New Court of the Dead Figures from Mindworks Art Studio

For all types of collectors, there’s an undeniable thrill in finding a piece that truly sparks your imagination. Sometimes it’s the figure’s pose that perfectly reflects the character’s core. Other times it’s the vibrantly detailed paint application. No matter the case, geeks bring their fandoms to life with figures, statues, busts, and so many other collectible types.

Now, Sideshow is partnering with Mindworks Art Studio for new figures from our very own dark fantasy world of Court of the Dead. These exciting new COTD tabletop figures will awaken your Factions from the depths of the Underworld, starting with Death himself. Mindworks CEO & Founder Matteo Di Diomede spoke with us to shed more light on this new partnership.

Mindworks Art Studio Interview

Tell our audience more about what Mindworks does in the pop culture space.

Mindworks was established to create miniatures for collectors and painters. Since its inception, our mission has been to enrich the fantasy and sci-fi miniature world with more art and knowledge. We collaborate with renowned fantasy and sci-fi artists to transform their two-dimensional masterpieces into meticulously crafted and resin-cast 3D figures, lovingly produced by our artisans in Italy.

We have recently expanded into licensing other games and brands, such as Trench Crusade and Zombicide, exploring worlds beloved by hobby enthusiasts. Partnering with Sideshow feels like a natural evolution, aligning perfectly with our vision for art and figures.

What first drew you to the tabletop figure landscape? What makes this format unique for collectors?

The first time I painted a miniature, I was just 12 years old. It was a goblin from The Lord of the Rings franchise. Now, 20 years later, that same passion still burns brightly within me. I truly believe that miniature painting is a complex and complete artistic form, where designers, sculptors, and painters can unite to create blank three-dimensional canvases. Given the nature of these unique surfaces, I see an incredible opportunity for everyone to tell their stories through colors, shadows, and light.

Sideshow’s original dark fantasy/horror property Court of the Dead has a dedicated fanbase whose interests span collectibles, gaming, and more. What can collectors expect from this exciting new collaboration?

Behind the scenes, we are developing a range of exciting products for the Court of the Dead fanbase. Our flagship 1:20 resin kit caters to both painters and collectors, and we have plans for busts as well. Additionally, we’re creating dedicated acrylic paint sets, complemented by educational videos to enhance the overall experience. Our goal is to immerse fans in the Court of the Dead universe from all angles, allowing them to enjoy the brand not only through the incredible Sideshow statues but also by engaging hands-on with our resin figures, painting with friends and family.

What about Court of the Dead caught your eye and made this the right license for your studio to work on?

Court of the Dead has not just been a choice for me; it has felt like a calling. Being a longtime fan of this brand, I have always been drawn to its unique blend of dark fantasy and horrific aesthetics.

I believe that Court of the Dead aligns perfectly with the Mindworks roster, providing immense possibilities for exploring various creative directions. The opportunity to delve into different monsters and characters, all unified by a striking art direction, is truly exciting.

We are particularly enjoying the process of re-conceptualizing these characters and adapting them to our scale. Working on the paint sets has posed a real challenge, as we’ve had to encapsulate the entire aesthetic using just eight colors. Our goal is to create a recognizable palette that captures the essence of the Court of the Dead while ensuring versatility for painters and collectors alike.

What do you hope Court of the Dead fans will experience through this collaboration?

My dream achievement from this collaboration is to blend two worlds that, while closely related, often remain separate.

At Mindworks, we aim to bring the stories and characters of Court of the Dead to our painting fanbase, providing them the opportunity to explore the dark fantasy and horror aesthetics that embody the brand’s original vision. On the other hand, I would be thrilled to offer a different experience to Sideshow collectors, transforming their usual hobby from just display to something more interactive. By enabling them to creatively engage with their favorite characters and stories through painting, we can foster a deeper connection to the art and narrative they love.

Anything else you’d like to add?

One of our all-time goals, in terms of approaching the hobby, has always been encouraging people to try, to engage the initial fear, and then overcome it.

We strongly believe that the whole experience of collecting, assembling, and painting is a hobby that, for too long, has suffered a tremendous gatekeeping and a harsh entry-level curve. Thanks to this collaboration with Sideshow, we hope to start a revolution in the hobby world, hopefully spreading the word to newcomers and collectors who are not familiar with painting.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sideshow’s upcoming collaboration with Mindworks! U.S.-based customers, click here to check out the new COTD Death figure — and customers from any other part of the globe, click here!

Share your excitement with other Court of the Dead fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!