90's Marine Challenge: Dark Angel

Two Space Marines models from the 90’s, one just painted (left), the other when we just got into the hobby (right), circa 1997.

Over the last few years I have been painting Dark Angels Space Marines in honor of them being the first Space Marine Chapter we ever painted when starting in the hobby. Although it started primarily with Primaris Space Marines slightly converted to be true-scale Space Marines, I started to paint some older models to capture how Space Marines have changed over the years, including some Rogue Trader models, a MKIV, and a MKVI Space Marine. So when Darren Latham of Games Workshop fame started a 90’s Marine Challenge to paint a plastic 2nd edition Space Marine in a Chapter of your choice, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to paint one of the classic statuesque power armored warriors. Admittedly we did paint a bunch of the models when we first got into the hobby and got the 2nd edition boxed game of Warhammer 40,000. Space Marine models have come a long way since the 90s, and I am happy to say that I think I have too, at least in terms of painting!

The Unforgiven: Oldhammer Dark Angel

A Dark Angel amongst a decaying city scape (created by Totally Not Panicking).

I am continuing my quest to paint Dark Angels, and after talking with Koltti on our podcast I decided it would be fun to paint another Rogue Trader era model. It also marks a year since painting my first Oldhammer Space Marine for last year’s Olden Demon. Space Marine models from the 80’s are quite fun to paint, due to how simple the one-piece models are. Furthermore, it is amazing how inconsistent the old Space Marine models are, from different sized hands, feet, and even different helmet designs. I am really happy with how the model turned out, and hope to paint a few more to go alongside them.