Forgotten Heroes the “Epilogue” (Jez Winstanley)

The idea for what would become ‘Forgotten Heroes’ came from two unrelated sources – the semi-regular “He-Months” that Roger and I indulge in, where we recreate characters from the Masters of the Universe franchise in 28mm and my own off-the-wall side project during one of these months, where I decided to convert a cheap plastic dinosaur into the version of Marvels’s Devil Dinosaur that appeared in NextWave #12.

Roger had suggested another ‘He-Month’, but I was fast running out of characters that I wanted to do and that I felt I could actually do. Taking inspiration from the conversions I had previously done for each ‘He-Month’, when I had the pleasure of meeting Roger in the flesh at Salute back in April, I suggested that instead of ‘He-Month’ why not change the subject matter to superheroes, but those that had yet to have a figure made of them? I felt this would offer a fresh challenge to the pair of us, but given the subject matter, would also tempt others to join us in our madness.

After a bit of thought, Roger agreed this was a good idea and came up with the name ‘Forgotten Heroes’, as my initial title was a bit rubbish. I then announced this via my blog at the beginning of March, to give everybody who wanted to take part a chance to plan, and posted the official ‘rules’, which can be found as the very first post on this site.

Talking of this site, that was all Roger’s idea, as there were people who were interested in taking part but did not have their own blogs – so they could send the details of their efforts to Roger, who would then post these on the site.

So, during the month of June, everyone who had agreed to take part began work on the selected ‘Forgotten Heroes’. For some, the idea of converting an existing miniature into an obscure superhero or villain took them outside their comfort zone, as it was either part of the hobby they didn’t usually partake in or a genre that was beyond their usual gaming focus. However, all who took part ably rose to the challenge – with low-tech solutions, such as the use of a ping-pong ball, to high-tech with the use of 3D printing. And by the end of June, all participants (bar one, and he knows who he is), had completed their ‘pledged’ miniatures.

So, in alphabetical order by surname, here is a list of those who took part and their creations:

Michael Awdry        – Bouncing Boy
Mike Boynton        – Stinkor
John Brattan        – Golden Age Sandman
Simon Moore        – Manphibian, Mr Freeze’s goons, Vampire by Night & Warwolf
Alan Saunders        – Captain UK & Jenny Everywhere
Bryan Scott        – Purgatori and Vampirella (Chibi and ‘normal’ versions)
Roger Webb        – Aftershock, Black Scorpion & Gangster Prankster
Jeremy Winstanley    – Bananaman, Stegron & Super-Soldier

Eight participants over three continents, producing 22separate figures (as there were four of Mr Freeze’s goons and two different versions of Purgatori and Vampirella), inspired by comics, movies and a toyline.

The quality of each creation was exceptionally high, probably because those taking part had invested the time and effort to make a figure that they actually wanted. And from the feedback and comments that we have received, it seems that everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are quite keen to participate in the next one…

Yes, your read that correctly – ‘Forgotten Heroes’ will return! Currently the plan is to make it an annual event, that will take place each June. As there were a number of people who expressed interest, but were not able to join in last time, not only can you next time, we’ve also given you plenty of warning!

Anyone who wants to take part in ‘Forgotten Heroes 2017′ just needs to register their intention to take part prior to the start of June next year. This gives you plenty of time to not only state you wish to take part, but also to plan whatever figure (or figures) you wish to create. Believe me, once the bug has bitten you, the problem won’t be actually creating your figure, but choosing which character(s) you want to create…”

So to end I just want to thank all the entrants in this years challenge, thank you for making this such a roaring success and enthralling us all with your wonderful entries, skill and ingenuity. I’m looking forward to 2017’s challenge already!

Regards Jez.

“Bite Me!”. (Simon Moore)

This 28mm pre-painted plastic model of a She Wolf is by “Wizkids” and can be bought as number 082 from their “Horrorclix” Freakshow range. Originally produced as an ‘enticing’ werewolf, I have reposed the miniature, courtesy of a new paintjob, in order for it to represent the Howling Commando of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nina Price, a.k.a. Vampire By Night. Co-created by Jeff Parker and Federica Manfredi, the niece of Jack Russell has “the ability to become either a werewolf or a vampire between dusk and dawn”, and first appeared in the September 2005 issue of “Amazing Fantasy”.

