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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