u/stahly_top

I got to test some of the new Omni Series prototypes ahead of the Kickstarter launch and... have a few questions. Here are my first impressions: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/10/gaahleris-omni-series-launched-i-tested-the-prototypes-early-and-ive-got-feelings/

I unboxed all the new Space Marine kits for a video and also took high-res sprue pics. Intercessors indeed only include basic boltrifles now and shrunk from 4 to 3 sprue segments, but come with 10 unique poses and lots of bitz. Full review here: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/09/more-bitz-same-ideas-2026-intercessor-squad-outriders-vanguard-veterans-eradicators-land-speeder-unboxed/

Hey there, I painted a test model for some Marines, focussing on "fast" painting techniques like airbrushing and weathering. I also played around with glazing the effect pieces with washes and inks to make them pop. What do you think? Would you like to see a tutorial?

Got some more pictures over on my blog, plus some more details on how I painted the blue: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/09/terran-marine-showcase-giving-starcraft-tmgs-clear-plastic-parts-some-real-punch/

Hey there, I got my hands on the Carcass Front box and did an unboxing and review. I got a 4K unboxing video with a flip-through the book, plus HQ sprue images for all the models in the box, inc. a list of all build options: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/08/carcass-front-review-leviathan-rises-in-trench-crusades-ambitious-new-campaign-box/

Definitely a nice box, even if the starter set aspect is a bit secondary. What do you think, worth the £100 / 120 € / $130 price tag?

Hey there, here are high-res sprue images and a rundown of all build options for all the new Ork models: the new Warboss, Boyz, Warbikers, Trukk, Nazdreg, and Mek. Super modular kits (with the exception of Nazdreg and the Mek). Check out my unboxing and review here: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/08/da-big-orks-review-new-warboss-boyz-trukks-warbikers-mek-nazdreg-unboxed/

For those looking for HQ sprue images of all the new Ogor Mawtribes kits, check out my unboxing: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/08/the-massive-mawtribes-review-morga-redd-the-maw-hunters-cleavers-gutseers-grell-ironfist/

I also compiled a list of all possible build options for each kit. What's your favourite model from this release?

So for those looking for high-res sprue images, look no further. This kit comes on 3 large and 1 medium sprue, and you can indeed build the dragon without rider, and then build two characters on foot (though you'll need an extra base as the box comes just with one 30 x 30 mm base). The Chaos Lord has a few weapon and head options, the sorcerer just has head options so no alternative to the withered arm.

Check the full review & unboxing over on my blog: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/08/unboxing-the-new-lord-on-chaos-dragon-massive-gorgeous-and-very-expensive/

Hey there, I unboxed the new Necromunda Core Set on Tale of Painters. I got HQ sprue images, a list of all build options, plus an unboxing video with a flip through the assembly guide and new rulebook: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/08/necromunda-skirmish-core-set-review-streamlined-or-skimped/

The rulebook has shrunk to half the page count of the previous version!

Here are high-res sprue images of the new Exodite Dragon Masters. Such a great kit, so modular! The Drakesteeds have interchangeable legs, arms, necks, and heads, and the riders are also modular!

Got a full list of all assembly options plus an unboxing video in which I flip throughiu the assembly guide and Exodite dossier with all the nice lore: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/kill-team-exodite-review-space-elves-on-dinosaurs-at-last/

So with this kit I really wanted to improve my weathering skills, focussing on areas where natural wear and tear would (hopefully occur), rather than just sponge weathering random places. I also replaced the stickers with third party decals from AliExpress. For shading, I used an enamel wash, thought I was safe with varnishing the build first, but alas, no. Got so many cracks and breakages that I had to repair the model hardly stands on its own. Well, lesson learned. Really love the design of this mech. As a big 40k fan, this somehow speaks to me. Perhaps it's the blue and the power axe?

More pictures on my blog: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/the-police-zaku-is-the-gundam-every-40k-fan-will-love-heres-why-gunpla-showcase/

So with this kit I really wanted to improve my weathering skills, focussing on areas where natural wear and tear would (hopefully occur), rather than just sponge weathering random places. I also replaced the stickers with third party decals from AliExpress. For shading, I used an enamel wash, thought I was safe with varnishing the build first, but alas, no. Got so many cracks and breakages that I had to repair the model hardly stands on its own. Well, lesson learned. Really love the design of this mech. As a big 40k fan, this somehow speaks to me. Perhaps it's the blue and the power axe?

