D&D goes big baddy-style with their first monster manual miniatures release entitled Dangerous Delves. The second 4E set spans 40 miniatures (5 per pack, 8 different packs in all) with some of the randomness removed. Seven rather nice minis are visible in the packaging so it’s rather easy to complete a full set or target your favorite sculpts.

The paint jobs continue to improve but the re-paints of previous set miniatures still annoys (after you swallow the price increase). Ben longs for the days of the $8 Harbinger booster.

We’re huge fans of releasing new miniatures that go with the first Keep on the Shadowfell module series. Kruthik Youngs, a Kobold Wyrmpriest, Goblin Sharpshooters can drop into your D&D setting with ease. Let’s hope this trend continues with future sets and module releases.

So here’s our top five: Skalamd the Troll King (how a Troll should truly look), Kobold Wyrmpriest (Shadowfell nostalgia pick), Goblin Delver (such a sneaky bastard), Blood Scarab (incorporating terrain into the mini is a slick touch) and Xen’drik Drow Stingblade (best drow yet).

And here’s our bottom five: Aboleth Slime Mage (something you throw back on a fishing trip), Unicorn (no D&D man plays this mini), Harpy (major lean), Beholder Eye Tyrant (too many already and its terrible base induces lean-age), and Banshrae Warrior (has a girl scout troop vibe).

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It’s no secret Ben loves all things Dungeons and Dragons. He continuously scours the earth to uncover useful (and well some not so useful) items for his next D&D game. His pile knows no limits…everything from miniatures, to buildings, to terrain, to dice, to molds, to this and to that.

On one particular Gen Con expedition, his bud Jeff was astounded by his many bags of gear. Jeff remarked, “Hey Benny – What are you going to buy next? DM Shoes?” A raucous group laughter ensued.

Fast forward to his next Gen Con Indy retreat and low and behold, sat a box on his hotel room bed. A box which contained his very own set of actual DM Shoes! And like a gift from Glenda, the level 4 elite, evil hag sorceress, there truly was no place like Gen Con (a home away from home).