Yet another of my miniatures was put into production by Black Orc Games. This time, however, I was in for a surprise. You see, this is what I sent them:
Click for a larger version
It’s my entry for the 2009 FU-UK! sculpting competition. The zombie is supposed to be lying down like that, fat and naked. Actually his entire left side has been left flat and un-detailed for that reason. You can imagine my amusement, when I saw him on the Black Orc site:
Click for a larger version
I commented on the subject on TMP, and was promptly contacted by the painter at Blue Moose Arts. Apparently the people at Black Orc didn’t know whether the model was supposed to be standing up or lying down, so they added a slotta tab to his feet. They also didn’t know for sure whether it was clothed or not, so told the painter he was. The final interpretation is a bit different from what I had in mind, but hey, who’s counting?
I have to point out, that I’m not annoyed or anything. The painter (Ken @ Blue Moose Arts) was working with the specs given to him, and was very courteous in his communication. If there’s a bit of blame to be handed out, I don’t think it would’ve been too much trouble for the people at Black Orc to chuck an email my way to ask for a few clarifications.
It’s also worth mentioning that on the shopping cart page for the mini it says: “The slotta can be removed and the fig has a flat area on the side to steady if you prefer it lying down.” Once I get one, I’ll send them a painted example with the mini flat as intended.
If any one of you decides to buy it, take my word: the fatty is much nicer lying down, so off with the slotta! You can get the model for $1 here.
As usual, first five to comment will get freebies! Well worth it, I think this is my best effort yet. It should be, as it’s from 2009 vs. the others from 2005.
Looking for some new zomcom stuff? The Walking Dead’s season 1 ending left you wanting more? Look no further! Bite me (by Machinima.com) is a great web series of 8-10 minute episodes. It tells the story of three geek guys trying to make it through a good old-fashioned zombie apocalypse. I’m sure a lot of us can relate.
The jokes – in all their juvenile glory – are actually pretty funny most of the time, the quality’s nice and the episodes short and sweet. Here are the first four, enjoy!
Waaaay back in February I reported on the teaser trailer for Danish zombie short film (running time of 50 minutes) Opstandelsen, translated as Resurrection. There’s finally a longer trailer available! The film itself was released in August, but the DVD won’t be out until March 2011. Still looks nice, and as a fellow Scandinavian, it always warms my heart to see some proper culture produced in this corner of the world.
Anthologies, even themed ones, are usually a mixed bag. This one created by Stephen Jones is no different.
Zombie Apocalypse! is a definite tip of the hat to H.P. Lovecraft, who is explicitly mentioned in the credits section. The book is basically a continuation of Lovecraft’s – and Bram Stoker in Dracula, for example – fake-documentary, first person style (see The Whisperer in Darkness for a prime Lovecraft example). There are letters, police and doctor reports, Twitter, IM, and SMS logs, blogs and so on. They detail the eponymous zombie apocalypse that starts off in the UK and before long spreads across the world. Sounds great this far, doesn’t it?
I’ll be very blunt with this next comment: a fair few of the 19 authors in this book aren’t very good writers. As always in anthologies, there are some gems in there, a lot of OK stuff, some that are a bit “meh” and then some that are a bit rubbish. Where a lot of these stories fail is subtlety. Whereas Lovecraft and Stoker manage to tell just enough to leave room for the imagination of the reader, many writers in ZA! fail in this respect. I mean that instead of ending, say, a logged phone call with “ummn..are you ok?” they instead end it with “oh my god, you’re really not ok! You’re a zombie! Oh my god, and now you’re taking chunks out of my arm! There’s blood everywhere! Now I understand, this is the way the plague spreads, through bites! Arrrrgh, I’m losing gallons of blood and my intestines are on the floor, and yet I keep on talking on this phone, I don’t even know why! Please, oh god no!” Catch my drift? The same flaw can be seen in another way as well, as the writers often pretty heavy handedly insert plot elements into stories which should be very realistic in style, such as police or medical reports. This greatly detracts from the whole suspension of disbelief thing. Why would a police officer write in his report that a church has a “strange aura” or that it “feels Gothic” or suddenly describe his female police partner as a “glamorous […] tall, striking blonde”? Sorry, but that’s just plain poor writing. Sometimes less is indeed more.
