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FUN Focus on Guardians of the Galaxy [part 7: ATAs]

October 4, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

To finish our slow-running F.U.N. Focus on the Guardians, let’s look at the ATAs available to the team. First, at the two built for the team itself:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Powers possessed by characters using this team ability can’t be countered. This team ability can’t be used by wild cards. 4 Points.

If there’s room at all for this ATA, it should be used, without question. Being able to safely ignore enemy Outwit is a nice advantage to have. Note that it won’t keep abilities like Indom. or Improved Targeting from being countered, though. Still, if there’s a chance the opponent will field the black damage power, you’ll be glad you have this ATA on board.

Guardians of the Galaxy [Silver Age]: Characters using this team ability are wild cards, but don’t possess any other team abilities. Uncopyable. 1 Point

On the other side of the coin, there’s this ATA that is completely useless for a Guardians of the Galaxy themed team ever since ATAs got restricted to themed teams only earlier this year with the 2014 Rulebook’s release. What good is it being a wild card if the whole team is wild cards and nothing else? This ATA is only to be considered if a Guardian fits a different themed team, such as Future.

Speaking of other themes and keywords, there will be times when a GotG build won’t leave points room for the 4-per-character GotG ATA. There are other options, then, to keep in mind:

Animal: At the beginning of your turn, roll a d6. On a result of 5-6 all friendly characters using this team ability ignore Shape Change and Stealth this turn. 4 Points

All the Rocket Raccoons — and Cosmo — can use this ATA. Unless you need the points for some other tactic, there’s little reason not to equip it if you can if using either character.

Annihilators: When a character using this team ability KO’s an opposing character of a higher point value with an attack, remove an action token from each friendly character using this team ability that’s less points than the KO’d character. 4 Points

Cosmo is the only Guardian who qualifies, and it’s unlikely he’ll be making any KOs. Heroclixin’ wouldn’t waste the 4 points.

Avengers [Heroic Age]: When a character using this team ability is given a move action, after actions resolve roll a d6 that can’t be rerolled. On a roll of 6, remove an action token from that character. 2 Points

There are a few Avengers among the Guardians: Iron Man, Mantis, Major Victory, Moondragon, Hollywood. At such a low cost, one could get some use out of this ATA. But most of those characters are highly likely to be doing various power actions rather than vanilla move actions. So this ATA will likely be a waste. We at Heroclixin’ aren’t fans of it.

Avengers Response Team: When one or more characters using this team ability is adjacent to a friendly character making a close combat attack, modify the character’s attack value by +1. 3 Points

The Avengers/Guardians are mostly range fighters, so it’s going to be hard to use this melee-centric ATA. It CAN be done, though, and one fig — Mantis — is a close-fighting master. Taxi her with a flying Avenger and get some Response going.

Mighty Avengers: When a character using this team ability destroys a square of blocking terrain, roll a d6 after actions resolve. On a roll of 5, you may place a standard light object in that square. On a roll of 6, you may place a standard heavy object in that square. 4 Points

The five candidates for this ATA are either unlikely or unable to waste actions on smashing terrain to MAYBE get another object to use. Not worth the price at all.

Secret Avengers: Characters using this team ability can’t be the target of an opponent’s Outwit or Perplex unless they’ve been targeted with an attack previously in the same turn. 5 Points

This, OTOH, is an ATA well-worth using. If denied blanket Outwit blocking for the whole team, at least maybe the Avenger or three on the team can get the next best thing to it.

Defenders: Characters using this team ability may replace their attack value with the unmodified attack value of an adjacent friendly character using this team ability. 4 Points

There’s only one candidate for this ATA, Moondragon, and so it requires a wild card teammate using the ATA to activate its effect. So IF one deigns to run her with Rita DeMara, one could actually use this ATA to give Rita a usable AV when adjacent to Moondragon. NO ONE WILL SEE IT COMING!!!!! Unless, of course, they’re fellow Heroclixin’ readers. 🙂

Inhumans: Characters using this team ability may use the Carry ability, but only to carry characters that can also use this team ability, and may carry those characters regardless of their combat symbols. Uncopyable. 4 Points

As above, there’s only one choice to bear this ATA, Talon. Unlike above, there’s no way to wild card it, so never use it on a Guardians team.

Infinity Watch: When a character using this team ability rolls for a relic with the IG set symbol, it succeeds on a roll of 3-6. Uncopyable. 2 points

There are a few members who can field this ATA. If you’re in a Golden Age game and also have space on the team for one of the Infinity gem relics, feel free to run this ATA on your Gamora or Adam Warlock or Drax — IF you can’t squeeze on the GotG ATA, which will always be a better choice.

Masters of Evil: When a character with this team ability has one or more action tokens and attacks, damage dealt can’t be reduced below 1. 4 Points

Only Rita DeMara can use this ATA. With her low damage values, it might be worth trying. Maybe. I mean, if you’re going to bother with the most useless GotG fig in the first place.

The Order: Characters using this team ability cannot be targeted by an opposing character using one of the listed powers if any character using this team ability was already hit by an opposing character using that power this turn: Flurry, Incapacitate, Charge Penetrating/Psychic Blast, Hypersonic Speed, Ranged Combat Expert, Running Shot, Exploit Weakness, Blades/Claws/Fangs, Close Combat Expert. 3 Points

Again, this is a Moondragon + Rita exclusive. Unlikely to see use.

Ravagers: Characters using this team ability automatically break away. Uncopyable. 4 Points

Here’s an interesting case of a DC ATA fitting an identical Marvel keyword. In this instance, some of the movie figs — Rocket Raccoon 018 and two of the Star-Lords — can run this card. Could be useful to a team of shooters who like to Running Shoot stuff instead of getting tied up.

Stark Industries: When a character using this team ability uses Outwit, you may instead choose a team ability the target character can use. Opposing characters 200 points and less can’t use the chosen team ability until your next turn. Uncopyable. 4 Points

Only Space Tony can use this ATA, and only on some of his most inconvenient clicks. Still, if you’re fielding him and have the 4 points to play, why NOT use it? Note that this ATA can kill off team abilities the target doesn’t even possess.

