SAM 1 In this blister pack there were six unique samurai figures, in realistic and varied poses. The detail of the figures armour has got to be seen and it is a challenge to ensure that the paint job reaches the same high standard. The most eye-catching figure appears to be a replica of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 – 1598), who has been called the 'Napoleon of Japan'. (Samurai Warriors, p 109). He is drawing his katana (samurai sword) ready for action, one of my favourite generals. The next figure is wearing do-maru (wrap-around) armour, is holding a yari (spear upright) and has a naga-eboshi (stiffen cloth cap) kabuto (helmet). ('The Samurai' #23. Plate F and page 61). A sort of "Halt! Who goes there?" pose, prior to bring his yari to bear. The third figure appears to be Date Masamune, with his crescent moon crest on his kabuto, taken from 'Samurai Armies', Plate F1. He is well balanced on his feet, his left arm is raised and the right holds his katana and it appears that he has just side-stepped a blow. The fourth samurai figure is a huge warrior wielding a naginata (halbard), ready for an overhead slash. He appears to be wearing bearskin boots and a large kabuto with a mon (heraldic crest) on the front. Very solid looking character. Another naginata samurai comes next in a stabbing or parrying pose, rocking back on his left leg. Bearskin boots, and wearing a naga-eboshi kabuto with a mon on the front. A very energetic stance. Finally there is a samurai without his kabuto and his hair is not braided into the famous top-knot and hangs down around his shoulders. He was either caught dressing for battle or lost his helmet and in the process had his hair disturbed. He is running forward with his katana held in two hands to his right rear, ready for a blow or parry. These figures will be a boost to any 25-28mm samurai army or skirmish group, and yes I do 'mix and match' because I have observed that not all human beings are the same size! Once I have got these painted and mounted I will move onto the other packs I believe are in the range and let you have my thoughts on them. There is sufficient information in the few books mentioned in the brief bibliography to give a gamer the details required on the history of the figures and also such detailed coloured plates on the samurai armour that one is spoilt for choice. Whether for skirmish, main army or (dare I say) just decorations in the house these figures are superb. Bibliography: Turnbull, Stephen and Field, James. 1988. Samurai Warriors. ISBN 0 7137 1767 X. Osprey Elite Series 'The Samurai' #23. Bryant, Anthony, J & McBride, Angus. Osprey Elite Series 'The Samurai 200-1500AD' #35. Bryant, Anthony, J & McBride, Angus. Osprey Men-at-Arms Series. 'Samurai Armies 1550 – 1615'. Turnbull, Stephen and Hook, Richard. Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #131 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by Solo Wargamers Association. 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