The Commissars of the Astra Militarum strike the fear of the Emperor into their foes and allies alike, and you can add these indomitable enforcers of the Imperial Creed to your army when they arrive on pre-order this Saturday.
This stern fellow makes a fine addition to any Astra Militarum army, especially those needing an injection of moral courage, religious purity, or just plain old bellowing motivation. He’s armed with a bolt pistol, and can tote a chainsword or power sword to bring the Emperor's word to the unenlightened.
Commissars have been a key element of the Emperor’s armies since the earliest days of Warhammer 40,000, with a pedigree of beautiful miniatures to match. From the commissar cadets of the Rogue Trader era to the solemn executioner of The Commissar’s Duty, the merest sight of ominous greatcoats, peaked caps, and shiny jackboots has been inspiring Guardsmen to perform selfless deeds of heroism* for over 30 years!
While there have been numerous notable commissars mentioned in Imperial dispatches, a few resolute black-clad martinets really stand out.
Commissar Severina Raine
Executing a much-loved commander will put you on a shaky start with any combat unit you’ve then got to lead – but Severina Raine pulled it off. With some heartfelt lectures to the disgruntled troopers of the Antari Rifles, this uncompromising officer was able to inspire loyalty in her charges – well, most of them – and lead them on to victory in Rachel Harrison’s Honourbound.
Ciaphas Cain
A commissar with perhaps a little less intestinal fortitude, Ciaphas Cain possesses an uncanny knack for coming out of calamitous situations with a truly distinguished record. Some might say his quick-thinking tactical decisions are driven by cowardice, others might call it an impeccable sense of self-preservation.
Cain – and his ever-present, ever-pungent aide Jurgen – stars in a whole series by Sandy Mitchell, starting with For The Emperor.
Ibram Gaunt
Though normally concerned solely with their regiment’s morale and loyalty, in exceptional circumstances commissars have been granted long-term command positions. One of the most famous of these is Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt, an honourable warrior who led the elite Tanith First-and-Only throughout the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.
The battles fought by Gaunt’s Ghosts against enemy forces and high command alike are told across 17 books (and counting…) by Dan Abnett – start with The Founding.
Sebastian Yarrick
Putting even Gaunt’s fame into the shade is the Hero of Armageddon, Commissar Yarrick. The subject of more than one exquisite miniature, Yarrick is best known for his signature ork power klaw, and the baleful bionic eye that make him an unmistakable figure in any warzone.
Old Bale Eye has officially been reported dead, but the jury’s still out on the truth of the matter… In the meantime, you can read up on his battles for Armageddon in the self-titled omnibus by David Annandale.
Even the most newly-appointed Commissar can add backbone to your Astra Militarum force – and aspire to one day stand alongside these legends of the Officio Prefectus. You can order the new miniature this weekend, alongside a series of other mighty units for the Astra Militarum.
* Is it really ‘heroic’ if the alternative is battlefield execution?