Universal Church of Truth: When an opposing character targets a character using this team ability with an attack and misses, modify the defense value of all characters using this team ability by +1 until the end of the turn. 4 Points

A final ATA that a solo character can field — in this case, Replica — and that a solo figure can copy, our wild card friend Rita. Using the pair as a tandem of tie-up has some small potential. But we don’t really recommend using Rita under any circumstance.

Next week, Heroclixin’ will begin to get back to a normal routine, starting with some long-delayed Token Totin’ photographs and a F.U.N. Fights battle report or two. ‘Til then, make sure you find your F.U.N. in every clix game!

F.U.N. Focus on Guardians of the Galaxy [part 6]

October 3, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

Time for the second half of our review of the Guardians of the Galaxy figs in the Guardians of the Galaxy set.

Angela [Guardians of the Galaxy 033] 94

Here’s a new character for the team, one that only belongs on the current Bendis-era incarnation of the group. She’s devoid of SPs, but does bear one powerful trait allowing her to be placed next to and attack a character who targeted her earlier, all for the cost of one power action. This makes her both a great tie-up fig and lead attacker in one. Her weakness is relatively light defense, given that she might warp herself into the middle of a killbox before she can really tear into her foes with Close Combat Expert. Lack of Willpower makes that harder to do as well. But HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is that her gimmick may yet be worth the risk of fielding her.

Killraven [Guardians of the Galaxy 035] 76

While he mostly appears to just be an OK close combatant with Charge and 11 AV Precision Strike, his damage SP allowing Outwit and Improved Targeting: Characters makes him a bit more of a fig to use at range, even though it’s a short 4 range. Moreover, the SP allows him to counter a power on multiple foes within 3 squares! So he’s an odd mix of support piece and secondary attacker. Run him directly behind a frontline of melee or tie-up allies for best results. He’s only an occasional member, appearing in a far-future alternate timeline version of the team during the 2008 series run, but HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is that he need not be occasional on your Guardians teams.

Martyr [Guardians of the Galaxy 040] 160

Longtime Heroclixin’ readers may recall that an earlier version of this character, Phyla-Vell, basically is responsible for me getting interested in the Guardians in the first place. As much as I liked that Hammer of Thor figure, Martyr is better in most every way, with moving attack starting up top lasting most of her dial instead of just a bit mid-dial and armor on most of her dial instead of vice versa. She also has a SP to heal adjacent allies at the cost of a click of life — which could “push” her to her self-healing Regen clicks for a potential second wind.

Really, the only downsides to her are a much higher cost — 160 over 138 — and a much-shortened range of 6 down from 10. But with her Stealth-and-Hypersonic Speed SP, and the ability to see through hindering, it’s really not a downgrade at all. She only served on the 2008 version of the team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: A possible tentpole to build around.

Groot [Guardians of the Galaxy 051] 100

Like most Groots before him, this version (which most fits the current Bendis-helmed run) is a bit slow with Speed topping out at a starting 7 and tapering from there. His AV numbers are also a little anemic down the line, slipping from a decent 10 early on down to just 7. A full dial of Battle Fury at least means he won’t have to contend with being Incapacitated or having attacks denied by Shape Change. But what really makes HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE that he’s a must-try at least is his near-inability to be KO’d if he’s adjacent to a fellow Monster or Guardian of the Galaxy thanks to his trait.

Rocket Raccoon [Guardians of the Galaxy 052] 80

What’s the latest Rocket in the game bring to the HeroClix table? First, he’s an aid to any Groot thanks to his trait boosting both their AVs +1 — not that RR’s natural 11 really needs the help. Second, he has great Improved Targeting enabling him to ignore elevated and adjacent characters for shooting. Third, and probably most key, he is like a super-Prob Controller with his SP allowing him to force a reroll of ANY roll for a character he can see. This includes certain rolls that usually can’t be PC’d, such as Super Senses or Impervious.Once again, he’s Tiny Size and thus easily carted about by allies, and double-arrow Energy Explosion is welcome. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Another great Rocket.

Iron Man [Guardians of the Galaxy 055] 200/150

At home only on the Bendis team, this latest version of Tony Stark isn’t the best Iron Man in the game. But it’s the best you’re gonna have on a Guardians team. At full cost, he’s another HSS fig — though it takes a double power action to do it — with a +2 Speed and Range bonus while using it. Or just take a normal action to use Running Shot with Perplex, 4 damage and Improved Targeting: Hindering and Characters. Either way, he’s Indomitable. At 150 points, he’s starting with Invulnerability instead of Impervious, but he has P/PB to go with the Running Shot/HSS SP.

At either price, he’s got to push to get to his other SP granting Outwit and the ability to make a free ranged attack if he starts a turn with two tokens. It’s too bad; if he started with this power, HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE would be a lot more positive. As it is, Space Tony is only for use on a Bendis-era team.

Star-Lord [Guardians of the Galaxy 209] 115

Finally, here’s one more Star-Lord, again a Bendis team member. This one is an Sharpshooting Indomitable Running Shooter with EE and Force Blast — with two targets, he can ruin formations with a quickness. But his real boon to a team is his SP Outwit with a power action option allowing him to counter the same power on all opponents sharing a keyword. Not bad. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is that he’s still about the last version of Star-Lord we’d pick for a GotG team, but that’s more a statement on the quality of Peter Quills in the game than a knock on this one.

That almost does it at last for our slow-running F.U.N. Focus on the Guardians. But there’s one more thing to mention about the team: its ATAs! We’ll look at those in a rare weekend installment of Heroclixin’ next time.

