been meaning to post these for a while.

These are from the recently published BL artbook, to quote White Dwarf

" the last few pictures will surely be discussed by eagle eyed fans for quite some time"

So these may -- or may not -- provide an inkling of the direction that GW want to take the DA as/when they get a new codex.

Apologies for the incredibly amateurish snap s , book is very nice, well worth a flick through at the very least.

I do especially like the one whose gouged out the studs on his shoulder pad. Looks wicked and is one of those ideas that you see and immediately wonder why no one's done it before.

that last one looks like a dark grey angel knight lol.

First picture reminds me of Cypher. Good stuff.

What exactly am I missing it terms of 'lots to talk about here' regarding those pics?

Look like robed space marines - which is exactly what we've been getting from GW for DA for a while now!

 sphynx wrote:
First picture reminds me of Cypher. Good stuff.

The spitting image even. I wonder if they are going to flip him sides

Thanks for the upload Red, still waiting for my copy to arrive sadly!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Bit of speculation here, but could these be Fallen Angels restored to the Emperor's side? Bit of a farfetched one, but seeing as these chaps wear rather baroque armour and are not green..

Or they could be a new successor Chapter.

So Drak Angels are like Emos except they have to flip back their hood instesd of their hair every minute to see properly.
Number 4-7 look very insane. Like any more skulls and you get other Space Marines confused what side you are on and "Mr. Locked Boxes" puts a Keeper of Secrets to shame.

Didn't really get the impression that the melta-gunner had gouged out the studs on his pauldron. I think they were trying to convey the idea that he'd taken a huge number of hits to that side that presents to the enemy when he's firing. But it looks way cool!

Part of the DA art directors moodboard.

I hope thats not the new direction...


The first one got outdated pistols which don't fit at all, looks rather blueish and these skeletons and the reminder of mortality, sorry thats the territory of the LotD IMO..

The others have this polished plate look, not really black nor green. Again, too much chains, candles and other stuff that moves them too close to ecclesiarchy territory for me.

Whats there DA-ish? Beyond the missing winged swords...

 1hadhq wrote:
I hope thats not the new direction...


The first one got outdated pistols which don't fit at all, looks rather blueish and these skeletons and the reminder of mortality, sorry thats the territory of the LotD IMO..

The others have this polished plate look, not really black nor green. Again, too much chains, candles and other stuff that moves them too close to ecclesiarchy territory for me.

Have you looked at the artwork from the previous Dark Angels codex? Or the models themselves?

The chains, candles, and "other stuff" have all been present for awhile. Makes sense considering they're supposed to make you think not of Native Americans (which is a tradition within the Deathwing, not the Dark Angels as a whole) but rather monastic orders like the Knights Hospitaller or Teutonic.

Whats there DA-ish? Beyond the missing winged swords...

Robes, archaic looking weapons which could be relics of the pre-Heresy era, etc...

That said:

I really like the artwork of the Scout.

Quite so, seeing as the Dark Angels started out as a knightly order on Caliban pre-Heresy.

Not to my liking at all. Looks more like dark dark angels who were bluish-grey instead of green. The sword with crenellations on the side just is silly in my book. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions however. Glad I don't have a dark angels army to lament though.

Theophony wrote:
Not to my liking at all. Looks more like dark dark angels who were bluish-grey instead of green.

I have a hunch that we're going to be seeing some very interesting fluff regarding the "Inner Circle" or even potentially a group of "Fallen Hunters".

The sword with crenellations on the side just is silly in my book. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions however. Glad I don't have a dark angels army to lament though.

It's a knife. There's actually one on the Dark Angels Chapter Upgrade sprue, and it looks like the artist tried to expand upon that.

No, it's a sword with a really short spike bayonet stuck on top.

 Red_Zeke wrote:
Didn't really get the impression that the melta-gunner had gouged out the studs on his pauldron. I think they were trying to convey the idea that he'd taken a huge number of hits to that side that presents to the enemy when he's firing. But it looks way cool!

Actually, the studs were supposed to be the reactive armor bits in the pad, IIRC, so it appeas this guy has had all his stud explode out to destroy incoming rounds. So he's more wartorn, long war versus been resupplied.

