From PhilH: Final AHPCVIII Entry, an X-(Wo)man and Bookish Cultist (17 Points)

Like many of us, there's just time to sneak one last entry in under the wire. I haven't submitted much in the final third of AHPC VIII, but I've a couple of bits to share before the deadline. Continuing with a focus of my challenge, I've added a fifth X-Men to my collection. This time Jean Grey aka 'Phoenix' and 'Dark Phoenix' in various incarnations/plotlines. She has extremely potent telepathic and telekinetic powers and is one of the most powerful mutants in the Marvel universe.

Jean Grey is an major character and plays a key role in many of the most popular X-Men storylines, variously becoming the entities Phoenix/Dark Phoenix, which amplify her powers to unprecedented and impossible levels. She marries X-Men leader Scott Summers/Cyclops, has a long-running unrequited mutual love interest with Wolverine and is a mentee of fellow telepath Professor X, and dies at various points to much angst among the team (before being reborn, being ah, Phoenix and all).

Warning: Dorky Super-Suit Alert

All that yellow was grueling to paint, frankly. Happy with my recipe, but careful work keeping it smooth. I've noticed a few bits I could do with changing: the blue needs a couple more highlights to hit the same colour as Cyclops (it really isn't as punchy as the photos make it look), and the hair was rushed to finish her in time, needs to be a richer red, I'll try dropping a wash on it in the coming days.  

Yup, it's a really dorky and impractical suit for a lady

Again, sculpt is by Knight Models for the now-discontinued Marvel Universe Miniatures Game. Another with dangerously fine ankles, and separate arms! Knight really need some more practicality for these to be suitable as gaming miniatures, I'm amazed I've not broken the arms off while painting. I may have pinned them on, actually, I forget.

 As I've posted before, a shot of the growing team.

Switching projects, I've added another cultist to my Cthulhu Mythos/Pulp collection.

Straightforward functional black robes. The slimming effect of black and doesn't show up the blood or ichor.

What's that he's trying to summon...

The  lectern can be decorative or serve as a 'plot point' in games of Pulp Alley - small tokens or areas that intrepid heroes should investigate to progress the scenario. It came in the pack with these Pulp Figures cultists. Bob Murch sculpts, so really characterful.

Here he is with his grey associates from AHPCVII VI (two years ago, really?! Time flies). If I remember rightly, I rushed these to get the four of them finished for my final entry then, and this year I actually dropped a couple more highlights on them and tidied up a couple of chips while I had them on the paint desk. Not new work, but worthwhile.

With that, I'll just close with a big thank you to my fellow Challengers, good fellows and ladies all and offer a nod to my fellow new parent Challengers. My deepest appreciation and thanks for the very hard work of our upstanding Challenge Minions, statistical guru and Paint Duel administrator, who do a huge amount of work to keep things going. Finally a massive thanks to Curt for leading us all through this madness with such humour for an eighth time, while knocking out some staggeringly good work of his own. Oh, and to Sarah and the hounds, for putting up with all this nonsense. 

Until next time!


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Beautiful brushwork once again Mr. Hawkins. As you know I've never thought much superheroes in silly suits, but seeing yours, along with the detailed backgrounds you provide, actually makes me want to game with them. I also have to give it to you Phil, you've kept on task and on target with this project. Something I definitely can't say for myself.

I also really like the new addition to your cultist family. And look, this fella's reading a storytime book to the kids. Awww. What a guy. 'Okay boys and girls, this chapter of the Necronomicon is over, so it's time for sleepy bo bos. Now, dream of Shoggoths and Night Gaunts and maybe you'll get a tentacle when you grow up.' 

Always a delight Phil. 
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