The second release of Iron Claw Goblins was in August 1988, in White Dwarf number 104. It was a release of 28 Goblins, which is pretty good going considering that the month before Citadel/Iron Claw had released 30 Goblins for this range. Like the previous release there are a lot of similar Goblins, and a mix of infantry warriors and archers. However in this release there were a lot more Goblin Fanatics.
I assume that both releases were produced in the same time frame and then released over the two months. Like other Citadel ranges there are similarites between the Goblins. Many seem to be based on several original sculpts and then are 'converted' from the first designs. Many seem to share the same heads, bodies, and carry the same weapons. There are however always differences between them which makes them more individualistic and more than just variations on a few base model types. The simiarites give them a co-herence, but the 'conversion' sculpting gives them their own little personalites.
Similar to the first release, there was a caption box above the photograph saying:
"Coooorrrr! Lookit all these new Iron Claw Goblinz! That Bob Olley'z bin bizzy, an' no mistake! Jus' wotcher need fer yer WAR'AMMER armies, all stickin' an' slashin' an' spikin an' crumpin' an' ev'eryfink! An' there'z ... cooorrr - there'z lotz! 'Ere ... be a good name fer a tribe, Iron Claw, wunnit? "
It's amusing when you read it, and I am amazed by the Goblin's use of apostrophes. :)
I have 27 of the 28 of the Goblins in this release, missing only number 22 (who incidentally has the same looking helmet as the catapult leader). Unsurprisingly I have several multipules of some of the others. Like the last update, some of the Goblins are painted, some in need of repainting, and other unpainted but ink washed to show the details.
The Chariot is unpainted, in need of a nice new chariot base, and held partly held together with bits of green stuff for the photographing, and is a recent e-bay find.
In other news, I still have done very little painting of the Slann army due to work. I have however been converting up a few more Slann Cold One Riders, and am in the mood for really finding time to get some painting done. I am however a little reticent and undecied as to whether to keep ploughing on with the Slann at the moment. It's a large project, and in the time needed to complete it I could probably finish off two or three other different projects. I'll muse on it.
Anyway, here are lots of lovely Iron Claw Goblins:
Enjoy :)
White Dwarf #104, page 70.
Goblins on the White Dwarf magazine.
I did this so I could match up the ones from the Goblin collection to those on the page.
Goblins 1 and 2, both wielding pole arms.
The one on the left reminds me a little of 'Hans Klopek' from the film The 'Burbs.
Goblins 3 and 4.
Rear view of 3 showing the detailing on his hood, and a side view of 4 showing his face.
5 and 6.
5 has a shield knob on his back, the shield I used is a Hasslefree miniatures one.
6 is another of those great aiming archers prevelant in the Iron Claw Goblins releases.
Goblins 7 and 8.
Goblin Fanatic and archer with a pointy cone shaped helmet.
Rear view of 8.
9 and 10, another Fanatic and speaman.
The Fanatic is either pulling a face, blowing a kiss, or whistling.
11 and 12, Goblin swordsmen. The short sword of number 11 is quite dumpy, almost looking like a farm/kitchen implment, like a bill hook. Perhaps he cuts chives with it?
Rear views showing the details. 12's left hand sword is quite cutless like.
13 and 14, archer in a coat and another Fanatic peeking out from under his hood.
15 is another archer, but this time left handed.
16 a swordman in another pointy helmet.
Rear views of 15 and 16.
15 has the same quiver design as other Goblins from the last release. I think the ragged looking chainmail on the back of 16 is a nice addition.
17 and 18.
17 has the same sort of short short as Goblin 11. 18 is one of my favorite Goblins, with an extra detailed pointy helmet, 'Klopek' face and teeth, and a great pose based on Goblin number 24 from the previous months release.
Close up. For a static pose he has a lot of latent dynamism in that he looks like he's thinking before drawing his bow. The helmet detail is excellent.
19 and 20.
Goblin 19 should have a shield attached to his left arm, and carries another short fat sword.
