**Special Note For Anyone Using My Review**
1. I review individual miniatures based on their quality, not what I think their rarity slot should be.
I've seen a couple reviews that, after praising a piece with a solid sculpt and paint job, knock down the rating a couple stars seemingly because they feel it would fit a better rarity slot. That is nonsense to me. I don't think it helps anyone looking at reviews trying to determine the actual quality of a piece in hand. I keep that type of conversation reserved for Erik's weekly Friday Preview blog or the review of the set as a whole.
2. For those new to pre-painted miniatures, please understand that no piece is going to look as close to quality as the digital 3D render. It just isn't going to happen. Think of the renders as what to expect conceptually. But in practice digital renders don't have to deal with real world techniques such as shading, washing, and other methods used to make a miniature look more than just a shiny cartoon once it is on the table. **
My Official Grade For Orc Rider On Dire Wolf:
Quality of Sculpt: 2 out of 2 Stars:
A very well sculpted piece. The dire wolf looks great, with great looking sharp spikes on its back. Fur can be tricky, but it's very well sculpted on this piece. The wolf's face is great, with teeth barred and ears slightly back, as if about to charge into battle. I like the tail sticking out like it is, adding more length to the piece. The Orc on top is also well sculpted. They did a great job on his front armor and clothes. Even the bracers are well done. I love the sword pointing straight out, as if commanding his troops (or mount) to charge. Even the ripples in the standard look great, giving it the appearance wind is blowing through it.
Quality of Paint Job: 2 out of 2 Stars:
I've got no paint problems with mine. In fact, it's one of the better painted pieces in the set. Even the tampo looks great on the standard. The face isn't the best out of all the Orcs I've seen, but I still think it's very well done.
Overall appeal and usefulness: 1 out of 1 Star:
I love the look of this piece. I love the uniqueness of this guy on this mount. Has there ever been an Orc mounted on a dire wolf before in miniature form? I can't recall. Either way, this piece looks great. If you use Orcs in your campaign, I would imagine this piece would be very useful for you.
My Advice For Cherry Pickers:
I don't see how you pass on this guy if you use Orcs in your campaign. He's pricey, but he just screams LEADER! He'll be leading the charge on many of my Orc encounters from now on. Pass on him at your own risk!
