So when Games Workshop brought out Deathwatch: Overkill, I eagerly snapped it up. The models are fantastic; harkening back to the original lead hybrids, but with a modern twist. I don't think I've ever seen such detailed infantrymen (and certainly not in plastic!).
The recent release of the Codex: Genestealer Cults pretty much cemented my decision to build a new army. My first step was to build up and paint some of those Overkill neophytes, and here is the result:
I'm pretty pleased with the result. I followed the painting receive given in the old White Dwarf issue 110, with the exception of leaving out the Druchii Violent wash to the heads. Although I might decide against this, my thinking was that these hybrids aren't supposed to look that alien. So instead they have very pale skin, and a more uniform look.
At this stage, my approach is really to look for proof of concept. Do I like these models enough to paint up an army of them? Will I get bored with this colour scheme? Will I be able to get through an army painted to this level, or should I be leaving out a level of highlighting etc? Those are the questions I ask myself at this stage. I find it's better to be honest with yourself early on, as there is nothing worse than getting two or three squads into an army and deciding that you just don't like the colour scheme, or that every figure seems to be taking too long to get through.
I've decided that yes, I definitely do want to proceed with this army! These figures are really good fun to paint, and despite the level of detail they actually finish up quite quickly once you get started. I probably could drop a highlight or two in some places, but I'm not sure that I will: they're just really nice models, and it would be a shame not to give them the best job that I can.
But decisions abound as to whether I will go with the Broodcycle or the Neophyte Cavalcade... I think that the bonuses for running the Cult Insurrection detachment are just too good to pass up, but I'm not convinced by the Broodcycle formation as a core choice. It contains many models that I have, or that I know might be useful, but if I'm going to be taking lots of Acolytes, I'd much rather they were in the Subterranean Uprising rather than the Broodcycle.... The alternative Cavalcade option doesn't have much new in it though, and I'm not incredibly keen on doing more Chimeras (Chimerae?) and Leman Russes. I guess I'll work through the Neophytes and make that decision when I need to!