 BrookM wrote:
No, it's a sword with a really short spike bayonet stuck on top.

Nay.

Look at the size of it compared to the sword being by the guy towards the bottom.

Now compare it to the weapon being held in the off-hand by the Scout.

Very well, it is a short sword with a spike bayonet on top.

Let's just go with it's a stabby thing and call it even?

Let's, or else I would've had to pull out the old Paul Hogan.

Anyway, interesting look they sport, especially the what appears to me as a penitent psyker of sorts.

 Red_Zeke wrote:
Didn't really get the impression that the melta-gunner had gouged out the studs on his pauldron. I think they were trying to convey the idea that he'd taken a huge number of hits to that side that presents to the enemy when he's firing. But it looks way cool!

Agreed. The skull on the backpack and his robes all have similar markings.

I don't really care about reading the tea leaves for the next codex, but that artwork is gorgeous.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Let's just go with it's a stabby thing and call it even?

BrookM wins by virtue of not using "Nay." in the 21st century.

Wait, isn't that what the hip kids are saying these days?

Not sure about the black-powder style pistols, and why someone would carry three swords, two of which are presumably strapped to their powerpack (thus very hard to reach), but kuddos one the drawings. That melta gunner is shiny.

And for the record, even if they ret-con the dark angels to be shiny-armoured knights, I am not painting over my sea of green. They're done, they're done.

 Kanluwen wrote:

Have you looked at the artwork from the previous Dark Angels codex? Or the models themselves?

How would I manage to miss the artwork and/or models as an owner of these, you know, parts of the former 1st Legion?

 Kanluwen wrote:

The chains, candles, and "other stuff" have all been present for awhile. Makes sense considering they're supposed to make you think not of Native Americans (which is a tradition within the Deathwing, not the Dark Angels as a whole) but rather monastic orders like the Knights Hospitaller or Teutonic.

Did you see these teutonic and mostly black space marines? Once they got a spot at a BRB-cover...
Monastic orders would use less markings, less additonal stuff than others. If you want to have the knightly look that is.

And NO, bells, books and candles aren't common amongst the astartes like you try to make us belive here.
Lots of Wings are..and the mark of GW: Skulls.

Plus, Dark Vengeance didn't provide this "hint". I'd say whatever this is, its not the new style of the whole DA.

 Kanluwen wrote:

Whats there DA-ish? Beyond the missing winged swords...

Robes, archaic looking weapons which could be relics of the pre-Heresy era, etc...
.

Still no winged sword, nothing imperial like aquilas, winged skulls etc.. robed angels for example would be there don't you think?
Its pretty obvious these are not marked as imperial, or belonging to the 1st Legion. Relics would carry Legion emblems or artwork but the weapons of them are bland, just like penitents who do not deserve the honor to show any marks they are deemed unworthy of.
Do you really look forward to DA being ashamed of their past so much as to stop flying their own colors and just going with unpainted armor and unmarked gear? The worst axis GW could build upon...IMO.
If..again, the marines posted in the OP count as DA , from the POV of the DA..

I'm liking the lack of RED guns and edging on everything.


But then, when I started out, Dark Angels wore black armour...

 Kanluwen wrote:
Wait, isn't that what the hip kids are saying these days?

Nay, we are but men.


Nice artwork.

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:
I'm liking the lack of RED guns and edging on everything.


But then, when I started out, Dark Angels wore black armour...

Which I think is what they were going for with the armour colour above, a lacquered black.

Load of overly critical people here.

I think these illustrations are amazing. Good work.

How many pages is this book?

0.o Its Cypher and the Fallen Angels, why would they be wearing green armour and wearing Imperial symbols? Hmn, whilst I did like Cypher's old, plain look, its nice to see an older character being update, and heck he isn't that bad. The dark robes don't contrast well with the black armour, but still, it fits their look. Meh, not bad GW.

Robes + Armored Space Marines = Silly.

Still, they are nice pieces of artwork - and that one Librarian in particular - wow!

I still can't get a real handle on what's happening with the Librarian's face. I keep seeing a 40k version of King Mob's wetwork mask in The Invisibles.

Never been a fan of the artist who's name I can't remember. He doesn't pull off the heroic scaled marines as well as many others do.

