"Beyond the circle of light, there are countless slaves to darkness who know nothing but hate and madness. They look on the Imperium and see only the possibility of fire and death -- and they find that good."
To mark the release of the Warhammer 40k video game, Dark Tide, McFarlane released a wave of their Warhammer 40k figures in 2022 taking inspiration from some of the characters in the game. The Darktide releases introduced the Astra Militarum or Imperial Guard into the McFarlane collection. This was done using the same principle as the Space Marines and Orks by creating a general figure body onto which varying parts, components, and paintwork can be added to individualise the character.
The Traitor Guardsman Variant was a US Gamestop exclusive, utilising the main release Traitor Guardsman but adding a variant head sculpt. In the UK the figure would have a more general release via the Bandai UK distribution network. Interestingly it is not marked as a Gold Label Exclusive on the box as we usually see for Retailer Exclusives and it is packed into the same window box as per all the WH40k general releases from its inception in 2020 and through until the 2024 releases where the packaging aesthetic was updated. This general box uses a dark gothic-inspired design personalised to the figure on the side art and the rear of the box only. There is no background text or overview of the figure - only images - with the figure itself set against a deep yellow card back. The figure is strapped tightly into an inner tray with several clear ties to negotiate to release him. The figure stand is glued onto the card back in its own bubble, meaning if you do want to use the stand the packaging will be damaged when unpacked.
The Variant Traitor Guard uses the exact same body as the mainline release with the Guardsman base body in a very dark green-hued plastic and overlaid with added Chaos armoured parts in a matt black - mainly around the chest, shoulders and forearms. The central belt and chest strap is a darker brown finish and painted across its entirety in the same colour with no change in decor between the strap/belt itself and the pouches and grenades that it holds. Like the standard release, we also get the Chaos Pentagram logo on the right side of the chest.
The head is also essentially the same base as the main release, but with the face plate replaced with a gas mask of sorts. This is matt black like the spiked plumed helmet, but with a trio of green almost fluorescent eyes and a breathing filter with a similar green central panel.
The shared Guardsman body has 19 points of articulation with double-jointed knees and elbows as well as the addition of butterfly shoulders. The lower legs work ok, but despite the toe articulation and double joint knees there is not enough hip movement to allow for any kneeling or crouching positions - leaving your Guardsman posed in more generic upright stances only. The arms are however impressive in their movement with the butterfly joint making a big difference, although if you take it too far it pops out a bit too easily.
The Traitor Variant has a pair of weapons, starting with a Las Pistol that is shared with the Guardsman Veteran from the same wave. This is painted in black and brown and fits into either hand where there is a trigger finger to slot into place. The other weapon is a new jagged curved sword with a grey handle and sickly brown blade complete with sculpted scratches and marks. Again, this fits on either hand. Like a lot of WH40k releases, the plastic on the hands is quite rigid and engaging the weapons can be difficult to avoid damage it is worth warming the plastic up first gently.
The Circular Stand features the WH40k logo and a single peg hole that is intended to sit in either of the peg holes on the Guardsman's feet. Like all of the variants of this body, the left peg hole is too small and the foot will be left up and out - although secure enough to hold a pose. The figure will pose perfectly well without the stand.
McFarlane’s figure releases are often built on multiple variations, and yet its something we’ve not seen excessively for the WH40k line within the same wave - Ork Megafig’s aside. It works really well for the Guardsman template allowing army building where needed. This variant of the Traitor Guard is 90% identical to the main release, but the helmet and weapon changes give it enough identity to pose with its partner piece and look like they are part of a wider squad. Like the main release, the figure is well articulated and painted to a good standard with scope to do more if you like to enhance your WH40k figures.
Keep Track of all the Warhammer 40k figures from McFarlane at our comprehensive
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
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