The blood of the heroes is closer to God than the ink of the philosophers and the prayers of the faithful.
Julius Evola,
The local game store is full of customers. Traders cannot get enough Games Workshop merchandise. The evil empire has even taken on the scalpers by producing to order. Try getting hold of Pokémon cards for those childless thirty somethings intent on reliving their childhoods that they admittedly may not have left? What would account for the last few years of hobby consumption?
My explanation would be that in troubled times like ours, people are looking for the “ hero”. It maybe a 40k space marine or Japanese slug dragon but conflict with no personal risk is a form of escape. We historical wargamers of course go that step further, our miniature worlds are a shadow of uplifting events that actually happened. Our 28mm miniature is someone who transcends the limitations of modern society and strives for a higher form of existence, often through acts of courage, self-discipline, and a deep connection to a perceived higher order. Failing that they are cute models that immerse one in the excitement of dice rolling and shouting a lot! We have real heroes from a time when woke- sullied British military airfields weren’t bullied by scooter riding graffiti artists…
Black Tree designs may not be to everyone’s taste but I love them. I bought a load of bargain bags from the Farnborough show last September and here they are; not quite the sixth of June but I did get them done on the “ longest day.”
I had tried coloured primers earlier but these I decided to paint in the cartoon style- multiple coats with just a little too much lighter tone ( Iraqi sand) added to blend. I never have been able to shake my love of the work of Chevalier de la terre.
The colour does tend to pop and in my opinion is worth the extra time. It is also quite economical with the paint as you use up all the main tones with this number of minis.
After much deliberation it would appear that Bolt Action will be the ruleset of choice. I think that’s enough American infantry for a decent game but I have the German reinforcements lined up on the paint table.
What are your miniature heroes up to?
Michael Ferres
Despertaferres 
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