F.U.N. Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [part 5]

September 26, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

Finally, here’s the Guardians’ own full-size set. We’ll start with the Commons:

Gamora [Guardians of the Galaxy 001] 55

We cut to the bottom line: At nearly 20 points cheaper than the next-least-expensive one, this bargain-priced version, in HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE, may be the go-to Gamora. Why? She starts with Charge and decent if not stellar combat values. She’s a solid tie-up fig with Combat Reflexes that’s able to deal out serious damage with Close Combat Expert. And, in a first for any Gamora, she can shoot: 5 range rounds out this compact package. The only possible reasons not run her is A) you need the Willpower she lacks or B) she doesn’t fit the version of the comic-accurate team you’re building. We know Heroclixin’ is all about fun, but come on…only one of those is a good reason.

Drax The Destroyer [Guardians of the Galaxy 002] 100

This Destroyer has the same problem the character’s had for much of his history both in comics and in clix: That singleminded focus on a single target. We see it here in his trait to, via power action, get adjacent to Thanos or Black Order keywords. Trouble is, that leaves him open to attack before he can capitalize on the instant-basing technique. Good thing he’s got Invulnerability to maybe soak up the attacks and Indomitable to push and fight — or run — the next turn. His SP that smashes through Barrier and kills adjacent foes’ use of ESD can help his team, but… HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is that while he’s not bad, there are better Draxes for the around the cost.

Mantis [Guardians of the Galaxy 003] 56

At last, this 2008-team member is a HeroClix, and she’s a game changer for the keyword. First, she’s another of those crazy pieces with friendly Mind Control, one of the most effective special abilities in the modern game. It only works on adjacent Guardians, but it’s still beyond excellent — especially because it doubles as normal MC as well. Second, she’s another great tie-up fig for the team with Combat Reflexes and CCE. Her DV is only 16, but there are ways to improve that. Third, at 56 points she’s the cheapest source of Probability Control for the keyword. Fourth and maybe most importantly, her late dial bears both 17 DV Regeneration and decent AV Support, making her a self-healing “pit crew” piece we haven’t seen the likes of in a long time, if ever. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Indispensible for GotG teams and likely many others as well.

Starhawk [Guardians of the Galaxy 004] 130

The latest version of the One Who Knows brings a tiny bit of Prob Control and Outwit to the team via his Past Lives tokens — at least 2, as many as 6 — which each allow him a one-time use of those two powers per token. But that’s just icing on the main cake of him being a 4-damge Running Shot Psychic Blaster that pushes directly to Hypersonic Speed.

And as long as we’re doing this cake analogy, there are morsels in the batter: When he takes damage from a foe, he can be swapped out for Aleta from the set or vice versa. So if he, say, gets Poisoned off his early unarmored clicks, Aleta can jump in and nullify the threat with her Toughness SP. But even if you don’t go for that option, there’s late Regeneration and Phasing to help. He best fits the 1990s team, but thanks to time-travel state of being, he can find a place on any incarnation.

HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He’s OK, a combo of a leading attacker and pit crew fig.

Major Victory [Guardians of the Galaxy 005] 95

So he’s got a weakness to penetrating damage thanks to a trait increasing damage from such. But it’s not a big deal, because he’s on the team for his damage SP granting Leadership, Perplex and especially Telekinesis that he can use twice in a turn if the second is a fellow Guardian. Therefore he’ll be in the back and probably safe from that nasty p-damage. 🙂 But eventually he’ll need to venture forth after initially mobilizing the team to A) continue bolstering the team with Leadership and Perplex and B) leverage penetrating damage of his own via his 11 AV, 4 damage Running Shot PPB combo. Late dial, he goes down swinging with Pulse Wave and Force Blast — nuke ’em and throw ’em all back! He’s a fit for every incarnation of the team except the Bendis one. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He replaces every previous version of Major Victory/Vance Astro and will make any GotG team better.

Talon [Guardians of the Galaxy 022] 60

This 1990s team member starts off the uncommons of the set. Like Mantis, he’s a cheap source of Prob Control but much more offensively oriented with Charge and Blades/Claws/Fangs. There’s no nutty traits or specials to keep track of. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Simple and straightforward melee fig.

Yondu [Guardians of the Galaxy 023] 75

Running Shot+Precision Strike at 3 damage is good. But he’s on the team for his ability to shoot through EVERYTHING as a power action. At 8 range, that’s great, and even basing him won’t stop it thanks to Improved Targeting ~~OO>~~ . He’s a founding member of the ’60s team and 1990s team but has made appearances in the 2008 version as well. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: A short dial isn’t enough to stop him from being a strong addition to GotG teams.

Aleta [Guardians of the Galaxy 024] 130

Starhawk’s better half is possibly also a better piece. She starts with Hypersonic Speed instead of pushing to it — and pushes to Running Shot Pulse Wave. She starts with a SP bearing ESD WITH Toughness instead of just the green DV power. 10 range instead of 8 (though she loses a target). But maybe her best boon to the team is that she shares her ESD with adjacent friendlies during the first half of her dial. Don’t forget she can swap out for Starhawk 003 after taking damage from a foe, though the Ranged Combat Expert and Perplex liberally scattered down her dial may dissuade you from that option. Best fits the 1990s team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: She doesn’t really have a bad click. Use that ESD SP!

Moondragon [Guardians of the Galaxy 029] 85

She starts as another TK figure for a 2008 version of the Guardians. But feel free to push to click 2 for Running Shot + Penetrating/Psychic Blast with free Mind Control. AND Outwit. She ends up showing why she gets the Martial Artist keyword with a little chopsockiness in Reflexes and CCE and Precision Strike. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Not bad at all, if not a must-field.

Star-Lord [Guardians of the Galaxy 030] 110

We wrap up the Uncommons with a look at what may be the most vital Guardian for effective fielding of the team. We could talk about his Professor X-like ability to Outwit from like-keyworded pals’ squares, or his ability to shoot Stealthers — thanks, Improved Targeting! — or his solid AV numbers. But the reason this Star-Lord is the one to play before all others is his trait allowing Guardians to share the highest DV. Suddenly all those mediocre defense numbers don’t matter so much anymore. Not when there are a heaping handful of 18s or higher to share, making the team much more survivable, without even having to consider adjacency like with the older Guardians’ Defenders TA. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Seriously, only an irrational dislike for the Bendis-era Guardians version of the character should prevent one from building around this Star-Lord.

