Last month I reviewed the first zombie mob from UK newcomer Studio Miniatures and gave them an unabashed rave. At the risk of doing permanent damage to my rep as a rough-and-tough critic who shows no mercy and calls ‘em like I see ‘em, I’m now going to do the same for their sibling set, Zombie Mob 002.

Like their predecessors, the second mob came packed in a hard plastic VCR tape-style box that sported a full-color cover done in the style of a zombie flick, complete with over-the-top dramatic promo copy on the back. I really like this packaging format because it offers excellent protection to the minis inside, but Studio is the first mini maker I’ve seen to extend the metaphor to the next logical step and make a faux video. It’s a clever touch, and one that I imagine will help sell the product if they ever get retail distribution.

The set consists of eight minis, five males and three females, but this particular box also included the special “not George Romero” zombie that Studio offers as a bonus to those who order both mobs as part of a special package deal. All are cast as single pieces except for the chicken-suited zed, whose extended arm is supplied as a separate (but easily attached) piece.

Studio’s trademark maniacal attention to detail is once again on display in this set. Every fig’s clothes drape beautifully and are filled with great little touches like the beautiful texture of the old woman’s coat or the incredibly precise rows of “feathers” on the chicken suit.

Yes, one of the zeds is in a chicken suit, which it just a brilliant idea. He’s easily the standout of this set, and draws admiring attention from all who see him on the tabletop. This was clearly a labor of love for the sculptor, who lavished amazing details even on the body partially exposed by the damage to the right side of the suit. It would have been easy to just sculpt the suit, put a zombie face on it, and call it a day, but we actually get to see a bit more of the man inside the suit thanks to carefully-sculpted holes in the costume. It’s a real masterpiece.

Other highlights of the set include a grossly fat woman in a nightgown that just might remind you of a similar character from the 2004 “Dawn of the Dead” remake. Also included is an excellent “dragger” zed that has had a leg blown off and is crawling along the ground. In an inspired bit of sculpting the ghoul is grabbing on to a parking meter to pull itself forward towards its prey. The graphic damage taken all over the body makes this a real standout figure on horror factor alone.

Finally, there is the special “not George” mini to consider. The fig captures its subject perfectly in the exact outfit GAR wore to the premier of “Land of the Dead.” From the big googly glasses to the ponytail, there’s no doubt at all who this fig is supposed to represent. I especially enjoy tucking him away in a mob on the tabletop and seeing who recognizes him. That’s a true test of zombie fandom, since a fair number of people wouldn’t necessarily know GAR by sight. It’s a kind of inside joke for the fans, and I love those.

With the obvious exception of the chicken suit zed, I thought the second mob had just a bit less individual character to its members compared to the first set. Having three of the males in generic shirt-and-slacks outfits seemed a little uninspired after the amazing effort to individualize the zombies of the first mob. They’re not bad figs by any stretch, but they just seemed to stand out from the pack a bit less.

Despite the minor quibbles, these are still great minis, and deserve to be in the collection of any serious zombie enthusiast right along side their brothers from the first mob. Frankly, it would be silly not to just go for the “horde” deal and buy both. You save a bit of money and get “George” as a freebie. That’s a no brainer!

Pros: Amazing details, Chicken suit zombie, Overall amazing work

Cons: Not quite as characterful as the first mob

Final Verdict: 5/5

MSRP: ₤16 metal, ₤25 resin

Source: Studio Miniatures

Popularity: 20% [?]

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