Could be that the Librarian isn't wholly inducted into the Inner Circle of the Chapter yet and while he might be a searcher of the Fallen, he may not gaze upon their armour. /Silly theory.

My first thought when seeing the Librarian was "Oh Mysterio always seemed a bit flamboyant, makes sense he'd be a Dark Angel..."

Maybe that's why I like that one so much - I've always been a fan of the Classic Spider-Man villains, and especially of Mysterio!

 Alpharius wrote:
What exactly am I missing it terms of 'lots to talk about here' regarding those pics?

Look like robed space marines - which is exactly what we've been getting from GW for DA for a while now!

Yes, but now the hoods of the robes make it near impossible for the marines to actually see, that's the difference.

 Grimstonefire wrote:
How many pages is this book?

The Amazon listing says 144 pages.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Emperors-Might-John-Blanche/dp/1849702489/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353260034&sr=8-1&keywords=Emperor%27s+Might%2C+The

Book description:
"The steadfast Imperial Guard, millions-strong, the hammer of the Emperor. The mighty Space Marines, finest warriors in the galaxy. The pious Sisters of Battle, defenders of the Imperial Church. Together, they hold back the darkness, protecting the Imperium from the alien, the witch and the traitor.

Packed with previously unseen illustrations as well as a host of classic images, this full-colour artbook provides an unrivalled look at the fighting forces of the Imperium."

I'd be willing to bet that a lot of these "unseen" images were rejected for various "real" projects (codexes, rulebooks etc.).

T

Ah. I didn't read the text in the OP. Thought it was the OP posting his own fan-art.

In that case, this stuff is pretty poor. I'd expect more from professional illustrators.

I love the illustrations, an excellent portrayal of the Dark Angels.

Sammuel, your power pack is not fitting to the chapter. Put candles upon your power supply posthaste.

We don't care if they can spot you two miles off with armour so shiny it has the reflective power of a thousand sons, the Chapter DEMANDS candles perched upon your backpack.


What works better than a sidearm that wants to the kill the owner? Three sidearms, one that wishes to kill the owner and two that should have not been used as soon as they were made.

He needs a speech bubble saying "Tickets! Tickets, please!"

I do like them though.

Is that sword the blades of reason? Looks a lot like the way its described.

 SgtSixkilla wrote:
Load of overly critical people here.

I think these illustrations are amazing. Good work.

Agreed... bloody hell people, there's nothing here inconsistent with what we've already gotten from Dark Angels and the whole gothic/knight motif.

Yes!

Disagree and thou shall be annihilated!

 SgtSixkilla wrote:
Load of overly critical people here.

I think these illustrations are amazing. Good work.

Welcome to dakka. Where anything can be met with vitriol and negativity.

I think they look great. Maybe they need a few spikes to set them apart ...

"I am Cypher... and these enormous black-powder pistols stop me from moving my arms!"

And also:

I've decided that the hoods are part of a needlessly graphic symbolic "rebirth" back in to the Emperor's grace.
In the context of this theory, Brother Zothoran is actually crowning.

Last pic, the sword, the robes, the visor.....Asmodai.

I can clearly see the word "Betray" scrawled across the Plasma Pistol/Power Sword guy... perhaps the codex will represent The Fallen and the Loyalists.

God I hope not.

Cram the Fallen somewhere else. Or just leave them out entirely except as a background piece.

Not everything in the background needs to be on the tabletop.

Kanluwen wrote:Cram the Fallen somewhere else.

Are you trying to seduce me, Kanluwen?

If that's seductive to you, MoD...things are bad.

I just don't think that the Fallen should be in the Dark Angels book.

They're for lack of a better comparison: very similar to the Deathwatch.

They could form an army--and probably have at some points in their history.
But by and large, they operate as individuals or squads at best. Unlike the Deathwatch, they don't really have a cohesive organization with the Fallen being scattered into bands of individuals wandering the galaxy.

I love the last image and I hope to god we have a real unit that uses 2 handed power swords. The only thing that could make them even more bad[censored] is if they were in terminator armor with robes and 2 handed swords

 Kanluwen wrote:
God I hope not.

