Bombshell Babes, Kickstarter complete, Webstore now open for business

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**Azazelx**

Sculptdude wrote:

That reference was inspirational. Can you give me an example of a character that you would like to see produced? You won't even need to back the "Design Your own Babe" level to suggest it. We have a pending list of characters way beyond what has been posted so far, so I would like to know from the collective here what you guys would like to see produced.

Take something like this.

or this:

Increase the bust slightly. Unhelmeted head with pony tail, or baseball cap with ponytail through the cap-hole

Voila! Female modern combatant who looks realistic, reasonable feminine, and not like a stripper's costume. Not everything needs to be tits-out or wearing a crop-top, after all. Not that I dislike that sort of thing, but there's already plenty out there. You might even get more women buying the figures(!)

**Pacific**

I agree it would be nice to see more of that type of figure, something less overtly sexualised, but in this case (and especially considering the title and listed aims of the KS) I feel it would be kind of like asking Playboy magazine to feature more photos of smart metrosexual women wearing trousers!

Think some of these look like fun anyway, and the low pledge amount for a mini or two is quite nice, can see them making quite nice gift/display pieces!

**Azazelx**

Outside the scope? Really?

For several years now I have been wanting to launch a new boutique line of miniatures featuring strong female characters. Although I'm using terms like "Bombshell" and "Babes" to describe the line, these characters are much more than either of those outdated terms.

"Strong female characters" must be dressed in hot pants and tank tops?

I linked the Hasslefree minis because they look much more aboe to be distinguishable as female/women than this while still looking "realistic".

then again - you could be right. There seems a slight disconnect between the phrase "Bombshell Babes" and their stated aims. While Tank Girl and The Girl and Barbarian Babe aren't exactly a stretch towards new ground.

**Pacific**

scipio.au wrote:

"Strong female characters" must be dressed in hot pants and tank tops?

Yes. Or a loin cloth.

**Buzzsaw**

Sculptdude wrote:
... Can you give me an example of a character that you would like to see produced? You won't even need to back the "Design Your own Babe" level to suggest it. We have a pending list of characters way beyond what has been posted so far, so I would like to know from the collective here what you guys would like to see produced.

There is one particular mini that I would be delighted to see: an unarmored, unarmed female suitable for use as a monk/martial artist type character. I'm thinking a women ith the proportions of an MMA fighter, (Kyra Gracie, of the Gracie jujitsu dynasty shown below left), or Ronda Rousey (somewhat hyperbolically named by Rolling stone as "best female fighter ever", although extra special bonus points for her views on Kardasians though, below right and center).

In a pose similar to that of the immortal Bruce Lee (q.v. his statue outside Hong Kong);

That sort of outfit; simple shoes, those slightly bloused, loose pants for fighting (a bra or breast band, of course) would be awesome. As the pictures above show, women fighters have a particular look, with a very toned core, but also a bit more heft in the shoulders, upper arms and back then any of the shown examples (indeed, then any female minis I've managed to find).

Now, I realize that "The Girl" is already kinda a martial arts-y figure, but she appears to have very delicate proportions, a sword (obviously) and a kind of specific fantasy garb that makes her look a bit more... exotic? More specific to a particular place and time, and definitely not the proportions or stance that has eluded me.

I'm thinking more a female equivalent to the characters Bruce Lee played in... well, everything, or Kain from Kung-Fu; the itinerant martial artist adventurer.

Just something I've been looking for for a while.

**H.B.M.C.**

Ironic that we're saying "realistic women wearing clothes that seem practical" and you post a pic of a woman who is literally wearing nothing at all!

**Buzzsaw**

H.B.M.C. wrote:
Ironic that we're saying "realistic women wearing clothes that seem practical" and you post a pic of a woman who is literally wearing nothing at all!

Well, it does make anatomy a tad easier to see, wouldn't you agree?

Also, the argument for "practical clothing" is just one of those interminable arguments that seems to hang around Dakka like smoke in a bar. Personally, I do not see "practical clothing" as in the spirit of this kickstarter, to be honest, given, well, all the examples of art posted in the kickstarter.