There’s too much for us to finish without breaking our promise to deliver this part before week’s end, especially with us running off for the weekend. So look for the second half of this installment — and the conclusion of the entire F.U.N. Focus on the Guardians — next week.

F.U.N. Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [part 4: Movie clix]

September 19, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

Until now, this FUN Focus has looked at the pieces in ascending order of point cost. But to keep things a bit simpler for us, what with multiple characters getting multiple point costs, we’re reordering things according to set number.

Star-Lord [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 001] 95

The first of the Chris Pratt-inspired Star-Lords brings the character’s usual penchant for running and gunning either via his opening Attack SP “Short Duration Flight” that allows him to use Leap/Climb and take a shot if he moves half-speed or less or his Speed SP “Espionage Battle Suit” granting Running Shot and Stealth. These two powers alternate, so he’s always got moving attack powers and Stealth. He needs the latter to protect his very short and unarmored dial. No Willpower is a problem, but Outwit is a single push away, with a great 8 range. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Could do better with your Star-Lord. Could do worse.

Gamora [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 002] 73

She’s got problems. 1) No range and no Charge makes it a little difficult to get her attack in. 2) 3 damage with Blades/Claws/Fangs isn’t really what you want to see. 3) Flurry + Precision + 2 damage isn’t so great. Just think how good it’d be if some of those power combos were swapped instead of appearing on alternating clicks. 4) Her defense is nothing special despite a +2 DV bonus in hindering against shooters. She needs help with that DV to be worth using over, well, almost any other version of Gamora. HEROCLIXIN’G TAKE: The last Guardians-keyworded Gamora we’d pick to fill the character’s slot.

Rocket Raccoon [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 005] 90

As much as we liked the original Rocket Raccoon in Hammer of Thor, it’s unlikely we’ll ever use him again if the points allow. This one offers so much: Perma-Perplex-lite, Running Shot, better AV and damage, and a DV bonus (18-20!!!!) vs. most attacks. Add to all this his Tiny Size status enabling him to get in position much more easily and it’s clear that HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is he’s a solid pick.

Groot [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 009] 198

Outwit…for many clicks. Plasticity…that reaches two squares out. Solid 4 damage for many clicks. Great armor. Indomitable. A stop click with a guaranteed heal trick if you can get him to water or his start zone — not a problem since the same power makes him taxiable by any ally and he can’t be shot. But…his AV and DV numbers are a little lacking for his very high point cost. And despite his Improved Movement: Wall-buster ability, he’s really slow. His 90-point level has the same trouble with poor AV, though the average DV goes up a bit — and he needs it, given his very short dial at this cost. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: The Outwit/Plasticity SP is still enough to make this Groot stand a bit taller than the rest.

Drax the Destroyer [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 013] 94

He’s got some real cons: Starting Battle Fury keeps him from being carried into the fight, which is bad ’cause he’s a bit slow. With no Willpower. His damage is a tad low and he only bears Toughness for armor. But he’s got serious pros: Charge+Flurry+Precision Strike as an early combo. Later, a SP packages Close Combat Expert+Combat Reflexes. And then there are his stop clicks — yes, CLICKS — with Regeneration (free if he has any action tokens). Granted, these clicks aren’t guaranteed stop clicks: they only work on a 5-6 roll. But he’s got three of them and he gets to roll for each one. We like those odds. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Our first choice as for the Drax role in ANY Guardians team. Don’t forget that beginning of game trait to select a target for him get a close-combat +1 AV against.

Star-Lord [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 017] 150

Decent stats with unusual-for-the-character Invulnerability and Willpower are welcome. But the Invuln’s gone so fast. And his “All-Out” SP is not so hot when one considers taking self-damage MIGHT NOT be a good move on the back end of the dial. Even with his “KO me, take 2 damage” trait in play, you may not want to sacrifice such a costly part of your team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Neat but too top-heavy.

Rocket Raccoon [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 018] 100

At an even 100 points, he’s the priciest RR in the game. Is he worth it? Let’s see:

There’s another Outwit piece for a team that kinda needed some.
Tiny Size = portable Enhancement for all other non-raccoon-sized allies. He offers +1 AV for adjacent GotG pals, so there’s another boon to his size.
Good range (7) and Improved Movement Elevated and Hindering work well with his Running Shot.
And he starts with a base 19 DV Super Senses.

HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He has a short life but who cares?

Star-Lord [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 101] 75

Pros: He’s a relatively cheap Running Shot/PPBlaster, a combo that used to more than cost twice as much to get on the team [see Adam Warlock from part 3: Galactic Guardians]. A nice damage SP, “Leading The Attack,” can help press an advantage by allowing adjacent fellow keyworders to act with 2 tokens. An Empower+Enhancement SP and Perplex are scattered on his dial so he’s a constant boon to the team, and he bears a one-time Pulse Wave bomb trait that will prove VERY useful. Cons: He’s also VERY short-lived, lacking the Stealth or ESD or armor that aids other Star-Lords in surviving and his range is a bit lacking, which will put him in further peril. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: The bargain-priced Star-Lord is still worth running in a pinch, esp. with Indomitable pals he can keep active.

Rocket Raccoon [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 102] 75

Ahhhh, there’s that inexpensive opening Outwit the team’s needed forever. Tiny Size and Willpower mean more actions for shooting “Two Big Guns” — like ranged Flurry — with Improved Targeting: Hindering and Characters. Being able to thusly fire from behind pals helps cover his lack of defense, a middling 17 with only Stealth to cover at first. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: A great pick of the litter of Rockets.

Gamora [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 103] 100 / 75

This one is much more like it, starting with Charge, her trait offering an AV and damage boost against a target, and CCE-plus. She’s the costliest of the Gamoras, though. Fortunately, there’s a 75-point level that unfortunately only offers same problems as Gamora 002 — lack of opening Charge — but less life and lower DV. Still, HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE is that either price is a good one to pay for a solid Gamora on the team.

