"Of Course You Know My Voice, Creature."

"Surrender unto me, and you shall live to see the new dawn of this world."

This 28mm plastic “Wizkids” model of Grigori Efimovich Rasputin is miniature number 82 from the Indy “Heroclix” range. Based upon the real life Russian mystic with the same name, this comic book supervillain was created by Mike Mignola and John Bryne for the “Dark Horse Comics” title “Hellboy”, and made his first appearance in the 1994 mini-series “Seed Of Destruction.”

This model was a very generous gift from Roger over on “Rantings From Under The WargamesTable” and has genuinely made me appreciate how difficult it must be to quickly batch-paint a load of miniatures for distribution. For initially I felt this figure’s pre-paint could not be worse. But having then tried to paint the Summoner’s armbands and bangles myself I quickly came to realize just how tough the sculpt made them to access with a paintbrush.

Hellboy WIP - Lots of tidying up yet to do but at least now his trademark trenchcoat is finished 

I have seen this model re-painted with some quite lovely flowing red robes. But as I wanted to simply mirror the “Wizkids” colour scheme, and that of the comic books, I went with an initial undercoat of “Citadel” Abaddon Black. I then simply ‘picked out’ the mad monk’s chest pentagram with “Vallejo” Heavy Blue and his phoenix emblem with Gold. These areas were then washed with “Citadel” Asurmen Blue and “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade respectively. Rasputin’s (curved) sword and armbands were painted with a combination of “Citadel” Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil. I also considered painting the black magician’s eyes red, as per the “Heroclix” pre-paint. But again decided upon following the character’s look in the comics.

Having been in a “Hellboy” mood, I have also started to re-work my “Horroclix” Amung Un Rama. This plastic figure still has a long way to go. But I’ve actually re-done the demon’s coat so it’s a lighter brown than before and thus better represents the colour used in his publications. In addition it means I’m free to use a darker brown for his heavily-pouched belt without these areas all merging into one on the miniature.

Red Hulk WIP - This large sculpt is seriously muscular and may need dry-brushing to bring out the detail

In addition I have finished dry-brushing my Silver Surfer with “Citadel” Ironbreaker, and now just need to give Galactus’ former herald a final layer of shiny silver. Frustratingly I’ve also fitted the miniature to his “Mongoose Publishing” flight stand and found that I had to drill right through the galactic traveller’s surfboard in order for it to fit. As the base is transparent plastic I may simply leave it as is or touch the model up once finished.

Finally I’ve undercoated one of my favourite “Heroclix” miniatures, having based him ages ago. This Red Hulk sculpt is huge and full of dynamic energy. It was also another model I had to search out for across the Pond as it seems to be rather rare in the United Kingdom. 

"You Can Just Call Me Ben."

"That's your idea of stability? Bring in captain zombie?"

This 28mm plastic model of Captain Ben Daimio from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is made by “Wizkids. It is model 006 from the Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. “Heroclix” Action Pack. A former United States Marine who 'died' in the Bolivian Jungle, this were-jaguar was created by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Guy Davis in 2004 and features in the “B.P.R.D.” comic book by “Dark Horse Comics”.

In order to ‘cover-up’ the miniature’s pre-paint the entire figure was undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna. I then painted Daimio's trousers and top with "Citadel" Abaddon Black. The original colour scheme also had the ex-soldier wearing black boots. But in order to break up so monotonous an appearance I decided to give his footwear a layer of "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna. To make his firearm's holster and belt also somewhat 'stand out' I painted them with some Heavy Brown. All these areas were then washed with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Ben’s pistol was simply picked out with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and then given a two applications of Nuln Oil to help really darken the weapon.

Invasion Cybermen WIPs - Just need to be dry-brushed and have some minute details picked out

Having previously sorted through my “Doctor Who” lead mountain I have finally managed to wash all seven of my "Black Tree Design" Cybermen with black shade in preparation for dry-brushing them.

