The Bazaar #108: Glitter Boy Codex
Updated: 5 minutes ago
(BackerKit Launch Review)
GENERAL
So, if you have ANY connection to one of the Palladium Books or related RPG Facebook groups, you’ve likely come across advertisements for the Glitter Boy Codex project. Palladium books has been advertising this and the Backerkit campaign for some time now, and as of 20 October 2026, it has gone live. It will remain open for 31 days, with an expected delivery date of Q3 2027 (next year). The project is one of the bigger forays for Palladium Books getting back into the swing of things. This also isn’t going to be the norm for all their releases – they confirmed as much in their second online broadcast (e.g. no Backerkit campaigns for Bestiary 2, Yin-Sloth Jungles). There is a lot to unpack in the campaign, and the Glitter Boys have always been a big draw to the Rifts RPG, by far Palladium Books’ biggest hit over the course of their existence. So, without further a-do, let’s take a look at the offerings, and see what’s what.
DISCUSSION
The Glitter Boys (Early Days). One of the quintessential elements of Rifts, they are a keystone power armor and character class. The base model, first presented in the Rifts RPG back in 1990, packed a massive amount of durability, its chrome reflective armor capable of shrugging off laser weapons. It also carried with it’s sole weapon the “boom gun,” a weapon that fired slugs a supersonic speed that developed the weapon’s namesake. The damage the Glitter Boy caused, and the amount of punishment it could absorb, made them absolute terrors in the early days of Rifts. It also developed much of the game’s reputation for “imbalance” and what role-playing gamers would know as “munchkin-ism.”
World Book 22: Free Quebec. After a decade, the Rifts library of World Books, Sourcebooks, Conversion Books and Dimension Books had expanded the milieu and the dynamic of the setting. There were so many other places across Rifts Earth to explore, some of which a Glitter Boy would have a difficult time keeping pace. There was also a minor fracas with the Coalition States to contend with!
FQ Glitter Boy Legions. At the time, I was finishing my undergraduate degree, as well as tradecraft courses to advance as an infantry officer. The elements of the Free Quebec Army, the Glitter Boy Legions, they all reflect the maneuver warfare training I was experiencing at the time. Speed, overbearing firepower and precision to deliver decisive counter-punches were the keys to victory for the FQA. Despite the Glitter Boy’s resilience, the FQA is not designed or trained to stand firm and attrit the enemy.
Glitter Boy Variants. Another element explored was the design of other types of GB suits. The NGR variant had already been presented in World Book 5: Triax and the NGR [insert link], and it made sense to include other elements. They also played in fleshing out the GBL’s place within the FQA operational model.
State Warfare vs Small Party Tactics. This is where things differ greatly. The details presented in WB22 demonstrate how a state-sponsored army of Glitter Boys have developed over the decades. There are several political layers to consider as well, but mostly the deviation comes from how the FQA deploys GBs in units of four, but always with Cyborg and Juicer Liberty Reserve support, if not further supported by SAMAS and other elements. This is not how Players at the gaming table approach the majority of their games; and that’s fine! Because Will Erwin came along and rightly recognized that void.
Rifter 85 Articles. The tipping point really came with this publication. In it, you’ll find the nascent articles that triggered the project that would eventually expand to become The Glitter Boy Codex. Based primarily on the articles by Will Erwin, also the author of the Rifts novel Duty Edge, he put together the proposal and fired up the creative juices to get a manuscript together for review and submission. Excerpts from the review of Rifter 85 below, or the full article at Scholar’s Review #59: Rifter 85:
The Glitter Boy Brotherhood (Will Erwin, pp162-169). Outside of the Free Quebec forces, most GBs are piloted by a hodge-podge of loosely aligned groups. The OCC sees some expansion, and we dive into several tactical studies on how to employ this mythical suit of power armour (though my tradecraft would have to disagree with the Hills segment). A really nice piece that gives a good precis to the power armour and role-playing options for use in adventures. (8/10)
In Shining Armour: Culture of Glitter Boy Pilots (Johnny Roccia, pp 170-173). The idea of the Chromium Codex, a quantum-based computer in each GB is a really neat idea. Augmented with some traditions and superstitions for GB Pilots and the brilliantly twisted idea presented as the Chrome Bounty, this really augments the role-playing options for the PC. (9/10)
Upgrading a Legend: Repairing and Modifying the USA-G10 (Will Erwin, pp 174-191). The enigmatic element of repairing a GB is fleshed out very well here. There is also a segment on “hot-rodding” the GB with extra gear, equipment and weapons, including some (blasphemous) TW options. A selection of legendary GB Pilots and their specially modified suits are detailed, as well as a nice section specifying markers & patches a pilot can earn and wear to demonstrate their success among their peers. Great information for GM and PC alike. (8/10)
Background Discussions. I don’t think it’s a great secret or anything of great purport to reveal that Will and I discussed his manuscript and the background of the Glitter Boys, particularly in light of the Free Quebec Army and what was presented in World Book 22. We also spoke at length about military tactics, like how to apply modern armored combat maneuvers into a TTRPG in a way that could be accessible and fun to play. I don’t claim any significance with the project whatsoever, other than to state I had a great time discussing it and its implications with Will.
