The latest edition of Warhammer 40,000 has brought with it a new generation of codexes and supplements – the best iteration of these essential faction guides ever. Among their highlights are the incredible art that says as much about the army in the book as their datasheets or Battle-forged rules do. Today, we’re taking a look at the art of the Deathwatch and Space Wolves codex supplements – with a sneak peek at the next book too.
Deathwatch
Mankind’s best defence against the many alien races that threaten the Imperium, the Deathwatch are different from other Space Marine Chapters. They’re made up of veterans from across myriad Chapters, coming together to use their specialist skills and knowledge to scour the xenos from the face of the galaxy. The cover reflects this diversity beautifully – and there’s an even larger version of it inside the book that truly showcases the way these Space Marines battle as one.
Each member of the Deathwatch is a hero in their own right, having fought hundreds of battles with their Chapter before being seconded to the alien hunters. Even among these storied warriors, some rise to become true legends – Artemis is one of these. From savage warrior of dead Posul to brother of the Mortifactors, and finally Watch Captain of the Talasa Prime Deathwatch fortress, he has distinguished himself in countless wars. This portrait of him in action reflects his aggressive nature.
While the Deathwatch often operates in small forces known as kill teams, specialised to hunt a particular alien foe, they’re perfectly capable of fielding huge armies when the situation calls for it. This piece shows a Deathwatch force massing for war on a world of eerie xenos crystals. The many aircraft in the sky each carry more squads to join the extermination force – whatever enemy they’re facing isn’t going to have a good day.
Space Wolves
The new Space Wolves codex supplement reveals more of the Fang, their ancient fortress-monastery on Fenris, than ever before, including the inner sanctums of two of the most legendary warriors of the Chapter. This stunning depiction of Logan Grimnar, the Great Wolf, in counsel shows off his audience chamber and features many of the Chapter’s most famous figures.
As ancient and heroic as Grimnar is, even his saga is eclipsed by that of Bjorn the Fell-handed. Bjorn fought in the Great Crusade, served the Primarch Leman Russ himself during the Horus Heresy, and was the first Great Wolf to lead the Chapter to new glories after the Wolf King’s disappearance. Entombed in a Dreadnought sarcophagus for ten millennia, the chamber in which he slumbers is as much a shrine to his glory as it is a functional stasis chamber.
Bjorn and Grimnar both have mighty sagas, and each battle-brother of the Space Wolves hopes to emulate them and gain renown by their deeds. Among these warriors are Einvar and Fjoldall, whose sagas are given life in words and imagery in the book. Here’s the art showing them in action.
Blood Angels
The next codex supplement coming your way is dedicated to the sons of Sanguinius, the noble Blood Angels. You won’t get your hands on this book for a while yet, but we took a look inside and pulled out a piece of thematic art to whet your bloodthirst. The chalice is a key icon for the Blood Angels, representing the vessel which contains a portion of their Primarch’s lifeblood, and this allegorical image shows how that blood links the beautiful and noble side of the Chapter with the dark flaw that beats at their heart.
Pre-order Codex Supplement: Space Wolves and Codex Supplement: Deathwatch now to feast your eyes on all the incredible art within their covers, not to mention extensive background, stunning models, and of course, loads of rules.