This 28mm scale pre-painted plastic model of Sauron was produced by “Wizkids” and is miniature number 029 from their Marvel “Heroclix” Wolverine & The X-Men range. After being bitten by mutant pterodactyls, physician Doctor Karl Lykos was transformed into a humanoid Pteranodon, who was "able to absorb the life force of others through touch." Created by Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, the Savage Lands mutate made its first appearance in the September 1969 issue of "The X-Men by "Marvel Comics".
Clipped from the figure's 'clicky' base and super-glued upon a plastic 25mm circular base, the super-villain was treated to a double-coat of Ethereal Green from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" paint range so as to cover up its previous paint-job, shaded in Battle Mud Wash, and thoroughly dry-brushed with (more) Ethereal Green. I then 'picked out' his tongue using a combination of Sanguine Scarlet and "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson, before dotting in the energy vampire's mesmerising eyes with a smidgeon of "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" Skulker Yellow over a "Citadel" Abaddon Black base layer.
Finally, I applied two layers of Sorceror's Cloak from "Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats" over Lykos' torn loin-cloth and shaded it with "Citadel" Druchii Violet. To be honest I had originally intended to pigment the garment in yellow, as per the miniature's 'official' paint scheme. But having recently played quite a bit of the computer game "Marvel Snap", I decided to go with the colour he wears on his digital card instead.
Along with my latest offering for the Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC), I have also assembled and primed half a dozen 28mm plastic German soldiers by "Warlord Games" to use with their "Bolt Action" World War Two (Second Edition) rule-set. Admittedly, the last thing I currently need is another project, but to begin with I'll only be using a single figure to represent a unit of infantrymen, so the temporary distraction shouldn't be too severe.
As I already own a sizeable German Eastern Front Army (in 10mm) and a burgeoning D-Day Defence Force (in 15mm), I thought I'd move to a much hotter theatre of battle by building a contingent of Afrika Korps. However, I can't say I'm particularly impressed by the poses offered by the Nottingham-based manufacturer's thirty-figure Infantry boxed set, as most of them seem to be stumbling forward with their heads down, or lying on the ground.
Admittedly, this probably makes a lot of sense in real life, as you'd want to keep yourself low to the sand dunes with all those bullets and bombs whizzing about. However, from a painting perspective it means I'm going to have to reach my brush-tip up into some quite confined areas, which will probably never see the light of day once on the battlefield. As a result, I wish a few of the plastic models were actually stood upright, and may well stand them on the odd rock in future, simply so their faces are more accessible...
Great painting on Sauron, Simon, you've really shaded him well to bring out his muscles and wing bits. You're obviously enjoying using Duncan's paints!
As for the Afrika Korps, I can see what you mean about the sculpts, and those pith helmets don't help with the overall look.
Absolutely smashing work on Sauron mate, top ten stuff!
Nice AK figures too, I started on the Korps many years ago in 20mm, they are lovely looking force, in any scale.
Cheers Roger.
Sauron looks terrific. Nice model and a very nice paint job. Fantastic work. Do all green skinned Marvel characters wear purple pants? Lol.
I can only speak for the poses on the Afika Korps models you have shown, but I think they look very good indeed. Good start on them so far!
Sauron looks the part! Will he get a hypno attack too?
I've seen some very nice versions of the Warlod DAK kit, but I see what you mean. Regardless, Am eager to see what you do with these guys!
Sauron looks great Simon, and who doesn't like a human dinosaur ! LOL Surprised you've started another German force, but we all fall into that trap ! LOL Can understand the sculpts from a realism point of view, but can understand it may make it difficult to paint.