Rather then get into an argument, I think we can stipulate that this is not the kickstarter for people looking for ultra-realistic true-scale minis.

**Dentry**

I believe the reason all of this came up, Buzzsaw, was because of this:

Sculptdude wrote:
That reference was inspirational. Can you give me an example of a character that you would like to see produced? You won't even need to back the "Design Your own Babe" level to suggest it. We have a pending list of characters way beyond what has been posted so far, so I would like to know from the collective here what you guys would like to see produced.

They want to see what the collective wants - makes sense, give people what they want and they'll buy it - so people are just shooting out ideas. You shouldn't confuse sensible or not overtly-sexualized with ultra-realistic, either, they're different.

Suggestion:

I would like to see a sci-fi female combat medic. Think fem-Apothecary. Essentially, a front-line combatant that doubles as a doctor/medic; so not just a simple triage nurse or field doctor or red cross insignia planted somewhere on her person, but a tough as nails regular soldier with tools of her trades (killing and healing) evident on her.

**Sculptdude**

Buzzsaw wrote:
Rather then get into an argument, I think we can stipulate that this is not the kickstarter for people looking for ultra-realistic true-scale minis.

Right! All of our models are intentionally stylized and exaggerated for heroic presence when they are 1.5" tall and viewed from the tabletop.

Having said that, you all have posted GREAT examples of exactly the kinds of figures we want to make. I don't think they will be as "realistic" as a Tom Meier sculpt, but the quality should be comparable to what Dark Sword is putting out, because I sculpt for them.

I love the boxer character idea as well as the reference for it. I feel she is attired appropriately for stepping in the ring, but she's gonna need some shorts. We already have a Modern/Sci-fi Marine-style figure in the works and I'm waiting on art to come in from the designer. I don't know if any of you have seen the current posted art on the project, but I think what is represented is far from glassy-eyed, tits-out, vapid sex objects. Other Armed Forces characters are also in the works but we have to start somewhere.

As far as the "a la cart" pledging - it work exactly as described. You can back for $1 and then add on as many things from the Additional Support list for the amounts listed. Maelee has an assistant we'll throw in for free, if we can get to that point. Weapon/accessory sprues in metal are planned. Giant resin robots and a rocket bike are planned. Also - we have some freebies we're going to add on to the Babes at every level if we reach our funding goal today!

And we're getting really close . . .

**Buzzsaw**

Sculptdude wrote:
Buzzsaw wrote:
Rather then get into an argument, I think we can stipulate that this is not the kickstarter for people looking for ultra-realistic true-scale minis.

Right! All of our models are intentionally stylized and exaggerated for heroic presence when they are 1.5" tall and viewed from the tabletop.

Having said that, you all have posted GREAT examples of exactly the kinds of figures we want to make. I don't think they will be as "realistic" as a Tom Meier sculpt, but the quality should be comparable to what Dark Sword is putting out, because I sculpt for them.

I love the boxer character idea as well as the reference for it. I feel she is attired appropriately for stepping in the ring, but she's gonna need some shorts. We already have a Modern/Sci-fi Marine-style figure in the works and I'm waiting on art to come in from the designer. I don't know if any of you have seen the current posted art on the project, but I think what is represented is far from glassy-eyed, tits-out, vapid sex objects. Other Armed Forces characters are also in the works but we have to start somewhere.

Thanks for the clarity! Oooh, you know what would be awesome, a martial artist in hakama! You'd have the market to yourself!

Sculptdude wrote:
As far as the "a la cart" pledging - it work exactly as described. You can back for $1 and then add on as many things from the Additional Support list for the amounts listed. Maelee has an assistant we'll throw in for free, if we can get to that point. Weapon/accessory sprues in metal are planned. Giant resin robots and a rocket bike are planned. Also - we have some freebies we're going to add on to the Babes at every level if we reach our funding goal today!

And we're getting really close . . .

I can almost taste those metal minis. Mmm... tinny.

Also, you had me at "giant resin robots".

**Azazelx**

Sculptdude wrote:

And we're getting really close . . .

