 | If you're a follower of Games Workshop and especially Jes Goodwin, Legendary GW concept designer, then you may already be aware of the Eldar jet bikes on pre-order this week. These jet bikes were first shown at Games Day in 2007 and have been vaguely available in all their glory from Russia (for some reason) over the past few years. 2007 was 8 years ago, and now finally here we are with the official release of the Eldar jet bikes, which are really just a cleaner version of the Dark Eldar Reavers which are totally awesome to build and paint!! This week's White Dwarf is pretty Eldar heavy with the release of the jet bikes and the Codex next week, but thankfully it's not all product related this week. There is also a look at how unit markings work in Eldar forces, specifically Guardians and tanks, a man-on-man between the Wraithlord and all comers and a beautifully painted Black Dragon in Hall of Fame! Do you want to know more? + + More After The Jump + + |
Before we get into the White Dwarf today, this is a shot of the original prototype shown in 2007.
As you can see - it is pretty much the same despite the alternate weapon options. The back blades do look a little larger on this prototype but it's hard to be sure...
As you can see - it is pretty much the same despite the alternate weapon options. The back blades do look a little larger on this prototype but it's hard to be sure...
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The Eldar Windriders are the vanguard of any Eldar attack force. Similar in function to their Dark Eldar Reaver cousins, these guys swoop into battle causing havoc and mayhem while inflicting heavy casualties on infantry and light vehicles. Then they are gone as the main Eldar force moves in.
The model itself has all the hallmarks of Jes Goodwin Eldar despite the fact that there is no designer credited or Designer Notes in the back of the issue, a trend that seems to be sadly standard recently.
The only thing that breaks from Eldar traditional design is the Scatter Laser (top right) which looks like an ugly hybrid between Tau and Imperium technology frankly.
That being said I loved building my Dark Eldar Reavers, so these would be great fun to make and paint!
The model itself has all the hallmarks of Jes Goodwin Eldar despite the fact that there is no designer credited or Designer Notes in the back of the issue, a trend that seems to be sadly standard recently.
The only thing that breaks from Eldar traditional design is the Scatter Laser (top right) which looks like an ugly hybrid between Tau and Imperium technology frankly.
That being said I loved building my Dark Eldar Reavers, so these would be great fun to make and paint!
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The Farseer Skyrunner - the majestic Eldar Lord - sits majestically on his jet bike, totally in character with his role. This kit can either make the Farseer Skyrunner or the Warlock Skyrunner (below). To be honest I think these look like conversions, not legit Games Workshop characters. They look like poses from years ago, not the dynamic work we are used to these days.
The Autarch has taken the Path of the Swooping Hawks and would fit perfectly amongst their ranks as a leader and hero. He does however look like he's about to walk up some steps. His pose looks clumsy and very stiff for a character who should be so fluid. Disappointing.
Codex Craftrworlds gives the background to 11 different Craftworlds amongst the other background and rules in a sizable 160 page volume.
Their constant use of the word "Craftworlds" leads me to think there might be further Eldar Codex in the waiting, maybe not as big but certainly around. Hands up who wants to see Codex Eldar Exodites?
Their constant use of the word "Craftworlds" leads me to think there might be further Eldar Codex in the waiting, maybe not as big but certainly around. Hands up who wants to see Codex Eldar Exodites?
Along with your standard edition there is also the Farseer Edition with extra stuff. Also look out for the Datacards: Craftworlds - with the use of psychic powers by the Eldar these are sure to go quickly!
Also up for pre-order this week, Valedor in paperback and Corax: Soulforge.
Also up for pre-order this week, Valedor in paperback and Corax: Soulforge.
Hello Forge World! Bring us your goodies. The Matrix hits the 40K universe with these Scyllax Guardian -Automata... I'm sorry but can I just say that this is where Games Workshop needs to stop complaining about people taking their Intellectual Property. Putting a Bolter in the hands or soemthing that is so obviosuly taken straight out of The Matrix movies is really not right. If they want to do that, then fine, but don't go picking on Chapterhouse or other small manufacturers if you're going to do the same thing and worse.
Oh, and there's a large tank with a really small turret!! Urgh. THAT'S NOT A STORMHAMMER!
That being said, the pictures are very clear and give you a good look at some of the detail on the miniatures which is a really good sign of improvement in this section.
Oh, and there's a large tank with a really small turret!! Urgh. THAT'S NOT A STORMHAMMER!
That being said, the pictures are very clear and give you a good look at some of the detail on the miniatures which is a really good sign of improvement in this section.
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This is where it all comes together for the Eldar - the Warhost! Find out all you need to know including how their markings work, their force organisation and some pretty pictures!
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Hall of Fame can have some really great miniatures and this week is a perfect example. The time spent on the skin and armour of this miniature is truly impressive. This is really quite amazing!
White Dwarf have recently been doing this man-on-man thing where they take a Monstrous Creature (as the Wraithknight now is) and throwing it up against other large dudes (and dudettes). With added D Weapons this thing is now quite beastly it seems!
Want a sneak peak at the rules? Here you go.
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This week Paint Splatter is pretty ordinary! Have a look at the right. Is that not one of the worst drybrushing attempts you have ever seen? What the?
This is quite an ordinary looking tutorial and I'm sure the miniature looks better in person, but this doesn't do it any favours at all!
This is quite an ordinary looking tutorial and I'm sure the miniature looks better in person, but this doesn't do it any favours at all!
Verdict
Okay - here's my theory: Games Workshop have been sitting on this Eldar release for a while - if the jet bike is anything to go by, quite a while. New jet bikes are cool and I really like them, but the character models with them are pretty boring and the Autarch is just naff!!
As far as this issue goes, they cover the basics pretty well. The Craftworld section is good as a primer, but the only other real piece of content is the Wraithknight fight and the Hall of Fame. That really doesn't leave you much, especially if you don't love Eldar!
Frankly I think they need Phil Kelly or Jes Goodwin to write up something on the Eldar because I just get the feeling that the people writing about it get part of the Eldar story but not all of it. It's all a bit angsty and removed. It's hard to identify with and lacks the magical/ majestic element to the original Eldar story.
Sure, they are the remnants of their kind, but I don't want to jump off a building after reading about them!
I want to think they are awesome and build an army, a Craftworld of my own, design iconography, get into their heads. There's just this feeling of despair I get when I read about them these days and that's just not right - they're elves in space for frakk's sake!
I put this issue in the ordinary category.
As far as this issue goes, they cover the basics pretty well. The Craftworld section is good as a primer, but the only other real piece of content is the Wraithknight fight and the Hall of Fame. That really doesn't leave you much, especially if you don't love Eldar!
Frankly I think they need Phil Kelly or Jes Goodwin to write up something on the Eldar because I just get the feeling that the people writing about it get part of the Eldar story but not all of it. It's all a bit angsty and removed. It's hard to identify with and lacks the magical/ majestic element to the original Eldar story.
Sure, they are the remnants of their kind, but I don't want to jump off a building after reading about them!
I want to think they are awesome and build an army, a Craftworld of my own, design iconography, get into their heads. There's just this feeling of despair I get when I read about them these days and that's just not right - they're elves in space for frakk's sake!
I put this issue in the ordinary category.
So what do you think? Are the Eldar a lost cause or a civilisation on the rise? Is this their time?
With the Harlequins back and Chaos looking likely to breach the Warp again can the Eldar step up to the plate or just feel sorry for themselves and drop like flies?
With the Harlequins back and Chaos looking likely to breach the Warp again can the Eldar step up to the plate or just feel sorry for themselves and drop like flies?
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