 | In a weekend where a bumper White Dwarf launching a huge change to the universe with a free miniature attached to the front is also release, Warhammer Visions #18 was bound to get left behind in terms of hype. That being said, this issue has all the ingredients that should make it successful; lots of 40k! 40K seems to be the big seller in terms of publications. Maybe this will change with the launch of Warhammer Age of Sigmar, but the iconic Space Marine rules supreme in terms of popularity. Last month saw the release of new Devastators, new Assault Marines, Space Marine Upgrade Kits, the Dark Angels Interrogator Chaplain, and a new Librarian! That's quite a bit and it should be a recipe for a great issue full of 40K-porn, but there's just something lacking. There are definitely some bright points though! + + More After The Jump + + |
 |  |
As far as the New Releases section goes, this is packed full of Space Marines.
With so many Space Marine releases last month it was always going to be the way!
Unfortunately the images, in relation to past issues, really aren't that crash-hot. Some of them are quite dark to the point where the colours are blown out (above left), not doing the miniatures any justice at all.
There are some nice little shots though including the Raven Guard Assault Marines (above right) and some big spreads of the Ultramarines 3rd Company which is so clear and to a very high standard.
There's some extra shots of the Space Marine Upgrade Kits, but many of the Devastator, L:ibrarian and Interrogator Chaplain images are recycled from White Dwarf.
Considering, this would have also been an opportunity to throw in a page from the new Space Marine Codex of Marine markings, and even though I'm not a fan of reprinting, maybe even the one out of White Dwarf #71 which was really concise and well done.
With so many Space Marine releases last month it was always going to be the way!
Unfortunately the images, in relation to past issues, really aren't that crash-hot. Some of them are quite dark to the point where the colours are blown out (above left), not doing the miniatures any justice at all.
There are some nice little shots though including the Raven Guard Assault Marines (above right) and some big spreads of the Ultramarines 3rd Company which is so clear and to a very high standard.
There's some extra shots of the Space Marine Upgrade Kits, but many of the Devastator, L:ibrarian and Interrogator Chaplain images are recycled from White Dwarf.
Considering, this would have also been an opportunity to throw in a page from the new Space Marine Codex of Marine markings, and even though I'm not a fan of reprinting, maybe even the one out of White Dwarf #71 which was really concise and well done.
Forge World stepped up this month giving us a good close look at the Plasma Hellfire Deredeo and Samus, who seemed to come and go with very little fanfare!
 |  |
Army of the Month is Chris Peach's massive Empire force. This is obviosuly a force collected over many years by the look of the inclusion of the old school Dogs of War Regiment Braganza's Besieger's Crossbow unit - one of my absolute favourites from the Warhammer line. There's a tonne of nice minis and characters in here including the awesome Giant (above right). So cool!! An unusual force, but well worth a look!
Golden Demon 2014 is from Warhammer Fest 2014. As usual some very nice miniatures in here, specifically in terms of units and dioramas.
War Machines first turned up a few months ago showing off the range of vehicles from across the universe.
The professional get a look in with the spotlight on their work, varied as it is. It's interesting to compare it to the next section...
... because although not necessarily as polished as the professionals, but Readers Parade Ground has some really imaginative, interesting models. It would be great to see the armies around these characters!
Armies of the Imperium is (as last time) a showcase of Imperial Might! What is interesting in this section - which is really just filler - is the difference in the photography. The armies were obviously not all photographed at once, and again there are beautiful crisp shots followed by some really dark blown out shots. It's a bit of a shame! they can't all be good...
The Lords of War section highlights some of the "mightiest heroes" in some different schemes which work better than you might have thought. Orange assassins? It does work!
It does kind of feel like we've seen this all before though, which is a pity because these miniatures are very well done, but also so easy to flick passed!
It does kind of feel like we've seen this all before though, which is a pity because these miniatures are very well done, but also so easy to flick passed!
 |  |
Blanchitsu throws up some really great minis, Tammy Nicholls' clandestine unit of Dark Eldar are some of the coolest. These were first spotted in the preview for this issue and I couldn't wait to see them. Such a very cool idea! It doesn't say who they are allied with, or even if they are Dark Eldar. Seriously one of my favourite units from this section of the magazine EVER!!
John Blanche also gets his very muddy looking "genetically modified space vampires". Using a restricted palette of ochre, they almost look sepia as if from an old film (below).
John Blanche also gets his very muddy looking "genetically modified space vampires". Using a restricted palette of ochre, they almost look sepia as if from an old film (below).
There's also a Paint Splatter up the back with some nice simple Space Marine hints and tips.
Have to give them credit for putting it in.
Have to give them credit for putting it in.
Verdict
Why can't the the photography always be excellent?It's what makes the magazine, so please - nice clear images without blown out colour. I know it's a style, but for the miniatures i'm not entirely sure it works.
I'll be honest, I'm only buying this for continuity - but as the average punter - I would be looking at dumping this like a hot potato! I just want it to be so much better...!
This issue had a great army and a cool Blanchitsu section, but as far as highlights go, that was it.
Also think about this; the two stand out parts of this issue weren't generated by Games Workshop. They were individual's armies using their own imagination. Maybe that's what Warhammer Visions is missing!
I'll be honest, I'm only buying this for continuity - but as the average punter - I would be looking at dumping this like a hot potato! I just want it to be so much better...!
This issue had a great army and a cool Blanchitsu section, but as far as highlights go, that was it.
Also think about this; the two stand out parts of this issue weren't generated by Games Workshop. They were individual's armies using their own imagination. Maybe that's what Warhammer Visions is missing!
RSS Feed