Sending good wishes your way my friend!

Wow.. you just churning out great stuff. Excellent.

Love the gargoyle.

Fingers crossed the hand gets some good news!

Great stuff well done on scoring the terrain, well deserved as well!

Thanks for all the kind words and wishes gang.
The answer about the hand is long term woirk related muscle damage. Nothing to be done, really. Can't exactly stop writing on the board! Still it's nothing sinister - not early onset arthritis, which was thought likely.
Anyway, getting on with the cathedral:


Cheers gang

The cathedral is looking very nice so far Graven, really like the weathering.

Thanks mate. It's even better in focus

Yes, looking good! The interior rust in awesome.

Thanks, I used blackfyre earth before ryza rust. I wondered if the front needed to be just as rusty but I decided to go down the verdigris route with eagle. Once, it was steel and bronze, but now all is ruin. Next, washes, and metal edges for where they rub clean.

Great looking terrain buddy. Fits in well with the whole grimdark Gotham setting. And best wishes with the ailments. I'm beaming positive energy through the Internet your way matey!

Looking splendid! Definitely taking the look of something one might find the pages of a Batman comic now!

Nice weathering effects. Looks great.

Early onset arthritis is not a pleasant thing, as I know all too well :( Especially in the thumbs. Muscle damage though, you can fix, from what I am told. Lots of painful PT though.

That is an impressive Cathedral, but really, it needs a belfry... you know why

Oh, the MDF. Seal it before you paint it. Water based paints can cause warpage, and the stuff really soaks up moisture. Some people use hairspray. Can't say that it works. But something like a varnish (solvent based) or a sanding sealer ought to work too. Don't forve any of the joints either. If they are too tight, sand/file them until the fit just right.

That cathedral is a vision man. Seriously awesome work.

Cathedral is looking properly awesome mate! Love the interior weathering and damage!

The cathedral works as a setting not just a terrain piece. A setting is in itself a character and that fills that.

Stunning work graven. Really impressive undertaking.

Bash the Bosh wrote:Great looking terrain buddy. Fits in well with the whole grimdark Gotham setting. And best wishes with the ailments. I'm beaming positive energy through the Internet your way matey!

Thanks on both counts my friend!

Paradigm wrote:Looking splendid! Definitely taking the look of something one might find the pages of a Batman comic now!

Well ta I'm certainly looking forward to getting a game on it.

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Nice weathering effects. Looks great.

Cheers, appreciate the wisdom of the master.

Red Harvest wrote:Early onset arthritis is not a pleasant thing, as I know all too well :( Especially in the thumbs. Muscle damage though, you can fix, from what I am told. Lots of painful PT though.

That is an impressive Cathedral, but really, it needs a belfry... you know why

Oh, the MDF. Seal it before you paint it. Water based paints can cause warpage, and the stuff really soaks up moisture. Some people use hairspray. Can't say that it works. But something like a varnish (solvent based) or a sanding sealer ought to work too. Don't forve any of the joints either. If they are too tight, sand/file them until the fit just right.

Thanks for advice on MDF. Belfry came from Dr H, so wait for batrep to see the whole cathedral in action! Waiting on date for the serious physio to start soon.

Januine wrote:That cathedral is a vision man. Seriously awesome work.

Thanks man, and cheers for swinging by!

MagosBiff90 wrote:Cathedral is looking properly awesome mate! Love the interior weathering and damage!

Well you're a man who loves a crusty weather!

Llamahead wrote:The cathedral works as a setting not just a terrain piece. A setting is in itself a character and that fills that.

Job done then! Thanks so much.

Gitsplitta wrote:Stunning work graven. Really impressive undertaking.

You are too kind my friend.

Seriously gang, thank you so much! Means the world.


So here it is. Needed my kitchen table!












Not sure how to get a better pic really. Going to try in the light box with the rest of the cathedral.

Any way, thanks for the feedback y'all!
Graven

Super, just super! The weathering, the graffiti, the damage, the colours... Considering that this started out as a repurposed 40k piece, it's just remarkable!

Thanks so much mate. Really appreciate that. Wondering what to do next. Well, the 4 cops are next. But after that? Choice is:
Batgirl (finishes my Law)
Huntress
Black Canary
Blackgate Prisoners II
Hmm. Decisions, decisions... thoughts?

Batgirl, if only to know that someone else has suffered through painting that mahoosive yellow cape!

Great job on the cathedral.

Liking the pastel graffiti.

Nice weathering too.

My first thought was batgirl, if only because I don't know who the others are. Maybe just prime them all and see what grips you...

...on that thought, hope the hand heals well.

I vote Batgirl. That mini is quite dynamic. Also very pricey around here. But it looks fun to paint.

Looks fantastic Graven, love the way you did the graffiti.

I also vote for Batgirl as well.

Ruined Cathedral is pretty darn amazing mate! I like the colour palette you've selected as well.

My vote would be Batgirl!

OK OK OK OK OK OK batgirl it is a swine of a model to build, AND I'm reposing - and then there's all the yellow - gee, thanks guys

Meanwhile...

The Not-So Long Hallowe'en

So, a bash at testing 2 starter gangs, Loeb's cops and Penguin's crew. Now in terms of the game's balance individuals have points costs and, in some cases, a $cost, with a basic game being set at 150 points and $500 (your dollars are also used to buy gear for your goons). Loeb, Branden and Echo come in at 148/$400; Penguin, Emperor (arguably the best basic henchman in the game), Royal and Blue from the starter at 143/$600, with Penguin giving you an extra $500 with his Lord of Business ability. Where do the $ go? Branden and Royal have $ cost to balance assault rifles in game, so we can buy an extra ammo clips for Royal to make him a real threat, radios for the gang and a lantern for Echo so he can light up targets. My opponent is a gamer too, but new to BMG; he's taking the Penguin gang, I'm taking the cops. Added into the mix, a further 2 friends decide to watch and learn; they are a couple who are more into cards/board gaming but like superheroes - in fact, my target market!

We set up my home-made ruined cathedral terrain in what feels like a logical layout (thanks Dr H, of course also), and place our streetlights and sewer tokens (Loeb giving me an extra of each) - streetlights allow you to see people (it's always night in Gotham), sewers shortcut around the board. We choose our objectives - Riddles, ammo and loot for Penguin (plus he grants an extra loot token, hence my shiny golden duck - who could resist?!), ammo, bat signaland Titan (venom drug, essentially) for the cops. Our randomly roles scenario requires us to have everything in the middle of the table, randomly determining where and when our gang members appear - all Penguin's guys turn up turn 1 on his side, with the cops doing the same except Loeb on my choice of table edge.

I'm not going to recount this blow by blow, because then it would be marginally less interesting than one of Rimmer's Risk recounts. But I'll give you an overview and an idea, hopefully, of how the game works, as well as the feelings of those involved.

Penguin's gang are designed to feel like, well, a gang. Players take turns to move models, but henchmen are able to circumvent this - you can get your next one to act immediately on a successful die roll, which gets progressively harder (4,5,6 for the first, 5,6 for the second, 6 for the third); penguin goons start at 3+ and the radios let them reroll. It's a mechanical device that feels neatly cinematic - a march of the penguins, even. So Penguin's gang neatly trot across the table, taking key positions before I can blink. Generally, it always surprises folk how quickly you can get about, and it adds a real sense of energy.

So the cops move in. Sniper on the roof, SWAT goes for the Titan drug boost, and Loeb heads for the Bat signal. Taking my time, moving into position. That might seem at odds with what I was just saying about pace, but this is a game of resource management also. Characters have a limited pool of action tokens each turn, which you assign before anyone acts; this set of cops have the ability to change the choice of 2 actions, making them reactive, careful - cops, in other words.


We trade shots (ammo is limited - like everything in. BMG it's a finite resource); even a glancing blow can stun, and close up on the middle.

I take out Emperor penguin through a mix of gunfire and repeated punching by the swat guy, but pay the price in losing him in turn to a face full of umbrella gun. I think I've clinched it when I get the bat signal on (many bonus points) and am on the verge of winning when I finally batter through the car door that Blue is holding to take him down - only for Mr Cobblepot to waddle over, umbrella stab Loeb through the heart and flick off the signal for the win.

Despite myself, I imagine my bent surviving sidekick, Branden, happily taking a kickback from Mr C.

It's a wonderfully narrative game. My main opponent's criticism is that the reference cards are cluttered and vague, which is not unreasonable. Interestingly, both of the couple were absolutely smitten with the game - they described it as balanced, engaging and enjoyable - and immediately started planning their own Green Arrow and Wonderland gangs to get into playing. So I'd call that a success!

Thanks for reading, Bat Fans!

Graven

Yellow ain't nothin' but a color. Easy-peasy to paint. Just don't ever mix black with it, or prime black.

Good batrep. And you can always make your own, better, reference cards.

Thanks for the batrep, looked like fun.

Cool battle report. The ruin looks great on the board.

Aye, good stuff. Interesting to see a game without any really powerful 'hero' characters (but that could be because I throw in Bats, Deathstroke and Ra's whenever I can! )

Red Harvest wrote:Yellow ain't nothin' but a color. Easy-peasy to paint. Just don't ever mix black with it, or prime black.

Good batrep. And you can always make your own, better, reference cards.

Damn skippy she's getting primed white I think, rather than my usual grey for such things.
And thanks, I'm trying to make it accessible on multiple levels. Bat-builder.com has decent versions of the cards that are more accessible, but I take my friend's point about the game at ground level.

GiraffeX wrote:Thanks for the batrep, looked like fun.

Indeed! If you ever get your paint hat on again, would love to see your take

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Cool battle report. The ruin looks great on the board.

Cheers. Much fun was had!

Paradigm wrote:Aye, good stuff. Interesting to see a game without any really powerful 'hero' characters (but that could be because I throw in Bats, Deathstroke and Ra's whenever I can! )

I'm sooooo tempted by Deathstroke! But, so many pretties!

Speaking of pretties, got my Penguin ammo objective done :


Cops are primed

Had to replace a flimsy baton with rod. Not an issue, but irksome. Enjoyed littering their bases with junk.

And Batgirl built and somewhat repositioned.

Beautiful, nightmarish model.

Anyway, onwards!
Cheers,
Graven

Nice to see the tower get used for the purpose it was intended.

Nice job on the rocket-penguin.
Look forward to batgirl.

The Penguin looks great you really got the colours right

Looking forward to Batgirl.

And as for getting my painting hat on I have a question, can you have two sidekicks in a warband with no leader? The new Batman creator site says you can, but I want to make sure, not that I'm considering adding to my pile but if I do I need to before the price increase

Yep, if you don't take a Leader you can take 2 Sidekicks. Are you getting into BMG as well, then?

I'm trying not too, but you two aren't helping much

Remember the price increase... better get in quick!

