The History of Reaper Miniatures: From Humble Beginnings to Hobby Giants
When it comes to the world of tabletop miniatures, few names are as iconic as Reaper Miniatures. Known for their high-quality sculpts, wide range of fantasy models, and the beloved Bones line, Reaper has carved out a place in nearly every gamer’s collection. But how did this company rise to become one of the leaders in the miniature hobby? Let’s take a look back.
The Early Days
Reaper Miniatures was founded in 1992 in Fort Worth, Texas. At first, the company focused on producing pewter miniatures for fantasy roleplaying games, especially those inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Their early lines were small but captured the imagination of gamers who wanted affordable, detailed minis to bring their characters to life.
Growth Through Variety
What set Reaper apart early on was its incredible range of models. From dragons and demons to wizards and warriors, the company provided figures for every niche. Unlike some companies that focused on army-building, Reaper embraced the roleplaying market, creating minis that fit into campaigns and stories.
By the late 1990s, Reaper had become a go-to brand for players who wanted a model for their character or villain, rather than just soldiers for large-scale wargames.
The Bones Revolution
In 2012, Reaper launched the Bones Kickstarter, which became a landmark moment in hobby history. Instead of traditional pewter, Bones minis were made of plastic resin, allowing them to be produced more affordably and sold at lower prices. The Kickstarter shattered records, raising millions and bringing thousands of new hobbyists into the fold.
Suddenly, gamers could pick up a wide variety of models without breaking the bank. The Bones line also made it less intimidating for new painters to get started — with cheaper minis, mistakes didn’t feel as costly.
Today’s Reaper
Today, Reaper continues to innovate. Their ReaperCon convention draws hobbyists from across the world, offering painting classes, competitions, and sneak peeks at upcoming lines. Their paints are also widely beloved, rivaling even larger companies’ ranges in quality and variety.
At The Hidden Lair, Reaper Miniatures remain a favorite among both collectors and painters. Whether you’re picking up a model for your RPG character, grabbing monsters for your campaign, or practicing your painting skills, Reaper has something for everyone.