Doctor Who WIPs - Twenty year-old minis which may yet be salvageable

I have also found a few more of the Cornwall-based manufacturer’s miniatures which I probably started to paint some twenty years ago and have dusted them down ready for re-painting. I certainly plan to use the Dalek as a test-piece to see whether by just giving the model a quick black wash I can achieve a similar effect to the time-consumingly tricky 'black-lining' technique I used to employ on my Kaled Mark III travelling machines. I'm pretty confident I can simply tidy up and continue to paint the Ancient Haemovore and the Fourth Doctor; although the Timelord's face will undoubtedly need re-working and highlighting.

"I Do Not Want To Hurt Anyone, But I Will."

"Let's forget about the pants."

This 28mm plastic model of Roger the Homunculus from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is made by “Wizkids. It is model 004 from the Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. “Heroclix” Action Pack. Discovered in a medieval alchemist’s laboratory beneath the ruins of Czege Castle in Romania, this unusually large “little man” was created by Mike Mignola in 1996 and features in the “Hellboy – Wake The Devil” comic book by “Dark Horse Comics”.

In order to ‘cover-up’ the miniature’s pre-paint the entire figure was undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey. I then painted the humanoid’s body armour with Heavy Brown and his groin strap with Heavy Sienna. Both areas were then given a coat of “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. Roger’s chest socket and groin chain were painted with “Citadel” Ironbreaker before being washed, alongside his grey-coloured flesh areas, with Nuln Oil. His eyes were picked out with a couple of dabs of “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre.

Cyborg WIP - After a black wash, the model has been dry-brushed with "Citadel" Ironbreaker and then Silver

I’ve managed to spend a bit of time slowly building-up the metallic layers of this rather large model of Victor Stone, also known in the DC Comics Universe as Cyborg. I wasn’t overly impressed with this sculpt to begin with, despite having to superglue it to a 40mm round base because of its size. But now a lot of the model’s detail is clearer I think it’s rather formidable-looking. I’ve yet to start picking out the man’s flesh and electronic ‘beeps and whistles’. But once I do I hope the miniature will really start to ‘pop’.

Hyena WIP - The model has been dry-brushed with red and teeth and claws undercoated black

Having been in the mood for dry-brushing, I’ve also concentrated on bringing out the detail in the Hyena’s red fur. This actually took a while as for some reason my brown Shade wasn't terribly happy in drying between the sculpt's ridges, so I kept having to go back and re-wash areas and then dry-brush them again. I have subsequently finished painting this model as its part of my personal Painting Challenge for this year. But not before I spent some additional time dappling in some skin spots and then trying to make them somewhat blend in.

As an aside if you want to see another re-painter of “Heroclix” then I’d strongly recommend paying Carrion Crow at visit over on his Carrion Crow's Buffet Wordpress site. Amongst other “Wizkids” miniatures on show is an entirely different Hyena paintjob as well as some excellent original conversions.

"Are You Threatening Me? Because I Think I Can Take You."

"You will learn to obey me, follow protocol and stay focused at all times" 

This 28mm plastic model of Johann Kraus from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is made by “Wizkids. It is model 005 from the Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. “Heroclix” Action Pack. The disembodied ectoplasmic spirit with psychic abilities was created by Mike Mignola in 2003 and features in the “B.P.R.D.” comic book by “Dark Horse Comics”.

In order to ‘cover-up’ the miniature’s pre-paint the entire figure was undercoated with “Vallejo” Heavy Brown. I then painted his containment suit’s body armour with Heavy Sienna before washing both areas with “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. The West German’s head was given a coat of “Vallejo” White and then washed with Pale Grey.

Roger and Liz WIPS - The Homunculus is almost finished but just started painting Sherman's flames 

As the “Heroclix” model also came with a small grave marker on its ‘clicky base’ I decided to glue the small tombstone onto a circular 40mm base and use it as an objective marker. This was easily accomplished by simply painting the plastic head piece with “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey, washing it with “Citadel” Nuln Oil” and then dry-brushing it with more “Vallejo” Heavy Bluegrey.

