Wednesday 24 June 2020

It's All About That Base

I was muttering yesterday about the need to do something to make the bases of the Shadow Axis more interesting, and low and behold a package of resin bases I'd bought at a steal off Ebay showed up today.

Some cutting, sticking and a bleeding thumb later, and the deed is done.


Technically, these are Alien vs Predator themed (and I have about 10 in the lot with alien goop and eggs on them), but they ate generic enough to suggest a secret lab, chemical plant, or fire escape.

The eagle eyed amongst you will also have spotted that the Shadow Axis have a new member, the demurely dressed young lady who might look a bit familiar.


I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong. This is 'Immolator' an alien princess, exiled from her home world, with the power to fly and project fiery blasts...

...what?

Well, yes, that is a bit similar to a certain DC Comics character, but they're totally a bit different. 

How?

Well...she's a villain and...and...her outfit is even less practical.


Okay, I'll admit it. I've painted her as Starfire.

I had a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, they are somewhat similar in look, and rather than fight this fact, I embraced it.

Secondly, I still have my BMG collection, and Starfire is a character I never bought. I'm not going to buy any if the KM boxed sets because I don't want to remortgage, but adding Starfire to my Teen Titans roster is possibly useful when I get round to using them again.

Finally, there's the outfit. There's no avoiding the fact that the representation of women in the superhero genre is somewhat problematic. This sculpt exemplifies the issue. Personally, I felt a bit less creepy and a bit more justified painting this model as an established character. YMMV.


Having said that, I've worked quite hard to get this right. Particularly on the skin colour, which is a bit paler than it looks here. The 'flames' are done using Hexwraith Flame, and I expanded them around the feet, so that the join with the base is hidden.

Fortunately, Wargames Illustrated haven't slapped me in the admin again today, so progress has resumed and my painting tally has hot a bit of a milestone.

Acquired: 217
Painted: 200

5 comments:

  1. Excellent job, they really make a wonderful unit, now nicely themed together.

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    1. Thanks. I'm becoming a convert to fancier bases.

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  2. Individually they are already visually good. Together, even better.

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  3. Looking great!

    I'm hoping mine will arrive soon from the kickstarter, to add to the pile of shame!

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    1. I hope they get to you soon. They are really nice models to paint.

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