Blood Angels 2nd Wave Rumors

As I'm sure everyone saw, the new update on Monday's incoming article wasn't very new. Kinda disappointing. I'm not one to GW bash, but that's what one comes to expect from GW's marketing department.

Usually we do get something on special via the newsletter on holidays, so I am hoping this Thanksgiving they decide to give thanks to their fans and bestow some Blood Angels goodness upon us.

So the rumors have the 2nd Wave consisting of the following:

• Stormraven Gunship (with all of the options from the codex)
• Furioso Dreadnaught (with all of the options from the codex including Librarian bitz)
• Blood Angels Battle Force with 10 Tactical Marines, 5 Assault Marines, 5 Death Company, and a Rhino

I'm not crazy about the Battle Force. I was hoping for either 10 Death Company or a Razorback, but it does work for new players. I just won't be buying one as I never buy Rhinos and I have more Tactical Marines than I know what to do with.

I'm in a much less intensive class this month so I'll have time to update my blog more. I'll have some more meaty hobby articles soon.

Till then,

-The Harrower

Blood Angels 2nd Wave Confirmed for February

From the Games Workshop Newsletter:

The Blood Angels are one of the most popular Space Marine Chapters. They fought at the Emperor's side during the earliest days of the Imperium as one of the original Legions. Ten thousand years later, and one of the longest-running Chapters, they are still shaped by the deeds of their Primarch Sanguinius. Few Space Marine Chapters are as prolific and loyal in their defence of the Imperium as the Blood Angels, though a flaw in their gene seed makes them susceptible to the Black Rage and the Red Thirst - all-consuming curses that turn them savage and blood-thirsty in battle...

In February 2011, the Blood Angels will receive more reinforcements, including never-before-seen models - visit the website tomorrow for more information from the Studio in their Incoming! article. If you want to start massing your own Angelic Host, or are looking to bolster your troops, then here are some essential items to prepare for the new arrivals in February.

We definitely know that the Stormraven is a part of this release and a Furioso Dreadnaught seems to be a safe bet. There has also been talk of a Blood Angels Battle Force. I'm hoping for a new Dante and Mephiston, but I'm not holding my breath. What do you guys want to see?

Till next time,
–The Harrower

Is the Stormraven ugly or is it a bad pic?

I've been staring at the pic of the Stormraven for a few days and reading all of the comments that people have been posting. I still can't decide if I like it or not, but a lot of people with the inside line that have seen other pictures of it say that it's awesome.

Here's a 3d render that Falk did over on Warseer which is an awesome idea and something I wanted to do, but I've been too damn busy with school to do it myself.

I have to say, this gives me a lot of hope for the model. I'm still not crazy about the turret, but I could always use that for my Razorbacks. Even if the Stormraven is as bad as the leaked picture shows, it's still not that much of a big deal to me as I'll just convert the bits I don't like.

So what do you guys think? Is the Stormraven still just plain butt ugly or has Falk given us cause to hope? Let me know in the comments below.

Till next time,

–The Harrower

Stormraven Unveiled!!!

Sorry for the stagnancy with my blog. My Game Art degree at Full Sail University has been keeping me extremely busy and I haven't been able to keep up with the hobby at all.

I did get a chance to attend the last Baltimore Games Day and I took a ton of pictures. My classes start to wind down a bit around the holidays, so I'll try and post more then.

I wanted to share this picture of the Blood Angels Stormraven that was leaked on Games Workshop's website.

The picture was accompanied with the following article:

Over the next few pages, we will be taking a look at how to paint the Blood Angels Stormraven Gunship, including how to weather the vehicle and paint the interior detail. A great addition and centrepiece model for any Blood Angels army, this will be an invaluable guide to help you get the most from this fantastic kit.

Death from Above

The Stormraven Gunship is an incredibly versatile craft, able to fulfill the roll of orbital dropship, armoured transport and strike aircraft in a way that few, or indeed any, ships could hope to match. The Stormraven ensures that the Blood Angels remain undisputed masters of the skies, as dominant in the air as their troops are on the ground. Smaller and nimbler than the more cumbersome Thunderhawk Gunships, the Stormraven's compact hull and vectored thrusters enable it to operate at maximum efficiency in all but the densest terrain. A Stormraven can often be seen hurtling straight into the heart of the enemy forces, unleashing its considerable arsenal in a terrifying display of firepower, before disgorging a squad, Dreadnought, or even both, into the thick of the fighting.

On the tabletop

With its potent firepower, speed and transport capacity, the uses of a Stormraven on the battlefield are myriad, but its role of choice is as an unparalleled assault vehicle. With a huge variety of weapon options, and no less than four tank-busting Bloodstrike Missiles, both enemy infantry and vehicles alike fear drawing the attention of its guns. A transport capacity of 12 combined with the ability to safely carry a Dreadnought to battle as well certainly proves the Stormraven to be a transport vehicle of the very finest quality. This unique combination of speed, firepower and transport capacity means that a Stormraven can support any tactical preference, so there is always a place for it in any Blood Angels army.

Nick: A Stormraven will be the focal point of your army, so it's well worth giving it a lot of attention when painting it. These techniques can effectively be applied to any other vehicles in your Blood Angels army too, so keep this in mind and you will have a great looking fleet of vehicles in no time. I painted this Stormraven to match the battleforce that I painted for the Blood Angels army workshop in February 2011's White Dwarf; it's part of the 3rd Company, in keeping with the rest of the models. As a personal touch, I've weathered the model to appear heavily battle worn, but if you wish to keep your vehicle in pristine condition, skip page 6 and you'll have an immaculate vehicle, fresh as if at the beginning of a campaign.

I have to say, I'm not really blown away by it. It looks a bit too... chunky for my tastes. I'll reserve final judgement until I see it on the table top and I'll definitely be picking up at least one. I just thought it would be a sleeker design.

The other item of note is the Dreadnaught in the background. This looks like a new plastic kit. Both of these kits would make for a sweet Blood Angels second wave. Let's hope they are released soon.

Till next time, Enim Sanguinius!

–The Harrower