Also free pumpkins! Thanks for all the support gang btw

That Batgirl looks really dynamic! Great posing!

Batgirl FTW. Now, use purple/ blue-violet like the original Yvonne Craig costume. If you don't mind the suggestion.

 Paradigm wrote:
Remember the price increase... better get in quick!

Too late around here. Batgirl is now $20 USD , (~£13) or$16 from an online discounter :(

Thanks bash. And red, that is very poor indeed. Price rise isn't until 15th and any retailer worth their salt wouldn't increase till after stock sold.
Cleaning up mold lines on batgirl, I realised something: no batbelt! So taking inspiration from the current comic version, I came up with this:



Much happier with this. Also, I'm trying the tablet camera for the first time, with its inherent tripod we seem to have a better result all round. Thoughts?

Ah, I honestly didn't notice the criminal lack of a utility belt until now! Nice fix! And the pics are certainly better!

Been lurking sorry.

Got to say great job on Batgirl though, it all looks great, but I have to say that penguin bomb is just glorious.

Ah, the batbelt. Good call.

Thanks chaps on all counts!

So I made some decisions. Although I like the classic blue and grey, and the new 52 blue and yellow, I was heading towards the indigo and black of Burnside (current comic version). I like how the build turned out, but I was reminded of who Batgirl always was to me as a kid - Yvonne Craig, 60s Batgirl. So that has led me to this scheme:



Just blocking in and building initial washes.


Bit more on the cape, adding some initial blending.


Started shading on the yellows.

Pretty happy. I think it's clearly Batgirl, but with a twist.
Thoughts?

Good choice on the colors

Yeah, very vibrant. Almost wish I'd taken the purple a bit brighter on mine. Might have made it easier to photograph if nothing else!

I dig the old school look Graven, you've done it 'justice' I feel (see what I did there...)

That's the original Bat Girl? Awesome! Very exciting!

Yes, Gitsplitta. Google for "Yvonne Craig Batgirl" and look at the images. Be amazed. Be very amazed

Excellent choice Graven. The bat belt really worked out well too.

Solar_lion wrote:Good choice on the colors

Thanks! Scary to highlight mind you.

Paradigm wrote:Yeah, very vibrant. Almost wish I'd taken the purple a bit brighter on mine. Might have made it easier to photograph if nothing else!

Well, yours was pretty awesome. Also, this want planned really - just kinda happened.

Knightley wrote:I dig the old school look Graven, you've done it 'justice' I feel (see what I did there...)

cheers mate!

Gitsplitta wrote:That's the original Bat Girl? Awesome! Very exciting!

Well, her colours, anyway.Thanks for kind words!

Red Harvest wrote:Yes, Gitsplitta. Google for "Yvonne Craig Batgirl" and look at the images. Be amazed. Be very amazed

Excellent choice Graven. The bat belt really worked out well too.

She was a stunner. Marta was always the hottest Orion Slave Girl, too.

And here she is, in all her glory


Hopefully a fitting tribute to that fine lady. I still don't have the dexterity to really do faces any more, but there we are.


Bat-butt



Supply drop came: Batwoman, Robin (Damian), Robin (Tim Arkham Knight), Mr Freeze, Sickle (penguin sidekick) and more penguin thugs. Happy days also scored some more city fight bits. If you want to see other thoughts, do check out my articles in BIGCOMICPAGE.com (hint).

I do need to do my cops really they're primed and ready to go, but new stuff is crying out to me! Still, after this, just Batwoman to go and then I'm ready to rock - all cops done! I have a plan for the Arkham Tim, going to convert him to Red Robin just cos. I want to get Damian sorted too because he neatly takes my 300 bat/cop list to a competitive 350.

In other stuff, was at an epic wedding this weekend on Hallowe'en, fancy dress all round. Wife and I went as Carol Ferris and Hal Jordan, boys as aquaman (fun making him trident and belt) and Batman (store bought but lots of home made cardstock batarangs). My oldest mate went as Joker with his family as bat villains Cake, not by my wife, but was impressive, human sized torso of Cthulhu, happy couple as 5th Dr and slutty tardis. Good times

Mrs G keeping well, although unborn Batgirl intent on knocking lumps out of her

Work is work,but mustn't grumble eh? Countdown to eldest's birthday - I suspect a Falcon cake may be coming... Hectic days ahead but will try to paint some toys. Really behind with posting folk stuff,sorry about that, will do so anon!

Sorry for rambling - ah, dakkadakka, like therapy for geeks!

Cheers mateys,
Graven

Thats a nice bat-butt you have there, the rest of her is very nice as well

Fancy dress wedding sounded really fun, looking forward to the new stuff when you have time.

Excellent work graven. You've done the original series proud!

Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Very much looking forward to stealing observing this Red Robin conversion; if you can make it work, I might have found a way to get past my dislike of the AK Tim model!

I also have access to a blank stat card template, so if you want that to do a custom card Red Robin then let me know!

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Shall I get off your lawn? You forgot Julie Newmar Catwoman. Now, Eartha Kitt had the perfect voice, or purrfect voice if you will, but Julie Newmar owned the role, IMHO.

 Red Harvest wrote:

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Shall I get off your lawn? You forgot Julie Newmar Catwoman. Now, Eartha Kitt had the perfect voice, or purrfect voice if you will, but Julie Newmar owned the role, IMHO.

How could i have forgotten Julie and Eartha!

Good job on Batgirl. Looks the biz'.

GiraffeX wrote:Thats a nice bat-butt you have there, the rest of her is very nice as well

Fancy dress wedding sounded really fun, looking forward to the new stuff when you have time.

Oh it was tremendous fun. Cheap draft excellent beer and stonking curry helped thanks mate also. She is shapely! (mind you Huntress is positively saucy, good Catholic girl and all)

Gitsplitta wrote:Excellent work graven. You've done the original series proud!

Thanks pal, it seemed only right to do her in tribute, but it is channelling the current comic vibe also so it's a happy medium.

shasolenzabi wrote:Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Easy tiger

Paradigm wrote:Very much looking forward to stealing observing this Red Robin conversion; if you can make it work, I might have found a way to get past my dislike of the AK Tim model!

I also have access to a blank stat card template, so if you want that to do a custom card Red Robin then let me know!

Ooh, yes. I am thinking of making annotated cards anyway so that would be handy. Also means I could do my 52 Harley the AK Robin looks just wrong but is very close to depictions of Red; I have a bandolier for him also which I may add and freehand the RR logo.

Red Harvest wrote:

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Shall I get off your lawn? You forgot Julie Newmar Catwoman. Now, Eartha Kitt had the perfect voice, or purrfect voice if you will, but Julie Newmar owned the role, IMHO.

Damn right.

shasolenzabi wrote:

 Red Harvest wrote:

 shasolenzabi wrote:
Ah, the Yvonne Craig Batgirl, fond memories of my youth
her and Lt. Uhura, Jeannie, Mary Anne and Ginger,,,,sigh

Shall I get off your lawn? You forgot Julie Newmar Catwoman. Now, Eartha Kitt had the perfect voice, or purrfect voice if you will, but Julie Newmar owned the role, IMHO.

How could i have forgotten Julie and Eartha!

Best Eartha Kitt role was as Mehitabel the cat in the radio adaptation of the old Don Marquis new yorker series Archie and Mehitabel.

Dr H wrote:Good job on Batgirl. Looks the biz'.

Cheers mate. You know all about yellow!

Not massive progress. Blocking in the colours on the cops:

Really like the basing. Fat Cop has fast food litter that I'll do up in big belly colours (I love blackcatbases urban litter!) the others have assorted cigarette packets and general trash. Simple pleasures!

Although I should do Batwoman next, or my Blackgate prisoners, I really do have a hankering to tackle one or both Robins! Damian I'll be doing as Burt Ward, I think. Thoughts?
Cheers chaps,
Graven

Here's the card template (can't attach files in a PM, I don't think, so hope you don't mind me posting it here). You should be able to open it in photoshop, paint or even word and add text/pics.

It's one of the old style horizontal fold ones, but if you'd rather have it the same as the new ones just cut the bottom half and paste it on the right of the top half, then resize as necessary.

Thanks mate that's shiny I still plan to make full text cards for easy reference so these will be handy!

Gotham cops done. Not happy with them ; hand really bothering me. Fine dexterity just not there. I do like how fat cop's big belly burger litter turned out, however.

Meantime, I've started on my conversion of Arkham Knight Robin into Red Robin, which I've wanted to do ever since I saw the AK mini. I had planned to use the cowled head that comes with him but once I got the blister open I decided to shave down the ears, add a nose piece and reshape the head slightly with gs.

I've reposed him slightly also, with the left leg off the plinth and the daft right arm fan shield angled down. I'm hoping that it'll contrast well once painted red. I've not yet attached the left arm because I need to add bandoliers to his chest along with a disc for the red Robin logo. However, as a simple conversion I think it's pretty elegant and effective.

Thoughts and c&c appreciated as ever, Graven

I don't see no pics...

Try now

Cops are looking good! Robin is off to a good start, interested to see where he goes from here.

Good work on the clothes highlighting. I could never figure out how to do that properly. You seem to have a pretty good handle on it though.

Paradigm wrote:Cops are looking good! Robin is off to a good start, interested to see where he goes from here.

Gitsplitta wrote:Good work on the clothes highlighting. I could never out how to do that properly. You seem to have a pretty good handle on it though.

You guys are too kind. I think the cops are poor, but thanks nonetheless

And progress on master Tim:

The cops are not "poor", although the photo could be better of them The highlighting on the clothes looks effective.

Look after the hand. That may be where your frustrations are really coming from.

(some call him) Tim is looking good. Nice GS work.

Thanks mate new camera for xmas, Lumix

Sorry for being a bit sporadic. Mostly, I am lurking.

Work/life is busy, eldest's 8th birthday:

Kid's favourite superhero. Well, as he reminds me, Aquaman does rule over 70% of the planet. I did the comics, quite chuffed. Wife's airbrushing skills are fab.


It's over a foot long! My wife is scarily talented.

Not much Geeking to report. I've got a bat game on Tuesday so that should be fun, my law vs Watchmen at 350 (tournament points) vs metropolis which I'm really looking forward to.

Decided to build and prime my other bmg stuff pre basing. Winter is coming (Apparently) so I want to be ready to last the months of cold there's a lot of flash on though... And my brother in law has managed to snap the garage key on the lock with all my spray and terrain in ah well. I'd best just get building!
Later,
Graven

That Falcon cake is superb! Makes me nostalgic, too, I think I had one very similar once... When I was 6, if I recall.

Looking forward to the Bat-rep, and your thoughts on the Watchmen, I've not come across many thoughts on them thus far and may pick them up at some point.

Awesome stuff Graven. Missus Graven has a serious talent right there. She really should try out for 'The Great British Bake-off'.

