Background:

In 1986, the world's worst nuclear disaster occurred at the Chernobyl power station. Soviet authorities established a 30km 'Exclusion Zone' around this nuclear wasteland. In 2006 a second disaster occurred, obliterating all living things and causing the Zone's boundaries to ripple outwards. From this epicenter came waves of mutated creatures, deadly radiation, and a strange, anomalous energy. The Zone was cordoned off by the military, shooting on sight anyone foolish enough to brave the horrors within.

It is now 2012 - man has ventured further and further into the heart of the Zone driven by reports of strange 'artifacts' imbued with anomalous energy. Mercenaries and bounty hunters compete to recover these artifacts, which command extortionate prices on the black market. Others seek to find the truth behind the Zone, while some merely revel in the desolate lawlessness of the place. Whatever their motivation, over time these individuals - Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers and Robbers - have become known as S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s.

Adapted from: http://www.moddb.com/games/stalker

Introduction:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a series of mega-popular first-person shooter video games. While not a direct adaptation, the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is heavily influenced by Roadside Picnic, a short science fiction novel written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky in 1971, and a science fiction movie Stalker, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1979, with a screenplay written by Strugatsky brothers.

Evolution Miniatures recently produced two Stalker figures in 1/35 scale. This review covers the first figure, labeled as Stalker, Post-Apocalyptic (EM-35120), while the review of the second figure can be found here: link.

Review:

The kit is packed in a hard cardboard box. The box art image shows the figure fully assembled and painted, listing Sergey Traviansky, the creative force behind Evolution Miniatures, as both the figure sculptor and the box art painter. Inside the box is a zip-lock bag containing two pieces cast in resin. The cast is absolutely wonderful; the grey resin shows no imperfections whatsoever and features an impressive amount of details very nicely delivered in scale.

As with all miniatures from Evolution, the fit of the pieces is excellent... there is almost no chance of misaligning the pieces due to small protrusions and recesses in corresponding parts. If placed correctly, there should be no visible gaps between the pieces so the putty work is kept to a minimum.

The figure depicts a Stalker lurking behind a wall. He is dressed in a hoodie and a pair of jeans, sporting a long overcoat. All his equipment is safely stored in an army crossbody bag strapped around his shoulder, and a large pack on his back. Armed with VSS Vintorez, a suppressed sniper rifle, this Stalker is ready for the dangers of “The Zone”. Looking closely at this figure, I have to admit I’m very much impressed… the figure conveys the feeling of a post-apocalyptic scavenger really well. Also, the pose looks natural and well balanced, the facial features are nicely defined, garb and gear is realistically depicted with loads of nicely delivered details. Altogether, the sculptor did an amazing job and this figure really is a work of art.

Conclusion:

Stalker, Post-apocalyptic (EM-35120) from Evolution Miniatures is a great figure. Masterfully sculpted by the talented hands of Sergey Traviansky and perfectly delivered in resin, the figure captures the feel of post-apocalyptic scavenger really well. The figure features a ton of details and is very easy to build.

If you like modeling the fictional post-apocalyptic world, getting this figure is a must… it is one of the best Stalker figures in 1/35 scale on the market today. Together with its companion figure (EM-35121) it will produce a cool vignette. For inspiration, check Sergey’s own work on the two figures featured here on Armorama: link.