Zero Day

I finished watching the Netflix series Zero Day last night.  WOW!!!!  Great plot, script, acting (from DeNiro across the board)!!!  The entire series is riveting and keeps you guessing until the very end.  What makes it that much more intense is the plausibility of it.  I don't want to give away any details in the event you decide to watch it.  It is well worth the time.

For those of you who are more politically aware, you'll start to pick up the thinly veiled parallels to the current administration.  Many of the current casts of characters have counterparts in the series.  Any Sex Pistols fans out there will appreciate the inclusion of the song Who Killed Bambi?

That's all for now.  Remember to be good to each other.

Mars Attacks

These little green men are from the Mars Attacks game by Mantic Games.  I kept the paint scheme as close to the images I saw online from the movie.  Overall, I pretty happy with the end result.

Our Martian friends (foes) are joined by a trio of other aliens.  The one in the middle is a Shangheili figure from the Halo Board Game.  The two figures on either side of it are Kasatha Operatives by Starfinder Battles

Get ready Space Force, it seems like an alien invasion is eminent!  Look to the skies!!!!

Misfits*

Last night I watched Thunderbolts* on Disney+.  I was a big fan on the team when Marvel launched it way back in 1997.  That team was made up of a bunch of criminals disguising themselves as heroes in a time when the Avengers were nowhere to be found.

This new team is made up of B-List Heroes with a ton of baggage.  The new Black Widow, U.S. Agent, the Red Guardian, Ghost, the Winter Soldier, and Sentry are manipulated by Allegra de Fontaine into first fighting each other, and then coming together to save New York.  

I'm sorry but this film just didn't work for me.  Taskmaster ( a great Marvel character) was killed off in like the first 10 minutes of the film. What a waste!  The Red Guardian got on my last nerve in a hurry. Bucky, a U.S. Congressman, what???  I never cared for the Sentry character and after the film I like him even less.  The story was just too cheesy to be good.

On the upside, Florence Pugh's acting was fabulous.  Kudos to Julia Louis-Dreyfus as well.  Hannah John-Kamen did a great job as Ghost who was constantly saving the team's backsides throughout the film. (I love this character and would like to see more of her in the future.) 

SO, fan boys and girls, that's my 2 cents on the film for what it's worth.  Peace, Out, Sauerkraut! 

We Are The Robots

The Robots was a great song by Kraftwerk from their The Man-Machine Album back in 1978. I thought it was a fitting reference for today's topic: Kastelan Robots (with their Cybernetica Datasmith).  I bought this set on eBay a few weeks ago after seeing a fully painted model of one of the robots on Bluesky.

I decided to do a full repaint/paint and am super pleased at how the figures turned out.  The 2 robots are basically an antique gold paint scheme with black accents. The Datasmith was painted similarly to images of it I saw online.

 

Matching the way the one finished base looked was a bit challenging, but I think I rose to the occasion. Check out the pics.  I hope you like 'em.  Stay safe out there, folks!

Monkey Business

In honor of the new Fantastic 4 movie, I thought I'd share some of my recent purchases.  The Red Ghost and his Super Apes were favorites of mine from back in the day (1970s).  I loved when they appeared in the animated cartoon at the time.  You have to remember the Cold War was on and the battle between Democracy and Communism was in full swing.  The Soviet scientist, Ivan Kragoff, wanted to beat the U.S. to the moon (Space Race), like the Fantastic Four, his spacecraft was bombarded with Cosmic Rays giving he and his apes super powers.  

I got all four HeroClix figures from Noble Knight Games.  Pictured below (L to R): Peotr, Mikhlo, Ivan, Igor.  For more information on the Red ghost and his Super Apes click here: Red Ghost

Heady Situation

I've been wanting a cave for my Orcs for some time.  I was going to make one out of Crayola Magic Model Clay but decided the better of it.  I found a resin aquarium piece on eBay for a reasonable price and decided to go for it.  The piece was not in the greatest shape.  I added a couple of rocks and gave it a coat of gray paint.  When it dried, I gave it a wash with some brownish-black paint.  I went back in and dry brushed it with a grayish-tan color.  I clear-coated it with a matte spray.  I love the way it turned out.

Here is the final product staged with a Hydra figure I bought at Target years ago.  The Greek soldiers fighting it are from the Heroscape Sacred Band unit.  Take a gander.  Hope you like it.

Spaced Out

On December 9, 1965 a strange object flew through the sky over Western Pennsylvania.  It zig-zagged a few times before it descended and eventually crashed in the woods near the small rural community of Kecksburg, PA.  The object had been spotted over Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan prior to its crash.  Locals at the time claim to have seen a seamless metallic object shaped like an acorn with some type of hieroglyphics on its exterior sticking out of the ground.  Some even claim to have seen some type of creature emerge from the object.