Yeah I had one at that age too - kid feeding off my nostalgia!I've threatened wife with bake off, but she's more into it for the pleasure of it - she doesn't need the stress!

Anyway forgot to post the pic of the built red Robin



I think this is where I'm going to go with the prisoner bases too

Nice sculpting still fits together well.

Looks good to me! I'm still not a fan of the shield, but I guess there's not much you can do about that short of taking an arm from another mini.

I don't mind the shield what I don't like is him having the sheild and the bo staff. In the game the shield and the bo are one in the same.

I like the green stuff work though.

Llamahead wrote:Nice sculpting still fits together well.

glad to hear, twas the plan!

Paradigm wrote:Looks good to me! I'm still not a fan of the shield, but I guess there's not much you can do about that short of taking an arm from another mini.

Well, quite, but hopefully it gives me some more colour to play with.

carlos13th wrote:I don't mind the shield what I don't like is him having the sheild and the bo staff. In the game the shield and the bo are one in the same.

I like the green stuff work though.

Thanks! I must confess that despite having an Xbox one I *still* don't have the game

Sooooo... Tonight's game didn't happen. I had to look after kids, then didn't, then my opponent had to cancel. Ah well. Bit bummed, really wanted to have a shot against Watchmen as they are radically different to every other crew.

Building continues.

Love these guys. The bodyguard is that rare thing, a wonderful one piece model. I feel like I should give the axe guy something to hide behind as he has instant crouch ability. I reckon the guy with the baton could easily be painted up as Dogwelder while the other guy I've reposed slightly to be tossing a grenade casually rather than beckoning. Lovely generics this game has.

Also, Hush.

I'm a huge fan of the character in the comics so decided to pick him up on a whim. He's able to act as a backup leader which is really interesting, particularly with ivy who can be quite fragile (as indeed can penguin).

Not sure who's next. I'm keen to build huntress as I'm just getting into the arrow TV series, but the model is at the cheesecake end of things. My solution is partly that I'm going to do her for a mate's Xmas and see if I'm happy with the conversion no cape, less flesh. Same friend is also getting my kitbashed echo plus some other stuff from me and metropolis to corrupt him in for the game (and he hates painting - his wife does both their minis usually!)

Finding I'm a bit saddened by my own lurking. Don't feel like I've got much to say on other folks' blogs.

Anyway, finally, got Red Robin done, I think:




God I hate doing freehand! Pics don't look great now, which is odd, but may just be tablet syndrome.

Anyway, on we go,
Graven

Robin looks great!

Huntress is easy enough to paint in a suit rather than the half dressed comic scheme, and is actually a very nicely detailed mini.

Hush is indeed a very cool villain, I recently read the arc of the same name about his first (only?) appearance, an awesome run! Does he show up much in Batman comics after that?

Great job on red robin mate. Look forward to seeing the rest of your how hush and the prisoners turn out.

Wouldn't worry about not having much to way on other people's blogs, I barely have much to say on my own one ATM.

Nice easy conversion on robin. Looks good. Not a fan of the shield on the model but your colour scheme ties it in well so it's not as bad.

Looking forward to the prisones. Thinking of picking them up myself at some point.

Paradigm wrote:Robin looks great!

Huntress is easy enough to paint in a suit rather than the half dressed comic scheme, and is actually a very nicely detailed mini.

Hush is indeed a very cool villain, I recently read the arc of the same name about his first (only?) appearance, an awesome run! Does he show up much in Batman comics after that?

Thanks matey. Heart of Hush is also excellent. Very dark indeed. I'll see where I go with it

carlos13th wrote:Great job on red robin mate. Look forward to seeing the rest of your how hush and the prisoners turn out.

Wouldn't worry about not having much to way on other people's blogs, I barely have much to say on my own one ATM.

Cheers mate. I'll get there eventually no doubt but thanks for the vote of confidence

ckig wrote:Nice easy conversion on robin. Looks good. Not a fan of the shield on the model but your colour scheme ties it in well so it's not as bad.

Looking forward to the prisones. Thinking of picking them up myself at some point.

Prisoners 2 are nails as a bunch of mid price goons sitting in that awkward points gap. And little spark is crazy! Well I'm glad that even if you're not sold on ak Robin you like my interpretation.

All this stuff ready to go, and a game against the Court of Owls this week. So of course I've built something else instead! He must be a surgeon to be called MR Freeze:

Now these joints at wrists are really starting to annoy me. I pinned this one and added gs tubing also, clearer on the reverse:

Those geegaws at the back are likewise a bit of pain as well, separate pieces once again.

Now, I want this to be painted for Tuesday. In chatting with Gitsplitta I've been thinking about ways to paint slightly differently. I think I'm going to layer thin dark blues and get the osl going. As for the base, I'm not sure whether to add loads of crud or keep it simple to emphasise the miniature. Any ideas?
Cheers,
Graven

I'd keep the base simple, maybe with a nice frosty effect on there? (not sure how you'd go about that, though)

Let the miniature guide you. When you're finished, you'll know of the mini needs some basing to emphasize or contrast with it, or weather it's good enough to stand alone.

Mine are never good enough to stand alone.

Yeah I share your annoyance at how some of the miniatures fit together. For the price of them I want them to fit together like a dream but sadly they just dont.

Paradigm wrote:I'd keep the base simple, maybe with a nice frosty effect on there? (not sure how you'd go about that, though)

For now, I'm going to leave it plain. Seriously simple

Gitsplitta wrote:Let the miniature guide you. When you're finished, you'll know of the mini needs some basing to emphasize or contrast with it, or weather it's good enough to stand alone.

Mine are never good enough to stand alone.

Oh, tush. You are a master! It definitely needs something. Just not sure what yet.

For now, he'll do, at least till after my game on Tuesday.

carlos13th wrote:Yeah I share your annoyance at how some of the miniatures fit together. For the price of them I want them to fit together like a dream but sadly they just dont.

So very true. And that leads nicely into Blue Penguin 2, and their maddening decision to separate wrist joints.

Serves me right. Thought I was all set for facing off against the Court and turns out I was a penguin short. Dang. Still, I love the arrogant swagger of this guy who's basically a speed-bump.

And started on my mate's TV arrow crew for Xmas:


She is not well cast at the back, but I'm hopeful that as part of gs work that will be necessary anyway to fill the mount slot for the cape I can sort it.

Anyway, any suggestions for Mr Freeze's base gratefully received,Cheers,
Graven

You know what has to be said: Cool mini. Ice paintwork! Feel free to chill now!

Seriously, good stuff!

Good to see some Batman minis in progress, was very tempted to start collecting them at Salute earlier in the year.

As for the cakes... The Falcon has never looked so tasty

No pun intended, but Mr Freeze actually looks cold, which is brilliant! Have you considered a dark base with frost around his feet? Maybe some frost travelling up some debris?

Impressed with how quickly you did Freeze. Very ICE job you have done on him too.

Paradigm wrote:You know what has to be said: Cool mini. Ice paintwork! Feel free to chill now!

Seriously, good stuff!

Yup, it's pun time Thanks mate.

Ruglud wrote:Good to see some Batman minis in progress, was very tempted to start collecting them at Salute earlier in the year.

As for the cakes... The Falcon has never looked so tasty

It's a very good game, a real classic necromunda/mordheim vibe. And it was tasty spesssheep!

Bash the Bosh wrote:No pun intended, but Mr Freeze actually looks cold, which is brilliant! Have you considered a dark base with frost around his feet? Maybe some frost travelling up some debris?

Thanks, and you may have given me an idea...

carlos13th wrote:Impressed with how quickly you did Freeze. Very ICE job you have done on him too.

ICY what you did there

Anyway, a test:

I'm really happy with this; it's just pva& bicarb. I got so over-excited I tried it on a penguin thug. I'm now considering winter coming to Gotham in its entirety (very Nolan-verse) and adding snow all over, or certainly at least to the Penguin gang (which Freeze is ostensibly part of, anyway).

Personally I always see it as raining or sleeting. Mr Freeze works really well how'd you do it?

My only concern with that basing is how the huge blob of white kind of distracts the eye from the brilliantly cold tones (no pun intended this time) on Freeze. He really stood out against the grey base, I personally think he just gets a bit 'lost' as the contrast between mini and base is reduced.

Thanks Llamahead, just dabbed some PVA on and sprinkled on Bicarb.
@Paradigm - I know what you mean from the pic but it's much less bright than this. I'll take a less overexposed pic with the axe penguin later.

Looking really cool Graven.

Bicarb of soda turns yellow after a while, not sure how long but it's something I've seen a lot when searching for snow effects on the web so be careful.

The best although I wont touch it is by Secret Weapon, they use crushed class in theirs.

I use Army painters and put gloss varnish over the top to give it a shine.

Well I'm planning on sealing it so hopefully that will deal with that.
Anyway, better lit shot:



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Crucially that's not a shadow that's the grubbiness of the snow. And thanks!

Yep, looks fine. It was just the light throwing it off in the last shot.

I think we need a group shot or two of your BMG collection!

Huzzah! Maybe, after snowfall

Speaking of which, the arrogant axer :

Love this cocky sob. I'll try to snap a better pic anon. Snow happy!

"It's a trap, Get an ax" Like Mr. freeze. Not overly fond of the cold myself.

Nice work Graven.

The only issue I have with the snow on Freeze's base is that it looks a little too neat. It could do with some more scattered snowflakes as it appears on the axe-man's base. This would also make it as less harsh contrast with the dark base/model.

Solar_lion wrote:"It's a trap, Get an ax" Like Mr. freeze. Not overly fond of the cold myself.

I like when it is cold, dry and bright. Grey murk less so. Thanks!

Dr H wrote:Nice work Graven.

The only issue I have with the snow on Freeze's base is that it looks a little too neat. It could do with some more scattered snowflakes as it appears on the axe-man's base. This would also make it as less harsh contrast with the dark base/model.

Cheers. This is true, axe man was the first test of slightly different approach (gentle shaking, less PVA). But at least Viktor should have serious winter, don't you think ?

Progress on huntress build:
Arm much tighter in and stupid giant arrowhead removed.

Gs of back. Wondering about whether to gs butt line. Then, ready for priming!

Milder this week so can get some spray on her and Canary, who I've started on gs:


Reluctantly, though not very TV, I've kept the fishnets. Going for a dark scheme though, classic birds of Prey and dark is good for TV at least. Debating repositioning arms, as they sit out at 180. Pesky Knight Miniatures and their ridiculous joints.

I was going to go for the TV look on Canary, but the mini itself would have required too much modification to get it looking right, so I went with the comic scheme. I'm still hoping that we get a Sara Lance version of BC in the Arrowverse style when KM get round to doing more based on the show.

I noticed the giant boobs haven't been removed.