Drax The Destroyer [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 104] 125

This Drax is a lot more durable than ALL the ones that have come before: Impervious, Invincible, and Invulnerability each make a run on his otherwise rather short dial. He also hits harder with Charge, Exploit Weakness and Super Strength leading the way. Don’t overlook his 6 range and the same Hadron trait as Star-Lord, giving him one-time-use Pulse Wave. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Though he’s not our favorite — Drax 013 above is — he’s well worth the extra points for the easier-to-use dial.

Groot [Guardians of the Galaxy Movie 105] 100/75

At last, a Groot with a decent Speed value! It’s too bad he lacks the opening Charge to truly leverage it. Instead, he’ll need to rely on his two SPs: A Speed one that negates the benefits of hindering terrain for foes within 6 squares and a DV one that not only bears Invulnerability and Defend but grants Toughness to adjacent allies. Never push him off this click if you can help it — and with Indomitable, you shouldn’t have to. If you’d prefer a more actively fighting Groot, cut him to his 75-point dial, which trades away the starting special stuff but retains the Giant Reach + Super Strength + CCE powers to deal big hurt along with that starting Charge we lamented earlier. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: While we prefer our Groots to be high-cost monsters, there’s no downside to this, the cheapest Groot of the game.

___

OK. One more part coming up next week. Watch for the F.U.N. Focus on the Guardians of the Galaxy full-sized set, which gave us even more Guardians than I expected!

FUN Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [part 3: Galactic Guardians]

September 11, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

Phew. Between DragonCon and the Realms Open Championship and battling the dreaded “con crud” illness, I’ve been a bit too preoccupied to continue this F.U.N. Focus series… until now!

Replica [Galactic Guardians 035] 47

A member of the 1990s team, Replica is a tie-up/taxi hybrid. Like the best taxis, she has a high Speed value (10). Like the best tie-ups, she combines attack/damage avoidance (Skrulls TA, Toughness) with being a legitimate threat (Flurry with Super Strength). She pushes to Plasticity on her 2nd click to maximize her tie-up potential. And she’s under 50 points, the sweet spot for these roles. Sticking to the comic themes is the only reason to leave her off the team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Squeeze her on

Cosmo [Galactic Guardians 039] 52

Bearing Telekinesis, Enhancement and PD TA seem like great reasons to never push off his first click. But the next couple of clicks trade off to Barrier and triple-arrow Incap and Mind Control, making this piece truly man’s best friend. He’s a fixture among the DnA squad. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Da, is being good!

Nikki [Galactic Guardians 024] 72

Nikki is tricky. She’s a Running Shot piece with low damage and 16 DV. She’s also a Sharpshooter with Poison and Combat Reflexes. So if you’re using her, she needs to be basing lightly or unarmored targets. And maybe you want to push her to click 2 bearing Ranged Combat Expert and a DV boost. But she needs to have fellow Defenders TA friends to get higher DV help from, almost always. Armor Piercing is a good feat for her. She’s from the 1990s series. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: For thematic play only. She also needs to eat a sandwich

Drax [Galactic Guardians 204] 75

The lightest of all versions of the Destroyer, this piece is hindered a bit by his trait only working against Thanos. Aside from that, he’s otherwise a solid Invulnerable melee piece that doesn’t take up a lot of points room. The Exploit Weakness on both ends is what makes him scary. He belongs on any 21st-century build. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Use this Drax for points shaving.

Martinex [Galactic Guardians 82

One of the founding members of the 1969 and 1990 teams, Martinex is another unusual piece what with his conditional Impervious and Energy Explosion + Incap rider. Like others in this set and era, his 16 DV is mediocre and he needs better Defenders on his side to make use of the TA. He’s all range, so keep him out of the fray. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: For thematic play only.

Charlie-27 [Galactic Guardians 012] 92

The last of the founding quartet to be made, Charlie shares the low 16 DV of his teammates, so he’s gonna need the Defenders TA aid like the others. He’s Impervious, though, so there’s that. 9 AV is counterbalanced by RCE. His back half has CCE. Though a little bit too expensive to need so much help, he’s a fun fella. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: For thematic play only.

Drax [Galactic Guardians 011] 121

This Drax is less constrained than the Gravity Feed primer version, thanks to a trait allowing him to pick any higher-point foe to gain actual Willpower and Charge along with his natural Running Shot as long as the foe is on the board. ‘Course, he’s also way more expensive, and not hugely more effective on the board as a melee piece due to his bonuses only working against his quarry. Still, the GotG needs close fighters like him and the flexibility he offers being a shooter as well (pre-Battle Fury on his back half, anyway) means he is a Destroyer, indeed. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Could do worse, could do better.

Hollywood [Galactic Guardians 013] 138

The far-future Wonder Man is on the team for his defense SP, “Almost Immortal,” which ignores all but 1 damage dealt to him and can’t be countered. He’s a good combo of meat shield for softer teammates and a decent Super Strength bruiser. He falters, though, in that he loses Charge frequently, which might strand him at a time when he needs to take the fight to the enemy. He also lacks the Defenders TA that most of the Guardians of these sets bear, so he’s a tougher fit for teams. Still, he’s got a very long and well-armored dial. You could do worse. Best fits the 1990s team but has worked with the 2008 series team for an issue or two. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Leave him off unless you can make him a team player somehow

Adam Warlock [Galactic Guardians 010] 165

With no top-dial Outwit on the team, the GotG also lacked a way of dealing with enemy armor from range. Adam addresses this weakness by being the team’s first Running Shooting Penetrating/Psychic Blast figure. At 165 points, he’s very expensive for this. Fortunately, he’s also a Perplexer and bears mid-life Hypersonic Speed, but with Invulnerability as his armor, a clear upgrade from the similar-but-soft-skinned Phyla-Vell. Also, when hurt, he can swap to Magus [Galactic Guardians 020] for a totally different power set — one that offers some more late dial healing abilities and that Outwit the team sometimes needs. This fig was a central character in the 2008 series. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Not quite essential but not at all superfluous.

