We all know how bitter the Stormcast Eternals and the Orruk Warclans are as enemies. The Dominion launch box pitted them against each other as the Era of the Beast began in earnest. Their battletomes are incoming, alongside reinforcements to escalate the conflict between these mighty factions.
We’ve talked about their rules, shown off their models, and compared them in many ways – except one. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some illustrations from the upcoming Battletome: Stormcast Eternals and Battletome: Orruk Warclans to see which faction has the upper hand when it comes to epic artwork.
No article about great Stormcast Eternals or orruks art would be complete without mentioning the incredible piece that graces the Starter Set boxes.
This monumental showdown tells us a lot about both factions in one image. For instance, the Stormcast Eternals have great plumage in addition to their cool armour, but how does it all stay so clean? Meanwhile, the Kruleboyz are happy to wander straight past their leader while he has a little duel on his own – presumably, they’ve all got their eyes on other enemies to poke with those stikkas.
Of course, the cover art is the first thing you see when you begin exploring a faction’s book. Both battletomes feature stunning pieces – they’re full of brooding orruk malice and the righteous fury of the Stormcast Eternals.
Inside both tomes, you’ll find even more glorious images that set the scene magnificently.
Here, the Stormcast Eternals are bathed in the ambient glow of Azyr, surrounded by majesty and beauty befitting their station as the chosen of the God-King Sigmar – take this image of Lord-Commander Bastian Carthalos, for example.
In contrast, the orruks live not in glory but in tune with the harsh environments they call home. These Kruleboyz, for example, reside in the swamps of Ghur. Its foreboding gloom is as deeply ingrained in their culture as the mud soaking their crudely tanned leathers.
Both armies exude power in totally different ways. Orruks are all about impulsive, primal rage.
You can almost hear the immense “WAAAGH!” as they rampage across the battlefield.
This edition of Warhammer Age of Sigmar feels more epic than ever, with Monsters and Heroes shifting the tides of battle. The orruk warclans and Stormcast Eternals are led by the movers and shakers of the Mortal Realms – and characters as impressive as these deserve the most visually arresting art.
Check out the likes of Gobsprakk, the Mouth of Mork and Yndrasta, the Celestial Spear.
Both sides also have plenty of Monsters to choose from. Whether it’s the noble vengeance of the Draconith or the hulking brawn harnessed by the Beast-breakaz, these behemoths are prepared to duke it out tooth for tooth and claw for claw.
Notice how Krondys and the Stormcast Eternals are just hanging out while Karazai does all the work? No wonder he’s bitter.
This pair earns bonus style points on account of their matching outfits. We knew Kruleboyz were more cunnin’ than most, but that’s impressive dedication to aesthetics.
It’s really tough to compare the artwork in these two battletomes and pick a winner – so we’ll declare it a draw.
Both books are also packed with juicy background material to give you insight into each faction’s character and flavourful rules to represent them in your games.
You don’t have to wait much longer to see this artwork on the page, we’ll let you know when the battletomes are up for pre-order. If you prefer, we can send the updates straight to your inbox – sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll keep you in the loop.