@Paradigm yeah I really dislike the bc model generally. Hopefully the arrowverse one is better.
@Gitsplitta trust you to notice that

Pinned Sickle's wrist. Ridiculous bloody casting decisions. He's 40mm so want to do something a bit more interesting with his base.

Game against Court of Owls tonight. Psyked, Bat-Rep (penguin rep?) to follow! I suspect I'm going to get murdered...

Sara was always the better Canary in Arrow anyway!

Some of KM's casting choices are... questionable at best. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Owls, they're next up on my painting desk and I'm hoping to get to play them soon.

Yeah I have issues with the casting too.

Have to agree about Sara being the best.black canary. She'd a better character than laurel on my opinion.


Looking forward to the bat rep

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Cheers. This is true, axe man was the first test of slightly different approach (gentle shaking, less PVA). But at least Viktor should have serious winter, don't you think ?

Oh yeah, of course. Keep the large pile, just break up the edges with some scatter is what I meant.

Nice work. They all seem to be coming together well (if hard work).

A bit late to the party but I had to say the butt line is good you don't want to cover up those sort of details

Paradigm wrote:Sara was always the better Canary in Arrow anyway!

Some of KM's casting choices are... questionable at best. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Owls, they're next up on my painting desk and I'm hoping to get to play them soon.

They are lovely painted up, very impressed. But oh, the casting.

carlos13th wrote:Yeah I have issues with the casting too.

Have to agree about Sara being the best.black canary. She'd a better character than laurel on my opinion.


Looking forward to the bat rep

Penguin rep! I'm a big fan of dinah, I just hope the sara mini is better.

Dr H wrote:

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Cheers. This is true, axe man was the first test of slightly different approach (gentle shaking, less PVA). But at least Viktor should have serious winter, don't you think ?

Oh yeah, of course. Keep the large pile, just break up the edges with some scatter is what I meant.

Nice work. They all seem to be coming together well (if hard work).

Okeydoke. I'm tempted to try sealing the snow with more PVA. May give it a wetter look or icier but slush is OK by me.I'll add some scatter too.

GiraffeX wrote:A bit late to the party but I had to say the butt line is good you don't want to cover up those sort of details

Hahaha trust you mate!

The crew continue, with sickle now based:


And Conqueror built:

Making a 2 part chain - appalling design decision. Yes it's posable but what a freakin nightmare.


Anyway. Penguin-rep.

A little while back I did a piece about expanding your gang within BMG. This week, I'm going to take my own advice, play with some classic villains - Penguin, Catwoman and Mr Freeze (plus 4 assorted penguin goons) - against Gotham's newest flock: the court of owls. The court has the advantage of being one of only 2 completely self-contained crews in the game (the other being Watchmen, who we'll come up against next time). With 5 models coming in at under £40, they're an interesting way into BMG and for a novice have the advantage that, whilst they lack cheap disposable characters, they are more durable as a whole than most, and many of their special rules are duplicated duplicated across characters. By comparison, my Penguin crew comes in at costing closer to £60 (granted, there are models that I'm not using). On the other hand, the court will only work with the court, so for now at least there's no room for expansion (watchmen, incidentally, are subject to exactly the same restriction).

We had a fun, balanced game in which we both made several errors (both in terms of tactics and rules) and still it felt cinematic/graphic. I learned that Catwoman is fast but fragile, and Mr Freeze is tough but not able to withstand a pummeling from the Gotham Butcher. My opponent learned not to underestimate a basic, cheap guy with an axe, let alone with a shock baton or an assault rifle.

We set up a city board with a mix of my terrain, his TT stuff and other odds and ends.

Particularly wonderful to use the tower as a sniper position.

We ended up having an almighty bust-up in the middle of the board. Butcher was exposed, so Freeze tried to toss an ice grenade and missed, getting battered for his trouble.

Despite some terrible shooting, my cheap penguin with an axe was able to take him down to the brink. The various owls were potent, but the penguins were surprisingly durable. All in all, it was the cut and thrust of a dynamic issue - gritty gang warfare, Gotham style.

So objectively, how is the game, now I've played a few? Well, it is a lot of fun but it does have its flaws: niggles in the translation from the Spanish, occasionally tricky to find things in the rulebook, and the stat card layout could be clearer. But it feels - right. It really does make you feel like you're playing in Bob Kane and Bill Finger's magnificent sandbox.

Next time, I'll be up against the Watchmen, and I'm going to play the cheapest (in actual cash terms) list I can to see if you can do Batman on a budget.

And remember to like, comment and share folks - this month's prize is the batbrat himself, Damian Wayne!

Crikey, that chain assembly looks fething mental!

That board looks so cool, as does the whole match. One thing you might want to try at some point is having the street 'grid' run diagonally across the board. I find this means there's less obvious paths than just running down the nearest street longways, and fewer initial firing lines (which helps balance gun-heavy crews).

It's sheer lunacy. Still, built now. Nice idea on diagonal alleys
Started Hush



Following some advice from Gitsplitta went with wet blending. Seems to be OK!

All of the shading is done with dark blues. Not usually my comfort zone but pretty happy.

Looks good, lovely worn leather look. and very nice shades/highlights. Like the rest of your stuff, it has a very comic-book, almost impressionist vibe to it in places which I love.

Sounds like s fun game mate. What is the building in myhe centre of thr table?


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Good job on hush too. How did you advice the leather look?

Paradigm wrote:Looks good, lovely worn leather look. and very nice shades/highlights. Like the rest of your stuff, it has a very comic-book, almost impressionist vibe to it in places which I love.

Thanks man. Funnily enough I modelled it as closely as I could on Jim Lee's art:

Canvas hangs on Wall in geek cupboard

carlos13th wrote:Sounds like s fun game mate. What is the building in myhe centre of thr table?

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Good job on hush too. How did you advice the leather look?

Thanks! It's a TT mdf modular bank. The leather was
Vj cobra leather
Vj bonewhite blended onto the wet cobra (highlights )
Vj magic blue blended wet into shadows.
Washed with nightshade.

With winter comes snow, and with the snow comes... HUSH.



Really chuffed with how he's turned out. Given me renewed sense of purpose for Huntress and BC.
Plus, went Xmas shopping today and wife picked me up a killer Croc, given that xwing wave 8 may not hit till January so that'll keep me busy in the new year!

Now:
Little heroes for little heroes!
Please take the time to look, read and maybe even bid on something tiny&geeky in this fantastic charity auction that my friend hendybadger is organising for Downs'. Joe's heart condition is very common in Downs' kids so it's an extra special cause for our family too. I may even have contributed a wee figure to it even if you're not of a gaming persuasion, it's a tremendous cause and a great way to raise money. I'm not usually the sort to go on about charity stuff but please look, like, share and bid!
http://pressganger.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/little-heroes-for-little-heros-down.html?m=1
I should add that if no-one bids on my wee bulldog I shall cry


Layer peeps,
Graven

Nice bat rep!.. I just saw that Adepticon is running a " Batman game"

That cloak turned out really well graven. I know you've been working on new techniques and that's a great start. It distinctly does not look like it's been dry brushed. Not that there's anything wrong with dry brushing, but too much of it tends to have everything start blending together in a way you don't want. This is a very nice counter-point to that technique.

Crickey, that terrain makes my tower look so tiny.

Nice work on the latest. Coat is good.

Solar_lion wrote:Nice bat rep!.. I just saw that Adepticon is running a " Batman game"

Do it! Do it now!

Gitsplitta wrote:That cloak turned out really well graven. I know you've been working on new techniques and that's a great start. It distinctly does not look like it's been dry brushed. Not that there's anything wrong with dry brushing, but too much of it tends to have everything start blending together in a way you don't want. This is a very nice counter-point to that technique.

Appreciate that mate. I've tried it with the next two also.

Dr H wrote:Crickey, that terrain makes my tower look so tiny.

Nice work on the latest. Coat is good.

Nonsense, it's perfectly adequate and what you do with it that counts, of course cheers!


So, TV gals. Terrible, terrible pics



Just for Gitsplitta, I didn't gs her coat tails. She's come up nice, layers of thin Vj royal purple over gloss Vj black, edge gw violet.





Hmm. Still not sure about this. Happy with the fishnets though.

I think crims next - orange is the new black and all.

Cya
Graven

Need better pics, but both are very promising!

Yeah, some better pics would be great (though coming from me that's very hypocritical!) but they look like good representations thus far!

Aye better pics are required, we need to see all those curves up close

Gitsplitta wrote:Need better pics, but both are very promising!

Paradigm wrote:Yeah, some better pics would be great (though coming from me that's very hypocritical!) but they look like good representations thus far!

GiraffeX wrote:Aye better pics are required, we need to see all those curves up close

Yeah I know, I know. New camera, and decent pics, will be here in 3 weeks'

In the meantime, started on Blackgate prisoners. I've deliberately used the flash on these pics, as you'll see:


Making a conscious effort to layer the oranges steadily to create vibrant jumpsuits. They're not this washed out, obviously, but you can see the highlighting. Again, just trying to be patient and more... conventional, actually, with my painting.

Definite improvement graven. Well done. Some of the highlights as still pretty severe (i.e. not blended in very well), but you can always mix a little bit of the base into your highlight color, water it down a bit and blend down the edges of rough areas.

Good progress graven, keep at it.

Cheers mate. Really appreciate your honesty and support.
So, progress.

Washes, more layers. Slowly does it!

Ah, now I'm really liking that graven... well done man!

Looking good! Really nice orange!

I can't tell if it's due to lack of flash or the extra work you put in but that orange looks considerably better in this photo. Great job on them mate.

Great work, love the orange. The girls look good too, I notice you are struggling to keep your hands still for the pics of the ladies?!

The orange looks really nice now.

Thought you might go for the black and white stripes since they are more retro!

Gitsplitta wrote:Ah, now I'm really liking that graven... well done man!

Paradigm wrote:Looking good! Really nice orange!

Thanks mate!

carlos13th wrote:I can't tell if it's due to lack of flash or the extra work you put in but that orange looks considerably better in this photo. Great job on them mate.

Let's say it's the extra work

Camkierhi wrote:Great work, love the orange. The girls look good too, I notice you are struggling to keep your hands still for the pics of the ladies?!

Fnar. Just terrible pics. I'll address at some point.

GiraffeX wrote:The orange looks really nice now.

Solar_lion wrote:Thought you might go for the black and white stripes since they are more retro!

Thought about it, especially as that would blend in with my Penguins. Instead, I've gone for the same ghost grey / wolf grey / darkshade wash on their tees etc so that they're like part of his crew.

So, layering up other colours. Flesh is last, only had one layer so far. Being patient, trying to take my time!



I'm enjoying painting these guys so much I'm almost tempted to pick up the other set of Blackgate prisoners. But given that Killer Croc is in Blackgate gear, that'll be a whole lot of orange.

