4.

Krang [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 031]

WHY IT’S ONE OF THE BEST: Able to juice his already impressive stats to +1 or +2 by making him Giant or Colossal via his “Molecular Amplification Chip” trait, Krang is a tentpole extraordinaire that can kill most any piece within his Giant Reach. Especially given his Attack SP allowing him to select a standard attack power (or the Wing symbol, for use as a taxi, pre-strike) to ensure maximum damage potential. Starting with Probability Control helps that strike land, and when he takes 1-2 damage from the trait, he ends up on his SP granting Prob, Outwit, and immunity to Outwitters further down their dials than he is.

BUT WHAT ABOUT FURY? He’s unfortunately the exact kind of enemy that Fury’s made to fight to a standstill. He doesn’t have the ability to close in on Balls without taking fire or being neutered by the master spy’s pseudo-Outwit.

WHY IT’S HERE ON THE LIST: Krang’s also not at the top of the list because he has a glaring weakness to the unavoidable damage his trait deals him. Meta players know that fielding the 30- to 40-point robo-smiths such as Juston Seyfert and Baxter Stockman [TMNT 013]  can cover Krang’s weaknesses. But when such specific allies are so required, we can’t call it the year’s best piece. Still good enough to be No. 4 of Heroclixin’s Top Ten figs of 2016.

As usual, Sceritz differs. His No. 4:

Shazam [World’s Finest 065]

Shazam. Oh man, oh man. Faster than some speedsters, with HSS, S.Strength, an 18 defense with Invincible, AND Shape Change AND the Kingdom Come team ability! (like another Super Senses for ranged attacks)… plus, unless you have your own KC figure, you aren’t countering any of it or lowering his combat values. Did you think you were going to counter him with Plasticity? Oh what’s that? A convenient 3 range to hit from  2 squares away? Yup. So after half your team dies trying to get past that first click, he’s got 4 damage for the next few and an attack value that never drops below 11. He doesn’t stop being dangerous until he’s K.O’d, either. While he does eventually hit Toughness, you’re dealing with Running Shot + Pulse Wave, with Prob until he’s out. Plus he’s a wild card, so when teamed with KC Spectre, for example, you’re talking about Mystics on top of all of that. The only drawback to him his is point value, but if you ask me, he’s worth every point. Without a doubt one of the most powerful figures this year.

Looking ahead at Nos. 1-3, this selection is … interesting. Stay tuned to see how we disagree some more! LOL