GLITTER BOY CODEX BACKERKIT CAMPAIGN
The Backerkit Launch. So as of 20 October 2026, the Backerkit Campaign for The Glitter Boy Codex has launched. It was capstoned with a live video hosted by J-M Defoggi and had with him Kevin Siembieda, Sean Roberson and Daniel Lansdown, one of the newest members to join the Palladium Books operations. The hour-long discussion reviewed some of the history and development of the project, as well as the Mechanoids aspect of the deal offerings. They then did a quick review of the multiple Pledge Levels available, of which there are many. They were funded within 2 hours, and at the time they did a follow-on showcase later that day, they were already approaching the first stretch goal! So, to the Pledge Levels:
Glitter Boy Recruit ($20)
o Rifts GB Codex (Standard Softcover)
o Savage Rifts PDF
The Henry ($40)
o Rifts GB Codex (Premium Hardcover)
o Savage Rifts PDF
Hancock The First Minuteman ($70)
o Rifts GB Codex (Premium Hardcover)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o GB Codex Poster
Mechanoids Infiltrator ($110)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Premium Hardcover)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Mechanoids Redux Poster
The Madman – Bronze Collector ($350)
o Rifts GB Codex (Chromium Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Gold Foil Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o Several Art Print offerings
o Rifts Game Screen
o Rifts Dead Boy Resin 9-Dice set
o Rifts Flag – Coalition States (3 x 5 feet)
o Palladium Logo BRONZE Medallion (Pledge Level Exclusive)
o Name in the book
The Cannibal – Core Covers ($175)
o Rifts GB Codex (Premium Hardcover)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Premium Hardcover)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o Several Art Print offerings
The Patriot – Foil Cover Collector ($250)
o Rifts GB Codex (Chromium Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Gold Foil Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o Several Art Print offerings
o Rifts Game Screen
o GB Collector Coin (Crowdfunder Exclusive)
The Chromium Cowboy – Silver Collector ($500)
o Rifts GB Codex (Chromium Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Gold Foil Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o Several Art Print offerings
Note: includes several Pledge Level Exclusives and signed by Kevin and Sean
o Rifts Game Screen
o All the Dice Sets (Dead Boy, Glitter Boy, Ley Line Walker, Burster)
o Rifts Flag – Coalition States (3 x 5 feet)
o Rifts Poker Deck
o Palladium Logo Collector Coin (Crowdfunder Exclusive)
o Name in the book
Le Pisteur – Silver Antiquarian ($750)
o Rifts GB Codex (Chromium Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Mechanoids Redux RPG (Gold Foil Hardcover – Limited Edition)
o Rifts GB Codex Color PDF
o Mechanoids Redux RPG PDF
o Savage Rifts PDF
o Several Art Print offerings
Note: includes several Pledge Level Exclusives and signed by Kevin and Sean
o Rifts Game Screen
o All the Dice Sets (Dead Boy, Glitter Boy, Ley Line Walker, Burster)
o Rifts Flag – Coalition States (3 x 5 feet)
o Palladium Logo SILVER Medallion (Pledge Level Exclusive)
o Name in the book
0 remaining
U.N.C.L.E. S.A.M. – Gold Ultimate Benefactor ($1500)
o Basically everything
0 remaining; little sense reviewing
Add-Ons. There are quite a few options available for you to throw in with your Pledge Level, if you so choose. The options (all at reduced sticker price or Crowdfunder Exclusives:
Glitter Boy Codex (softcover)
Glitter Boy (hardcover)
Dice Sets (Dead Boy, Glitter Boy, Ley Line Walker, Burster)
Coalition States Flag
Gaming Matts
Art Prints
Rifts Poker Deck
GM Game Screen
Rifts North America Map
Character Tribute / In-Memorium
Rifts Ultimate Edition
Rifts 30th Anniversary (hardcover)
Rifts and the Megaverse – The Art of John Zeleznik
Pay Over Time. Let’s be honest, there are a number of these Pledge Levels that are a bit of a hit to a single credit card bill. Thankfully, the Backerkit platform allows for any of the Pledge Levels that amount to over $149 can be divided over 4 equal payments. This threshold also extends to any of the lower level Pledge Levels that include any of the Add-ons that creep up to that amount. So toss in a few extra books, dice sets or art, and you can qualify to Pay Over Time. This is a really neat feature, so don’t ignore the option. I know I won't!