Won a beautifully painted Solomon Grundy and TV Arrow in the Little Heroes auction, then felt really bad because I'd totally sniped the guy and turns out he was bidding for his nephew's Xmas So, long story short, I traded them for the Court of Owls starter plus tokens. Hey, it's all for charity, and that's what it's about after all. So they may be next rather than Bat-family. Still got Lobo to do, too. Not one of my favourite DCU characters but I want a really big gun for my Penguins (won't work for Ivy - he is, after all, The Main Man). Still got my 2 Penguin I's to assemble (Blue with pistol and blue with machete), real basic grunts, and Sickle and Conqueror to paint. Staying away from Damian, Batwoman and Bats himself till I feel like I'm back in my groove.

Thanks for all the C&C gang - you are a constant support,
graven

Graven, you've made a significant leap in your painting. Excellent. I'm proud of you. It's hard to gear up to take on new challenges out of your comfort zone, but your success with these figs is a clear indication that its worth the effort and the risk.

thanks mate. That tutorial you sent me really helped, but more generally slowing down and taking my time is forcing me to work better. Because I'm doing four similar figures I can directly see when I'm going wrong. I'm trying to get back to where I once was but I have to try to continue to improve and aim beyond that also.

They are really looking splendid now! Should be fantastic when they're all done up together!

Looking forward to your take on the Owls, hopefully it'll inspire me to get back to my own!

Looks mighty fine!

Hows the hand? is it still a bit painful or is it getting better?

I love the orange! They're coming along and look great!

Paradigm wrote:They are really looking splendid now! Should be fantastic when they're all done up together!

Looking forward to your take on the Owls, hopefully it'll inspire me to get back to my own!

Cheers! I'm going to go back and reread the Court over the next few days, I think, just to get my head round Cobb et al. Probably muted browns, I think.

Knightley wrote:Looks mighty fine!

Hows the hand? is it still a bit painful or is it getting better?

Generally much better. I'm getting better at managing how I write on the board which makes a colossal difference. Also, new car, more comfortable driving position. Little things that help!

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:I love the orange! They're coming along and look great!

Thank ye kindly!

I think they're nearly there. Quick pics, better but not perfect.

Hi-ho, hi-ho...

Love this model. Wonder if I should brass up his brass knucks?

I used Bloodletter to glaze the orange.

A bit of OSL, and blue wash in the fabric recesses on this guy. I wonder about adding more OSL generally.

Still to add: snow, and possibly prisoner numbers? Cheers y'all,
graven

Good stuff!

progressing nicely. You have the Orange down for sure!

Thanks guys! I think they're done:




Thanks for all your support, and making me push myself.

What next, mes amis? Remaining penguin goons, Court of Owls, or Bat Family? The choice, as they say, is yours!
Cheers,
graven

Splendid stuff!

Owls. Definitely Owls..

Cheers matey! Thought you might say that edited with correct pic of #4. Do we need rear pics with prisoner numbers? Also, what do we think of new light/photo setup?

New photo setup does show off the minis a lot better! I think you've cracked it!

They turned out terrifically graven. Guy with the axe is my favorite with the last guy a close second (like the combination of orange clothing & skin colors separated by the grey). Very lifelike too.

Pic's look good with the new set up. Second being the Axe guy as the favorite. Such a great pose.

Nice work on the orange-clad chaps. Looking great for the extra effort.

Photos are an improvement also.

Thanks so much, one and all. Pic setup is really simple but really seems to work, a cake box lid and a single, very bright Ikea lamp.

Whilst waiting for the court to arrive, I decided to start on Lobo:

I'm not a great fan of the character in comics, I think he's a bit meh, but I need a big gun for my penguin lists and he fits the bill Now in for priming with Sickle and conqueror.

Having some fun with tokens - decided to steal suitable lego/playmobil alternatives

The bottom row is blood damage, seed token and stun damage from Knight. I didn't want to make tokens as I want them to match aesthetically (they're to sit on the models' reference cards, rather than the model itself). So, we have flare gun, bribery, Ivy ammo token, police badge, handcuffs, night vision goggles, police radios, scope, torch and climbing claw. Seem reasonable?

Then these guys turned up!

Woo! (Twit-woo, in fact)

However, we may have to a brief hiatus. Wife had to go into hospital last night, quite a lot of baby bleeding. Seems to be ok, but we're just keeping an eye on things. So if I disappear, do not fear
Cheers y'all,
graven

Have to agree with Gitsplitta, whatever new techniques you are using are really reaping rewards that last Batman crew you have painted look excellent. I especially love the bloke with his arms folded, he looks like he means business.

Wishing the best for your wife and babe. Take care of them graven!

Thoughts and prayers from across the pond!

Owls! Just started mine, looking forward to seeing where you take these!

All the best to you and your family, hope it clears up in time for you all to enjoy Christmas.

Thoughts go out to you and yours mate

Best of luck fella for the family. All will be well

Best wishes to your family. Went through similar many years ago. It will be fine bud.

 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
Have to agree with Gitsplitta, whatever new techniques you are using are really reaping rewards that last Batman crew you have painted look excellent. I especially love the bloke with his arms folded, he looks like he means business.

Cheers mate, and welcome! Patience and layering

Thank you all for your thoughts and etc. Wife now out of hospital, her and baby both fine. Geeky update to follow in the next couple of days.
Cheers,
Graven

Glad to hear all is well with the Graven Clan. Looking forward to the next update!

Good to hear everythings ok.

Good luck

Congrats on well being of wife and new kid! ;thumbsup:

Good to hear that All's Well.

Thanks to you all for your kind words

Getting back into things. Was going to start building the court, only to find my Superglue has solidified into a lump of goop. Bah.

So in the meantime, and whilst my sleep pattern is screwy, I worked on this last night:


Again, patience made this challenging model fun to paint. I'm not a particular fan of the character - I guess he was never enough of a parody of all-action Marvel killing machines (whereas obviously deadpool nails it the other way round), but I love the model and need the heavy hitter.

Then, onto highlights, especially on the chains, etc:


I think I'm happy with him at that.

On the subject of challenging myself, decided on a new tack for flesh, as Sickle has so much of it. A method that I came across online used Black prime, VJ Bone, VJ Flesh Wash, VJ Medium Fleshtone. That give us this:

Still a bit shiny, but there's a depth of colour there I really like. Now from here it recommends Basic Skintone, Pale Flesh, Elf Flesh and finally back round to Bone. Not 100% on that, might stick a reikland wash in next. Thoughts?

Also, exciting news true believers! The full line up for the Spider-Man Miniatures game first release.
All have cards on the Knight Models website and there is a PDF extension to the Batman Miniature Game Rulebook - all free! With Spider-Man, Venom, Daredevil, "Superior" Spider-Man, Goblin and more - now how's that for a Marvel-ous Xmas?!

That being said, I'm a dc guy at heart and I'm not actually that sold on their initial "teams". We'll see.

Finally read the tie-in tpb to Arkham City and gave me a clearer idea of where I want to go with Sickle (as well as wanting Grundy, though he'd need converted somewhat to get him to where I would want).

In other news, term is nearly done, and burnout just about avoided I think. And imax force awakens Tomorrow! Now that's my kind of Xmas

Cheers y'all
Graven

Sickle has one arm and bare feet?? What the heck kind of super-villain is that?!

Feint right, go left, step on his toes... fight over!

when you put it like that it does seem a bit daft! He's huge, about 45mm, giant Russian thug (his separated twin, Mr Hammer, works for Joker). He's so ridiculously hardcore barefoot in the snow doesn't faze him


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Next layer:



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Reikland Flesh wash next, to even it out.


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Washed, and back to Basic Skintone



Still shiny, but soooo fleshy

So Sickle is done, I think.




Debate : chest tattoo? Penguin maybe?

This amused me greatly. Gaming, as explained by my wife:
"It's a stand-alone game, until we bring out the first expansion. After that you really want expansion 2 and 7 as well. If you want to get the most out of the game you need expansions 4, 5 & 6. Expansion 3 is completely stand-alone, but is always out of stock."
My wife should work in the industry.

Force awakens, spoiler-free thoughts. Negatives - would've liked more Phasma, more new ships, and a bit more back story on Max von Sydow. Positives - it held all 4 of us gripped, the 3D of the ships especially was excellent, and it left us still asking questions. Nerd thoughts - there's some really interesting nods to the old Expanded Universe, without slavish adherence. Teacher thoughts - an extraordinary achievement on so many levels, and well worth teaching.

Anyway, owls next!

Sickle looks fantastic!

Agreed on the Star Wars front; saw it a few hours ago and I think it just might be my favourite film ever. It's just amazing!

You've done a really nice job with sickle, and yes he definitely needs some tats. The in game version had quite a few, but you could just do the two penguin logos and maybe the red star on his abs.

Paradigm wrote:Sickle looks fantastic!

Agreed on the Star Wars front; saw it a few hours ago and I think it just might be my favourite film ever. It's just amazing!

Thanks mate, high praise indeed for Sickle Yes, film is excellent. Imax more impressive than I'd anticipated.

hk1x1 wrote:You've done a really nice job with sickle, and yes he definitely needs some tats. The in game version had quite a few, but you could just do the two penguin logos and maybe the red star on his abs.

Cheers, dammit!

I hate freehand But this is all about challenging myself, right?

Okay:



That do you ?

I think you did a fantastic job with him graven. Bravo! What the heck are those things on his pecs??

Thanks mate.They're his weird penguin tattoos. I dunno. It's how they look, apparently!

Looking good.

Re: SW i really enjoyed it, but had a few minor quibbles. Mainly to do with all the homages and nods to original trilogy, for all the naff stuff in the prequels, at least they didn't feel like a rehash in places. Saying that I still loved it, and have high hopes for the next films.

EDC

Wow, you did them all, I'm impressed . Very nice work.

@EDC: Cheers! I did feel TFA needed an iconic piece of music. Even prequels had Duel of the Fates.
@hk1x1: I blame you entirely

Now, looking ahead to next year: with baby due, I am trying to expand how much terrain I have in order to be able to play in my house. Which leads me back around to this old thing:




Yup, my Sanctum Sororitas. Should I repurpose it for BMG? Questions to consider:
1) should it get a total/partial repaint? (colours of my current cathedral frontage for ref spoilered below)

2) Obviously the 40k corpses and sob banner will be removed, but what about other stuff (generally skull-ness, the fleur-de-lys moti?)
3) Is it BMG suitable at all?

Thanks for your thoughts, chaps!

Given how excellent you made the cathedral, a companion piece would be equally impressive!

If you wanted to make it a bit more interesting and Batman suitable, perhaps some construction equipment and a few more modern touches on the base area? As if this old building has been blasted by [insert villain here]'s latest bomb and is in mid-renovation.

Honestly I'd just remove blatant 40k parts and use it as is even the banner would look ok in Gotham and the skulls and fleur de lys look fine maybe some more art deco touches?