Keeper [Galactic Guardians 048] 237

The most expensive of the whole keyword, this Silver Surfer variant is at home on the 1990s team. And it’s not hard to see why he’s pricey, as he’s Hypersonic and bears a trait that can get him across the board in a single power action. Unfortunately, his AV is too low for his price. If he started with his Outwit SP, he’d be much stronger. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He’s a chase piece, too, and barely fits the theme. Only for those vast “every member ever” builds of 2000 points or higher

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Next installment looks at the clix’d stars of the recent hit movie. Which are ~~Groot~~ great, and which are “paper people?”

FUN Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [part 2: NECA era]

August 18, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

Wow, a little time has passed since the last update that was SUPPOSED to come early last week, not early THIS week. We promise there’s a reason for it (more than standard laziness, anyhow) that’ll be apparent in the near future. Anyway, we continue the FUN Focus on the Guardians of the Galaxy, this time looking at the early NECA-era pieces. (NOTE: much of this text is edited from the original reviews from 2009 and 2010.)

Bug [Hammer of Thor 001] 44

His mobility (Leap/Climb to get in any position), defense (Super Senses with a 17 DV to loan to other members with the Defenders symbol), damage ability (Exploit Weakness makes him impossible to safely ignore) and surprise 4 range makes him worth every point. He’s filler, but he’s gooood filler. Like the cream in a Twinkie. Feat him with Lunge, if anything. Fine for any size GotG build but thematically only fits the DnA team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Could make the “A” team, finally.

Rocket Raccoon [Hammer of Thor 028] 65

Leap/Climb-ing Probability Control and 17 DV with Super Senses make this critter indispensable for the theme. In between forcing rerolls and loaning his defense to fellow Defenders, his 8 range keeps him in the fight. Getting hit only turns him into an Running Shooting Outwitter. Excellent combination of secondary fighter and support piece. The only reason to leave him off the team is if you’re running a 1990s or earlier build or if you’d rather run a different RR. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He’s still the cheapest Rocket on the market

Star-Lord [Hammer of Thor 025] 90

He needs defense help from his teammmates, he’s very soft and he’s very short-dialed for his near-100-point cost. Compounding the problem is that Star-Lord’s Running Shot makes him a key attacker ahead of more stationary shooters or melee-oriented teammates.

His SP “Galactic Marksman” is just about good enough to counterbalance ALL that.

It gives him the choice to boost his AV +2 against a single target or his damage +2 against two. And suddenly this fragile, 9 AV piece is blasting for 4 clicks all over the place again and again (because he’s quite pushable). Basing him doesn’t help; he’s a Sharpshooter with Combat Reflexes. Hitting him may only knock him into Stealth and Ranged Combat Expert for continued damage and/or AV boosts. Feat him with Contingency Plan and field him in any size build over 100 unless you decide to go with a different version of the character. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: His time may be gone, though, with so many other versions of the character to use

Phyla-Vell [Hammer of Thor 042] 138

Top-loaded Perplex wouldn’t seem the best use of her high points, but that’s what Phyla’s good for. It’s not as pathetic as it sounds. For example, since she’s one of the team’s taxis, it’s good that she can boost the defense of her fare or herself during that round she’s not attacking…and being able to make herself a nigh-unhittable 20 DV at range (in hindering terrain) isn’t a bad way to pass the time. Moreover, she can still make herself useful when she’s got two tokens after using Power Cosmic to push for free (being one of the cheaper figs with the TA to date, and the ONLY one under 150 with 8 fighting clicks of life) and shoot someone for 3 or 4 (again thanks to Perplex) with her high 11 AV.

‘Course, all that paints a day-glo bull’s eye right on her chest (um…literally), so she needs Protected in case her high DV and Super Senses both fail and she would take 5 or more damage. But if she’s NOT taking 5 damage, just take the hit and and get Hypersonic Speed and thank your opponent with beatdowns two of every three turns. She fits thematically on the DnA series team. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Save her for those huge battles where she’s not taking as much fire and won’t be a tentpole. ‘Cuz she’s just not one

Jack Flag [Captain America 011] 64

He fits a heretofore empty role on the Guardians roster: The inexpensive melee fighter. With Charge, Super Strength (as noted in the repurposed Token Totin’ image above), Toughness and Indomitable, Jack is the perfect backup for a team full of mid-to long-range shooters and a few tie-up figures. He’s been supplanted a bit with some welcome additions in the close-fighting corps, but he’s still equally welcome on a DnA-based build of any size. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: He may hate cosmic stuff but he can handle some of it

Groot [Web of Spider-Man 040] 152

The first version of the big guy did so much for the team.

He’s got great defense. He can chain his 18 DV with weaker members possessing the Defenders ATA. Being the first able to do so is key.
He’s another taxi. Being a giant affords that. But…
He’s terribly slow. Without TK (he’s a giant) or the speed boost of, say, the Kinetic Accelerator special object, it takes him a looooong time to get in the fight.
He’s tough to put down. Protected by Shape Change and Invulnerability and a self-healing SP when in hindering or water, Groot can stick around. And with him loaning that DV, he’s liable to draw fire away from lesser members of the team.

He is Groot. And he should be on your Defenders TA-heavy DnA or Bendis teams. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: The first Groot may still be the best

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OK. Next up is the look at Galactic Guardians. We PROMISE it’ll be out this week. (EDIT: It wasn’t. Sorry!)

coming soon: Heroclixin’ 2.0!!!!!!11!!!!!

August 11, 2014 by Rurouni KJS·Comments Off

Don’t you kinda hate when anything puts the “2.0” rider on to indicate it’s new and improved? We sure do, especially HeroClix players who remember the game’s immediate ancestor, Mage Knight, which put out a 2.0 version that immediately rendered the entire “1.0” game unplayable.

Hence Heroclixin’s rather ironic use of “2.0” in the title.

What’s actually changing:

It’s heroclixin.wordpress.com with a new “www.heroclixin.com” domain
It’s getting a new look.
It’s getting back to a more regular schedule.

