Moonstone May ‘26 Winners

We say it every year, but the standard of entries this time was seriously high. The four of us really struggled to pick the shortlists!

This time we had guest judge Duncan Rhodes who had the hard final decision for each category. We think he’s done an excellent job and we agree with all of them. Thank you to everyone who entered and many congratulations to our four winners. (Click on the images to open them larger.)

Best Single Mini

20josu won this category with this beautiful version of the Goblin Airship.

This is what Duncan said: “This piece is a real stand out for the beautiful colour and blending on the inflated frog! The detail is wonderful too, especially the bulging eyes with the veins, the lower jaw, and the bright pimples across the body. By contrast the harness and gondola is dark and grimy but still has flashes of colour, bringing the whole thing together. I like this one a lot and think it is a worthy winner.”

Best Original Concept

mitch.scribbles won this category with this excellent Shady Bunch board.

This is what Duncan had to say: “This is my choice due to the models being brought together by a stunning display base that is well thought out and tidy in presentation. The painting is excellent throughout with some beautiful colours used, showing off smooth gradients and textures, but the atmosphere that the base provides elevates them, setting the miniatures in-universe with lots of little details - I love the mushrooms, fallen leaves, and notes pinned to the trees! A small thing I really appreciate too is the weathering applied to the plaque, which does not distract but compliments the environment nicely.”

Best Commission Painter

wheelchairtrademark won this category for their take on the Coronation Chicken version of the Goblin King.

This is what Duncan had to say: “This is a fantastic piece. The model is fun and filled with character just as a Moonstone model should be, but what makes it stand out as my choice is the wonderful vibrancy of colours throughout, the carefully placed lighting effects, and excellent use of the non-metallic metal technique. It really is both beautiful and complex, and I love it.”

Best Troupe / Boxset

maarcink1 won this category with this trio of superb goblins.

This is what Duncan said: "This entry stands out to me due to the attention to detail and consistency across all three goblin miniatures. I really like that the colour palette has been kept controlled so that all three look like they belong together, but there is something distinct about every one of them making each a character in their own right. I really like Grub's shell especially, and the basing is beautifully themed."