More what I've done...

You'll be pleased to know that this week I have been mostly reading comics. Managed to get through BPRD volumes 9 to 13- which was was quite an effort, and then Hellboy volume 10. All of which were splendid. I like the way BPRD is staying away from too much Hellboy crossover. I am enjoying the march of the 'frogs', although if I am being completely honest, I found the the idea of Daimio's story a little odd. Nevertheless a great read and the art creates pace and atmosphere effectively.Have a look at the art in Volume 13 Ba and Moon's work is pretty cool I think. I could write something more intellectual - but all you need to know I guess is that they were well worth the money from Amazon.

Next up Hellboy volume10  - this drifted away from the Excalibur storyline (I'll try to avoid too many spoilers...) and into strange dreams! I thought the Fegrodo art was inspired. It seems distant from Mignola initially but you soon warm to the way a real sense of manic darkness is created.
I'm now embarking on readin' Mouseguard Autumn 1152 - I'll let you know...

Lastly , a bit of goblin progress ...

I've also done some work on my Space Wolves Rune Priest, but I think I ought to do some more work before I brag about any 'progress' there!

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Posted in: graphic novels,Warhammer Fantasy

New additions.

Well, this week has seen the arrival of a few items on my doorstep. Mainly because I've got a little free time and I aim to use it! So, Lone Wolf and Cub v. 22 - 24, BPRD 7-10, Warhammer Invasion LCG and The Warhammer 8th ed. rule book. There's more to come, but one thing at a time - sort of.

I read the Lone Wolfs (wolves?) and the series is moving dramatically to its conclusion. The story is as gripping as ever. The son and father in their meifumado (look it up!) and the final battles against their mortal enemy. Consistently, well paced and thoughtfully drawn. Yes, there is adult content, it's not for kids - but for a discerning reader it has incredible qualities and you soon forget that you have been looking at the glossary. It has meticulous attention to detail ; there is a real sense of place and the community. Also, despite the way in which Ogami Itto embraces death and destruction there is a real humble humanity about him that ensures our sympathies. I suppose that is the real point. It is not simply a tale of revenge.

As a quick added point I have just played through the first few starter sessions of Battle for Skull Pass. I have to say that it was all nice and easy. I really like the range of figures. Great for the price. I do realise I will have to adapt what I have learnt with the new edition but there you go... Any way, it all went OK. You do need trays for the figures though - compared to my starter efforts at 40K, movement is a right royal pain without them. Overall, I kept having to look at the stats but my 12 year old got them straight away. Shows something I guess!!
I did wonder about the Flee rule - I felt it might mean that low Leadership troops would be forever running away -but it didn't work out like that- perhaps only because of favourable dice rolls though. We shall see.
Nevertheless will move on to full starter scenario - then the 3 Advanced Scenarios on the Games Workshop website and let you know how they go. At the moment it seems quite accessible and I like the way you can get into the game before knowing the more complex rules.

I think you all ought to know I took back Final Fantasy XIII - I loved the graphics and the gameplay but it was more than my mind could take in terms of intellectual /time investment. I am ashamed to admit this. I really didn't understand the weapons upgrade system and I couldn't work out how to get really good. I hang my head. So I'm going back to Elder Scrolls : Oblivion for RPG and have bought Uncharted 2 to shoot stuff.

Time black hole approaches.

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Posted in: graphic novels,Lone Wolf and Cub,PS3,Warhammer Fantasy,Warhammer Invasion

Warhammer Fantasy ahoy!

Thought I'd see what all the fuss is about by getting hold of  Battle for Skull Pass -yeah, I know a new game set is out later this year, but I liked the figures in this one - so there!

Anyhoo, have painted up a few figures - and I know this gets me further away from my other projects, but sometimes you just can't help yourself...

Tried to ensure that painting speed was high - these were done in about 5 hours, but I think I can improve on that. I'll have to. A few bits and pieces to finish but they look ok considering.

Next thing to do is have a bash at the game - I will let you know how I get on. I'm a complete novice at all of this type stuff, although I have painted and browsed through army bboks and rule books over the years. here we go then...

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Posted in: Warhammer Fantasy

Next step on Rune Priest...

Got on a little with the project, although work and family commitments have slowed the process down somewhat. As you can see (just), on the power axe I have added a blue electric haze building up from regal blue, through to ice blue then white. A little blue ink to glaze too.



The face was troublesome. I hadn't painted one for a while and it took a lot of sorting out and I still don't quite think it's there yet. But better than it was though. White hair with shadow grey undercoat. Pelt built up from bestial brown through to vermin Brown and bleached bone. Ending with Gryphonne sepia and Devlan Mud Washes.

