A Dwarf by any other name…
January 26, 2011 by beerogre
So the Evil Dwarf is out of the bag and now he has a new name to go with an updated release date.
Mantic's range of "evil" Dwarves will now be known as Abyssal Dwarves... it seems my suggestion of "Hell Midgets" was second choice... c'est la vie!
The Abyssal Dwarves will be available on 25th of February 2011. So get your order in early, as interest is expected to be high!
For those who have been following the Kings of War beta test on this site (now closed sorry), they'll be well aware of the models Mantic have sheduled for release for this army.
But for those who have been living under a rock... or in an abyss perhaps... here's some of the stuff you may have missed.
Hope you like 'em...
BoW Andy
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I’m glad Mantic didn’t press their luck by calling these Chaos Dwarves.
As agressive as GW is in terms of protecting it’s intellectual property, I’m surprised Mantic has gotten away with their WH fantasy-compatible models for so long.
I guess GW turns a blind eye as long as you don’t actually reference their product by name (creating brand confusion, etc.) like Chapterhouse.
Alessio Cavatore worked for GW for many many years, so I think he has a very precise idea as to how far they can come close to the Warhammer lore without upsetting their lawiers 🙂
Khaos Dwarves was a bit cheeky, but it got people’s attention.
Let’s face it… any fantasy models are compatable with WHFB… provided of course they are covered by the rules.
Reaper and others have been making fantasy models for years. The only difference with Mantic is they are trying to produce plastic minis on a scale (and at a price) that can compete with GW… or at least impact them.
The more choice in the market the better. GW should embrace the competition, it stops you getting lazy.
BoW Andy
I’m actually getting rather annoyed at GW’s constant need to pull a C&D on any company that dares interfere with their markets. I mean, it’s like they want to own the fantasy setting and strap a huge price tag to it. Personally, Chaos Dwarves should have been fine. Putting two words together isn’t trademarked (Is it?) and as a result, I would have been quite happy sitting and laughing at GWs futile attempts to try and court-marshall Mantic. I’m all for Mantic and as much as I love the miniatures they produce, am sick to the brim of Games Workshop… Read more »
Whether there’s any teeth to these legal threats or not, Mantic made (in my opinion) a very shrewd business decision….
Decide on an non-IP infringing name. Next, call your new minis line something that is blatantly (or so it appears) IP infringing. Stir up a hornets nest of “will they… won’t they” controversy.
Then when the Evil Empire™ are forced (by all the speculation) into making a legal move. Change the name of the line back to your original idea and gain sympathy from the fans.
It’s what I would have done anyway… 😀
BoW Andy
The Clockwork Wizard is probably the best dwarf mini i’ve ever seen so far, I’m so going to buy it when is coming out! The only thing i don’t like is about the dwarf king, as I think the staff in the concept art is far more interesting and good looking than the one in the actual sculpt. I liked the idea of using the wing as a blade, this way he becomes merely a decorative staff. 🙁
Just for reference, they swapped them around. The ‘Bionic Wizard’ is now infact the Abyssal Dwarf King/Lord. I can agree, he looks fantastic. The only gripe me (And most of the Mantic Community have) with the model is what is on his back. It comes a little too close to another brand of backpack worn by our 8ft tall bretherin whos name I shall not utter under honorship of our Emperor. *Cough* Mantic Games decided, and I agree, the Lord/King in concept design came out looking far too Wizardy to miss. The staff looks fantastic, so does his pose. But… Read more »
I want one as welll. But I’ll be using mine for Warmachine/Iron Kingdoms roleplaying.
Dwarven Cyrissist methinks! 😀
BoW Andy
I think it might have been changed for ease of casting, the old staff looked more fragile in design, but I agree it looked cooler
I like the dwarf with the batthing helmet
dwarfs evil dwarfs i like the look 😀 i can’t wait for mantics Orcs
Hell midgets for the win!!!
AFAIK GW haven’t laid claim in their IP blurb to either “Chaos” or “Dwarves”.
Either way well done who thought up Abyssal Dwarves.
Looking forward to the release.
Can’t help thinking that the clockwork wizard has a vacuum cleaner.
Is he performing the “Shake and Vac” to put the freshness back? lol
love the AD wizard and king
I agree with chaosfox09.
Hell yeah,can’t wait to see Mantic’s Orcs and Gobbos!