Soon after the crash reports of the U.S. Military began arriving on the scene. The area was coordained off  and civilians were told to stay out.  Various stories from the time indicate that NASA personnel were present and various other government agencies.  Reports that two flatbed trucks eventually hauled off what was in the woods.

Cameras and film taken of the object were confiscated.  Reports of the incident went missing.  Locals were told to keep their mouths shut about what they has seen.  In the days that followed, the media reported that it might have been debris from a satellite or even from a Soviet Space Craft.

Multiple investigations have been done over the years but none have proven conclusive.  Speculation as to what the object really was continues to this day.

Which leads me to the present.  Each July for the past  20 years the community has held a Kecksburg U.F.O. Festival.  This year I finally made up my mind to go.  It didn't disappoint.  I enjoyed checking out the goods of many of the vendors (arts, crafts, many U.F.O. and alien themed items, Big Foot statues, and my favorite, tinfoil hats (Hey, ya can't be too careful!  Swing away, Merrell!).  There was a ton of great food to try. ( Kudos to the Hot Sausage vendor!)  There was a hot dog eating contest, a hay bale toss, live music, and lectures on the incident (I got to hear Stan Gordon speak today.) 

All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience.  The weather held up. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits.  It was great to look at all the different t-shirts and talk  with like-minded folks.  As I was leaving, a guy said to me, "Hey! I remember you.  I saw you that night coming out of the spacecraft."  I laughed and said, "Don't say that too loud.  I might have to mindwipe you."  I don't think he thought I was kidding.  I saw him go buy a tinfoil hat.👽

If you would like more information click here: Kecksburg U.F.O. Incident.  

Welcome to the Jungle

I finished my jungle terrain project.  It was exactly what I hoped it would be.  It allowed me to be creative and challenged me to get the right array of plants together to get that full jungle look and feel.  I am stoked at how they turned out.

Twenty one-of-kind handmade hand-painted jungle terrain pieces were assembled when all was said and done.  Here's a pic for you to check out.  I used HeroClix Alien and Predator figures for scale.  You can take a look at them (Maybe buy some??!!) on eBay: Jungle Terrain

These pieces will be great for historical, fantasy, and sci-fi wargaming.  They could be used with 15mm, 20mm, 28mm, and 32mm scale figures.  I suppose they could also be used as islands for naval miniature games as well.

It's a Jungle Out There

For the past year or so, I have been thinking about a new project to engage the more creative side of myself.  If you recall, I made custom Sci Fi / D & D Spider Miniature Sets a while back.  After careful consideration, I have decided to embark upon a quest to make miniature wargaming terrain...specifically jungle terrain.

I have been gathering supplies for some time now: glues, plastic, Plaster of Paris, small plastic plants, Styrofoam, paints, dried roots, Spanish Moss, Modge Podge, hobby rocks and gravel, etc.  After some online research, I am ready to take on the task.

The bases are finished.  All handmade and painted. The foliage is done.  Most of the plants are also handmade and/or customized.  I'm ready to put them all together.  I have been studying jungle plant life on the internet and while I was on vacation in Florida.  I feel I have a pretty good sense of what I need to do to achieve the right ascetic.

Wish me luck.  It will be the challenge I've needed for some time.  Check right here on my humble little blog for pics of the finished products in the days to come.

Waaagh(tever!!!)

I meant to post some picks of my recently painted Space Orks with the Waaagh Buggy I did back in November of 2023.  I also have the Raptor I recently purchased in the pics as well.  So here you go!  Perouse the pictures at your leisure.  Enjoy!!!

Beauty and the Beast

I just finished a couple of what I think are really cool looking figures.  The armor-clad maiden is from Reaper Bones Miniatures.  She is called Taroya.  I renamed her Athenia.  She got pink armor.  A pink and gold shield.  Her pink helmet has a metallic-look white
plume.  She also has a metallic white and gold cape.  Don't let her fool ya, she's a killer to the core. 

Her sparing partner is a dragon I picked up at a thrift store for a buck.  I gave him a repaint and he's ready to light up just about anything that gets in his way.  

Not sure what I'll be doing next in this hobby passion of mine.  You'll just have to check back in to find out I guess.  Take care and be safe out there.

Smash Brothers

It's been a while since I painted any Reaper Miniatures.  After painting Space Orks and Dark Eldar, I thought I would like to do some fantasy figs for a bit.  I've had the one Hill Giant, Golan, for some time and recently purchased the other one Krug.  I took them out of their packaging, assembled them, and set off to get them painted.  I am fairly happy with the results.

Have a gander.  I can see them fighting off a nasty band of barbarians or some dwarves perhaps.  Anyway, they're done and ready to beat some arse.