There’s another major problem. Basically, while the book tells a chronologically pretty coherent story, at times it doesn’t know whether it is a bird or a fish. At times its Dawn of the Dead, at times Return of the Living Dead, before becoming 28 Days Later and segueing to Army of Darkness. Sounds like a very wide spread of different styles, and it is. The book also becomes a bit repetitive at times, as it’s basically “now I’m writing, now I’m depressed, now I’ve been bitten/scratched, now I’m turning into a zombie/committing suicide” over and over again, told through various media sources.
Despite those flaws, the book is mostly a very entertaining read, and I found it difficult to put down quite a few times. A lot of the stories are very short (often thankfully so), and some of them are really rather good, so even at over 500 pages it doesn’t grow wearisome. It could just be the zombie enthusiast in me, but I’ll definitely give this another read, although I might skip a few of the B-grade stories. There’s a fair bit of humour in there as well, with some being hit and miss but others downright hilarious.
Overall verdict: Make no mistake, this is no World War Z 2. The stories vary a lot in quality, and at times the book’s styles and themes are all over the place. It’s still a good way to spend a few evenings or quite a few bus rides, if you’re into zombie apocalypse and the fake-documentary style. I just wish they’d all read their Lovecraft.
As usual, I got my copy from the Book Depository, where the book retails for €7.54.
I’m happy to report that my third zombie sculpt – the first one I ever completed, IIRC – has just been released by Black Orc Games. I’m actually still pretty satisfied with him, and there are far too few crawling zombies available.
To continue a nice(-ish, I think) tradition, the first five people to comment on this post will get the mini as a freebie with no p&p or anything – assuming you ask for it. I’ll send the models once I receive them from Black Orc, which might take a while.
I again strongly suggest that you support Black Orc and their MiniSculpt program, as it gives starting out/sunday sculptors an easy way to get our produce on the market. Click here to view what’s available. The quality varies a lot, but the prices are low and you’re kind of doing a good deed.
My previous efforts with an amazing paintjob can be seen in this post. They still make me go “whoa”.
Woah, a good while since my last post. Sorry about that, dear readers! Real life has gotten in the way yet again, with other hobbies and studies taking my time.
After a posting break it’s always nice to do something different, and this time it’s a “Top 5 at the moment” post. Here we go, in no particular order:
Horus Heresy book series
While I’m not a big fan of WH40K in general, these books have got me hooked. They depict a time long before the current date in the WH40K universe, being more like WH30K, and chronicle the catastrophic events of the eponymous Horus Heresy that see the Emperor’s most beloved son turn on his father and bring the galaxy to a bloody civil war.
There are lots of things to like in HH. The series boasts many of Black Library’s top writers, such as Graham McNeill and Dan Abnett, and most of the books – even the not-too-impressive ones – are pretty ok scifi fare. The books deal with a time period ten thousand years distant, so the writers have a lot of space (literally, too) to move and work in. Reading these books makes me wish the regular WH40K fluff was this interesting, with loads of alien civilizations and humanity’s spin-offs.
The best thing for me, however, has to be the point of view. Many of the books deal with the so-called Traitor Legions, the Space Marines that sided with Horus against the Emperor. Regular 40K fluff simply places a terribly boring and bland EEEEEVUL stamp on them, whereas the HH books tell the stories from the villains’ perspective. It turns out most of them aren’t really evil after all, but instead have all too human flaws like vanity or pride, which lead to their downfall. It doesn’t help that the benevolent God-Emperor starts to take on a more and more sinister cast as the story progresses.
I’ve always loved interesting villains. Sauron? Boring as hell. Saruman? One of my all time favourites. Whenever the time is taken to flesh out an antagonist, a story becomes much more interesting to read. At times you don’t know who you’re rooting for, and even if the antagonist IS evil, you find yourself thinking “Weell, he does have a point there.” The HH books are loaded with this, and the stories of Horus, Fulgrim and Magnus the Red are nothing short of delicious. Granted, some of the books aren’t really worth reading (Battle for the Abyss, for example, is a waste of time and money in my opinion), but the excellent ones more than make up for this.
If epic high fantasy scifi is your thing, give these books a go. I got mine through the Book Depository. You can check the publishing order here, for example.
Dawn of War 2
It’s been a long while since I’ve been this hooked on a computer game. Dawn of War 2 is a real-time strategy game set in the world of WH40K. Unsurprisingly, my consuming of lots and lots of WH40K fiction (see above) led me to pick up this game, and it hasn’t disappointed.
