Option for supporting Mithril
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Gildor Inglorion wrote:Indeed I can criticize, but it’s the same as PJ movie…. you may be tolkien purist, did you “boycot” the movie or did you consider it worthwile enough to at least go and watch it for what it was….
No I did not. But I also tried (and succeeded in) keeping my own image of Middle-earth, keeping the movie stuff in the movie corner where it belongs. As a consequence I did not buy any merchandise stuff. I only “let in” those movie pieces that I deem compatible with the source. I guess that might be the opinion of other Middle-earth fans too. So being offered something with the “Middle-earth” label on it but obviously not the fitting content is frustrating. Therefore I am inclined to look for alternatives that *look* like Middle-earth even if they do not have the official label on it.
From my experience with producing Middle-earth related RPG supplements (here comes OM again), it’s much better to make a clear cut between the “old” version with many flaws due to its production history and make a fresh start unburdened by it. I did this for my games (and things I write) with the MERP supplements. I take the stuff that measures up to the info provided by Tolkien and that stuff that doesn’t (e.g. where gross mistakes where made) is trashed without any problem in the wink of an eye – even if creates “continuity” problems. IMO it’s better have a clear cut rather than burden yourself with “historic” ballast
An example from another area comes to my mind: I once noticed that Ted Nasmith portrayed Minas Tirith with entirely white walls. Later he had another MT image with the outer first wall in black. Then I noticed that it is said that the outer wall of MT was built from the same material like the jet-black Orthanc. So, I see this as a good example of a Tolkien artist in improving his Midfdle-earth related art when getting input about errors he made (I don’t know whether he noticed it himself or was pointed to it).
It could even be marketed: “Classic” Mithril design vs. “New” one. Again it’s about communication like in other areas. You might do it either way, but giving a clear (and exhaustive) explanation is good so that the same questions are not asked ever again. If Chris consciously decides to better keep internal consistency rather than faithfulness to the source, it’s perfectly OK for everyone. Then all the others can look elsewhere for products that better match their vision of what Middle-earth figures should look like. But since I thought it was the goal to get more customers it might be worthwile to design them more with a close look on the source. That might help in attracting customers well-versed in the sources looking for Middle-earth related artwork (in the wider sense).I always thought that Mithril’s rather close license on the books should produce minis that resemble the info from the books as closely as possible. If this is not done, I find it a bit irritating.
Cheers
TolwenBarliman wrote:No, LR10 is is wearing plate. Nice figure, though.There’s certainly no doubt about that. For me personally though, I could not make for example a diorama with it (or even simply paint) and label it “Gil-galad”. It is perfect for generic RPG plate-armoured (elven) characters though
Cheers
TolwenGildor Inglorion wrote:what could be said about the named Nazgul from the LR series then? they ALL are in full plate mail (and very well designed ones!) they are inspired from the only artistic source that could be found concerning named nazgul => Angus McBride picturesAn excellent example. That’s the point I tried to make earlier: Only while others have made mistakes (consciously or not), no one is obliged to follow them there in light of more recent knowledge. I have long given up to hold “internal consistency” in secondary works (RPG, minis, whatever else) as an important goal. It’s the source that counts (and what can be drawn from it). As Arthadan said – there are so many white spots – also where minis are concerned (design-wise) – that keeping those few informations that we have all the more important
Though I guess we have different priorities, which is perfectly OK with me
Cheers
TolwenI received mail from Chris about all your concerns… the longest mail I have ever received from the Man… he explained and answered every concern…
I am waiting for his authorization to broadcast his email as is… as I don’t want to extrapolate or express the content with my own words, so I’ll just make a little synthesis but it requires detailed explanations :
Mister Tubb won’t change his style of sculpting except maybe some efforts on 1) furs 2) heraldry respect
Personnally I fully agree and support his comments… but you’ll read by yourself in some time
precisely Thingol, wargs or wolves only (and bears if there are bears any time soon..)
fact is, IF we finally get a range of animals… it would be cool to have furs that allow stylised dry brushing on them…
besides that, there won’t be any change I think, and sorry Arthadan, but I think it is better like that… I don’t think the man was upset with all those concerns he just made his point clear:
For years, Tolkien has been illustrated by many artists who gave life in their own manner to Tolkien writings (Howe, Lee, Hildebrandt, McBride, Nasmith… each with their own style) Chris is one of them and his View of them is HIS artistic view and artistic freedom and contribution to the universe of Tolkien… there is no canon when it comes to visual representation of Tolkien, as far as the final works are agreed upon and licenced by the appropriate entities, which is, in the case of LoTR and the Hobbit the “Middle Earth Enterprise”
I am still waiting his approval to display his email…
but he explains it quite clearly… also about the plate armors, the heights of characters, the lack of more details on face etc etc…
The Hildebrandt brothers are illustrators of Tolkien works, they made calendars and several illustrations… which looks quite different than all the others… still that is tolkien representation but would not match Howe or Lee canon…
Artistic Freedomcheck Greg Hildebrandt on the net to find some samples I think
. . . I do know the H-brothers.
Unfortunately there is no way beside them if you focus on Tolkien Illustrations . . . unfortunately . . .
I remember my mother´s birthday present somewhere in the late 70ies: a Tolkien calendar . . .Well, the book by Master Tolkien himself is very much recommended! There are fantastic watercolours inside.
and Master Forest Warden, I remember well this time you mentioned . . . 
I am glad also!
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