Soum of the 13 Moons Sect

I am a HUGE fan of Luis Royo's work. I'm sure that many, if not most of you, who have a passion for Sword & Sorcery and the fairer--but certainly not weaker!--sex, are not only familar with his work, but count yourselves amongst his many fans.

Recently, Nocturna Models of Spain, well known for quality castings of diverse subjects (e.g., Savage Horn, The Fiddler, Nocturna, The Minstrel), "historical" as well as fantasy, have teamed with Norma Editorial and the Royos--Luis and son, Rómulo--to bring their creations to the world of miniatures. While 3-D interpretations of their work are available as large(r) scale, pre-painted collectibles, this is the first time licensed works have been made available to miniaturists. Kudos- and thanks-to both parties!!!

Soum is a spin-off character of the graphic series Malefic Time: Apocalypse created by the Royos. While I am admittedly not intimately familiar with the Royos' "literary" work, as best I can gather, the series revolves around the character of Luz (also available from Nocturna), and her sword, Malefic. Soum, a member of the Japanese 13 Moons sect, has been dispatched to safeguard Luz and ensure that she is not swept to the "other side"--or worse. . . (nb: if anyone wishes to elaborate and/or correct, please do so!)

So what do we get? The figures in the series are sculpted in 1/28th scale/70mm. . . more at 70mm+. These are arguably some of the best resin castings to come out of Spain, and while not perfect as a whole, they can only be described as excellent! In the interest of full disclosure, two of the 10 pieces were damaged: 1) the mirror/moon standard; and 2) the kanzashi (hairpins). The latter were repairable; the former, beyond redemption. BUT, it was an accessory piece that did not work in the presentation, so I would not have used it as provided. It might still be incorporated in the groundwork. . .  literally! As for the other eight pieces. . . PERFECT!

A word about the packaging. The figure comes in a brushed tin box that would be familiar to anyone who has purchased a non-Marvel Knight Models figure. I have to wonder if Nocturna acquired the "boxes" from their neighbors at KM, given that the latter have reverted to cardboard boxes? While the tin boxes provide ample space to securely package the figure, and are light years ahead of the usual blister packs, Nocturna unfortunately does not take advantage of what a tin container offers, thus negating the additional protection provided: the pieces are packaged in a mini zip-loc bag, and placed between to thin pieces of foam. Damage of some sort is to be expected.

As a final note, this is a numbered series: I received no. 51. I don't know if it is limited in any way, shape, or form, but it's a nice touch.

I am very pleased with this acquisition, and you will soon be reading and seeing more about it on these pages.  Until then. . .