Initially undercoated with “Vallejo” White the model was subsequently washed with Pale Grey before being dry-brushed with more White. The lycanthrope’s top was then painted using a combination of Heavy Blue and “Citadel” Asurmen Blue. Finally I ‘picked out’ the anti-hero’s fangs with “Vallejo” White and discoloured them with a touch of “Citadel” Agrax Earthshade. I did consider additionally applying some Abaddon Black to the creature’s nose, as per its original paintjob. But as I rather liked the all-white finish to her muzzle I have left it be… for now at least.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/bite-me.html#comment-form

S.T.A.K.E part 4 (Simon Moore)

With the likes of Roger over at “Rantings From Under The Wargames Table”, Michael at “28mm Victorian Warfare” and Jez at “Carrion Crow’s Buffet” bringing their ‘Forgotten Heroes’ challenge postings to a climatic end, I have feverishly been applying paint, wash and shade to the “Wizkids” figures I have converted into either members of the “Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D.” or the bobble-hat wearing goons of “DC Comics” Mister Freeze.

Foremost of these transfigurations has been my miniature of Martin Reyna, a cyber-werewolf who was originally the team leader of S.T.A.K.E. Having picked out Warwolf’s readily-recognisable S.H.I.E.L.D. white boots and belt pouches, I have been busily painting (and washing) his uniform blue trousers and mechanical forearm. In addition I have started ‘picking out’ his numerous grenades before finally turning my attention to the anti-hero’s furry upper body.

A model which requires far less time before being finished is my conversion of Vampire By Night. This “Horrorclix” She-Wolf figure merely required a simple re-paint in order to resemble Nina Price in her werewolf form, and having finished both painting her blue costume and inked it, now needs her white fur to be tidied up before I ‘pick out’ her teeth and jaws.

Equally close to completion are some of the five “Heroclix” Lackey figures I have adapted in order to represent the Sixties henchmen of “Mister Freeze”. Having completed these bobble-hatted minions’ grey trousers, blue woolly pullovers, hands and crowbars, I am currently in the process of finalising their faces and pom-pom hats. Originally I was planning on simply painting all their hats blue, as seen in the Sixties “Batman” television episode “Instant Freeze”. But I may well now make all the bobbles white instead in order to make the minions stand out a bit more.

Lastly my brushwork is working its way up my figure of Manphibian. The extra-terrestrial’s white boots, originally worn by a “Games Workshop” Cadian Trooper, have proved rather problematic to paint “Vallejo” White. But having now finished that stage, and washed them with some Pale Grey, I am making some good ground on the alien’s multi-pouched belt and automatic rifle.

http://fantorical.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/forgotten-heroes-wip-part-four.html

Boing! (Michael Awdry)

Firstly an apology as I have been incredibly busy a work this week and so have not had a chance to peruse the many splendid weblogs that I enjoy, hopefully things should get a little easier next week!  That said, I was determined to meet the deadline for the ‘Forgotten Heroes’ month and present here my completed ‘Bouncing Boy’.

Having put him together last week, ‘Bouncing Boy’ finally got an undercoat and away we went with the painting.  To try and get the stretched Lycra look, I dusted off the airbrush and reached for the brightest blue I could find – in this case Army Painter Crystal Blue.  A couple of layers later and the bulk of the painting was done, just a case of picking out some details to bring the whole thing to ‘life’.So in true superhero fashion, I have managed to compete the project just in the nick of time.  All that remains is to thank Jez of ‘Carrion Crow’s Buffet’ and Roger of ‘Rantings from under the War-games table’ and all the other contributors whose ingenious ideas and efforts have combined perfectly to produce such a wonderful monthly distraction!

http://28mmvictorianwarfare.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/boing.html