Kool for Kats

Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.  The "Big Cats" defeated the Edmonton Oilers last night 5-1. The Panthers took the series 4 games to 2.  The Oilers put up a good fight in some of the games but looked tired in the rest.  From the puck drop last night, the Panthers came out to play high caliber hockey for which the Oilers had no answer.  Sergei Bobrovsky was amazing in the net throughout the series.  Top to bottom, the Florida Panthers were awesome and deserve their time with Lord Stanley's cup and to have their names added to it.

Florida Panthers Win 2nd Consecutive Stanley Cup

Well Oiled Machine

After a dismal 3-0 1st period and the pulling of their starting goaltender, the Edmonton Oilers started to play hockey,  They scored 3 unanswered goals in the 2nd period to tie the game.  The Oilers went up by 1 in the third period and held off the Florida Panthers until 18 seconds on the clock.  With the game tied at 4, it went into overtime.  Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl bounced a puck off a Panther Defender which found its way past Sergei Bobrovsky for the win.

The game had its ups and downs but was great to watch from start to finish.  Edmonton played last night like they were meant to be there.  Awesome effort from both teams.  The series is now tied at 2 each.  Game 5 will be in Edmonton on Saturday.  I'm looking forward to it!

Respect Your (Dark) Eldars

I purchased a set of Games Workshop Dark Eldar Kabalite Warriors back in January on eBay.  There were 9 of them for 19 bucks.  Not a bad deal.  The nice part was that they were assembled and 2 were partially painted.  I ended up repainting those but kept the bluish plumes on their helmets.

Flat black undercoat.  Purple for the helmets, gloves, boots, and shoulder armor.  A 2nd coat of purple metallic paint was then applied.  Some parts of the helmets, were painted silver along with the blades and guns. The eye areas were given a clear blue .  The silver areas were then given a black wash.  Everything else was given highlights.  The plumes were given an extra bluish white highlight in some areas.

I'm psyched at how they turned out.  Check 'em out.  I hope ya like 'em!

Off topic:  I watched Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night. WOW!  The Edmonton Oilers embarrassed themselves royally.  The Florida Panthers gave them a whopping like I've never seen and laughed in their faces as they did.  I really don't care who wins.  I'm not a fan of either team.  I'm a hockey fan and would love if the Oilers can provide a least a half decent effort to make the series interesting.

Been (W)Orking on It

I just finished a set of Mantic Games Marauder Commandos.  These Orx (Mantic's term for them) come complete with a Captain, Flammer, 2 Battlesuits, 5 Commandos, 2 Goblin Snipers, and 2 Mawbeasts (as seen in an earlier post),  It's a pretty nice group.  I was really happy with the way they turned out until I clear coated them.  When they dried, the colors were pretty dark.  It is what it is now.  They will make a pretty formidable foe for other factions in the grim dark universe(s).  Check 'em out, boys and girls.

Marauder Commando Unit

Battlesuits

Goblin Snipers

The Gang's All Here

Keep On Truckin' (Tanking Too!!)

I found this little gem at the Goodwill the other day.  It was too good to pass up.  Three Humvees and a tank for 5 bucks...great deal.  I think they will scale fine with most of the stuff in my collection.  I plan on customizing them and doing some repainting.  I don't know 100% right now exactly what I want to do with them.  I'm sure in the end they will turn out just fine.   

I got about 200 projects or so before I might get to them.  We'll just have to see when the whim to get them (or one of them) done strikes me.  Stay tuned to this very blog to see what happens.  Have a great week and keep on truckin'!

Just Plain Nasty

These two Mawbeasts are from Mantic Games.  They are a part of an Orx Maurader Set in their Dead Zone Line.  Mawbeasts are Canine-Like creatures that have been augmented with bionic parts least of which is a chainsaw tongue.  Unleashed on the enemy, they cause havoc among their infantry.

After giving them a coat of Jet Black, I painted their bodies purple, their manes blue, their harness brown, and all metal parts silver.  I added lighter highlights to raised areas and edges.  I gave them a clearcoat and called it a day.

In the days ahead I will be painting the Orx Combat group that they came with.  I enjoyed painting these "puppies".  Peace out.

Zoom Zoom

Since I first saw a Mantic Games Marauder Raptor, I wanted one.  I found one online at a Canadian Store in Montreal called Abyss Games.  It was used, painted, assembled and at a really good price.  Sold!  They shipped it to me in no time.  

When I opened the box (it was well packaged), I was elated.  This Bad Boy was AWESOME!!!  I had to share some picks with you out there in the real world.  Have a look.  

Great White Apes of Barsoom

These three figures are called Nuclear Apes.  They are 3D printed by Invictus Miniatures (check them out on Etsy).  When I saw them I thought they looked exactly like the White Apes in the film, John Carter of Mars (2009) and could not resist buying them.  I have a bunch of John Carter figures (John, Deja Thoris, a bunch of Tharks, some Red Martians, even Woola.  (One of the many projects to paint at some point!)  

I've included a pic of the Apes from the movie to show you the comparison. Take a gander.