Delivery Date (Q3 2027). Yeppers, you read that correctly; the delivery date is a bit of a let-down. I was hoping that, given the manuscript was completed, the art being worked on as we speak, production of the books would have a quicker turnaround. I understand there are ancillary pieces to get sorted through for production (e.g. dice sets), and I have no inside scoop on the contractual issues between them and their printers. I know enough about operations management to caution a ‘better safe than sorry’ model. I suppose one way to look at it is a Christmas Gift in advance for next year. It certainly gives me something to plan for in terms of blog reviews way in advance. LOL
About the Art. A special note about the artwork within the campaign. While Palladium Books has been known as producing some great content with top-knotch black-and-white interior art, this isn’t the case with the Glitter Boy Codex campaign. The two series offered herein are being offered in colour, and the pictures on display are remarkably gorgeous. For those familiar with the TMNT Redux Backerkit campaign, it’s very much the same. For some reason though, I found the pieces for the Mechanoids just hit so much more with shading and colour; the Baal-Rog just jumps off the page, but for me the Thinman is a clear winner. The few pieces from the Glitter Boy Codex also provide a great precis of what is in store from Palladium in the future.
The Mechanoids. There may be some that are wondering how or why the Mechanoids are being tagged into this offer. You would not be alone. I kind of wonder if the folks at Palladium Books thought the baseline Glitter Boy Codex would not be a big enough draw on its own, so they thought to bundle it with Mechanoids. To be sure, they both look absolutely gorgeous, and there may be some production value in doing it this way. I just wonder if the Mechanoids shouldn't have been offered at a separate time, thereby lowering the sticker-shock to some of the Pledge Levels. But who am I kidding; I've got a soft spot for this IP, and have the original three Mechanoids magazines, the 1985 RPG, the Blue Book comiled version, and really looking forward to this one.
A Scholar’s Assessment. There’s a lot for people to choose from; a veritable smorgasbord of options, and yet, I can’t help but wonder at some of the options. Looking at the majority of the Pledge Levels, there are a lot of extras included (e.g. art prints, dice) that someone like myself, simply aren’t really looking for during the campaign. I know others have similar issues; they prefer a more a-la carte style offering. I also realize this is a way Palladium Books can ensure demand is high enough that the volume makes printing and production costs more reasonable. It's a tough balance to measure.
SCHOLAR’S REVIEW SERIES
The following are simply a series of relevant articles already published on the site that may pique your interest:
Scholar’s Review #6: Sourcbook 2 (The Mechanoids). One of the first sourcebooks for Rifts, this presented the menace of the Mechanoids to Rifts Earth. Converted into MDC and with a brand new generation of evil alien robot monsters, they made for a powerful, thematic protagonist or engagement for the Players.
Scholar’s Review #27: World Book 22 (Free Quebec). Presented as the counter-point to the Coalition War Campaign, this nation-state championed the Glitter Boy as part of their standing army. Because of how powerful the Glitter Boys are, the threat they posed, and FQ’s refusal to ‘share’ the vital resource, the CS decided to go to war with the upstart nation.
Scholar’s Review 59: Rifter 85. Back in Annual format, this was one of Sean Roberson’s first releases with Palladium books. The surprisingly thick tome (224 pages) was Rifts heavy, but had several GM-related sections and background material that should satisfy most fans.
Scholar’s Review #70: Cyberworks Collection. The Omnibus Collection that wrapped up a lot of information into a single source. An absolutely superb compilation that rates very high for any new GM into the Rifts RPG.
The Bazaar #13: OCC Overview (Glitter Boy Pilot). Not a Scholar’s Review, but an analysis of the Class as presented in both the Rifts Main book, as well as the Rifts Ultimate Edition.
CONCLUSION
As with all Kickstarter or Backerkit campaigns I bother to highlight, I insist on reiterating the same message: I simply advise you to support the campaign as you like, to the Pledge Level that best meets your needs, capability, and comfort level. There are always risks associated with campaigns of these sorts; the few ‘bad apples’ out there certainly are easy enough to find.
I myself will be joining the hundreds of backers that have already supported the campaign. My intent? Likely coming in at The Patriot Pledge Level, mostly because this is one of the best options to get both of the foil covers for the Glitter Boy Codex as well as the Mechanoids Redux. Since neither of those comes with the baseline entry version of the books, I’ll be getting the softcover of the Codex and the only non-foil option for the Mechanoids, the hardcover. There may be another one or two things I get based on the discount prices, but I’m still “humming and hawing” over that.
As of around 2000 AST on 21 October 2026, with 31 days left and 875 backers, the campaign was literally sitting at just shy of $136k ($135,879). Milestone 2 is unlocked, and Milestone 3 looks relatively achievable; how they disperse the remainder will be interesting to see. Otherwise, the news of the first 12 hours of the campaign is extraordinary, and bodes well for Palladium Books in terms of support moving forward for their projects. Rifts is demonstrably their biggest game, the “cash cow,” and the Glitter Boy certainly an easy draw for most people who have played the game. It’s also nice to see Will Erwin see another one of his projects getting recognized, and I can’t wait to get the official product in my hands next year to do an official Scholar’s Review of the final result.
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