Yup I agree. You could easily get away with it with minimal change.

Shiny brass it up a bit. Add some scaffold to assist game play. Maybe put a gothic lift cage running up through. Give it a few gang tags. Your golden.

The fleur etc. Could easily be old company logos from an old company hq. Give it a fancy name like the lloyds building type of thing.

Paradigm wrote:Given how excellent you made the cathedral, a companion piece would be equally impressive!

If you wanted to make it a bit more interesting and Batman suitable, perhaps some construction equipment and a few more modern touches on the base area? As if this old building has been blasted by [insert villain here]'s latest bomb and is in mid-renovation.

I like that idea. I might try and find a digger or something to scale Got a useful Xmas gift to help with this

Llamahead wrote:Honestly I'd just remove blatant 40k parts and use it as is even the banner would look ok in Gotham and the skulls and fleur de lys look fine maybe some more art deco touches?

Ah, aquila be gone!

Camkierhi wrote:Yup I agree. You could easily get away with it with minimal change.

Shiny brass it up a bit. Add some scaffold to assist game play. Maybe put a gothic lift cage running up through. Give it a few gang tags. Your golden.

The fleur etc. Could easily be old company logos from an old company hq. Give it a fancy name like the lloyds building type of thing.

Tags! Yes! I've just been reading batwoman (freaking awesome) and was thinking some Religion of Crime tags were needed.

So a merry Xmas to one and all. We've had a great day, eaten far too much kids thrilled with haul, wife pleased too. Me, I did pretty well geek-wise: Sandman Overture, BMG queen industries crates, Wayne/Queen construction site set (see!) SWAT van and Killer Croc, Spearhead 1943 Eastern Front, batman story cubes, AND a Jaws 19 t-shirt! I have an xwing Ghost en route too, but turns out it's the ghost of Xmas future

Cy'all anon, and hope yours was merry and bright,
Graven

Gitsplitta wrote:Sickle has one arm and bare feet?? What the heck kind of super-villain is that?!

Hammer and Sickle were Russian circus freaks until they had a difference of opinion vis a vis capitalism versus communism and got separated. Mr. Hammer went to work for Joker while Sickle here aligned himself with Penguin while they were all incarcerated in Arkham City.

inmygravenimage wrote:
Force awakens, spoiler-free thoughts. Negatives - would've liked more Phasma, more new ships, and a bit more back story on Max von Sydow. Positives - it held all 4 of us gripped, the 3D of the ships especially was excellent, and it left us still asking questions. Nerd thoughts - there's some really interesting nods to the old Expanded Universe, without slavish adherence. Teacher thoughts - an extraordinary achievement on so many levels, and well worth teaching.

A criticism I heard is that the cinematography is sub-par, particularly the colour being washed out and turning everything drab and samey.

^No lens flare though

Right, so, dug out my old cathedral, ripped out 40k elements:

Needs ladders and weathering, but not much else.

And hey! What else was in the same box?

Useful generic ruined building. 40k, but still, pretty generic once mechanicus logos removed. Possibly big Queen or Kord logos instead?

And...

That looks... ACE to me!

To me as well. Nicely done graven!

Thanks buddy!

Sooooo... Started adding weather and weathering to the other cathedral section.

I'm slightly torn as to whether to lighten its panels but I think I want to keep it, and the work, simple - I'm going to add posters and tags instead. Advice received from Gitsplitta on postering so we'll see how that goes.

I've also started on ACE chemicals.

I wasn't sure which of the many versions of the logo to do but have settled on the Ace of Spades, given Lemmy's untimely passing today. They'll go on the blocked out circles where the admech signs are.

Also, worked out what to use for the disused vat:

The pieces of deadzone walkway that you may be able discern casually scattered will form a gantry so the piece can stand alone or as part of the 3.
Between these, and KM scenics, reckon I'll have a really serviceable table. The aim is to have what I need to play at home, so that when little miss arrives I potentially can still game. Also thinking of trying to run a narrative play-by-messenger RPG with my usual group, just took a wee notion to try it.

Getting back into comics; really need to get reviewing again. Having seen some of the new dc stuff, pretty excited. Finally finished Arrow Season 1. On to 2! Wife enjoying it as much as me, which rocks. Away at my folks' for the next few days. Hopefully be good to recharge batteries, and eat too much of my mum's cooking, and drink old whiskey with the old man.

So thanks for your continued support, kindness and friendship. Cy'all in the new year!
Graven

Enjoyed Arrow myself still secretly believe it was a Dalek layer under Starling City or a Cyberman tomb which is why Captain Harkness had to be a villain.......Excellent crossover potential.

I insist that gantry go's across the vat of goo for easy villain creation as well.

The scenery is looking great, by the end of this you'll have a home board that'll be the envy of most gaming clubs/stores!

Arrow only gets better for the first 3 seasons! The 4th and current one I personally feel has tailed off a bit, but you've got plenty of excellent stuff before that, some really great villains, heroes and plots, not to mention spinning off into Flash which is just amazing all round.

Llamahead wrote:Enjoyed Arrow myself still secretly believe it was a Dalek layer under Starling City or a Cyberman tomb which is why Captain Harkness had to be a villain.......Excellent crossover potential.

I insist that gantry go's across the vat of goo for easy villain creation as well.

silly man. I've seen barrowman in panto and on Broadway, and continue to blown away by his talent. He's fabulous as Merlyn. Good call on gantry

Paradigm wrote:The scenery is looking great, by the end of this you'll have a home board that'll be the envy of most gaming clubs/stores!

Arrow only gets better for the first 3 seasons! The 4th and current one I personally feel has tailed off a bit, but you've got plenty of excellent stuff before that, some really great villains, heroes and plots, not to mention spinning off into Flash which is just amazing all round.

Started season 2 last night. Awesome and thanks

Quick heads-up. With impending baby, I'm selling my here http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/674889.page#8349645
I've said uk only, but to my loyal subjects (ie you lot wot I trust) I'll post anywhere. New year, new army, right?
Later folk, and a happy new year to y'all,
Graven

Sad to here that but very sensible. DC Who would be awesome you know it......

Repurposing project coming along great, table is going to look ace.

Happy new year!

Such a shame another army needs to go, I regularly use my Graven Knights (GK's) when ever I play a GK army, I really hope who snaps up that force will give them the love they deserve.

Welcome to 2016 mate, I hope you have a great one

Thanks and happy new year to you all! Had a great one, home now, and time to take stock of 2015 & set some goals for 2016.

2015 was the start of the great clear out and a move towards smaller scale gaming. This was partly disillusionment on my part with gw and general hobby fatigue coupled with chronic hand pain meant me feeling increasingly fed up.
However, recovery began with venturing into X-wing: 21 ships painted, and an asteroid station that won me a LOER contest
And then I started trying to get my groove back with batman - 48 minis done, and at the behest of my good dakkanaut friends, forced myself to start trying to raise my game.
With baby coming (a girl, completing the collection!) in February, some serious rethinking required. Terrain has been built, and remaining collections getting sold off if not getting played: sob, and trek wing. Tough call but needs done.

So, 2016 baby!
Plans:

Finish repurposing Cathedral part 2.
Repurpose Ace chemicals.

Make a basic base board (probably, in fact, a black cloth and foamcore tiles).

Build and paint for BMG:
Swat van
Construction zone
Batwoman
Court of Owls
Damian Wayne
AK Batman
AC Batman
Killer Croc
Penguin Thugs

Paint Talisman miniatures.

And any Star wars stuff I pick up along the way
It's going to be an interesting year!
Graven

Sounds like a great year coming up. Might even top last year (though that would be a toughie).

Great stuff Graven. Looking forward to it!

Best of luck with 2016, will be watching avidly

Looking forward to seeing all those Batman minis painted up this year Graven.

Will be following with interest in 2016

Aye, looking forward to the Gothamy goodness, and whatever else you produce! Any plans for more BMG crews (or SMG for that matter) beyond what you've got at this stage, or are you taking a break and doing something else after this lot is done?

Yes much Gothamy Goodness before the delivery of the third child is needed. Even though late nights up watching the baby sound like lots of painting time, it doesn't get to be very productive.

 Theophony wrote:
Yes much Gothamy Goodness before the delivery of the third child is needed. Even though late nights up watching the baby sound like lots of painting time, it doesn't get to be very productive.

You can say that again

 inmygravenimage wrote:
Thanks and happy new year to you all! Had a great one, home now, and time to take stock of 2015 & set some goals for 2016.

2015 was the start of the great clear out and a move towards smaller scale gaming. This was partly disillusionment on my part with gw and general hobby fatigue coupled with chronic hand pain meant me feeling increasingly fed up.
However, recovery began with venturing into X-wing: 21 ships painted, and an asteroid station that won me a LOER contest
And then I started trying to get my groove back with batman - 48 minis done, and at the behest of my good dakkanaut friends, forced myself to start trying to raise my game.
With baby coming (a girl, completing the collection!) in February, some serious rethinking required. Terrain has been built, and remaining collections getting sold off if not getting played: sob, and trek wing. Tough call but needs done.

So, 2016 baby!
Plans:
Graven

I think you got the 'baby' stuff started in 2015. So you should really add your comment...' So, 2016 baby!' in the 2016 list as that'll be a big project..

Happy new year and congrats.. May you prosper in the new year and those to come!

Gitsplitta wrote:Sounds like a great year coming up. Might even top last year (though that would be a toughie).

Well thank you my friend, you really pushed me to raise my game.

Bash the Bosh wrote:Great stuff Graven. Looking forward to it!

Cheers buddy!

TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Best of luck with 2016, will be watching avidly

Don't look too closely

GiraffeX wrote:Looking forward to seeing all those Batman minis painted up this year Graven.

Ha! Me too

carlos13th wrote:Will be following with interest in 2016

Aw man, the pressure!

Paradigm wrote:Aye, looking forward to the Gothamy goodness, and whatever else you produce! Any plans for more BMG crews (or SMG for that matter) beyond what you've got at this stage, or are you taking a break and doing something else after this lot is done?

Tbh I'm not sold on SMG, notwithstanding the fact that it's direct only. Court is my next crew, but there's loads of free agents I don't have that tempt me. Deathstroke, Deadshot (both obvious picks, I know, but still) and Solomon Grundy (itching to do a conversion there, chains around wrists). Plus I'm still short penguin thugs set 2 and the titan thug. My flgs has wonderland and scarecrow, as well as hugo strange, but I'd rather focus on fleshing out penguin/ivy options tbh.

Theophony wrote:Yes much Gothamy Goodness before the delivery of the third child is needed. Even though late nights up watching the baby sound like lots of painting time, it doesn't get to be very productive.

Ach, used to it from the last 2

Solar_lion wrote:

I think you got the 'baby' stuff started in 2015. So you should really add your comment...' So, 2016 baby!' in the 2016 list as that'll be a big project..