Photographs - to my eternal shame -still poor. Apologies to all who see these ones!




Next up retouch shading and power armour -adding highlights perhaps. Then shoulder and knee. Then weapons. Finish with the details. all seems logical, but time is the key as always.

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Posted in: 40k,Rune Priest,Space Wolves

And the next day.

Well,

I have just read the Hellboy 9 (The Wild Hunt) collection and I have to say that it is absolutely, absolutely, (and again ... absolutely) fantastic. Fegredo's illustrations are completely spot on and convey the mystery and mysticism superbly. The drawings make an effective use of light and shade for the eerie tones of the text and I think the drawings of Hellboy himself follow the Mignola ideals with excellence. Fabulous colours too. Well done guys! However, the best part really, is the use of ancient legend. King Arthur! Astonishing but not absurd. An imaginative and engaging concept - can't wait for number 10!

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Posted in: graphic novels

New Avenues...

As I don't have time for anything, I have decided to see what else there is out there to not have time for. As you can imagine this takes time, organisation and a little effort. Plus some 'spare' cash.

First off - I was trawling the net looking at different gaming figures when I came across the Wyrd Miniatures and Privateer Press websites. Suddenly my eyes widened. I saw some fantastic figures for the Warmachine game and Malifaux - one of the other key plus points seems to be the fact that you don't need as many models as 40K to get going. So I ordered a couple of back issues of the magazine 'No quarter' (Warmachine) plus the Warmachine rule book. Just to see. Curious to know what else is 'out there'. I also had look at the online community for warmachine and Youtube and it all seems quite positive.

And then...some Magic TG cards tuned up (9th ed. core/starter) and I began playing with my son (only 11) but we got going pretty speedily. We had already had some experience with World Of Warcraft cards, and though we'll never be experts, we made a pretty good fist of starting off. He tends to win ... I tend to take his advice. It was a good starter pack - a DVD ROM, a script to follow and some basic cards for two players. I couldn't have asked for more for the princely sum of less than a tenner off of Amazon. No Planeswalkers but I don't think that our experience can take that quite yet anyway. I've got a few boosters so let's see how that goes.

I ought to note at this point, that my son and I had our first game of Space Hulk this week and yet again I lost -although apparently as Space Marines, this is pretty likely to be your fate! I'll review the game a bit more when I have played both sides.

Also when surfing I saw a couple of graphic novels -Hellboy 9 and BPRD 6. Some light reading , which I am really looking forward to.

Finally, I was intrigued by two more games -Warhammer:Invasion a card /board game (Living Card Game!) and Incursion a kind of space Hulk with Zombies and super soldiers. But I need more pocket money before I get them!

Having sorted the loft and back garden this week -I think I am owed some 'me time'. So, more later. I know what'll happen though. I'll never have enough time ...

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Posted in: graphic novels,Magic:The Gathering,Space Hulk,Warmachine

Easter Projects

I couldn't let a month by without shoving something on. I've been so busy at work that I've not really been able to do anything much, at all, even on any particular project. This Easter I aim to finish some Space Wolves, Space Hulk and Space Marines figures. However, over-ambitiousness is my middle name.

I did think about getting some Magic:The Gathering cards to muck about with - I'll see how it goes. One of my local cards/collectibles shops is closing down -Runik. So I may order online.
Got the new White Dwarf with all of the Blood Angels stuff in it. Like the models - lots of heroes, lots of sprues and options -I'm not sure they are as gritty and rugged as the Space Wolves though. They all look a bit scary and slightly psychopathic - but I guess that's the point really. Do like the Death Company though, they look like are hardcore 'cos they live hardcore.

Have watched some films though. Saw The Wolfman - useless- they had copied the 50's version in terms of costume, melodrama and looks then added modern gore and special effects. In the end it was well shot and staged but ultimately unengaging, which is probably one of the worst things you can say about a film.

Zombieland on the other hand was a bit of a hoot - a rag tag bag of characters, a bit rough around the edges and some nice humorous moments amongst the carnage. Nice touch the Bill Murray Zombie sequence -surreal - yet somehow totally apt.

Don't tell anyone but I am playing Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 at the Moment having just finished Bioshock 2. (The multiplayer experience wasn't enough to make me hold onto the game for longer.) I feel it's a bit of a guilty pleasure. The graphics are fantastic - generally, smooth and elaborate and breathtaking. The game play and fighting system is also quite friendly. Surprisingly. However, I am still lost in terms of weapons and character upgrading. I'll have to see what gives and take a sneak peek at some guide or other. They say there's 50 hours in it so I'll get my money's worth I guess.

So there you are - a quick review of what's been going on in my world. More in April!

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Posted in: PS3,stuff