Warhammer 40,000: And They Shall Know No Fear

Space marines the way space marines are meant to be - fast, calculating forces of immovable & unstoppable destruction. This episode is everything a die hard 40k fan could dream of, and our boy Titus is back in UHD. I would think for those not in the know of the ungodly levels of lore reading it takes to be versed in the cheerful universe of 40k, would at least be able to enjoy this episode somewhat fully, as it doesn't delve too deep into preexisting lore, and offers beautifully animated action and story telling; in fact, and it pains me to say this, but it might be better than original Warhammer animated shows. The literal only negative thing I have to say is it wasn't 2 and a half hours long - hurry up Cavill!

This episode is a foretaste of what could be in store for us!

I've been a fan of Warhammer 40k for about 20 years. Starting with DoW, I still play the tabletop today.

As a big video game and movie fan, it has always been my dream to follow this universe in a movie or series.

A movie adaptation was unthinkable for me until now, the scale of the universe is just too big.

Today, however, my opinion has changed. I don't think I'm alone in this.

Countless fans are hoping for this project.

It's grimdark, it's terrifying, it's scary and above all it's Warhammer as it should be.

For me, the episode captures exactly the mood I would expect from Warhammer 40k.

The pacing is great, the way they've used different camera angles is excellent, the music is goosebump inducing and everything is full of detail.

The moment I saw the coffin I couldn't help but think of the masterpiece Django (1966).

I am thrilled, bravo!

May the Emperor protect us!

Astartes Stand so that Secret Level could walk, so that Cavill's Warhammer Cinematic Univere could run.

Astartes Stand so that Secret Level could walk, so that Cavill's Warhammer Cinematic Univere could run.

The influence from artist: Syama Pedersen 'Astartes' is all over this work, I recommend you watch that first and then you will see the oddly familiar action on this new Amazon work: 1) A top quality CGI animation - the cinematic framing of the characters standing and walking 2) There almost no dialogue, it conveys its premise with imagery, sound and violence 3) It has Giant Space Marines curbstomping the enemy UNTIL they reach the main target 4) The ultra violence and the ballet of death 5) The Eldritch horror which you can barely comprehended and then these marines have to face it with sheer will and guns/fists.

Simply amazing. There is nothing I can say that can capture what I just witnessed. Every frame is masterfully done and the presentation is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. I've never wanted to play a game more in my entire life. The only thing I knew about this franchise prior to this short was that Henry Cavill was a fan, and now I think I'm a fan too. I read a review that said this was for the superfans of Warhammer and that couldn't be further from the truth. If you like gory action with just enough story to keep you on your feet, I don't think it gets better than this. I guess this show has already set out to do what it was meant to do because I'm probably gonna spend 70$ on the new one that came out. God I sound like the most loser easy-to-trick consumer to ever exist but I can't not play this game now. No I was not paid to write this review.

Working exceptionally well as a short, this episode is rife with beautiful aesthetics, audio, and a continuous and looming sense of doom. Charactization is sparse but within such a beautifully considered world, this leaves a true sense of anticipation for future development within the wider franchise.

The action feels dynamic and visceral. A delicate balance has been successfully walked between the unstoppable force of a Space Marine Lt and the tension and risk required for effective storytelling.

A really impressive addition to the franchise and wider world for established fans and the wider audience. Hopefully this continues.