Now, before I get stuck into a review of these figures, I have to say that I am profligate in my affections. I have always been a great admirer of Redoubt’s Zulu War range, though I had to spread my attentions a little when I realised that some of the Foundry ‘Darkest Africa’ riflemen would pass for Zulus in minimal regalia. Great poses, and superbly detailed weapons! Now I am beginning to feel uncomfortably free with my emotions when I say that I also really like the Icon Zulu War range. The figures come bubble-packed in sets of eight, which I guess is pretty standard these days, though they are a bit expensive.

So far, they offer a basic selection of infantry types, Zulu and British, with an interesting ‘Last Stand at Isandlwana’ character set (based on figures in C. E, Fripp’s famous painting), and size is very definitely 28mm - which makes compatibility just about OK for larger Foundry, and great for Redoubt. More poses are apparently planned, and indeed a box of Zulu casualties is now advertised on their web-site www.harlequin-miniatures.com though mine have yet to arrive.

There are two things I like about them.

Firstly, the standard of sculpting is excellent, and secondly they have gone to great lengths to get the details right. The Zulus thus far come with stabbing and throwing spears, knobkerries and a selection of firearms. In my view, the poses are by far the most natural currently available - these guys really do look like they are in combat with weapons they were brought up with. The weight and balance of the body, the way the faces just peer round from the shields, even the way the shields themselves are held are all very convincing. Moreover - and here I betray my historical roots! - I love the way they have varied the detail on the warriors, from individual hairstyles to such details as snuff-spoons in the ear, charm necklaces and so on. The riflemen come armed with a realistic selection of firearms - not just captured Martini-Henrys! - and, unlike a good few other ranges, the assorted powder horns and pouches, an essential feature of the Zulu rifleman’s kit, are all accurately represented. They also boast some of the best cow-tail adornments out there - it does actually look like natural flowing hair that reflects the movement of the body, which of course was the intention in real life.

I have to say, at the risk of alienating the former objects of my desires, that I think these Zulus are the best out there at the moment, and I can’t really see how they can be bettered. My only reservation concerns a box of the uThulwana regiment in full regalia. These are based on a misinterpretation of source material (not Icon’s fault!), and are best used sparingly as senior commanders. No Zulu regiment, alas, ever took to the field in such splendour. The British range is also very good, too, though so far I haven’t painted any up - and certainly deserves to be expanded.