To many modelers, figures are a subject that is considered to be only for those with tons of talent. As such, few actually give the genre a go when it comes time to choose the next modeling subject. We tend to build subjects with which we are comfortable and have some success. So we continue to crank out cars, armor, ships or airplanes, thinking that there is some sort of black art to doing a figure.

Well, that really is not true. Doing a good job on a figure is like anything else, it takes practice. We do learn by doing and so we have this book from MJ Kim, a successful Korean figure builder and painter, to show us in considerable detail, just what the steps are in building a painting a figure. I say considerable detail as each step of the process is accompanied by a ton of well done color photograhs showing the results of each of the steps required.

All aspects of the build are covered, including building a base, assembling the figure and painting each and every area of the figure. This book is unique in that it comes with the figure shown on the box art, a 14th Century Germanic infantryman, complete in chain mail armor. A resin base along with a section of chain is included. The manufacturer of the 54mm figure is not mentioned (at least I missed it), but the casting is superb, providing an excellent starting point.

So let me talk a bit about the format of the book itself. Though the author is Korean, the book is written in both English and Japanese. It is obvious that the writer does not speak English as his main language as the sentence structure and syntax can be a bit odd at time, but it is not a hindrance to understanding the instruction that is being provided. That instruction is quite extensive and goes over every detail of each step, including paints and materials used. I have to say that though I am not a figure builder, I do build some from time to time and found a considerable number of excellent suggestions and techniques.

The book is divided into several sections, including an introduction, tools that the author used, how to assemble the kit, features of acrylic paint (yep, no oils in this build), and how to use your brushes as this is entirely brush painted. Another real bonus is that there are two major build sections. One is for those modelers who have gone past the beginner stage and are ready to learn more. The other is a build that is strictly for the beginner. In the beginner section, the amount of detail work is reduced considerably, yet the resulting figure is quite impressive. I like this approach to the book as it provides instruction for those who want to get into figures, but doesn't scare them away with advanced techniques, something I see all the time in other 'how to' books. Often authors assume their audience has the skills they have and do not realize that everyone starts off at a basic level. This alone makes the book stand out from the others and as such, is a book that I can highly recommend to those wanting to get right into building a nice figure from what is included in the box. Highly recommended.

My thanks to www.HighCalibreMiniatures.com for the review book. You can get yours at this link. 

February 2015

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