Friday 7 October 2016

Genestealer Cult

I've finished my Deathwatch: Overkill Genestealer Cult!

The Magus


After the patriarch, the magus is the charismatic psychic leader of the cult. He is accompanied by familars, which are manifestations of psychic energy into baby genestealer form. I prefer to think of them as baby 'stealers.

Genestealer Cult Magus

Genestealer familiars

Magus and familiars

The Primus


Complementing the magus, the primus is the martial leader of the cult. He plans and leads the insurrection and the spread to other system worlds. I think he is a good addition to the existing genestealer mythology.

Genestealer Cult Primus

Purestrain genestealers

Purestrain genestealers

Genestealer Cult


So that's the entire cult completed! I'm really happy with how they came out. More pictures of the patriarch here, and hybrids here and here.

Genestealer Cult

Broodcoven

The genestealer generational cycle
I like how the hybrids get less bulky with each generation. The Purestrain is a seriously big boy in comparison to a regular human.


Notes on the sculpts


Darren Latham's sculpts are amazing- they pay superb homage to the Jes Goodwin/ Bob Olley originals in so many ways- the armour, the poses, the faces and tubes, the weapons.


via The Stuff of Legends 
via The Stuff of Legends 

Look at the poses of the genestealers compared to the original 1989 Space Hulk plastics- it can't be a coincidence. I love the return of the iconic segmented body, it is very creepy.
Old and new genestealers


And check out the Dave Gallagher art from Space Hulk Campaigns. They've really nailed the nostalgia aspect.
Look at the price...

These models are not cheap, but they had so much nostalgia value I have no regrets about getting them. I'm contemplating getting a few more, and I don't even play 40K...

20 comments:

  1. That is some seriously magnificent work, Barks. Seriously. Painting the whole coven to such a high standard must have taken you a long, long time.
    My favourite pic is of the generational cycle. Like icing on the cake!

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    1. Thanks, Matt! Mostly it was about persuading myself to get started...

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  2. Great to see some exellent painted old genestealers!

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  3. Awesome painting on these brilliant sculpts. I agree with you about the homage that's been paid to the original miniatures. I've always had a soft spot for the genestealer cult background, & this might just be the best-painted cult I've ever seen!

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  4. Fantastic stuff! The purple on the Magus' robes is absolutely sumptuous and very appropriate. I also grew up with the cult figures and GW have nailed it here.

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    1. It is a very impressive release. The purple is Vallejo Violet Red with Army Painter Purple Tone.

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  5. You're to be congratulated mate. One of the coolest things I've seen in a loooong time. Kudos!

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  6. Ah fantastic work! Your cult is coming together nicely, with the dark blues giving a nice sense of continuity

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    1. Cheers, Paul! It's not an imaginative colour scheme, but they do have strong unity.

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  7. Other commenters have said most of it, but I think the Magus looks amazing, and the contrast between the ornate Magus and the military-looking Primus (while maintaining subtle thematic connections) is a good touch.

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    1. I really like the idea of the magus and primus advising the patriarch on 'diplomatic' and military courses of action respectively.

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  8. Lovely! They are certainly cracking sculpts. Seem popular amongst the fans both old and new.

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  9. Amazing work. It's great to see the whole Cult painted so well! Darren. :)

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