Games Workshop previewed a couple of new miniatures for the grimdark world of Warhammer 40,000. Both the Orks and the Adeptus Custodes are coming soon with Codexes to match and that means a few new characters to help lead your armies.

Big Mek // Warhammer 40,000

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With da biggest brains, the Ork Big Meks are great for those looking to lean into the suped-up dakka side of things with their Ork armies. This new miniature is one of the best Orks that I've seen in a long time and I love all the little details here and there showing off his kit and various accessories. He looks half built into his suit and also like he's rocking it like a TAG from Infinity. I also really like the expression on the miniature above, a much more measured Ork than we've seen in the past.

Big Mek Details // Warhammer 40,000

That isn't to say you can't go full-on wild with your Big Mek as you can see here with this alternative build. The Big Mek has access to a hydraulic klaw, kustom mega-blasta, traktor blasta and all sorts which help the powered suit move and unleash hell on your opponents. A great new miniature for those more tech-minded Orks out there.

As well as the Big Mek, you can also get your hands on a new Battleforce for him to lead.

Stompa Boyz // Warhammer 40,000

This set comes with the Big Mek, ten Boyz, a Trukk and ten Lootas. You also get the massive Stompa which is going to dwarf pretty much everything else on the tabletop. I would imagine this will be the first place to get this Big Mek but he will be available later on down the line separately.

Updated rules for the Orks will then come as part of the new Codex which is lined up to release in the next few months.

Codex: Orks // Warhammer 40,000

It will come with up-to-date background on the Orks, their warlords and plenty more information for getting your Waaagh! to the tabletop.

New Adeptus Custodes Shield-Captain

Whereas the Ork Big Mech is one of the best miniatures we've seen in a while, the Shield-Captain for the Adeptus Custodes looks a little bit awkward.

Shield-Captain // Warhammer 40,000

Your Shield-Captain is a defensively-minded individual who is pretty darn good in a fight but also handy when trying to set up your defences and keep the enemy at bay. The set comes with a couple of head options for you to choose from and his armaments are focused on getting stuck into close combat.

I think it's a little unfortunate that the Shield-Captain looks a bit squat and rotund. He looks better with the helmet on but even then, he seems a bit off when it comes to his proportions. I think the shield could have done with being flat as well rather than rounded. The Adeptus Custodes have always looked a bit odd anyway and their sculpts can be rather marmite so it's no surprise that this fellow has split opinion.

He is going to be included as part of the Auric Champions Battleforce.

Auric Champions // Warhammer 40,000

This set comes with the Shield-Captain himself, five Custodian Wardens, six Allarus Terminators and six Vertus Praetors. A good mix of both hard-hitting miniatures and more defensive ones. I suppose it helps when you're entire army is essentially heroes!

The Adeptus Custodes are also going to get their own Codex in the near future.

Codex: Adeptus Custodes // Warhammer 40,000

As with all of the modern Codexes, this will come with updated background information on the Emperor's bodyguard and the Sisters Of Silence plus more rules for making themed armies around them. New detachments and datasheets are on the cards for those, like Henry Cavill, who love their golden boys.

Will you be picking up either of these new miniatures for Warhammer 40,000?