We’ve got some other ideas in the works, too, but the core raison d’être is still the focus: Heroclixin’ is all about F.U.N.

F.U.N. Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [part 1: pre-NECA]

August 8, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

OK, finally time to start this, because Heroclixin’ has seen the film. Liked it, didn’t quite love it. But almost. Recommended.

Which clix are recommended, though? Read on.

Yellowjacket [Clobberin’ Time 027] 37

A Guardian by keyword alone, she appeared in the 1990s series as a refugee from the 20th Century. And this Vet, coming from an early set, is predictably terrible. With Incap as her only power and AV of just 8 and lower, the only thing she’s good for is being the dirt-cheapest member of the team and a mediocre taxi. Use her as sacrificial tie-up/meat shield/point filler if at all. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Don’t quite hate her — barely

Rita DeMara [Clobberin’ Time 109] 43

The LE of the above Yellowjacket, she packs on 6 extra points to gain the Spider-Man Ally TA. This, at least, allows her to copy the Defenders TA that many Guardians sport to make her a more efficient sacrifice. But near her price point, there are better pieces to play. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: No.

R Vance Astro (Supernova 058) 49:

This Rookie is junk with terrible stats despite the solid 8 range and Incapacitate. Only play him if you’re aiming for a comic-accurate 1969 series original lineup, and then only if you’ve got to squeeze down to this version for points’ sake. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Junk otherwise

R Aleta (Supernova 043) 51:

Unless you’re trying to field a comic- or movie-accurate team for the more recent series, you should put her in every GotG keyword team you can. Telekinesis doubles the team’s effectiveness. Barrier, too, helps, and she’s got multiple clicks of both. In fact, she was nearly the best Barrier specialist of all in Heroclixin’s Top Ten a few years back. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Love her.

E Vance Astro (Supernova 059) 70:

The Experienced Vance adds considerable cost over the Rookie but gains two starting clicks of Invulnerability and 3 damage to make him the most durable and damaging of the three versions, actually. But the lack of the shield just makes him less fun, in my opinion. 🙂 Stunning Blow is an OK feat to use, though I hate to add points to him. Save him for old-school GotG builds. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Do we even still own this piece?

Vance Astrovik (Supernova 208) 72

The LE of Vance Astro, he trades off the opening Invulnerability of the Exp. for Toughness, Force Blast and Leadership. He’s really not very good down the dial but he does get a second shot at living with a pair of Regen clicks. Again, he’s only for comic-accurate teams from the 1969 or 1990 series. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Not a fan

Aleta (Supernova 044) 75

Here’s what Heroclixin’ wrote about her as a Barrier specialist: “Very much on the high end for a Barrier specialist, and her attack values are middling for her cost and role as a sniper. But 10 range is great for the power. Better still is that, with Running Shot and Telekinesis appearing after Barrier’s gone, she has great utility in the mid- to late-game action. Her Defenders TA could be useful. Adding the Guardians of the Galaxy ATA protects her from Outwit.” And it’s all still true. It’s hard to recommend her over the Rookie, though. Use her best on 1990s team builds. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Don’t love her

Major Victory [Supernova 060] 84

10 range and 3 damage and Impervious on his first click is about the only thing worthy on this piece. Well, there’s some Leadership, too, but he’s maybe the third piece you’d reach for on this team for that power. Thus, he’s utterly unpushable. But if he does lose that bit of life, at least he’s got Energy Shield/Deflection to help. Another good thing about him? He has a 17 DV to loan via the Defenders TA. He’s best saved for keyword-specific builds of any size, though he thematically best fits the second and third series. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: It’s all about the shield for F.U.N.’s sake

One-Who-Knows (Supernova) 123

The LE of the Aleta/Starhawk REV, this piece is on your team for his 10 range Probability Control, double-target Energy Explosion and 17 DV (for fellow Defenders). There’s also a smattering of other useful powers down the dial — Running Shot, Hypersonic Speed, Outwit, Ranged Combat Expert — but he’s pretty soft-shelled. The time-traveling character is at home on any incarnation of the team but is naturally a better fit on high build totals where he’s not the focal point. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: We knows we like

V Starhawk (Supernova) 144: Though he boasts an extreme 12 range and Running Shot to start, his opening AV is markedly inferior for the cost. But he gains Hypersonic Speed mid-dial, and his attack numbers ramp up nicely. He’s probably a stronger piece feated with either Elite Sniper or Trick Shot, but those feats each bump his price well over 150 points and he might not be worth it. Save him for 400 and up. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: Top cost, second rate

Yondu (Avengers 048) 53:

He’s cheap Running Shot + 3 damage and Energy Explosion. Though he fits with either old- or new-school GotG, he’s still one of the last I tend to pick, frankly. HEROCLIXIN’S TAKE: For archery themes only

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Next time (early next week), we peek at the next batch of Guardians put out in Heroclix.

F.U.N. Focus: Guardians of the Galaxy [intro]

August 1, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

In the early days of Heroclixin’, battle reports starring the Guardians of the Galaxy were like a regular thing, practically. Now with a new movie on the scene, equally new HeroClix are emerging. This F.U.N. Focus is a new look at all the pieces available to the theme, set by set.

But first, a little bit of context.

The Guardians of the Galaxy isn’t just one team or series; it’s been about four or five.

The first was a quartet that fought as a resistance force against the galaxy-dominating Badoon in like 3000 AD, appearing in late Silver Age/early Bronze Age comics in the ’70s. Core members included Charlie-27, Martinex, Yondu and Vance Astro.

It was created by Arnold Drake and Gene Colan.

The second series was published in the early ’90s, expanding on the original concept and introducing a lot of new characters to the core team such as Aleta/Starhawk, Nikki, Hollywood and the Keeper.

Written and drawn by Jim Valentino, it lasted 62 issues.

The third team was a completely new one starring Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Drax, Adam Warlock and Groot, set in the present time instead of the future. But as early as issue 2, it frequently tied into the original Guardians characters as the new team careened through time.

This 2008 series by writer team Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (DnA) is Heroclixin’s favorite by far.

