Figure Reviews

Editorial

by Jim Womer

With my debut as editor of The Reviewing Stand, I am taking this opportunity to address some remarks to the readership.

As with art, one must observe that (A) beauty is in the eye of the beholder and (B) there is no accounting for taste. Given that, in this column I will attempt to competently present my views as a fellow hobbyist-consumer concerning the relative merits of particular figure lines. Frankly, we may not agree on those merits and you should keep in mind that you are the final reviewer. Even if I highly endorse a particular line, I strongly suggest that you invest a few dollars and make a limited preview purchase of a wide variety of the offered figures, as opposed to making an initial large investment. This necessary precaution should help you avoid any substantial disappointment.

The second consideration goes to the heart of the business of designing and manufacturing figures and bears repeating here. Not only does this compel each manufacturer and designer to solve these problems (often in a unique way), but the production business forces designer- manufacturers to make difficult decisions and compromise choices.

For example, what is true 25mm or 15mm scale? To what extent does detail and/or animation take priority over anatomy and scale? Does the designer cut a figure which is neatly attired in a new regulation uniform or some character who's been in the f ield the past two years? To what extent does the designer rely on artistic license to emphasize certain aspects or his figures? Is the designer attempting to create a collector's figurine or a solely wargaming casting or something in between?

After the design finishes, the manufacturer's job is just beginning. It should come as no surprise that one of the primary concerns here is relative ease of production - the most exquisite figures are useless if they cannot be produced quickly in mass for ultimate sale. A good example of a manufacturer's solution is the emerging consensus concerning 15mm figures; the emphasis here is on detail and anatomy at the expense of animation and occasionally variety.

As I said before, difficult decisions and compromise choices; and, needless to say, there are even more such compromises for the conscientious manufacturer. While the solutions to these problems confronts us consuming- hobbyists with some initial confusion, I believe that the net effect is highly beneficial in presenting us with an ever expanding variety and selection of figures. I have discussed this at length because it is necessary background and related to the objective of this column: to help you spend your money to acquire the figures you want in your armies.

As to the rest of the column, we will definitely keep the basic figure rating system developed by my predecessor and old friend, Jay Hadley. I will comment as to whether I feel the particular figure line is best suited to novice, experienced, or master painter as well as whether skirmishers, units, contingents or armies seem the best approach. Due to inflation, we cannot comment on price; as to availability, I will comment on whether the line is manufactured domestically or imported. Currently, we are discussing a change in column format and you may expect to see somewhat more on relevant books, rules systems, and perhaps even a review of a relevant boardgame or two (if the editor-in-chief lets it slip past, anyway).

More Reviews

Back to Table of Contents -- Courier Vol. 2 #4
To Courier List of Issues
To MagWeb Master Magazine List
© Copyright 1981 by The Courier Publishing Company.
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com