As a longtime miniature collector, there are a few names that have defined my hobby, and Reaper Miniatures is right at the top of that list. My shelves are lined with dragons, knights, wizards, and monsters, many of which were crafted by Reaper over the years. But collecting them isn’t just about filling space — it’s about tracing the history of a company that has grown alongside the hobby itself.
My First Encounter with Reaper
I still remember the first time I picked up a Reaper pewter mini back in the 1990s. Compared to some of the bulkier wargaming figures I was used to, these sculpts felt alive. They had character, personality, and detail that made them stand out. For a roleplayer like me, that meant I could finally put a face to my D&D characters and see them at the table in miniature form.
That personal connection was powerful — and it’s why I kept coming back.
The Golden Age of Variety
One of the reasons I became such a devoted collector is because Reaper seemed to have a model for everything. Need a lich for a campaign boss? Done. Want a tavern bard with a lute? They had it. While other companies were focused mainly on massive armies, Reaper embraced the individual adventurer, monster, or NPC.
Over the years, I found myself hunting through their catalogs like a treasure seeker, trying to track down obscure sculpts that would perfectly match the characters in my stories. Even today, I get the same thrill when a new line is released.
The Bones Era — A Game-Changer
When the Reaper Bones Kickstarter dropped in 2012, I knew it was going to change everything — but I didn’t realize how big it would be. As a collector, the affordability of Bones opened the floodgates. I could suddenly pick up entire hordes of skeletons, armies of goblins, or multiple dragons without breaking the bank.
What I love most is how Bones lowered the barrier for entry. I’ve seen so many new painters in the community take their first steps with Bones minis because they weren’t afraid of “ruining” something expensive. For me, it meant I could expand my collection faster than ever, while still cherishing the pewter classics.
Reaper Today and Beyond
Now, Reaper isn’t just a company — it’s a culture. Their ReaperCon event feels like a pilgrimage for hobbyists, and their paint line has become a staple on my painting desk. Every new release brings that same excitement I felt when I bought my first mini all those years ago.
As a collector, Reaper has been more than just a supplier of models — they’ve been a constant companion in my hobby journey. Each figure tells a story, not only on the tabletop but also in my personal history as a gamer and painter.
And honestly? I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Interested in purchasing Reaper Miniatures? Make sure you check them out at my store The Hidden Lair!