Happy new year and congrats.. May you prosper in the new year and those to come!

Thank you kindly sir. Yes indeed 2016 baby also!

So, some stuff. Decided that my other cathedral, being verdigris, is more suited to Starling City slightly rushed pics, sorry.


Really happy with how the little tweaks have turned out.

Added some fresh tags, too, with an arrow theme -



And because I'm reading batwoman just now, a Medusa tag.


Also, started building the Swat van.


The MDF is interesting to work with.
Once out, you can see the parts but it's not immediately obvious that some of it excess (around the wheel hubs, especially).


Goes together well enough:


Although it bugs me that if you want the doors shut over, you need to clip off a corner:


And there's no windows. Easily made from blister packaging, but still.


Regardless, a great kit to build. Fairly impressed. Coated with thin pva, it's now been primed so I'll get on with painting it.

Cheers folks, till next time,
Graven

Terrain looks excellent, once again the graffiti adds a lot!

Looks like a nice kit. Tempted to pick one up. Wonde what its lke to paint.

Looking good so far. Will be interesting to see how it looks when its painted.

Very interested to see how the van turns out.

Buildings look brilliant, nice tags, they look natural, if you know what I mean.

Great work graven! Very exciting to see you rolling in this new genre... most excellent.

Nice transitioned terrain. way to keep the graffiti current!

I find MDF ok to paint. If you want a smooth finish you have to seal it otherwise some sections have that wet paper finish. Soak it to much and you get a grainy texture as the fiber separate.

Thanks one and all.

Hey gang. Not much to report hereabouts. Been painting the baby's room, building furniture, some geek decluttering (trek wing off to mrs meangreenstompa, for the glory of the founders ) and starting to get organised generally for little miss arriving. Scouring about for cloths to use for gaming purposes. Wife liking fabric challenge

Still. Van primed:

Took 2 coats of car primer. Not bad, I deliberately didn't seal the underside as an experiment and indeed it looks really patchy (took another 2 coats)

In all the Xmas packaging I found this. Heavy, solid corrugated cardboard - viable as a warehouse? Thoughts?


And thought it was about time I finally built this lovely model:

Arkham Knight Batman. Very expensive in game, but lovely. I know I need to do my Owls (sorry paradigm!) But waiting for Gotham Butcher first to do them as a unified group. Next on my build list is Killer Croc, who I'm going to convert and use some of the shackles for Solomon Grundy.

One last question: do folk want a pic of all the cathedral terrain together before I move on to ACE chemicals properly?

So apology for intermittent posting. Kinda inevitable at present.
Cheers
Graven

I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds cardboard boxes and thinks 'that looks exactly like [insert building time here]' Difference is, you'll actually do something with it, whereas I'll just 'get around to it one day, honest, guv!

Nice work opening up the pose on Bats, he should look fantastic when he's painted up.

Sounds like exciting times at your place graven. Yes, I'd like to see a finished cathedral shot if you don't mind.

Good start to the van. I think its a nice MDF piece. I'm amazed by the no. of MDF stuff out there.

You should have the baby routine down my now. Easy Transition, How hard will it to be 'Daddy's little Girl'. Your not thinking of calling her Harley are you?

Paradigm wrote:I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds cardboard boxes and thinks 'that looks exactly like [insert building time here]' Difference is, you'll actually do something with it, whereas I'll just 'get around to it one day, honest, guv!

Nice work opening up the pose on Bats, he should look fantastic when he's painted up.

Thanks matey. Can't prime just now with the big freeze so on a building binge. That box, if I can, will end up on stilts I think.

Gitsplitta wrote:Sounds like exciting times at your place graven. Yes, I'd like to see a finished cathedral shot if you don't mind.

Right, I'll try to oblige this weekend!

Solar_lion wrote:Good start to the van. I think its a nice MDF piece. I'm amazed by the no. of MDF stuff out there.

You should have the baby routine down my now. Easy Transition, How hard will it to be 'Daddy's little Girl'. Your not thinking of calling her Harley are you?

tempting but we keep our geek references pretty low key with the kids. Laurel is front runner just now, thanks to Arrow

Speaking of mdf, and building:


Lovely sets to build apart from some gapping in the skips. Lots of offcuts that I hope to recycle - such as that grate down the bottom, made from the pallet's frame.

Also, got Killer Croc together:

Impressively stable for his size although more gaps that a khador warjack. I'm not using his collar (that'll be for Grundy), sos


ACE in the background. The vat will be my entry in the next league contest. I'm debating a cunning plan to give it light... It's a cd holder, thinking of putting some blank cds in and an led through the middle. It's a maybe. I'll see how it goes. A cracked red hood may also feature
Been reading books of graffiti too, so hopefully that will inspire me some.

So still to build court, thugs, AC bat, Damian and Batwoman - then grundy and a Titan thug too...
Happy days
Graven

Didn't realise Croc was so huge!

Very buff!

Paradigm wrote:Didn't realise Croc was so huge!

Gitsplitta wrote:Very buff!

Yeah he's vast Cathedral, totally forgot to post:


For a game played on a 90cm sq board, starting to look good and cluttered

Excellent!

I love that they've done Croc to scale, just as he was in Arkham Asylum.

Gitsplitta wrote:Excellent!

Thanks kindly

hk1x1 wrote:I love that they've done Croc to scale, just as he was in Arkham Asylum.

Yeah, although how he fits through a standard 30mm sewer grate is anybody's guess

Little bit of work done weathering one part of ACE:

Tested "scorching" the old green grass at the same time. All a bit clean just now

Not much more to do beyond some stains for now as I'm planning on covering this with graffiti. And i mean covering. My intention is to leave it on my desk and just keep adding to it, an ongoing side/test project - kinda like a real graffiti site.

The other section isn't quite as far along as this, hence no pic, and haven't started the build on the vat - a lot of bits rummaging required first. Oh, and picked up some jeweller's chain today for Grundy. Planning

Great work on re-purposing the ruins as ruins in another universe. Keep doing what you are doing.

Thanks man. It's recycling,so it is
Bit more paint on it, front one is truer colour, both now match (!)

Assembling a heap for the LOER contest (link in sig, as always)

Now it's a bit unstable - and hey, no-one really uses cds any more, right - so then, I had this idea post-suicide squad trailer:

Light-up goo!

Oh, and building up the bat family:

Damian fun to do. Batwoman reaaaaaaaaaally not. The joint is crazy: Right leg and base tab, then rest of model (including cape), head and left arm separate. Le sigh. Still, built now.

Baby still not here. Wife starting to look like a toffee/candy apple (I'm kind to you lot, aren't I?) that's slid down the stick. Anyway, we make progress while we can!
Later peeps, thanks for swinging by,
graven

Looking forward to this terrain, especially the Suicide Squad inspired vat of goo.

Slightly worried by the Batwoman assembly issues, I was planning to pick her up as she looks like she's going to be quite cool in the new Batman animated movie.

Thanks man. Yeah, sadly she is a pita.

Really having fun with this build:



Swat van is nearly done!


And, tidying up, opened a monopoly set that hasn't been opened in nearly 7 years -



Woo! Cobble stones and treadplate!

Nice updates (including status of 'to be born' mini Graven)

The repurposing is great. Looking forward to the progress

Swat van looks great. Now I have that music in my Head!!

Thanks chaps. Miniscule updates. Getting house, work, life in order for imminent arrival of little baby batgirl.

Working away at Ace Chem vat, gradually filling it with PVA in all the internal gaps. Pleased with how the control panel has turned out. All that's left is rivet strips up the sides of the tank, I think.




Of course there's also the surface of the liquid. That may be a certain hood shaped helmet that will be red in there.


Mmm, bubbly. I'm going to paint it as far as possible with a translucent green, so that the light from the led comes up through it.


Finished building one of my favourite models, Penguin’s Titan Thug:


A cracking pose, and surprisingly well balanced. He's not fantastic in-game, but does fill a neat points hole and has his uses (crowd control) - plus, I'm a completist

Now, on to Solomon Grundy. I've cut the gravestone from his right hand (which I'm not a fan of) to be replaced with chains - there's a great bit in Arkham Unhinged where Penguin has him chained up for pit fights. Presumably this also happens in one of the Arkham games?

Anyhoo, I have to decide on chains:

He has the "improvised weapon" rule so I kinda like the idea of having one fist wrapped in chain, possibly with the metal collar (thanks, Killer Croc!) on the end. However, I could cut it in half, perhaps? There's also the strip of chain, plus a bit from a menoth wrack. I quite like the idea of hanging chains; however, I am concerned that the jewellery chain, that I'm considering using won't match well. Any thoughts?
Hey ho, thanks as ever,
Graven

Rivets! Acid!

Nice, love the sinking Hood!

Grundy does indeed end up chained up by Penguin in Arkham City, and actually has wrecking ball on the end of his chains, for maximum Bat-bashing, maybe that's something you can do with that?

Ah, Paradigm beat me to it . Yeah I remember that battle, Grundy just keeps coming back.

I think the chains are a great idea, and they'll suit him better than the gravestone.

Wrecking balls sound like good idea, but there must be spray paint saying "Born on a Monday!" on them. Chem plant is looking fantastic .

Holy Bat Bashing Balls, Batman!

Nice work Graven. Vat is shaping up well.

One thing to keep in mind; with the lighting from underneath, the floating head will need a shadow to show that it has a body under the surface. Paint a black shape (oval will probably do) under the head, as in, under the lid to block some of the light and give the impression of something in the liquid. Or even, glue an oval of plastic under there to block more light. Probably needs some experimentation.

Thug and Grundy look great, chains is definitely the way to go.

Your vat is looking brilliant, excellent work, and great use of materials. The glowing goo FTW. definitely shaping up nicely. Those off cuts of MDF are seriously helpful.

Paradigm wrote:Nice, love the sinking Hood!

Grundy does indeed end up chained up by Penguin in Arkham City, and actually has wrecking ball on the end of his chains, for maximum Bat-bashing, maybe that's something you can do with that?

That is a genius idea!

hk1x1 wrote:Ah, Paradigm beat me to it . Yeah I remember that battle, Grundy just keeps coming back.

I think the chains are a great idea, and they'll suit him better than the gravestone.

Ok. I think I'll still use the bits from Killer Croc with some broken masonry.

Theophony wrote:Wrecking balls sound like good idea, but there must be spray paint saying "Born on a Monday!" on them. Chem plant is looking fantastic .

Thanks mate. I'll get one in somewhere

Briancj wrote:Holy Bat Bashing Balls, Batman!

Now where's my shark repellent bat spray?!

Dr H wrote:Nice work Graven. Vat is shaping up well.

One thing to keep in mind; with the lighting from underneath, the floating head will need a shadow to show that it has a body under the surface. Paint a black shape (oval will probably do) under the head, as in, under the lid to block some of the light and give the impression of something in the liquid. Or even, glue an oval of plastic under there to block more light. Probably needs some experimentation.

