Why do the new GW models look the way they do? Is Computer Aided Design (CAD) affecting the aesthetic?
I don’t even have the words to describe how they look. They’re less-characterfull? They’re more generic? They’re overly uniform? They’re abnormally standardized? They’re too boardroom flowcharted? They’re too scale-accurate? They look like they the sculpting was outsourced and they’re designed to spec. Maybe they’re designed in-house, but the really look like they’re designed by a completely new staff.
In some ways they’re great. In other ways, they do not look like a GW model. They don’t have a GW feel to them.
Do I like them? Yes, I suppose. Do I own many of these? Not too many. Also, the Warhulk pictured to the right costs $55.00 USD. The days of finding an interesting GW blister pack for pocket money are long gone.
I find that some of the magic, whimsey, and humanity is lost with CAD miniatures.
-Me (2024)
I should find some positives because I want to be positive. Being positive and not gatekeeping about old stuff is important. Check out the motley crew below. No one can claim they’re overly perfect. Nothing symmetrical about these guys. But they’re old now, almost 30 years old.
And oddly, even those minis are a bit “new” for me. I bit of my brain is stuck in the Rogue Trader era when each mini was different. The mass produced plastics struck me as being a bit too “factory”. I enjoyed the hobby store wall full of uniquely characterful lead and pewter minis, along with a wooden tray at your local store full of discarded bits and magical finds.
Also, I find the term “mono-pose” funny. It is generally used when talking about “mono-piece” models. The new multi-piece models only assemble one way. There’s only one pose. Sure you can hack stuff up, but it’s not like the arms and legs can be glued on in different ways like the old beaky plastic space marine kit. Ok, I’m done being a grouchy old man. The new stuff is perfectly fine.
The new models, in a lot of ways are spectacular. They’re state of the art manufacturing marvels. But are they magical? I hope people do find them magical because that’s where the fun is.
Side Note: GW, if you’re reading this: Please, no more multi-part hands. No more 3 piece heads. There’s no reason for that. You’ve split the atom with these microscopic pieces. You’ve proven it’s scientifically possible, please make pieces that can be assembled by mortals!
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