Put a link to your kickstarter in your sig. One of your banners!

**Buzzsaw**

Aaaaaaaaaaand, Funded!

Now, to see how high the ladder goes...

**Mathieu Raymond**

I'm tempted. The wife approves of my choice of miniatures. (Betty, Sally and Maelee) So I might very well be into this one as well.

Kickstarter, what have you done to me?!!?!?!?

**Dentry**

Mathieu Raymond wrote:
I'm tempted. The wife approves of my choice of miniatures. (Betty, Sally and Maelee) So I might very well be into this one as well.

Kickstarter, what have you done to me?!!?!?!?

Robbed you. That's the answer you were looking for. Kickstarter has robbed you... of self control! Yeah, highfive!

**Sculptdude**

We have reached our funding goal of $20,000 in only 60 hours! You guys are fantastic! I am amazed at the enthusiasm and support for our project. We are all very excited here to bring everyone the absolute best possible figures we can create.

Read more of our Official Update™ #3

**helium42**

Very cool. Must scratch up enough to get in on the $100 level.

**Buzzsaw**

Congratulations again Keith!

I must say, the larger art in the concept gallery is just great. If I wasn't already sunk, Sally here would have done me in;

Work well over the weekend, we're chomping at the bit to see these ladies in the proverbial "flesh".

Edit: for those that don't pore over the OP, the feature probably most important to those wavering on pledges;

NEWS
I was contacted by Valiant Enterprises yesterday about our casting needs. The specifics are still being worked out, but we are looking at making a deal with them to have our resin pieces cast by them. Reaper Miniatures will be handing the metal production for all of the main Babe models.

As your first perk for jumping in early and backing the project to completion way before the deadline, we will upgrade EVERY Babe model with a resin scenic base insert! That's right, all of the Babe models will now come with a resin base insert that will have unique terrain features appropriate to the characters. The base insert will be scaled to fit inside of the depression on a 30mm premium round-lipped base common to many tabletop games. I have created numerous base inserts just like these for Wyrd Miniatures and we are happy to be able to include them with each of our Babe models.

**deleted20250424**

Buzzsaw wrote:
If I wasn't already sunk, Sally here would have done me in;

Lies!

Everyone knows that Meagan and Betty are the best!!!

Although that Sally mini is pretty awesome too.

**BobtheInquisitor**

My wife wants to know what the odds are of you sculpting a model of a successful business woman nursing her child...

EDIT: I'm pretty sure she'd be cool if you threw a gun or a sword into her free hand.

**Sculptdude**

Although I have to agree, a strong iconic female character would definitely be a business woman nursing her child, I'm not sure what genre we could drop that into . . .

**MeanGreenStompa**

Actually a decently sculpted business woman with a suitable pose (optional clipboard/mobile phone/handcannon) would be remarkably useful for roleplayer characters or as I might use her, a Liquidations Accountant from the Administratum (counts as Commissar).

**Buzzsaw**

There was an FAQ put up yesterday taht I missed, that I think really increases the value of some pledge levels;

If I pledge and select a reward that includes a shirt, can I trade the shirt for a different reward?

Yes. You may choose two additional Babes instead of the shirt for backer levels that include a shirt. At the end of the project we will send a survey to all backers and if you choose a shirt you can indicate the size at that time. If you select not to get the shirt you can indicate which Babes you would rather get instead.

**BobtheInquisitor**

Sculptdude wrote:
Although I have to agree, a strong iconic female character would definitely be a business woman nursing her child, I'm not sure what genre we could drop that into . . .

"Urban"?

Considering some of the crazy stuff that makes it into most "Zombie Survivor" or "Post-Apoc" ranges (street pimps, clown samurai, etc.), a figure that represents a significant demographic in modern society should be a piece of cake.

EDIT: Even without the baby, I doubt we'll ever see a successful modern woman who isn't some kind of cheesecake fetish.

**BrookM**

I'd say an excellent addition to 7TV as administrator or unassuming super-spy.

**Grot 6**

Are they taking suggestions?

