Archive Miniatures short but productive run produced a range of interesting figures starting off with an historical range but gradually ebbing into fantasy and science fiction RPG figures. Their Middle Earth range offered an entertaining take on the forces of evil.
The figures are immediately recognizable as Archive products through their octagonal base but also through the humor and detail in the figures. The lower orcan army as they are listed in Archive catalogs have an undersized torso with large Mickey Mouse shoes and big dinosaur like heads. They will likely inspire the most jaded figure painter with their combination of whimsy and menace.
This also demonstrates one of the hazards of collecting miniatures as the figures were available for a relatively short time as Archive Miniatures became only sporadically available after this offering. Happily, I have more of these on hand not yet painted but of course it would be nice if the molds were still producing. These offer a nice alternative to the more somber offerings of other companies.
I had and loved these as a child, and since at 50 years old l stared painting miniatures again (games workshop lord of the rings minis) have been looking and looking to replace these. I actually had no 8dea they were originally intended as lord of the rings orcs, i used them for dnd in my teen years. Would you be willing to sell any, painted or otherwise?
These are always favorites of mine so will be keeping my small collection. The figures have a silly charm. Just as entertaining from Archive were the anatomically correct pixies and the Runequest figures though I no longer have examples of either.