Haspil returns for the Astartes 2 trailer, an epic new Kickstarter, and we discuss the rise of Grimdark in mainstream culture.
Another Long War Two-Fer is HERE: Keep those hobby muscles strong with this week’s webcast and the latest exciting podcast of table-top wargaming awesomeness mostly centered around Warhammer 40k.
Show Summary:
We discuss the birth of grimdark setting and some of the biggest influences on the style, along with some fun topics to keep things interesting. Here are the key takeaways:
- (20:41) Warhammer 40K’s Popularity Growth
- The Long War doubles tickets sell out again at Adepticon, with 144 teams and a waitlist, reflecting the massive growth of competitive 40K events.
- (33:38) Astartes 2 Trailer Breakdown
- The hosts analyze the Astartes 2 trailer, praising its unique audio design—where viewers don’t hear the Space Marines’ comms—and how it enhances immersion.
- (42:06) The Concept of Grimdark vs. Noblebright
- A philosophical discussion on how 40K’s grimdark tone contrasts with traditional heroic fantasy like Tolkien’s works.
- (49:05) What If 40K Never Existed?
- Speculation on how alternative franchises (e.g., Battletech) might have filled the void if Warhammer 40K had never emerged.
- (53:30) Why Warhammer 40K Is Going Mainstream Now
- The hosts attribute its rise to a “perfect storm”—nerd culture normalization (e.g., Stranger Things, Big Bang Theory), better accessibility, and cinematic storytelling in games and media.
- (57:23) Dawn of War Cutscenes & 40K’s Cinematic Appeal
- The Dawn of War II cutscene remains one of the best Warhammer cinematic moments, showcasing the franchise’s storytelling potential.
- (1:04:24) The Challenge of Dark Storytelling Without Nihilism
- Discussion on how franchises like Dune balance dark storytelling without being overly bleak, which could be a model for future 40K adaptations.
This episode blends lore deep dives with humor and community engagement, highlighting both the Grimdark history of 40k and the camaraderie of its fandom.
- Cavill & Mainstream Warhammer
- LVO 2025 Coverage
- Elrik’s Hobbies Products & Sales
- Adepticon How to Register
- Get Your Precision Dice 5% Off Baron of Dice: Use Code Longwar5
The Rise of Grimdark
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What do you think about the rise of Grimdark settings?
About the Author: Kenny Boucher
Kenny Boucher
Job Title: Master of Miniature Artistry & Podcast Writer
Socials: @NextLevelPainting
About Kenny Boucher: Tabletop gaming since the late 1990s; Kenny joined the Spikey Bits team in 2011, communicating his vast knowledge in articles about how to paint miniatures and more.
Kenny Boucher is not just a name but a brand synonymous with top-tier miniature painting in the world of tabletop wargaming. As the creative force behind Next Level Painting, Kenny has earned his place as a respected authority in the hobby community.
Along with Rob, he co-founded and co-hosted the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes. His unparalleled skills, innovative techniques, and engaging tutorials have made him a go-to resource for hobbyists looking to elevate their painting game.
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