When you take a look at this new release, it’s very noticeable that Leonardo Escovar, head of Miniature Madness, is a great fan of classic fantasy settings.
Some time ago we had the opportunity of analyzing ‘Smile!‘ in detail, a set of three very original busts from the company ‘Miniature Madness‘. Today we return with another new release from the Spanish company: a new series of three busts that is called ‘‘Dungeon Madness’.
REVIEW
Leonardo repeats this time with another trilogy. However, in this occasion, even though the background for the three busts is basicallyt he same, they are not part of a diorama, as it happened with ‘Smile!’. These three busts represent adventurer gnomes, as taken from the most classic fantasy setting: a wizard, a warrior, and a rogue. The difference is that these busts can be purchased individually, so that each bust is independent by itself.
We’ve had access to the pack that brings the three busts packed together, so let’s analyze what we will find in this set.
First, as usual, the typical hard plastic blister, so used nowadays in our industry. Despite not being original, we think this case works perfectly for miniatures like these, they come superbly protected in a packaging we can reuse, and it can withstand almost everything during shipping and handling, even bad weather conditions.
Inside, protected by some bubble wrapping, we find the three cards of the busts. We notice that the photo shows the product as is, without any artbox paintjob or anything. We think this is good because it will bring out the work of the sculptor and will not condition us with a pre-conceived idea for the painting.
Each of the busts is made of two pieces, the body of the bust and the weapon arm. For the wizard, a staff; for the warrior, an axe; for the rogue, a dagger. Let’s assemble the busts.
We can see perfectly the very personal style of Leo. The gnomes work perfectly with his way of sculpting, the busts have a lot of personality and the fact that they are gnomes (as with the goblins of ‘Smile!’) makes them even more interesting, with a not-so-serious look that takes us back to our younger days.
The resin is of great quality. The cast is very good, we do not find any mold lines to fix, so practically these are pieces that we will just prime and paint. The size is ideal for us to perform a detailed and entertained painting, and they let us be as ambitious as we want, with no limits to our own ideas.
Having said that, Leo is very clear in his sculpting and he marks all volumes very well. I believe that the least experts will probably require a bit of help from white over black priming while a different volume interpretation will be reserved for the most skilled with colour.
CONCLUSIONS
Very simple busts and very paintable also. Quite a delightful setting with the distinct seal that Leonardo is giving to all the creations of his company ‘Miniature Madness‘. We love them!
PROS
- Leonardo’s style, making the busts something very personal and identifiable.
- The setting, classic fantasy with a friendly twist.
- They can be purchased separately and at a very reasonable price.
CONS
- Limited edition like ‘Smile!’, but available separately. By the time these lines are published, there are not that many copies left, so run while stocks last.
Here you can find the links to the catalogue of Miniature Madness and to their Dungeon Madness new miniature series.
