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The voting is open for the best Warhammer model of 2023 (you can vote here). The thing that I was surprised by, when I looked at the voting, was the sheer number of models that have been released in 2023. I have no idea how many sculptors they have at Games Workshop, but when you see them all lined up together, it’s really quite striking.

And more than that, it’s hard to choose what really is the best Warhammer model of 2023. There are just so many of them. I was able to vote, but I thought it would be good to post a top ten list and explain why I like each one.

10. Angron, Daemon Primarch of Khorne

Any time you get a Primarch, you know you’re in for a good time, especially if that Primarch is a Daemon Primarch. (You’ll note that I didn’t put Lion-El Jonson on here. He’s a good model, but he’s not as amazing as Angron.) This model really truly captures the lore of Angron. We’ve been reading about this Primarch, his Butcher’s Nails and his brutality for so long, and this model really encapsulates that.

9. Lord Solar Leontus

You’ll find that on this list of the best Warhammer models of 2023, there aren’t very many Warhammer 40k models. I’m not sure why that is, but Age of Sigmar seemed to have a better year. (I actually think that Age of Sigmar has had a better year overall for the last several years.) But back to Lord Solar Leontus, this is my favorite model that I painted this year. I admit I’m not the best painter, but this was the most rewarding model. He turned out much better than I expected him to.

8. Eternus, Blade of the First Prince’

I want to collect Slaves to Darkness so much. I love Eternus (I placed him on a mountain on my model railroad after painting him) but I am just not good at Chaos models. I never have been able to get the hang of all the trim and metallics. They look so good as painted by the ‘Eavy Metal team, but I can’t replicate the look. If I could, I would own every Slaves to Darkness model.

7. Saurus Scar-Veteran on Aggradon

I have loved the Seraphon for as long as I can remember, because deep down every kid loves dinosaurs. My introduction to the range was through the Celestial Stampede, and I worried that I had peaked: I’d painted Stegadons and Troglodons and Carnosaurs, but I wasn’t as entranced by the rank-and-file Saurus and Skinks. But the new range is amazing. I love the new Raptadons, the Kroxigors, the Spawn of Chotek, but I especially love the Saurus Scar-Veteran on Aggradon.

6. Legions Imperialis Baneblade Squadron

I wasn’t sold on Legions Imperialis until I saw the Baneblades. Actually, all the vehicles in Legions Imperialis are amazing, but I really, really love the Baneblades. Games Workshop has somehow managed to cram almost all the detail of the regular sized model into the much tinier scale, and it’s incredible.

5. Tahlia Vedra, Lioness of The Parch

I think when this model was first shown off everyone knew it was going to be a contender for Best Warhammer Model of 2023. It was the big showstopper of the Cities of Sigmar range (though it is not my favorite model of that range, as I’ll mention below). This is really just a chance for the sculptors to show off.

4. Rough Riders

Probably a strange pick here, but I have been collecting Imperial Guard for twenty five years and never had great options for Rough Riders, despite them being one of my favorite units. I love the concept of science fiction, lasgun-carrying soldiers riding horses into battle–with bomb-tipped lances. But they’ve never pulled it off with the models–until now. And, consequently, I have painted three units of Rough Riders now.

3. Freeguild Cavalier Marshal

My favorite Cities of Sigmar model is not surprisingly one of the cavalry. The Freeguild Cavaliers are amazing models which would have made this list had the Cavalier Marshal not been available to pick–but he is and I did. Not only does this model have all of the baroque detail of the Cavaliers, but the pose is perfect.

2. Trugg the Troggoth King

I remember watching the reveal show where Trugg was being shown thinking “I don’t need to buy this” and “I don’t need to buy that”, until Trugg was shown and I knew I needed to get him. My very favorite model I have ever painted was the Dankhold Troggoth, and I’ve always had a soft spot for Troggoths because of it. Now, I will say that Trugg didn’t paint up as well as the others, which is probably why he didn’t make my #1 spot. He’s okay, but I’d like to get the chance to give him a second try.

1. Harbinger of Decay

The best Warhammer model of 2023 honestly couldn’t have been anything other than the Harbinger of Decay. This combination of John Blanche and Frank Franzetta is a truly perfect miniature. The arching through line from tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, the rotting details on the horse’s neck and face, the slouching rider–it all comes together to create what is, in my opinion, the best Warhammer model of 2023.

If you want to take the poll to vote for best model, click here.