I have also managed to progress several more of my models of the B.P.R.D., including Roger the Homunculus. I’ve now finished tidying up all the humanoid’s areas of flesh, and painted his body armour. The ‘creature of Alchemy’ now just basically needs to have a couple of washes applied. I have also re-based the ‘Easter Island’ head sculpture which accompanies Roger’s miniature onto another round 40mm base, as I want to use it as another objective marker.

More B.P.R.D. WIPs - Daimio just needs his skin painted, whilst Lobster is essentially finished 

Finally I have started to paint the flames on Liz Sherman’s miniature by applying a red wash over an orange undercoat, and completed the brown jacket of were-jaguar Ben Daimio. I’ve also finished tidying up Lobster Johnson’s goggles and face, so the Thirties vigilante just needs to be varnished and have his base flocked with static grass to be finished.

Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense - WIP - Part Three

Hellbaby WIP - Red flesh has been tidied up and washed. Johann Kraus WIP - Just needs head finishing

A handful of these “Heroclix” Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense miniatures just need a few touches to be finished ready for this Saturday’s Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge submission slot. Hellbaby simply needs the black areas around his (soon to be) yellow eyes tidying up and he’ll be ready for varnishing. I’m really happy with the way the red wash has pooled around his ‘Right Hand of Doom’. Johann Kraus is also close to completion, as I just need to apply a grey wash to his head, dry-brush it white and then ‘pick-out’ his breathing nozzle. I must say I am really pleased with how brilliantly bright his containment suit’s mask stands out, and I think it makes for a great looking model.

Daimio WIP - Just needs jacket and flesh areas painting. Hellboy WIP - Lot of detail still to be painted

I’m only slowly progressing Captain Ben Daimio as I’ve had some difficulty painting his belt buckle. The round fastener has proved impossibly hard to ‘pick out’ with black, so I’ve now decided to leave it alone, and simply let the detail be brought out through a brown wash. I have though had time to glue the superbly sculpted tombstone which accompanied the “Wizkids” miniature onto a 40mm round base so I can use it as an objective marker. I’m also having a little trouble with Hellboy himself, as the figure contains an awful lot of detail and some of it is both hard to reach with a paintbrush and sadly quite softly sculpted. As a result I have just managed to finish his brown leather boots.

Lobster WIP - Just some washes to go.  Abe & Roger WIPs - Just started on these models

Lobster Johnson on the other hand is nearly ready, despite my not having spent that much time on him at all. His charcoal highlights have been toned down with a black wash, and I’ve already painted his pistol and leather jacket’s chest studs with the “Citadel” layer Ironbreaker. I’ve also picked out his legendary blue lobster motif. In addition I have managed to ‘box off’ the different areas on both Abe Sapien and Roger the Homunculus with black. I am not sure whether I’ll have these two finished by this coming weekend, but both appear reasonably straightforward models to paint.

Bureau for Paranormal Research And Defense - WIP - Part Two

Hellbaby WIP - Green trousers and tan shirt are finished. Lobster Johnson WIP - Black highlights done

I have managed to get quite a few of these “Heroclix” Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense miniatures progressed this week, even if it has simply been a case of removing a few more of them from their ‘clicky’ bases and super-gluing them to a 25mm “Games Workshop” one.

I am quite close to finishing Hellbaby having spent more time than I cared too sorting out all the belt straps on his green trousers. Fortunately they’re now finished and just his belt buckle needs correcting and then washing with “Citadel” Badab Black. The brown wash on his shirt has come out a little darker than I’d hoped. But I can live with it. I have also tidied up the red on his tail and ‘Right Hand of Doom’. Having dry-brushed Lobster Johnson charcoal prior to a “Citadel” Nuln Oil wash, I am somewhat tempted to ‘break up’ his all-black attire with a dark brown belt. But such a move would be a break from his ‘official’ look…

Kraus WIP - Bullet-proof vest and containment suit are finished. Daimio WIP - Brown boots done

Johann Kraus is also close to completion as I’ve finished both his brown body armour and tan containment suit. I just need to finish off the experienced medium’s helmet. As I hoped now I don’t plan to submit any of these B.P.R.D. models to the Analogue hobbies Painting Challenge until next weekend I have had the time to repaint Captain Ben Daimio’s boots, and break up his brown leather jacket with a tan holster belt.

