Miniature Review

Gripping Beast 25mm

Dark Ages


This is a new line of figures encompassing the Dark Ages in England, including Vikings, Middle and Later Saxons and Normans along with ships, buildings, accessories, livestock(!) and civilians. I received thirteen foot figures, one mounted Norman and four casualty figures for review.

First of all, I must point out that these figures are on the large side of 25MM; they stand 28-29MBarrett Scale. They would fit in well with Viking Forge and Blood Ax figures, are well sculpted and have no flash. Weapons are cast separately as are shields on the Saxon figures. The mounted Norman (NMC6) is perfectly proportioned to his horse, not always the case as many of you know. He has the typical split chainmail gambeson and sits astride the horse with lance held erect. A welcome pose to complement my many charging Normans.

A pack of Norman medium foot (NOM3) consist of one running figure with spear erect, in tunic and plain helmet; a standing figure, defiantly shouting at the enemy in tunic and nasal helmet and an officer in cape and nasal helmet turning in anger to face his foe. All of these figures are excellent.

The Saxons (SAX1) are made up of four figures, including an unarmored musician blowing a long horn (trumpet) a.k.a. The Vikings; two officers in capes, both armored and ready for war, one being reminiscent of the ubiquitous full-bearded Norseman seen in the Osprey Elite Series Vikings booklet. The last figure in this group is a bit strange. He stands perfectly straight, his legs together, on a small base, looking to be at attention! All of these figures, again are beautifully done.

My favorite figures of all are the Danish Huscarls (ADN1). Two are dressed in mail, one nonchalantly standing with hand on hip, shield on his back, leaning on his ax; the other is swinging his ax with both hands from his right (I never thought that the Huscarls were 'trained' to swing left-handed, as some historians have asserted), crouching to deliver the deadly blow.

The third figure is armored in traditional Norse apparel which Huscarls, being of Norse extraction, would be wearing. A fine addition and prompting me to order more for my own armies.

Finally, the Viking casualties (VIK19) are a great looking group of figures. One is lying spread-eagled, with helmet and sword cast separate. Another is trying to get up with mail and helmet cast separate. A third is on his knees, unarmored. The fourth is on one knee, holding his shield and fending off an enemy with his sword. What a great bunch of figures! They are all available for 2 pounds, 40 pence, for a pack of four foot or one mounted figure. Write to Gripping Beast, 19 Woodville Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1PA, England.- TERRY GORE

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