John Blanche

John Blanche, who sadly passed early this summer, was hugely influential in the early days of the UK gaming scene, as well as shaping much of the look and feel of Warhammer and Games Workshop.

Harrowhound Miniatures LLC, who recently ran the John Blanche’s En Garde - VanguardKickstarter to raise money for a new series of 54mm miniatures that John Blanche created the designs and concept for, have released a statement about the campaign and the future of the planned game in the wake of John’s sad passing earlier this week.

The sad news of John Blanche’s passing was announced today. John was one of the most influential fantasy and science fiction illustrators in the gaming scene from the 70’s onwards. John is best known for the work he did with Games Workshop, a company he first worked with in 1977 and went on to become their Art Director and a regular contributor for both artwork and miniature painting. His art strongly shaped the visual dynamics of the company and made a lasting impact still felt today.

The Army Painter are preparing to release their next sets of John Blanche paints.

The Last Starfighter (Universal Pictures, 1984) is a meritocratic, sci-fi-opera western featuring an arcade game in a mundane trailer park - or in my ten year old mind - a chip-shop in Redditch. Unbeknownst to the deep-fryers, the most skilled players were secretly being recruited as pilots for an interstellar war. The ultimate fantasy for everyone who was trapped in the hopeless mundanity of the 8-bit working class: your gaming skills might mean something, someone is watching and you're special. The high-score was a key that could unlock a gateway to another life entirely.

Westfalia are preparing to bring a series of John Blanche miniatures to Kickstarter.

Games Workshop have revealed a new take on an old favourite.