More pictures on my blog: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/the-police-zaku-is-the-gundam-every-40k-fan-will-love-heres-why-gunpla-showcase/

I did an unboxing of the new Ogors army set, inc. a flip-through the Battletome: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/the-ogor-mawtribes-army-set-is-a-feast-for-the-eyes-unboxing-review/

Of the older models not receiving new kits, only the Stonehorn variants, the Ironblaster/Gnoblar Scraplauncher, and Hrothgorn's Mantrappers (as a generic Mantrapper entry) survive, alongside the more recently released Bloodpelt Hunter and the Gorger Mawpack from Warcry. Gnoblars, Leadbelchers, Yhetees, Firebellies, and Manhunters are all gone, and the Mournfang Pack has been effectively replaced by the Maulbeast Cavalry.

From the new models, the Tyrand and new Gluttons are definitely the highlights. The Tyrant has lots of options, I filmed an unboxing video in which I go through the assembly instructions of all models. The Gluttons can all be assembled with bare heads or helmets, you get two Champion and Musician variants plus loads of interchangeable weapons. Ironguts and Maulbeast Cavalry are more limited kits.

I've waited so long for the new-style MkIV Legionary models. So when the Maximus Battle Group finally arrived, I started working on the first batch of models right away. Added some Sons of Horus resin heads for extra flavour, the spike on the Sergeant is just the spike of a MkIII Helmet glued onto the backpack that has connection piece for the vox and vexilla.

More pictures and a full tutorial over on my blog: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/finally-plastic-mkiv-legionaries-for-my-sons-of-horus-collection-showcase/ (and thanks to GW for sending these over :)

I unboxed all the new starter sets with high-res sprue images for all models: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/every-11th-edition-warhammer-40k-starter-set-unboxed-reviewed/

The new terrain is cast in a dark blue-grey plastic, which is nice. The left and right wall sections and the floors are interchangeable, which is nice. Though if you want to match the architectural details, there is one way they're meant to go together. The galvanic pylons come with multiple interchangeable cables as well as end pieces, so you can build single modules or combine them into larger structures. Pretty cool. However, no terrain footprints in the large starter set, nor does any of the starter sets include a transfer sheet.

The exclusive Space Marine and Ork sculpts in the Introductory Set come in coloured plastic and those extra-thin gate marks and sculpted bases like in the blind box series. You get a rokkit launcha and big shoota for the Orks, so the only way to get new style Ork Boyz with heavy weapons for now.

Here comes my unboxing of the new Core Set: I've got HQ sprue images for the new Chaos kits, a scale comparison of the new Warriors with Marauders and various AoS Chaos models, a list of all build options plus a 4K unboxing video, in which I guide you through the assembly instructions and flip through the revised rulebook: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/this-warhammer-the-old-world-core-set-has-the-best-chaos-warriors-gw-have-ever-made-review/

The new Chaos Warriors are big chunky lads! So many callbacks to the 90s Chaos Warriors regiment and the very first plastic Chaos Warriors. Level of detail is insane, but these are probably the best Chaos Warriors ever made IMO.

The new Chaos Warriors are big chunky lads! So many callbacks to the 90s Chaos Warriors regiment and the very first plastic Chaos Warriors. Level of detail is insane, but these are probably the best Chaos Warriors ever made IMO.

This graphic comes from my Old World Core Set unboxing: I've got HQ sprue images for the new Chaos kits, plus a list of all build options plus a 4K unboxing video, in which I guide you through the assembly instructions and flip through the revised rulebook: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/07/this-warhammer-the-old-world-core-set-has-the-best-chaos-warriors-gw-have-ever-made-review/

Old World vs Slaves to Darkness Chaos Warriors, which ones are your favourites?

So here comes my unboxing of the Maximus Battle Group & Whirlwind: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/06/horus-heresy-maximus-battle-group-whirlwind-reviewed-big-box-small-compromises/

I have high-res sprue images for the MkIV Legionaries and Assault Squad, plus the Whirlwind. No big surprises for the MkIV Marines, same 5 poses as with the other armour marks. The Assault Squad does indeed recycle the MkVI jump pack sprue, plus you only get one pair of arms for each models. So using those power lances elsewhere will be difficult, since 4 out of 5 are wielded two-handed and require their specific arms.

Contemptor is indeed the full kit with all weapon options, even though the promo shot shows the basic version from Age of Darkness.

What do you think? I love the MkIV redesign, but I'm still a bit meh about the MkVI jump packs.

Check out my unboxing of the new Lord of Hysteria with a list of all build options plus a high-res photo of the sprue. The kit has a little easter egg underneath that domed helmet, which you can see on the sprue image :D

https://taleofpainters.com/2026/06/excess-on-parade-lord-of-hysteria-the-decadent-host-accursed-reflection-reviewed/

Surprisingly similar. Zerglings are a bit chubbier but have a similar mass, Terran Marines have a bit of a wider frame than Primaris Marines.

I also have high-res sprue images and a list of all build options for all the Zerg & Terrans kits from the Founders Edition box here: https://taleofpainters.com/2026/06/starcraft-tmg-starter-set-founders-edition-review-better-value-than-armageddon/