Hot on the heels of the new edition of Warhammer Underworlds, we have our first warband solo release.

Yup, everyone’s favourite Space Lizards have a brand new Underworlds warband, The Jaws of Itzl!

Our thanks to Games Workshop for sending us these to review. They have also sent us the Grandfather’s Gardeners, which Matt has review and unboxed right here. Don’t forget, you can pick up both from Element Games! Use our link to help us smile AND save yourself some pennies!

Unboxing

First and foremost, we have our unboxing video, which you can find below. 

This warband, as always with Underworlds, comes on coloured plastic which in this case is Teal. This is to help new players who maybe nervous when it comes to painting, as straight away you can tell which models are yours by the colour of the plastic. Every warband is different. 

Also, keeping it Underworlds, all the models in the box are push fit. 

Now I have in the past found some of the easy build Underworlds kits to require a third arm to hold bits in place, however these models (and to be fair the ones from Embergard) were incredibly easy to assemble. The only model out of the box I did have a tiny issue with was (arguably) the best model in the box, the Venomites. This was because it wasn’t super easy to push the little lizard at the front in to the base because of the stone you put in first (which has to go in first). Not a major headache, just be careful you don’t break your lizard.

The Fighter Cards

Now, the fighter cards have come under fire from a lot of the community, and I completely get it. They have lost some of the flavour, as you have no abilities on each of the fighters anymore. In this new edition all your warband abilities, as well as the Inspire mechanic can be found on your Warband card. This also includes a bit or lore. 

Now, I actually like the fighter cards only really showing the stats. I think it makes better use of the space.

Having only 4 models (well three and a half I guess!) these guys fall into the Elite category, packing a fairly hefty 5 wounds a pop and being able to deal a good amount of damage. The Inspire mechanic is very straight forward too, all you need to do is inflict damage on an enemy fighter. I like straight forward mechanics, and this one ticks that box nicely!

The warband has 3 once per game abilities, which vary in usage but are on the most part fun. The main ability for the warband is the Predatory Fighters special rule, which in short allows you to inflict a point of damage on an enemy fighter in retaliation for them attacking you (basically representing the bite attacks from full fat Age of Sigmar.

Warbands now don’t include decks, so these cards are the only ones in the box alongside your minis. 

Showcase

I have managed to paint my warband!

Well…most of it…

As I was piecing this review together it suddenly dawned on me that I’d forgotten to paint the Venomites. 

Yes, probably the best mini in the box. And I missed it. /Fail

But anyway, here is what I did manage to paint.

I’ve not painted Seraphon before, but oh boy, did I enjoy painting these.Could I be starting a Seraphon army next year? We’ll have to see, but right now it is looking very possible.

I sprayed the models in Grey Seer, and used a combination of Army Painter’s Speed Paints, Duncan Rhodes Two Thin Coats, as well as GW’s Contrast paints. 

I’m very happy with how they have turned out!

Summary

It is a fantastic looking warband miniature wise, and I’m happy with the fighter cards too. They of course lean into an aggressive playstyle, so probably worth trying a few of those aggressive Rival Decks with these guys.

You will be out numbered by a number of warbands, but I feel these lizards/dinos can hold their own. 

Love it or hate it, the new edition is here and now we have had the first two new releases. I do sort of miss the old artwork from the cards, however the games are now fast and frantic, and are a lot of fun.

I cannot wait to busy out Itzl’s boys again soon. 

Our thanks again to Games Workshop for sending us this box to unbox and review for you folks. Remember you can preorder yours right now via Element Games!

Published by David Jennings

Born and raised in Crewe in Cheshire, Dave is a geek through and through. Enjoys designing and managing websites. View all posts by David Jennings