This 63mm tall plastic figure of the Monarch of Planet X is produced by “Atomic Mass Games” and can be bought as part of the company's Rocket & Groot expansion set for "Marvel Crisis Protocol". Assembled using thirteen different pieces, not including its circular stand, the model depicts the Flora colossi smashing one of his wooden arms straight down through the concrete upon which he's standing upon.
"Endowed with exceptional strength and the ability to regenerate damage at a prodigious rate", Groot was originally undercoated with two layers of "Vallejo" Charred Brown, drenched in "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade, and thoroughly dry-brushed using (more) "Vallejo" Charred Brown. I then mixed in a little "Vallejo" White to my palette so as to lighten my this colour, and applied a second dry-brush over the entire model.
As a final 'highlight' I gave the Guardian Of The Galaxy a third dry-brush, this time using "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, and subsequently started sporadically dabbing the model with a torn-piece of blusher pad dipped in "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green. These areas were later better blended in with (yet) another dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Brown. Lastly, I 'picked out' Groot's eyes using a couple of dabs of "Vallejo" Heavy Goldbrown and some "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.
One of the small issues I experienced pigmenting the "humanoid tree" was how to tackle the three or four slightly luminescent bulbs which have been sculpted onto the alien's chest - presumably to indicate Groot's ability to regenerative and extend his limbs. Personally, I've never liked the look of them, especially as I thought anything yellow was bound to clash with the "Vallejo" Heavy Goldbrown I'd already used for his eyes. Resultantly, I decided to simply apply a little "Vallejo" Heavy Grey and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green to the areas, and be done with them.
With my ninth model for Marvel Crisis Protocol successfully completed, I have found a little spare hobby-time with which to apply a "Citadel" Agrax Earthshade to three plastic Raptor models by "Mondo Games". This trio of gaming pieces are from the Jurassic Park - InGen Verses Raptors expansion for "Unmatched" and have such excellent detail on their sculpts that they should 'highlight' up a treat once dry-brushed in their base colour.
Lastly, I've had an opportunity to get cracking on a second line of 15mm infantry by Warlord Games. These Confederate soldiers will form the back rank of one of my units for "Epic Battles: American Civil War", hence they've been temporarily attacked to a wooden baton for ease of reaching their fiddly details with a brush-tip. I have already managed to finish their shoes and trousers, and am now slowly working my way down the line 'picking out' their jackets...
Thanks Joe. I really like the Groot sculpt too, and don't think the photos really do its dynamic pose justice. The Raptors are indeed incredible figures, and I was absolutely delighted to get them in my paws from across the Pond.
I've not really considered the ACW before, so am hoping that "Warlord Games" new 15mm range does it justice. They certainly seem to be planning a few resin releases as well, in the future, to cover specialist regiments etc.
I must admit I'm not a big fan of the character Groot, but it does look an excellent sculpt; much more to my liking are the raptors which look very well animated.
One of my favourite priods is the ACW and these new warlord figures do the part well, though I'm a bit dubious as to Warlords' organsiation for them re the number of figures etc., but they will look good en masse.
Thanks Dave, LOL!! Hoping to have at least one of the finished Raptors posted up before the end of the month.
Nice work on Groot Simon, I think Roger's reply says it all though, but would like to just add " I am Groot" and we all know what that means ! LOL
Nice progress on the rest
Cheers Undercoat. "Vallejo" Charred Brown is certainly a dark brown colour, but the lighter highlights, and green shading, just don't seem to show up well in the photos. Hopefully, both the dinosaurs and ACW stand will be finished soon.