Some John Blanche worshipfulness... Chaos Marauders!

Back in the 80's I bought loads of stuff from Games Workshop. Warhammer 1st edition to start with, followed by 2nd, then 3rd, several supplement box sets, Siege, Armies, etc etc etc. Even had things like Block Mania and Chainsaw Warrior upon a time.

Now, all I have left is McDeath and for a little while longer Orc's Drift, which is right now up for sale on evilbay. And Chaos Marauders. I am leaving aside the fact I am still clinging on to the two volumes of Realm of Chaos.

Some while ago I checked out the set, thinking to sell it. Looked at the cards, could see they had gotten in a muddle (I'd sorted them years before), then figured it was well worth scanning them to keep a handy record of JB's superb artwork. And this lot is well worth sharing. If you are an orc player/painter/collector/other, then you'll maybe find these somewhat, something or other... bugger I can't think of an appropriate adjective. Add your own.

Anyways, on to the lovely artwork...

Its worth pointing out that the art on each card is unique - there are no duplications whatsoever. JB has to be applauded for putting in individuality where others would cop out.

Ah - inspirational, thats the adjective I was looking for. Just imagine an army of miniatures using this art as its basis. Mmmmm...

~J~

McDeath's Last Stand (Part One)

Mentioned this project a while ago. I have no inclination to paint for wargames, but I still love the miniatures. So what to do with them? When the mood has taken hold (about 3 times), I have let my mind wander to imagine all sorts of dioramas. The list is definitely worth a future blog.

For some miniatures though, something else is required, and in this instance, how to present something worthy of Lord and Lady McDeath. Answer was obvious - recreate the cover of the Tragedy of McDeath guidebook, a Tableau Vivante made of miniatures.

Some background info: The Tragedy of McDeath was a box set campaign for Warhammer 2nd Ed. It was based on Shakespeare's play McBeth Macbeth. You will have undoubtedly guessed this very early. Citadel released miniatures that were specific to this campaign and only sold by mail order, 60p each. Oh how I wish I ordered more. And Sandra Prangle. Nowadays, the Lord and Lady sell for up to £100. Each.

So anyway, I am very fortunate to not only have the McDeaths but a good number of appropriate figures to fill out the battle scene above. There are, though, some glaring holes to be filled. Klinty the Treeman is the most glaring, the hardest to find (cheaply) is Sir John Quicksure (the mounted knight behind Dart with the flaming sword). And there are figures not shown but would be nice to include, like the wizards Een McWrecker and Chalconer.

Stage one is planning. Composition is absolutely key to making the scene work in 3 dimensions. It will not get done quickly.

TBC...

~J~