The archer 20 has a helmet shape that is occasionally used in this range, and is really detailed and textured to suggest etching.
21 and 23 (alas no 22 as of yet!) .
Again a static but dynamic looking Goblin, defending with his short sword and shield.
Rear views showing 21's chainmail and helmet plume, and the circular decoration on the quiver of 23.
Goblins 24 and 25.
24 a great looking characterful face, nicely detailed helmet, and a left handed archer again.
The mace on 25 is excellent, with 21 studs on the head, nice wood grain effect on the haft, gloved hands for holding the two handed weapon, and is based Goblin 19 from the previous release.
Single arrow quiver, and close up of the face of 25.
26 and 27.
26 is wearing the same sort of helmet as Goblin 20.
27 is the fourth and final fanatic in the particular release.
Rear view of 26 shows a scultped face on the quiver and the last arrow!
27 has the chain from his ball and chain wrapped around himself. His death may be imminent as he seems to have rolled a double for his movement! :(
Last but not least Goblin 28.
He is an archer with a serrated 'bladed type' bow, and a face full of charm and charatcer.
In addition he has an excellently detailed Goblin face belt buckle.
Rear view showing the four leaf design on the quiver.
Iron Claw Goblin Chariot.
First released in January 1989 in White Dwarf #109.
Crew memebers: Driver, and Shaman.
Front detail of the Shamans staff.
Rear view of the Shamans staff, with a freaky looking eye on it!
Close up detail ofthe banner pole head.
The monster figurehead decoration on the yoke. A great design touch is the the hands of the figurehead are desgined to hold onto the harnesses of the wolves.
A better side view of the head details and the hands holding the harnesses.
Side panel sculpted like wings of a bird. Both the left and right one are the same style.
Front of the Chariot.
The front part of the side wings rest just ontop of the front section.
The front section has a skull face, the lower part of the jaw forms the base of the shaft.
Two moons either side add to the Goblin design feel.
Next week will be the final part of the Iron Claw Goblins updates, looking at those listed in White Dwarf #106, in 1989, as well as a comparison of the similar design themes throughout the whole range.
The constant very good goblin related posts you keep on writing are insiduously working their way... I have to focus and and resist the song of th egreen sirens...
ReplyDeleteThat chariot is something, definitely strange in design but it really has a character of its own. the wings and suare shapes do not tie with the usual goblin archetype, it looks like gobline used an elf chariot to build their own, desecrating and customising it. I would try to make that feeling appear if I were to paint one.
Loking forward to what you're doing to do with those Lee.
Thank you,
DeleteGo on, buy a few Goblins and paint them :)
unsurprisingly, I really do like Goblins and I love all their little details and thier idiosyncrasies that a lot of the ranges have. I have found that the Iron Claw range have a lot of little details that are often overlooked, hence the three part update.
You're right, the chariot is strange. Some of the Iron Claw Goblins do have angular feel to some of the equipment. I can only suggest that the chariot is inspired by Ian Miller's artwork as it looks more at home in the 'Slaves to Darkness' book. I think the wings are to suggest it's an eagle or Wyvern creature. As there is a Goblin shaman on the back perhaps it is a magical or demon bound chariot like the Goblin Kings Chariot?
I'm quite fond of the Iron Claw Gobbos and have that chariot and a smattering of warriors and archers lurking in my collection.
ReplyDeleteDid you see Gaj's posts on the chariot - very funny!
By the way - I nominated you for a liebster. No worries if it's not your cup of tea though!
A lot of people dislike them, although after time some tend to appreciate them better than thier first impression. I really like the little details and character they have, especially the work on the armour and belt buckles.
DeleteNo I have'nt seen Gaj's chariot, I'll have to take a look. :)
Thank you for the award! I recall I was nominated by Chico some time ago, but I had totally forgotten about doing it as I was sorting out the Goblins! I am sure he won't mind if I respond to yours, especially if I plug his Blog too :)