Cram the Fallen somewhere else. Or just leave them out entirely except as a background piece.

Not everything in the background needs to be on the tabletop.

“I hate it when people have fun the wrong way!” - Kanluwen

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
God I hope not.

Cram the Fallen somewhere else. Or just leave them out entirely except as a background piece.

Not everything in the background needs to be on the tabletop.

“I hate it when people have fun the wrong way!” - Kanluwen

I'm Kanluwen and I approve this message.

Also, it's my favorite store on Dakka Dakka!

Edit note:
I love that HBMC posted it in italics as well. Since per MajorTom11, I'm not allowed to use italics anymore.

 Kanluwen wrote:

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
God I hope not.

Cram the Fallen somewhere else. Or just leave them out entirely except as a background piece.

Not everything in the background needs to be on the tabletop.

“I hate it when people have fun the wrong way!” - Kanluwen

I'm Kanluwen and I approve this message.

Also, it's my favorite store on Dakka Dakka!

Edit note:
I love that HBMC posted it in italics as well. Since per MajorTom11, I'm not allowed to use italics anymore.

Because it made you sound too snooty?

I think people thought my italics was the equivalent of "In your face!".

It was really just because I liked italics better than bold...

STYLE FORMATTING!!!!! WOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Or they think you were being condescending? Eh, whatever. Preach on.

Either way, italics are off-limits to me and I'm okay with that.

I need to break my ellipse habit too though, I think.

Nonsense... the ellipse... is a sacred part of... communication. It shows... pauses where you trail off... in thought.

Is it wrong that I just read that in Shatner's voice?

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
God I hope not.

Cram the Fallen somewhere else. Or just leave them out entirely except as a background piece.

Not everything in the background needs to be on the tabletop.

“I hate it when people have fun the wrong way!” - Kanluwen

Sorry, H.B.M.C., I have to agree with "WrongBadFun" on this one. There aren't enough Fallen in existence to justify an army of them and even if there were, they definitely don't belong in the DA codex. Maybe IG or Chaos as some sort of Elites option, but not DA.


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 Kanluwen wrote:
Is it wrong that I just read that in Shatner's voice?

No. EVERYTHING... should be read... in Shatner's... sultry,... commanding... voice!

Platuan4th wrote:Sorry, H.B.M.C., I have to agree with "WrongBadFun" on this one. There aren't enough Fallen in existence to justify an army of them and even if there were, they definitely don't belong in the DA codex. Maybe IG or Chaos as some sort of Elites option, but not DA.

I actually don't disagree with him either. The Fallen have never been represented in a way that shows them gathering in army-sized formations. I think maybe a squad or two would be a significant force as far as the Fallen are concerned.

I was more pointing out that Kan was telling people how they should be enjoying the game. It’s a bit like his “We shouldn’t have AdMech rants”.

Of course, as we all (should) know, the fluff is arbitrary. If GW decides tomorrow that there are tons and tons of Fallen out there and they form full armies, then guess what, we’re going to get Fallen armies. As long as it sells a few more boxes of DA models then any change is worth it, right?

 Kanluwen wrote:
Is it wrong that I just read that in Shatner's voice?

You people need to start reading what I write in the 'subject' box. I don't always leave it as the default thread title.

First of all; Nice to see some hand-drawn art. In-between all of the computer generated stuff on the cover HH books, which is lacking a certain something, photoshopped box covers and just regurgitated art in each new codex and army book, I had begun to wonder if GW had forgotten how.

But then I remember something like this:



And I wonder what BL could produce if, 20+ years on, if they outsourced or spent some money on this kind of thing. It's kind of a shame, TBH I have seen much better fan produced art than this - and some of the stuff coming out of other companies these days blows this out of the water.

Is basically that last image. So hoping for a squad of 2h power swordsmen is a big of a pipe dream imho.

 Pacific wrote:

Spoiler:

"Say hello to my little fren!!!"

So apart from actually seeing a representation of the blades of reason for the first time (yes possibly i know) what about the third picture- a totally kitted out scout sargeant.............................................................................................just throwing this out there................................can you guess where im going....................Namaan?????

Looks like they're going back to the, "So dark green it's black" style of Dark Angels.