The story focuses on the Blood Ravens Space Marine chapter that lays down all kinds of hurt on orks, eldar and tyranids. The story is fine, the cutscenes lovely and there’s a little rpg element too, as your squad leaders gain experience and you can tailor their skills and wargear to suit your needs. All this combines to make a game that has a significant “one more mission, even if it’s 2 am” element.
I played DoW1 to death when it came out, and I’m glad to see the sequel is quality stuff as well. There’s a trailer below to whet your appetite.
Role-playing games
Miniatures are cool and all of that, but I’m a role-playing gamer first and foremost. RPGs are going through a small renaissance in my regular group of gamer friends, with games popping up here and there. A few days ago I had the honour of guest-GMing a game in a massive campaign my friend Petri is running. The campaign – named Century – is a wonderful X-Filesy alternative history romp, with one game played per year of in-game time. My contribution? Zombies in Estonia in 1936. Fun was had.
Our 4th edition Dungeons & Dragons is going strong as well. A lot of RPGs we play nowadays deal with pretty adult themes, ethics and the like. This campaign is about monsters, leveling up and solving mysteries. It’s great fun, and the social gathering is at least as important as the game itself.
Role-playing games have also allowed me to combine my hobbies with the real world. My master’s thesis (in education) is a survey study about the views role-playing gamers have on RPGs as a way of developing empathic intelligence – social skills, creativity, empathy and so on.
Winter
Winter has hit Finland yet again. While it brings some annoying things with it – such as loads of snow and freezing temperatures – it also provides a lazy student/blogger/gamer with all the peace and quiet he needs to invest in the things that really matter: games, movies, miniatures and so on. Since it’s perfectly acceptable to stay indoors in the winter, it really is the season of the geek. I’ve prepared for a long winter by stocking up on Horus Heresy books and zombie fiction, as well as making sure that most RPG sessions are held at my place. Oh yes, and there’s Christmas, too!
The Walking Dead
I can’t not-include TWD, can I? For my comments on the subject, see this post. We’re having our second TWD get-together with three of my friends this Friday to watch episodes 3 and 4. Can hardly wait!
Those are the five most interesting things in my life at the moment off the top of my head. Hopefully I’ll have time to get back to my regular irregular posting schedule now.
Luckily, a friend presented me with a chance to take part in the filming of a zombie themed music video. What followed was about a hundred hours covered in latex prosthetics and all sorts of rubbish and fake blood. I couldn’t eat (due to the prosthetics around my mouth), there were some artistic differences and the shoot lasted until the wee small hours of the morning. Naturally, apart from what might be my back in a tangle of zombies, I’m not even visible in the video.
The feeling I was left with? Pure AWESOME. Despite all the hardships it was just so much fun to get made up as a zombie, to wear those creepy contact lenses (which I got to keep) and in general to take part in such an undertaking.
Here are some photos of the whole thing, with yours truly in photos #2 and 3:
And here’s the finished video itself. It’s not what I’d usually listen to, but I have to take my hat off for anyone making a cool zombie themed music video of a wedding gone to hell. And the tune IS pretty catchy. Without further ado, Cristal Snow with Surrender.
Well, it’s finally happened. The thing every zombie enthusiast has been waiting with baited breath: The Walking Dead tv-series has started, with the first two episodes aired.
My opinion?
Weeeeell, I don’t want to sound like yet another fanboy, so I’ll just keep this very low-key, and state that it’s the single most awesomestest zombie thing ever. Okay, maybe that’s exaggerating a bit, but it is rather good. I’ve been a fan of the comic book since issue #1, and the series has managed to capture the feel of it very nicely, without making it boring and predictable for readers of the comic. In other words, they’ve changed it just the right amount.
The thing I’ve always loved about the comic is that it focuses on the most important aspect of the genre (in my view, at least): the characters and their interaction. The format has allowed the writer – Robert Kirkman – to create a cast of interesting, well-rounded characters that feel human enough to relate to and care for. I hope that as the series goes on, it manages to do the same. It shouldn’t be too hard, with Kirkman himself onboard as well.
The series has launched with phenomenal success, and that has lead to a great piece of news. This from AMC’s press release:
(November 8, 2010) AMC announced today the renewal of “The Walking Dead” for a 13-episode second season. Since debuting Sunday, October 31, “The Walking Dead” has broken ratings records, with the series reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other show in the history of cable television.
