 | White Dwarf has been a stable of Citadel Miniatures and Games Workshop for decades - so when Games Workshop announced they'd be moving to a weekly format there was some concern. I started getting White Dwarf back at #117 - back in the mists of time - so I have seen it go through many incarnations, good and bad! This incarnation is an entirely different kettle of fish... Going weekly would mean Games Workshop could get their new products and previews out there before they leak online, it would also give them the ability to change things or add to miniature waves without waiting for a month to pass. So today is the release day all over the world, so this morning I headed out to get my hands on it and report back - and you know, it's not all bad. Different, but not bad at all! |
~ WARNING - I am not a photographer, so expect dodgy pictures below ~
The first thing you notice is the paper stock - the cover is glossy and the insides are more matte, reminiscent of some of Games Workshops earlier off-shoot magazines to White Dwarf... but in colour!
 The initial layout is very like the old White Dwarf, with the index and small bits of info including the editor's spiel. |  Inside you find write ups from across the GW universe, including Black Library which is a nice addition - Black Library's website isn't great! |
This issue sees the introduction of the new Dwarves to WFB - and they're pretty nice!
Then we get nice splash pages on new products, well photographed but a little roughe rfefreshing to see paint jobs that look great, but aren't r than the smooth old White Dwarf and Warhammer Visions shots. As a painter, it's actually nice to see the minis without the complete smoothing effect.
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The same kind of close up shots you're used to in the old White Dwarf exist here showing the detail of the new minis up close and personal.
Despite being a more product-centric publication that Warhammer Visions, there isn't the big sales pitch.
Despite being a more product-centric publication that Warhammer Visions, there isn't the big sales pitch.
 |  Here's a familiar face! Could this be Gotrek of old? Pretty close to! Now have a look at the picture above, notice the miniature isn't as smooth as the usual photos? That my friend is a lack of smoothing via Photoshop. That is just a very talented painter blending and shading away. As I said above, it's kind of nice to see not every miniature is super-smooth, you can see the blending and highlighting like you can on our models at home. Interested to see if this trend continues. |
 Like Warhammer Visions, White Dwarf is also full of lovely pictures. |  ... and like Warhmmer Visions you get tutorials and painting related material. |
White Dwarf has also not ignored the gamer - there are articles on gaming and rules... they just aren't as photogenic as miniatures!
Verdict
As I said, I have been in and out of White Dwarf since #117 and at times been really angry with the change of directions - waiting for a magazine for a month and then having nothing to read in it was really crappy.
With this change to a weekly format, there should be something for everyone, AND the ability to show us new product, even teasers and previews will be great!
My only real concern is the direction - with Warhammer Visions and White Dwarf both doing painting - which one does the painter buy? If you're just into rules and the like, then White Dwarf is the way to go
I will pick up the next issue and see how this goes. I hope they work out which new magazine does what soon, and with a $6 AUD price tag each week, you';d hope they'd do it soon.
Overall, this is worth having a look at. You're not going to lose by doing so. But, as this is just issue 1, it would be unfair to truly judge it on it's debut.
What do you think?
Have you read it? Join the conversation!
With this change to a weekly format, there should be something for everyone, AND the ability to show us new product, even teasers and previews will be great!
My only real concern is the direction - with Warhammer Visions and White Dwarf both doing painting - which one does the painter buy? If you're just into rules and the like, then White Dwarf is the way to go
I will pick up the next issue and see how this goes. I hope they work out which new magazine does what soon, and with a $6 AUD price tag each week, you';d hope they'd do it soon.
Overall, this is worth having a look at. You're not going to lose by doing so. But, as this is just issue 1, it would be unfair to truly judge it on it's debut.
What do you think?
Have you read it? Join the conversation!
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