Gripping Beast Unveils 30th‑Anniversary 28mm Kári Sölmundarson, Sculpted by Duncan Patten

Gripping Beast unveiled a commemorative 28mm Kári Sölmundarson sculpt as part of its 30th-anniversary celebration, giving painters a new, dynamic subject to add to Njal's Saga collections. Sculptor Duncan Patten is credited for a charging pose that emphasizes motion, flowing drapery, and layered kit elements that translate well to paint.

The miniature was revealed on January 23, 2026, with pre-orders opening immediately and a planned general release date of 2 February 2026. The company released multiple studio images and links to the product page alongside the announcement, allowing painters to inspect the sculpt lines, accessory parts, and base options ahead of delivery. The figure joins Gripping Beast's ongoing Njal's Saga range and is presented as a commemorative piece tied to the firm's 30th anniversary.

Design-wise, the sculpt captures kinetic energy. The charging stance creates natural lines for highlights on raised edges and shadowing in recesses, while the long cloak and tunic offer broad surfaces for layering and glazing. The sculpt includes leather straps, belts, and metallic elements that create straightforward opportunities for contrast between layered leather finishes and metal treatments. Painters who favor action poses, flowing drapery, and weathering will find clear focal points to showcase techniques.

For painters preparing to tackle Kári Sölmundarson, consider blocking in values to preserve the sense of motion, then build midtones and edge highlights on the cloak and tunic to accentuate flow. Treat leather components with successive layers and selective glazing to develop depth, and use metallic approaches on armour and weapons to set them apart from fabric. Weathering around the hem and lower cloak will sell the charge across a battlefield base and add narrative baggage to the miniature.

The release will also be useful for modellers who kitbash or build dioramas within the Njal's Saga line; the sculpt's forward momentum makes it a natural centerpiece or a dynamic secondary figure in a skirmish group. Studio images released with the announcement should help plan conversions or basing before the model arrives.

Reserve pre-orders now if you want to secure the commemorative piece and study the provided studio photos. With a clear release date of 2 February 2026, painters have a narrow window to plan palettes, test techniques on similar sculpts, and synchronize group projects around this anniversary addition to the Njal's Saga range.