Today’s announcement also includes Fox International Channels’ (FIC) global renewal for a second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and The Middle East. “The Walking Dead” was the highest-rated original series premiere ever to air on FIC simultaneously worldwide.
“The ‘Dead’ has spread!” said Charlie Collier, President, AMC. “No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as ‘The Walking Dead.’ This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable. We are so proud to be bringing back ‘The Walking Dead’ again, across the globe.”
Zombie fans of the world, rejoice! A minimum of two seasons will allow for real in-depth character development. Compared to your average zombie movie with a running time of approximately 1½ hours, it’s a whole other world. Not wanting to take anything away from the likes of Romero or Max Brooks, but this just might become the penultimate work in zombie pop culture.
If you’ve missed the few first episodes, get them no matter the means. If you’re from the good ol’ US of A, you can see the first episode here.
Check out The Walking Dead’s official site for more.
I have some miniatures I don’t need at the moment, and to be honest, probably never will. I figured I’d share the love and give the following stuff away to loving homes. All you need to do is pay for postage via PayPal, and I’ll chuck them your way. All the people – bloggers especially – reading this: do the same. You probably have minis sitting in a box somewhere, with the vague idea of “these might be useful/valuable/chopped up for conversions one day” that you’ve used to justify keeping them around unused for years – I know you have! Some people might have a use for them, so do them a favour and pay it forward.
I’d rather post these as lots, but will do single miniatures as well. Bases are not provided, I think you’ll manage.
Lot 1 – Warzone Undead Legionnaires – GONE!
Click for a larger version
Bought years ago for a never finished “40K Chaos army for cheap” project. One has had his weapon chopped up, no idea why.
Same 40K project. Sold the painted stuff ages ago. Still very nice miniatures, with the Stalker going for €4.95 on Prince August’s site.
Lot 3 – HeroClix
Click for a larger version
Madame Masque, Colossus, Hawkeye, Umar and Tomoe. Pre-painted plastic. The quality isn’t very good, but these are still a viable option for those looking to do some superhero gaming. Some of the models have other uses as well. I’ve seen Colossus used in a Weird World War 2 Russian army, and a repainted Hawkeye serves as a vampire in my Underworld project.
Lot 4 – Mage Knight
Click for a larger version
Utem Crossbowman, Nightblade, Quarterstaff Warrior, Immortal Fanatic. More pre-painted plastic, the Immortal Fanatic has had his other blade snap off (it’s included, though). Again, the quality isn’t very nice, but these could well be used in RPGs etc. They’re far nice than paper counters, anyway. Acetone can be used to strip the paint away, if you fancy repainting.
Lot 5 – Old Plastic Imperial Trooper & Squat – GONE!
Click for a larger version
These were found in a large lot of mixed miniatures way back. I have no use for them, so feel free. Might be a blast of nostalgia for someone.
Lot 6 – Grenadier Adventurer & Shadowrun Street Shaman – GONE!
Click for a larger version
For reasons unknown I’ve chopped the revolver hand off the adventurer, and replaced the shaman’s right hand with it. The shaman has had whatever was in his left hand replaced with a knife.
Lot 7 – ERM Facehuggers x 6 – GONE!
Click for a larger version
These were sent to me as part of the Alien miniatures review. While they’re nice enough minis, I simply have no use for them and want them to have anice, warm home. That’s six miniatures for free (two sets of those pictured), right there.
Lot 8 – ERM Facehuggers with guns – GONE!
Click for a larger version
See lot 7.
Lot 9 – Old plastic Citadel Wood Elves x 5 – GONE!
Click for a larger version
These are from Citadel’s first range of plastics. They’re all headless. I’ve used some human heads to convert a few to be Huntsmen in my WHFB Empire army.
Lot 10 – Old plastic Citadel Dark Elves x 8 – GONE!
Click for a larger version
Part of the same range as lot 9. Two have heads, others are headless. None have their separate crossbows.
And that’s it!
Reservations via comments box, we’ll sort out the details via email, payment via PayPal. One lot per reader, if you want several you’ll have to wait for a week or so. First come, first served. Postage to the US will be a few EUR maximum for letters. The Clix stuff will cost a bit more, but nothing exorbitant.
And as I mentioned before, I encourage other bloggers to do the same. One man’s trash is another’s treasure, so let’s get that old stuff into rotation, mmkay?
Anthologies, even themed ones, are usually a mixed bag. This one created by Stephen Jones is no different.
Dawn of the Lead 