Very Original Sci-Fi Minis

[ErikB]

So, I was reading this thread: http://hobbyshopoutlet.com/images/uploads/reaperminiatures/RPR50112.jpg

It got me thinking about what ideas and artistic vision are really original for Sci Fi minis but also work well.

I like Pig Iron's vision.  Greatcoats, Heavy Infantry, and System Troopers are each different from each other, not the same idea recycled again and again.

I love the gangsters and the "Riddick" tiny line from Heresy.

I like the Kasrkin and Cadians from GW (and the Space Marines - forgive me, please  ).

I find Reaper's NOVA Corp original and plausible, though they could use a little refining (http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/206/7/7/Female_NOVA_Trooper_by_Spielorjh.jpg). 

I also like the Hasslefree "Aliens" series (except for the helmets).  I like that they are just people wearing practical clothing with some light body armor and a believable rifle.

And there're always Zombiesmith's Quar which, though WWI-esque, are a very creative design.  Really like that line.

What I don't like, even if the implementation is wonderful (like Death Korp of Krieg http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/e/e1/KriegGren.jpg) is recycling old ideas and future-izing them.

Also, I find very frustrating, minis that I just can't seem to figure out.  Reaper does a lot of those.  I was frustrated by this great looking mini (http://images.frpgames.org/products/product_47203.jpg) because I couldn't quite tell what was cloth uniform and what was which layer of body armor, at least, not easily.  The idea was great but hard to paint.

I am wondering why nobody has run with a 28mm line of semi-primative powered armor minis along the line of SF3D suits (http://www.maschinenkrueger.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=19).  Those are pretty original.  I like that they are powered armor (or space suits) that are not hand to hand fighters, just environmental suits with a weapon mounted on them.

Anyway, these are my rumblings.  It's very hard to invent unique ideas and images that work, I guess.