I'd like to see a character Like Dita Von Teese with some weapons that looks like this.

http://www.dita.net/galleries.php

Maybe give her a "The Shadow" look, or add in a pet Ghost, or something. That Black and White in the Dress looks cool, too. Maybe even give her a Pet Zombie or something. (that Modern Necromancer look.)

As to the "Strong" females... How about doing some like a Replicant, from Aliens. The one that Wynona Ryder played. Then there was every 13 year olds fantasy from back in the day-

Adrien Barbau. Put her in anything. People really got chibi over her in my day.

Maybe do Female versions of Action star heros.

Either the individuals, such as like using the exact opposite of the characters, ( Make Detective Joan McClain- Die hard)( The Hellcat- Chick Nora) ( Robocop- A female version of Alice Murphy)

Or you can do Teams, such as change out The A Team, or The Expendables heros for the ladies.

Other ones, I'd like to see are some of the singers from the Psychobilly Gener.

Hellcat, from The Creepshow, Patrica Day, from The Horror pops, Mad Marge. Imellda May. Just give them some weaponry, but keep them in thier regular gear.

Another bad assed idea would be to do a Cal MacDonald/ Mordac team in Female version.

Yeah.... that might be pretty cool.

**BrookM**

New update up, this thread gets a mention at the bottom of the post: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bombshellminis/bombshell-babes/posts/305014?ref=activity

**Mathieu Raymond**

I just got approved for a pledge from the central bank of my appartment. W00t!

**drazz**

I'm loving this project. Great artists, great sculptors, and the creators are not only communicating with the backers, but actively asking for ideas.

Not to mention, I'm impressed by the increases already given: custom bases for each model, an additional model added to the marquis model, and a trade-in option for the t-shirt.

I soooo want this one to grow and have these guys be successful.

**Buzzsaw**

A great Update, So I'll take the liberty of lifting most all of it!

Thank you, Backers!

Reaching our funding goal and unlocking our first stretch goal within 5 days is very exciting! You have helped make The Girl available as our first stretch goal reward to be added as an additional Babe reward selection. Now every backer level that has a Babes option as a reward selection will get to include The Girl as one of their choices. But that's not all!

As a bonus for reaching our first stretch goal we have added the HLpR Bot as an assistant to every Maelee model. Every Maelee will now come with this scrappy little sidekick to help her with her many repair tasks. HLpR is like a Swiss Army Knife of hidden appendage tools, access interface ports and retro rocket boosters.

__________________________________
Stretch Goal - $30,000 Betty and Shrapnel

If we reach this funding goal Betty & Shrapnel will be available as a regular Babes choice for backer levels that have Babes choices as an option. There will also be an additional perk for the Babes that will be added at that time.
__________________________________
NEWS

Initial progress is coming along nicely on the sculpts. Most of the armatures are made and bulked out for all the initial Babes. Here are a few work-in-progress shots.

Some folks were asking for a size comparison of the sculpts so I picked a couple of popular Dark Sword and Reaper Miniatures to show how Maelee stacks up.
__________________________________
HELP WANTED

As Bombardiers you can help us by hitting some of the forums and chatting about what is going on over here in Backerville. A lot of the great ideas and discussions about possible releases would be a great way to keep the topics bumped to the top of the list and encourage other folks to check out the awesomeness in the works.

Here are some topics on many of the popular miniatures forums that are already buzzing and some that could use a little stimulation.

DakkaDakka
Chest of Colors
CoolMini or Not
Frothers Unite
Reaper Forums
WAMP

If you find any others on the vastness of the interwebs share them in our Project Comments section so we can all join in the discussions.

Also, many of you are Facebook and Google+ participators. Hop on over and "Like" our Facebook page and try to share as many of the Official Updates™ with your friends as you can.

Thanks again everyone for the fantastic support and enthusiasm that has gotten our project off to a great start! Looking forward to making Betty & Shrapnel along with many others available to you.

- Patrick
The Sculptdude

**Sculptdude**

Holy Cow ! You guys are on top of it!

I was just on my way to drop off some BB Code when I see you beat me to the update. Well done!

Keep the ideas coming, too! It feeds the artists chained under my workbench!