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:
I'm liking the lack of RED guns and edging on everything.


But then, when I started out, Dark Angels wore black armour...

those were the days....I remember the 'greening' and almost crying, I had just finished my RT marines box set (10 quid for 30 marines)....sigh...

Salacious Greed wrote:

 Red_Zeke wrote:
Didn't really get the impression that the melta-gunner had gouged out the studs on his pauldron. I think they were trying to convey the idea that he'd taken a huge number of hits to that side that presents to the enemy when he's firing. But it looks way cool!

Actually, the studs were supposed to be the reactive armor bits in the pad, IIRC, so it appeas this guy has had all his stud explode out to destroy incoming rounds. So he's more wartorn, long war versus been resupplied.

If I recall correctly, the studded plates are a Heresy-era stopgap production method. The studs are basically giant rivets holding together layers of inferior armor material, which was easier to manufacture compared to more advanced single piece plates. If I recall they tend to be on the wearer's left side to reinforce the armor presented to the enemy when firing.

Honestly I think the artwork is great. We've known Dark Angels have dark armor and hoods for ages now, and the hoods especially give them a unique look/personality.

So... no Jews or Muslim in the Dark Angels?

Oooh ooh ooh!

Just a thought, not really wishlisting as I'm non DA.

A squad of 1-5 Fallen as an HQ choice, with some sort of unlock.

You mean redeemed Fallen as a HQ choice for DA, or as a HQ choice for the opposing army?

Aw man don't make me think it through!

dual purpose kit, to be built as either inner circle Dark Angels, or as fallen? That would fit the "every kit must build two things" rule that GW has had lately, and it would also mean that more than just Dark Angel players would buy the kit.

I find that somewhat plausible... but wouldn't it be the first time such a dual-purpose kit could be legitimately (read GW approved) used by two different armies?

With the Artwork, did it specifcially say they were Dark Angel's? Or was it just assumed? Because to me, a number of the models look like robe wearing Black Templars. ESPECIALLY the one with the two handed power sword. He looks like a completely spitting image of the Emporer's Champion. Plus, a few appear to have scrawlings and scrimshaw across their armor that looks more like fanatical Black Templar etchings. The Librarian would be a vexing point in my theory there, but honestly, the BT have needed Librarians for awhile. And it would be MUCH easier to write some kind of bound up Librarians into the BT than it would be to rewrite the whole DA story or change their armor color, their looks, or add The Fallen into the game. But maybe they are DA and Im totally wrong there. GW changes things up pretty quickly. But the censers, the reliquaries, the two handed power sword, the massive battle damage, and over-all look of serious devotion looks very BT to me. Either way, I really think that with the Dark Vengence box set set up the way it is, changing them to fit some brand new artwork would be exceedingly counter-productive. But hey, thats totally just my opinion.

Second-to-last is actually really creepy and chaotic.

Look in the current Dark Angels Codex.

The style on the greatswords there matches the one in the artwork.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Is it wrong that I just read that in Shatner's voice?

You weren't the only one

Back on task ... I have always liked the image in my head of a robed space marine, even if the image is pointless for a battlefield I still would like to see a generic robed marine box...

 Synthetik wrote:

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:
I'm liking the lack of RED guns and edging on everything.


But then, when I started out, Dark Angels wore black armour...

those were the days....I remember the 'greening' and almost crying, I had just finished my RT marines box set (10 quid for 30 marines)....sigh...

Yeah, when the color change happened it was: WTF? Green? Feth that, mine are STILL black. Have never painted a green Dark Angel and have over a company's worth...

T

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

Platuan4th wrote:Sorry, H.B.M.C., I have to agree with "WrongBadFun" on this one. There aren't enough Fallen in existence to justify an army of them and even if there were, they definitely don't belong in the DA codex. Maybe IG or Chaos as some sort of Elites option, but not DA.

I actually don't disagree with him either. The Fallen have never been represented in a way that shows them gathering in army-sized formations. I think maybe a squad or two would be a significant force as far as the Fallen are concerned.

I was more pointing out that Kan was telling people how they should be enjoying the game. It’s a bit like his “We shouldn’t have AdMech rants”.

