Age of Sigmar – Kruleboyz Man-Skewer Boltboyz

From our last shipment of Stormbringer (4th package, with issues 14 to 19), we received another batch of Stormcast Eternals and Kruleboyz miniatures, and among these are the Man-Skewer Boltboyz, that I would like to add to my Warcry Kruleboyz warband. But I didn't just want to build them, so I thought, why not share these in a review of them own.

They were part of Stormbringer issue #14, in this case the German run by Hachette.

Please note, these are the multipart Kruleboyz Man-Skewer Boltboyz, regularly available through Games Workshop at a RRP of 34 GBP or 44 EUR, which gives us a saving of 75% if we get them through Stormbringer. And further note - these are not the push-fit models from the older Age of Sigmar Dominion starter set, giving you much more details and bits to work with, but more on that further below.

The box gives you three models for your Kruleboyz army or warband, armed with Man-Skewers - huge crossbows, almost bolt throwers. The multi-part kits gives you more options on the trio, compared to the Dominion push-fit models, mostly it is the heads of which there are more included, but you also have the option for a Boltboy Boss.

The models are spread across a medium sized sprue, with minor mould lines and crisp details. The only issue with a bit of flash were the thorns and spikes on the men-skewer crossbows, beyond that in a reasonable amount. The sprue is properly used and you see a lot of head options right from the start.

The Boltboyz stand on 32mm round bases, of which three are included, and while I prepared the models for the build, I noticed something odd - the numbers were missing on one side of the sprue, making it hard to figure out which exact pieces I would need for some of the steps. But thankfully the picture on the Warhammer online shop was taken from the side, with the numbers on and I added it in this review with a bit more contrast and upscaled, just in case you have the same problem.

Beyond that, if you are building these from the Stormbringer instructions. Those are usually a bit leaner, leaving up some options and navigating you through the steps in a more direct way, I would suggest you look up the instructions from the regular box, you can find them for example on r/WarhammerInstructions.

But enough introduction, let us start with the first Boltboy. The poses themself are fixed, but you have a bit of variation regarding the men-skewer, as you can mix the string part, as well as choose from three helmeted heads, and two variants with the aventail opened up. I used that part with this Boltboy, as I thought it made sense for a  ranged combat unit, to have a bit more vision.

Fit was easy and no big hassle. There are minor gaps on the cloak, but that is not a problem due to the rugged look. Removing the mould lines was a bit time consuming and I noticed on some of the close-ups that I missed some parts. Especially on the finer spikes, they are a bit more present.

The second Boltboy has an aiming pose, and as they all share the same head options, we have one less to choose from. I like how he is putting the man-skewer closer to his eyes for aiming, as it would make much of a difference with such a crude weapon. Never the less, good fit, but same problem with the mould lines along the spikes. Will have to give it another clean up. Just make sure to be patience as the tips of the spikes are rather delicate and might be damaged, if you clean them with too much force.

And the third Boltboy, with the options for the Boltboy Boss. In the close up you can see, he comes with a back banner, along with two different head options, or rather one head and two helmet variants, but of course you could build him as a regular third Boltboy.

The main body is the same, but you go with a different pair of arms, to suit the special men-skewer the Boltboy Boss carries. I like the loading pose, and optionally you can add one of the huge skewers, getting pulled back / loaded.

And here they are. I like the small details they added to some of the feet, to enlarge the contact surface between the model and the base. As these are not push-fits and don't come with the pre-drilled bases, you don't have the need to cover up the holes. But of course, you are free to add what ever you like to the base details.

A few items are spare and are an addition to your bit box, or you can use them for the mentioned above base details, either with your kruleboys or swap them with one of the other players for bits of their army, to have some fallen soldiers or casualties covering your bases. I might use the heads to convert some regular Gutrippaz into bosses or something.

To give you an idea, where the Boltboyz stand within the hacking order of the Orruk warclans, at least with the miniatures I have at hand, they are slightly taller than the Gutrippaz and easily tower above the Hobgrots, and especially the classic Old World Orcs.

With their armour plates and rugged design, the Boltboys did a better job covering the gaps in their cloaks, where two or more parts meet compared for some of the Stormcast Eternal models (I'm looking at you Praetors!).

Conclusion

These models are well done, and such an improvement compared to the push-fits from Dominion. Don't get me wrong, the push-fit models are well done for what they are, but only available with the Killaboss on Great Gnashtoof and Murknob with Belcha-banna as part of these spearhead set, as they share the same sprue from Dominion. So this is an option to just get them, without the hassle through eBay or other second hand plattforms. The aspect, that we have some options for the heads and even variants (!) for the boss, is a great thing, that I miss with some of the newer boxes and sets coming out, where you can't choose anything and have to build it in a monopose, even with multi-part kits.

As for the design, ranged troops with Orks / Orruks are rather rare, especially with "harder" units above the rank of grots or goblins. Back in the day we had for a short time the Orc Bowmen in 6th edition (and of course their pre-decessors, and metal ones before that), Rugluds Armoured Orcs as a Dogs of War unit in the early 2000s, with the Savage Orcs quite continuelly having archers, yet that role was mostly covered by lower rank greenskins, like goblins with shortbows. But in this case, with the men-skewers it makes sense, as you would need someone stronger to carry and use these in battle, and makes for fitting addition to the ranks of their army.

As for the value, 44 EURs for 3 models is more than a stretch and really pushing in. And in direct comparison the 11 EUR for the Stormbringer issue are a absolute no brainer - just get them. The only difference is the packaging and that you don't have the detailed instructions, but a narrowed down on with the magazine pages, beyond that the sprue and bases are the same.

Beyond that, we will cover more items from the Stormbringer magazine, especially those who will be used in the Warcry coverage, along with the premium models.

Warhammer Age of Sigmar Stormbringer is distributed by Hachette Collections

The reviewed product item was provided by the manufacturer.