Heresy & Heroes

II Squad, 2nd Company, Mortifactors

Nine Space Marines shouldn’t seem like a tough job, but these guys have meant a lot of hours hunched over my desk in the last couple of weeks. Presenting to you, my second squad of Mortifactors Tactical Marines, fittingly, II Squad, 2nd Company. I’m pretty pleased with them if I do say so myself.

So what’s new with these chaps, then? Well, er, not much if you can remember all the way back to my first squad. Actually, thinking about it, the changes are so subtle, they’re rather hard to pick out in these images (trying out the phone on my new camera – yes, I’m a slave to the mighty Apple). I’ve grown a little bolder in my highlighting with the lightest highlights on black now being Administratum Grey, rather than Dawnstone as it was with my previous tactical squad. I’ve had a lot more practice painting skulls of all sizes now too, and the ones seen on here are far fancier than IV Squad. But that’s quite good for fluff – IV Squad get a lot more new Marines, who’ve not had time to develop their skills at painting their own skulls onto their shoulder guards.

That Multi Melta remains the centrepiece of the squad as it is. I also really like the skull with flames (symbolising heavy/special weapons training/duties – slightly better pick below) that he’s got. I’m learning to embrace a slightly more ‘comic book’ style to my miniatures, and I’m a lot more comfortable leaving the ideas of realism and hyper-realism behind. I prefer a more sci-fi look… I don’t think I’m explaining this very well. That’s for another post when I can figure out what I’m actually talking about, but in essence, I’m finding a comfortable style to work in.

If I don’t have to paint another boltgun for a year, it’ll be too soon. The kit, as stated when I put together the first squad, is a joy to work with (loads of options/combos), but the arms remain fiddly – particularly set ‘D’. Anyone else who has worked on these guys will likely attest to that. I also kept accessories to a minimum with this squad – there are just a few sets of grenades around, but far fewer purity seals and pouches.

By far my favourite of all the minis that I put together from this squad, is the dude with the Melta gun. I’m happy with the look of the weapon, but his stance is perfect too. It’s like he’s just spotted something on tracks that, in a few moments, will be a smouldering pile of liquid metal. I enjoy that.

And yes, as you may have spotted, this is very much a tank-hunting tactical squad. Gives you some idea what the Sergeant will have, but he’s not done yet – he’ll be with us soon…

I shall leave you with a few shoulder pad shots that you might enjoy. Not overly sold on the camera, but these were shot at 11pm last night so not a lot of natural light and probably a slightly unsteady hand too (yes, more excuses). Anyway, the Sergeant will be coming soon – Onwards!