful, full of character and looks brilliant. Indeed, as a result of being buoyed up by the enthusiasm this blog has shown over recent times, I have taken the plunge and started my own small, slightly gothic force for "The Silver Bayonet". It was also good to see YouTuber Peachy jump on the bandwagon and show off some Napoleonics too, so surely "Peachy Tips" and "Fantorical" both can’t be wrong..?
Another miniature from, I suspect, the less well known game of "Lunar" - which involves combat on the moon. In a month of umpteen great miniatures and great paint jobs, why did this space puppy get picked? Well, he is cute, quirky and different, that is why. A great little miniature. I just think he looks amazing.
October - Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadier In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry" - October. 21st
I am unashamedly back in Napoleonic times. This gentleman epitomises the appeal of this period to me. A time when colourful uniforms made battlefields look splendid (until the fighting started and they became an awful hellscape!). A time when uniforms were packed full of details and character. A time when moustaches were awesome (No 1970's miniatures were painted to compete unfortunately!). This miniature just looks incredible: the colours the character, the care taken to pick out the details. Chef’s kiss.
Well the moon has lured me in again with another great miniature and paint scheme. This space man has been painted in the unusual colour of red, rather than the usual white. But once on the tabletop you'll know for sure that this guy originates from the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. I also absolutely love the shield he has. It has been painted to look like it came from a space ship, or part of some installation, and I think that is just tremendously imaginative. The mysterious red space grass caps off a fabulous look for me.
Another very different miniature, these aliens are so strange and full of character that they practically demand your attention. The colour scheme is a fairly simple one of a dark grey and black uniform. But they are painted so neatly, and with such care, that they just look amazing. A great reason to go and explore what 3D prints exist out there!
Well that is my top 12. My overall favourite is……
The Imperial Guard Dutch Grenadier In Greatcoat Marching by "Wargames Foundry". A wonderfully characterful miniature that is painted with love and care that looks sensational!
As always feel free to disagree, and why not say what your favourite miniature of the year from this blog was. Happy hobbying and a prosperous New Year to all.