B.P.R.D. WIP - The final three members have been re-based and undercoated

Finally, as aforementioned, Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman and Roger the Homunculus have been re-based and undercoated. Both Abe and Roger actually proved somewhat difficult to glue to the smaller 25mm round base as their stance needed to be slightly shortened in order for them to properly fit without their bare feet significantly hanging over the edge. I am also in two minds with the lime green undercoat colour I have chosen for the amphibious agent as his pre-painted model (based upon the motion picture) is much bluer in colour. Yet the comic books portray him as a green-hued humanoid.

Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense - WIP - Part One

Hellbaby WIP - First layers of green and olive to represent the uniform of the Allied Forces

As inevitably seems to happen with the vast majority of my painting projects I have extended the scope of my latest endeavour, and as a result will spectacularly fail to finish them within the planned deadline.

Originally I had planned to complete one or two of these “Heroclix” miniatures for this weekend. But having rummaged around my “Wizkids” collection I have discovered I have many more members of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, so have decided to spend the next fortnight working my way through them in order to submit them for Comedic Bonus Themed Round of the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge; after all the B.P.R.D. is a fictional organisation charged with protecting America in a comic book.

Kraus WIP - Black boots are finished and trousers inked. Guest-star WIP appearance by Hellboy

As a result I haven’t yet quite finished this model of Hellbaby yet, but I have managed to complete most of the basic layers of his clothing. As the infant demon was discovered by the Allied Forces in 1944 I thought they’d probably dress him in a spare (ill-fitting) American soldier’s uniform, hence the green trousers and cream-brown shirt.

Daimio WIP - Black boots, trousers and jumper could do with being broken up 

Johann Kraus wears a simple brown containment suit for his disembodied ectoplasmic spirit, so in order to break up the all-tan colour scheme I’ll be painting his body armour dark brown. The were-jaguar Captain Ben Daimio should also be reasonably straight forward to paint. Albeit now I’ve given myself more time to finish painting him I may well break up the black boots, trousers and jumper.

In addition I have yet to base and undercoat Roger the Homunculus, Liz Sherman, Abe Sapien and Lobster Johnson.

The Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge 2014 - WIP - Week Eight

WIP Terran Federation - The dry-brushed charcoal highlights and red visors are clearly visible 

This Stefan Travers miniature by “Crooked Dice Game Design Studio” has been sat upon my painting table much unloved, for a good few weeks now. But I’ve finally managed to apply a few more layers to him and so should have him ready as a submission for this Saturday’s Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. I’ve managed to dry-brush his black uniform with some charcoal highlights, as well as tidy up and apply a wash to his flesh. I plan to pick out his cybernetic hand and eye with more charcoal so it slightly stands out from the rest of his attire… And probably paint his hair dark brown just to slightly ‘break up’ his all-black appearance.

It seemed silly not to undercoat another four of these Federated Security models, also by “Crooked Dice Design Game Studio”, at the same time. Now I have something of a systematic painting technique in place for these black-clad minions I’ve managed to progress through their various stages a bit quicker than normal. Their green helmet trims are already finished and I’ve just finished smearing their visors with red, prior to several washes of “Citadel” Nuln Oil.

WIP Moon Knight - The white dry-brushing over the "Vallejo" Pale Grey has turned out rather well

In addition I’ve finished dry-brushing this plastic “Heroclix” model of Moon Knight, and simply need to pick out his crescent moon chest emblem, his throwing blade and baton.

WIP B.P.R.D. - Just some basic undercoats have been completed on these "Heroclix" miniatures

 Finally, with an eye on the Hot Bonus Themed Round of the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, I’ve set about painting this tiny “Wizkids” Hellbaby from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. I’ve taken the liberty of undercoating a few other members of the B.P.R.D. as well. Though I’m not sure whether I’ll finish any of the other models in time.