Art Design: White cardboard box with a traditional German Nazi Eagle crest on the right corner (but the swastika symbol has been replaced by an X which intersects a dark orb). The four German Rakentruppen characters are depicted on the front and back of the box. This line of DUST characters also includes 12" action figures and a war-gaming set.
History: Paolo Parente created DUST five years ago as a series of comic books and graphic novels about an alternative universe where World War II never ended. In a Sci-Fi setting, World War II continues with new events, alien tecnology and supernatural components. Eventually the DUST story evolved into a war-game and then action figures and play-sets were also created. These 1:35 scale figures can be used as game pieces or for the 1:35 scale play sets or they can fit in a traditional World War II diorama (if you like soldiers with heavy weapons).
The Figures: As you can see from the photos, they look pretty good and they are wearing winter camouflage and a lot of futuristic weapons. The down side is that you have to paint the camouflage spots on yourself. This is a traditional model kit which is "recommended for children over ten years old." I think that the painting skills needed to paint these figures are at least medium level or advanced. Cement, paint, and an X-acto knife are not included.
Market: These figures can be purchased at some hobby shops, or online from Merit International, their U.S. distributor.
Overall: If you are war-gaming DUST; or you are a World War II hobbyist; or you collect small figures; then this is a set worth getting.
Grade: B
