"Dragon have once again raised the bar with their latest figure set release. Described as a 'Gen2' production, these six German soldiers come in a larger box than standard, and that's to make room for the much higher parts count than normal. Each figure is broken down into multiple parts much like a 1:16 injection figure, and although this will create a few seams to smooth over as well as slowing down the assembly process, the advantage is that a significantly higher standard of detail can be obtained, dodging around some of the idiosyncrasies of the injection moulding process. Interestingly each figure's face is separate from the rest of the head, which itself is 'sideways' on the sprue, allowing for the reproduction of a well formed pair of ears - a minor point perhaps but a massive improvement over the regular moulded ears which are usually mis-shapen and often have the mould seam running right across them. Another often mis-moulded part of a model figure's anatomy are the hands, but here we have each hand moulded individually, raising the level of detail close to that of resin figures.

To complete the effect, the wrist of each hand sits in a recess creating the effect of a cuff on the sleeve, which looks superb.

Parts such as flaps of greatcoats, collars, hoods of smocks and even belt buckles are provided as separate parts, offering a high level of detail and much more natural animation. Other neat touches include 'flat spots' in clothing where figures are lying down, open canteens, gas mask cases, detail on both sides of water bottles, entrenching tools, bayonnets etc., photo-etched insignia, buckles and medals, plus a superb set of weapons that are worth the price of the set alone.

VERDICT; Absolutely awesome quality and all for the amazing price of £7.99 in UK - impressive."

- Marcus Nicholls

"...I look forward to the next Gen2 figure sets from DML..."

< full review here >
- Frank De Sisto

" “Desperate Defense” contains numerous innovations in the design of the figures and weapons which make it the most impressive injection plastic figure set I have seen. The poses are well animated, the uniforms historically accurate for the winter of 43/45, and the attention to small detail in the sculpturing, particularly for the weapons and field kit..."

<full review here>
- Neville Lord

"...Without doubt these are the best injection moulded figure released to date with superb details on the uniforms enhanced by the separate sections on the tunics and coats..."

<full review here>
- Terry Ashley

"...The level of detail of all included parts is simply amazing..."

<full review here>
- Pawel Krupowicz

" ...the new figures are labeled as "Gen2" figures, which is DML's way of indicating a new level of sophistication and complexity from past releases. This is based on DML's "slide molding" techniques, and the new details make me happy I recently got new glasses with a better close prescription...overall this is a stunning set and will really give the modeler the chance to elevate figures to a class by themselves."

<full review here>
- Cookie Sewell