I think that's a really important point actually. I'll go for an oval of plastic.

Camkierhi wrote:Thug and Grundy look great, chains is definitely the way to go.

Your vat is looking brilliant, excellent work, and great use of materials. The glowing goo FTW. definitely shaping up nicely. Those off cuts of MDF are seriously helpful.

Thanks man. The offcuts are great for making me think! I'm tempted to make a doorway that is just entrance leading down, an exclusive door to the iceberg lounge...

Anyway, here we are with the vat:


And born on a... Sunday?!


Thanks for all your input on this folks. I'm really chuffed with how Grundy has turned out, and the vat is gathering pace.

To paint!
Cheers,
Graven

Grundy and the vat are looking very cool, looking forward to the painting part.

Born on a Sunday, Painted on Monday, Based on a Tuesday, Sealed on Wednesday?

Game on Thursday!

Looking great. What a fun piece of terrain!

GiraffeX wrote:Grundy and the vat are looking very cool, looking forward to the painting part.

Haha, you and me both

Paradigm wrote:Born on a Sunday, Painted on Monday, Based on a Tuesday, Sealed on Wednesday?

chance would be a fine thing!

Solar_lion wrote:Game on Thursday!

Looking great. What a fun piece of terrain!

I wish! And thanks

It's coming along :

Needs to be done soon. Although the contest doesn't end till the start of March, obviously I have other pressing matters
I think I'm going to add some signage. I'm debating graffiti - this isn't a completely abandoned section of the facility, after all.
Thoughts?
Cheers chaps
Graven

I just love the way that looks graven. Wonderfully gritty and realistic. You can make terrain for me any time!

Awesome! Assorted hazard signs would make a nice splash of colour, and maybe a newspaper or something (if you're printing, how about something with a wee picture of the Red Hood gang under the headline?)... Or perhaps the unmistakable yellow cover of 'Chemical Engineering For Dummies', if you want to add a touch of humour?

Gitsplitta wrote:I just love the way that looks graven. Wonderfully gritty and realistic. You can make terrain for me any time!

you are too kind my friend. And I've taken inspiration from you with how to do posters

Paradigm wrote:Awesome! Assorted hazard signs would make a nice splash of colour, and maybe a newspaper or something (if you're printing, how about something with a wee picture of the Red Hood gang under the headline?)... Or perhaps the unmistakable yellow cover of 'Chemical Engineering For Dummies', if you want to add a touch of humour?

Thanks, I've tried some ideas. I found a great "no putting your hand in the saw" sign but sadly, not for this.


So I think this may be it:



Thoughts?
I think we might be ready to start taking proper photos!

That's just excellent Graven. The little details like the safety signs and newspaper really add the extra level to it

Yeah, that's amazing! Really good piece there!

Bravo on the signage. It add a more " working " touch to the piece. Nice spot of rust adds a " splash" of color!

The signs are great... but the folded newspaper just sells it! You really have excelled graven, I think you've definitely found your niche.

Thanks so, so much chaps.
It's done, in no small part thanks to y'all.
LMK your thoughts, and on whether the pics are good enough:























Phew!

That's a lot o' pics

The surface, under the lid, is white to add reflectivity, and there is an oval disc on the reverse for the outline of Red Hood's body below the surface. Really pleased how it turned out

So, so cool! Though the idea of that iconic and quite brutal and dramatic scene with Adam West is rather amusing!

That looks fantastic Graven, really like how the light lights up the vat.

That is spectacular bud, really excellent piece.

Looks good old dirty, really good job on the weathering, and goo looks superb, so simple but soo effective.

You need one really good pick against a good (neutral) background so we can all vote on it and get you on the front page of the gallery.

Epically brilliant!

Wow, that's such a cool terrain piece. I love the amount of detail you've put into it.

Oooh! glowing green chemical goo!

Very cool, I hope you get re-enact the scene from the movie soon!

One itty bity thing to do with the signs- drip a little bit of ink down them, and peel up the edges just a tiny bit- maybe scrape off a corner or two. Signs like that in industrial areas are rarely fully intact.

That glowing vat is awesome. Great work as always, graven.

Paradigm wrote:So, so cool! Though the idea of that iconic and quite brutal and dramatic scene with Adam West is rather amusing!

I know, I know, but he's the only Batman I have painted up at present

GiraffeX wrote:That looks fantastic Graven, really like how the light lights up the vat.

Thanks bud. Still trying to work out if there's a better way to caputre the glow. Might try a longer exposure.

Camkierhi wrote:That is spectacular bud, really excellent piece.

Looks good old dirty, really good job on the weathering, and goo looks superb, so simple but soo effective.

Cheers, I am very happy with how the goo turned out, but I have used half a hundredweight of PVA and an entire tub of Nurgle's Rot to get there

Gitsplitta wrote:You need one really good pick against a good (neutral) background so we can all vote on it and get you on the front page of the gallery.

Okay can you define neutral? Black, or another colour? I reckon as it stands the best pic is this one:

That sort of angle?

Camkierhi wrote:

TP^DC Deputy Manager wrote:Epically brilliant!

Cheers mate

sockwithaticket wrote:Wow, that's such a cool terrain piece. I love the amount of detail you've put into it.

Thanks, just had to get it feeling right. I wasn't even sure the desk would work but I think it's nice to have a point of contrast with the rest of the piece.

shasolenzabi wrote:Oooh! glowing green chemical goo!

You can never have enough goo

Knightley wrote:Very cool, I hope you get re-enact the scene from the movie soon!

Me too! God only knows when I'll get a chance to play next, that's the thing.

Anvildude wrote:One itty bity thing to do with the signs- drip a little bit of ink down them, and peel up the edges just a tiny bit- maybe scrape off a corner or two. Signs like that in industrial areas are rarely fully intact.

Thanks man, appreciate that, I'll try it on the one on the reverse in the first instance and see how it turns out.

Warboss_Waaazag wrote:That glowing vat is awesome. Great work as always, graven.

Cheers amigo

Thanks one and all for your feedback and kind words, very humbled.

For interest's sake, here's what it's made from:
Cake board
CDs
CD holder
Lego Ladder
2 Slotta Bases
Cable tidy
Bendy Straw
MDF offcuts
Deadzone railing
Deadzone corners
Olive tub lid
LED
Cake dowel
Plasticard (plain/Treadplate)
Miscast mystery piece of FW resin
Sprue
Assorted GW oddments: Lights, a comms pack, some handles, a chimera plough bracket
Guitar wire
Paper
GS
PVA

Quite the build!

So from here on things are going to quite down a bit. Baby's still not here, but at least that's that done!

Cheers, and many many thanks once more,
Graven

That is one sweet looking piece of terrain.

EDC

^ Cheers bro.
@ Anvildude better?

Looks amazing. Lighting oh so Lovely!
Only critique would be to goo up the inside walls of the vat a bit.

^ Cheers! Fair comment, I shall add some gooey rivulets on the interior.

The problem with the light background is that it washes out all of the details and color on the actual model. Anything more neutral to dark (so... from tanks or greys on down) would reduce this effect.

OK. I can easily do black, red or blue?

Black then. The other colors will affect your camera's color processor. In general terms... you don't want the background to be more extreme than what you're taking a photo of. At least that's my experience.

That is just amazing, Graven. Amazing work.

Sign looks a lot better with the drips. I think those sorts of 'final detail' things are important for miniatures- stuff like dust traces and the effects of liquid and light weathering, instead of just physical and chemical weathering.

Gitsplitta wrote:Black then. The other colors will affect your camera's color processor. In general terms... you don't want the background to be more extreme than what you're taking a photo of. At least that's my experience.

OK, thanks mate for the advice.

Anpu-adom wrote:That is just amazing, Graven. Amazing work.

Cheers buddy.

Anvildude wrote:
Sign looks a lot better with the drips. I think those sorts of 'final detail' things are important for miniatures- stuff like dust traces and the effects of liquid and light weathering, instead of just physical and chemical weathering.

Indeed, and have now added more! Thanks bud.

So here's my final pics, I think. Please vote if you're so minded! I've also add more goo, corrosion and general damage as suggested.

Not sure which of these two is better as my Final Photo:




Is the one without batman slightly blurry? Can't tell any more.

Console


Glowy goo


Goo by night!


More corrosion around signs



Vat now with added drips



And lastly a view with the wip factory as a whole, which isn't for the contest but I just thought you might like to see.


So vote early, vote often, or something like that
Any suggestions for other angles or late alterations, just lmk!

Cheers y'all,
Graven

Graven - that vat is simply brilliant. seriously - great job there and the way it lights up/glows......fething inspirational!!! nice one fells

Voted! Don't give us a chioce. Pick the best one and post it. If there's more than one angle, blend them into a single shot and post that. The more photos you post, the more likely that the votes will get spread out and none of the pics will get enough votes to register.

Oh well, if you insist



I see folk are treating the first pic as the "primary" one. Works for me many thanks once more, chums.

Perfect!

Lovely job, time to vote

Gitsplitta wrote:Perfect!

High praise indeed!

Ruglud wrote:Lovely job, time to vote

Thanks man

Right. A question for you to consider: how should I paint my Arkham City Batman?


3 options:

Black and grey, like the game?
All black, like Nolan / Burton?
Or blue and grey, in classic comic style?

I do have another Batman, the Arkham Knight version, also, who's standing on a gargoyle (I'm leaning towards him being all black, but not set in stone).

Thanks, once more, for your thoughts!
Graven

I would go for black or black and grey...but would have my doubts because of my limitations as a painter. But given your past work you can pull it off.

That Vat is amazing, a beautiful piece of terrain.

All black with blue/grey highlight glazes. paint paint!!!!

My vote is a more classic comic blue and get, but unlike the Adam West one, a very, very dark blue (basically, start the cape from black and blend your way up to navy blue on the very extreme edges)

This might help, the AC in-game model with various different skins on. Might be some inspiration there:

OK guys, here's how we get that photo of that amazing terrain piece on the front page... it's a simple formula.

1) You vote on the photo.
2) You post here. The formula for the gallery is driven by a combination of votes and traffic.

Go!

Voted on the new pic, I'll say again that the piece itself is bloody fantastic!

Thanks chaps - you guys rule!

and voted - really is a cracking piece. be proud fella, ya made something fantastic

Thanks amigo!
I think I'm going the dark comic route. My childhood was shapes by Adams, Bolland and Lee's Knight in the comics so he's now got a dark blue glaze on the cape. We'll work from there!

Sounds good, can't get much more Batman than that classic, dark blue and grey!

The finished pics look amazing Graven, another vote added

The final shots were amazing. Very cool piece to add to the game.

Awesome Vat for the Bat

Good job on the vat, Graven. very effective all round.