chaos panamarine

The Panamarine Division of the Adeptus Astartes drew its inspiration from the legends of Old Terra. There they learned of ancient humankind’s audacity — that with limited tools and fragile knowledge, mortals carved a monumental passage through the land itself. This Panama Canal bound together the great oceans of Terra, a feat of willpower and endurance that reshaped the world.

To honor this legacy, the division of Space Marines entrusted with breaching the most formidable enemy fortifications took the name Panamarines. By adopting this moniker, they not only proclaimed their indomitable strength, but also forged a symbolic kinship with the people of Panama — descendants of those who once achieved the impossible.

Yet even the mightiest bulwarks can crumble. In the grim darkness of the far future, loyalty is ever tested, and faith is ever preyed upon. Some of the Panamarines, once steadfast defenders of the Imperium, fell victim to the insidious lure of the Warp. Through corruption by the metaphysical force known as Chaos, these noble Astartes were twisted into what they once swore to destroy.

Now, the Chaos Panamarines march not as protectors, but as despoilers — their legacy inverted, their valor perverted. Where once they breached the walls of enemies to safeguard mankind, they now tear down the bastions of humanity itself, leaving only ruin, despair, and the echo of betrayal in their wake.

The Chaos Panamarine was born from a friendship forged at LegionsCon 2023, where I had the pleasure of meeting Carlos Espino of The Badass Reviews. From the very start, Carlos and I discovered a shared kinship in our Latin-American roots — myself from Puerto Rico, and Carlos from Panamá.

Inspired by the incredible artistry of so many customizers at LegionsCon, I felt the pull to fully dive into creating my first custom figure. Not long after, Carlos invited me as a guest on one of his YouTube shows, Toy Addicts Anonymous. During our conversations, I learned that Carlos was beginning to explore the world of Warhammer 40k figures.

The very next day, while researching ideas for this endeavor, I stumbled upon an unpainted artist’s proof Chaos Space Marine. It felt like fate: the perfect canvas, Carlos’ newfound collecting passion, and my desire to create something meaningful. And so, the concept of the Chaos Panamarine took form.

Designing the thematic elements was an incredibly rewarding creative journey — blending homage, history, and lore into one figure. But the best part of all was presenting the finished product to Carlos as a gift at LegionsCon 2024, bringing the project full circle in the same place where it began!

• Figure & Weapons: McFarlane Toys Chaos Space Marine (Artist Proof)

• Paints: Apple Barrel acrylics, Vallejo surface primer, Army Painter Speed Paints & War Paint Fanatics.

• Completion Date: October 2024

Notes:

The colors and their placement on the Chaos Panamarine correlate to the colors and structure of the Panamanian flag. The flag itself is showcased on the loincloth that hangs from the Panamarine's belt. The green in the eyes, chest-piece, and weapons represents the Chaos energy that overtook this once-noble warrior.