Of course, as we all (should) know, the fluff is arbitrary. If GW decides tomorrow that there are tons and tons of Fallen out there and they form full armies, then guess what, we’re going to get Fallen armies. As long as it sells a few more boxes of DA models then any change is worth it, right?

I've always thought the fallen would best be represented by single models, leading normal DA astray or armies of their own. Though I imagine one small squad (1-5) would be good too.

Is it me or does the first guy look like cypher

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

Platuan4th wrote:Sorry, H.B.M.C., I have to agree with "WrongBadFun" on this one. There aren't enough Fallen in existence to justify an army of them and even if there were, they definitely don't belong in the DA codex. Maybe IG or Chaos as some sort of Elites option, but not DA.

I actually don't disagree with him either. The Fallen have never been represented in a way that shows them gathering in army-sized formations. I think maybe a squad or two would be a significant force as far as the Fallen are concerned.

I like that HBMC can't even say "I agree with Kan".

I was more pointing out that Kan was telling people how they should be enjoying the game. It’s a bit like his “We shouldn’t have AdMech rants”.

Hey. It's not "We shouldn't have AdMech". It's "We shouldn't have AdMech as a standalone faction". There's a huge difference, HBMC!

Of course, as we all (should) know, the fluff is arbitrary. If GW decides tomorrow that there are tons and tons of Fallen out there and they form full armies, then guess what, we’re going to get Fallen armies. As long as it sells a few more boxes of DA models then any change is worth it, right?

No we're not. If GW decides tomorrow there are tons and tons of Fallen, then I will blame Robin Cruddace. And continue to ignore it, much like I ignore the Vendetta and the Leman Russ Punisher. And the continuation of the "Stormtrooper Regiment" silliness.

Oh! And Hot-Shot Lasguns.

I think I finished my list of things that irk me there.

 Casey's Law wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
Wait, isn't that what the hip kids are saying these days?

Nay, we are but men.

ROCK on...

This is not the greatest post in the world. This is just a tribute.

 Mathieu Raymond wrote:
I find that somewhat plausible... but wouldn't it be the first time such a dual-purpose kit could be legitimately (read GW approved) used by two different armies?

'fraid not - BA Librarian/GK Dreadnought.

I never saw someone use them as such, but I don't think GW intended them that way. Unless I am truly missing something.

As for the Fallen, to keep them in line with other models of "comparable" age (fluff-wise) wouldn't it just be the equivalent of a CSM with the VotLW rule added... hence not that powerful?

They are loyalists for sure, not Fallen or traitors, seeing as the book in question is all loyalist, every page.

Apologies for the threadomancy! Just wanted to clarify on the first two illustrations here:

 sphynx wrote:
First picture reminds me of Cypher. Good stuff.

Yup, that's because it is. The first two illustrations in this thread are slightly updated versions of concept art for a reinvisioned Cypher and a Scout character called Mordekai. Both were done in 2005 for the 4th Edition Dark Angels Codex, but didn't wind up being used. I'm not at home now, but I have a photo of the concept art saved to my computer there (on which Cypher is clearly labelled as such) - if I'm allowed to post it, I will.

The only real differences between this painting of Cypher and the sketch that it was based on is that he originally had armour trim that could be mistaken for Chaos iconography, he had the C'tan phase knife and a reliquary in place of the blackpowder pistols, and his backpack wasn't so absurdly elaborate. Oh, and no rose-bush iconography on his right shoulder. In all honestly, I prefer Cypher's original bare-bones look, but he'd do well with an update at this point - a fusion of his current look with Mark IV armour or something, to reinforce his ties to the Dark Angels Legion.

I get the feeling that these were put in the book to make Cypher's allegiance much more ambiguous (even if Jervis Johnson did once say outright that he's not a CSM).

 BrookM wrote:
They are loyalists for sure, not Fallen or traitors, seeing as the book in question is all loyalist, every page.

Once a traitor always a traitor in my book!

I like the fact that the actual book will have no explaiing text what so ever.
The uncertain loyalties of these guys are a really nice touch to represent DAs status among the Astartes.
Ofcourse, Im a spacewolf player, so I would not trust them no matter the amount of aquilas and imperial bling.

Thread is being locked due to thread necromancy.