The fourth team and series is the current Guardians of the Galaxy comic that’s mostly the previous lineup but with a few more present-day Earth characters on board. Heroclixin’ thinks this Brian Michael Bendis-helmed effort is a great letdown after the excellence of the DnA series.

(But it’s Bendis, so there might be a great payoff coming down the road.)

The fifth is the movie-based team, which is inspired by the third and fourth incarnations.

As of this writing, the Heroclixin’ staff has not yet seen the film.

We be looking at the figs thusly:

Pre-NECA sets
pre-“oreo-base” sets
Galactic Guardians
Movie set
Current set

For each piece, we’ll highlight its role on a team and which incarnation it best fits. Stick with us these next couple of weeks.

F.U.N. Focus: ATLANTIS again [part 6: Non-Atlantis pieces]

July 30, 2014 by rkjs·0 Comments

To wrap up this F.U.N. Focus, here are some pieces that lack the Atlantis keyword but could be useful on non-keyword-yet-thematic builds featuring dolphin speed characters. Starting from the cheapest:

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Mera (Crisis): She’s a got good movement value of 8, but her 15 DV and 7 AV make her the least of the swimming pogs. The real reason to play her, though, is to make use of New 52 Aquaman 005’s trait. Either use Mera as the ultimate tie-up/meat shield that the enemy doesn’t dare harm for fear of Aquaman’s revenge, or sacrifice her immediately. Both methods work.
TEAM UP: Don’t even play her without that Aquaman.

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Veteran Badoon Commander (Supernova): Good for his range, Enhancement (for the few other shooters of Atlantis) and Smoke Cloud (to give Atlantean Warriors their Stealth). 37 points.
TEAM UP: Skrull TA is great for wildcards.

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Captain Mako (City of Villains): One of the best indy clix ever, this 52-point chomper offers wildcards the Arachnos TA and good damage potential with Charge, Exploit Weakness, BCF and Flurry (though not all at the same time).
OBJECT LESSONS: Can’t go wrong with either the Red or Yellow Lanterns.

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Unique Abbey Chase (Indy): There’s almost no other swimming source for Outwit than this gal, and none for anywhere as cheap as her 54 points. She’s Stealthy, too, with 6 range and dodgy with Danger Girls TA and Super Senses. She’s not worth busting the theme, but if it’s already broken, try living Dangerously.

TEAM UP: Danger Girl TA is great for wildcard Namors.

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Veteran Marrina (Armor Wars): 9 clicks for only 55 points makes for a heckuva tie-up blocker and Mastermind fodder for Ocean Master. Her starting values and persistent Battle Fury might make her too unwieldy on the wrong team, though — don’t field her without Flashpoint Aquaman to give her a free action Speed boost.

TEAM UP: Seriously. Aquaman [Superman 048]. Because Mera’s TK should be getting used for positioning actual attackers.

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Manphibian: He’s got a great SP that works when he starts in water, but by itself it’s not worth breaking the Atlantis theme. Only add this 60-point creature when your black lagoon of a team is already non-Atlantean.

HITCH A RIDE: Don’t forget he’s a Transporter.

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Aquaman (Justice League common): “Aquanoob,” as I like to call him, lacks any keywords (being an uncomfortable and brief resident of Atlantis) and so is no good for the bonuses of a themed team. But this 68-point Rookie’s “Telepathic Communication” SP, which allows him to Perplex every other dolphin symbol character on his team (except himself), might be better than any number of those bonuses. With Charge (on both ends of his dial), Super Strength (and later, Blades/Claws/Fangs) and “Parry” (Super Senses against close combat), he’s OK in a fight, too.
AVOID: Teaming him with almost every version of Namor/Sub-Mariner…most lack the actual dolphin symbols!

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Black Manta (Arkham Asylum): Also 68 points, this archenemy to Aquaman offers enough to the theme to possibly overlook his blood feud with the hero. The first-ever dolphin Transporter, he has 6-range Psychic Blast (later, Super Strength) and — and here’s the reason to run him if you’ve broken theme — “Pirate,” which grants him Perplex of himself or other swimmers only. He’s also way cheaper than his later versions appearing in Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes/Legion of Doom sets.

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Thor, Frog of Thunder (Hammer of Thor): Though not an actual swimmer, this 72-point chase figure has two Special Powers that work superbly in water. First is another Submerged-like power (though it also grants true Stealth as well). The other, “Leader of the Frog and Alligator Army,” deals 1 damage to all enemies in or bordering water like a 6-square-ranged Poison. Could work well with water-generating characters like Tempest, Fear Itself Attuma or SR Aquaman.

SUIT UP: The 3-point Frog Legs makes him a swimmer, too. Armor Piercing ensures his “Alligator Army” SP has some real bite (sorry).

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Mera (Blackest Night): 85 points buys another taxi for the team — one that can Charge in with 11 AV to deal 4 damage without so much as an object in sight. In addition to flying, she’s got the dolphin symbol, too, so she could join the ranks of the Submerged if so feated.
OBJECT LESSON: The Red Lantern is great with her Battle Fury.

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Black Manta [Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes]: At 97 points, this Manta is a lot more pricey than the Arkham version and lacks its Transporter Move and Attack ability. But he’s an Indomitable, Sidestepping taxi with much better attack values. The biggest reason to run him is his excellence on a water map: He one-ups the Submerged effect by being able to hide behind water terrain with actually being in it, serving as a more flexible “stealth shield” for more vulnerable swimmers than usual.

DON’T FORGET: He’s a wildcard, so back him with copyable TAs.

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Black Manta [Legion of Doom]: His price tag almost swept him off the list. But this Manta, with Transporter symbol, Running Shot and 7 range with auto-knockback brings a welcome shooting ability to a swim team. He also can be placed in water up to 8 squares away to serve as an advance sniper in the game’s start, getting both a Speed and DV +2 when in water. Add to all this Indom and, later, Pulse Wave and free Regen in water and his 125-point cost starts to look pretty reasonable. This is the Manta for offense, especially given his Injustice League TA for wildcards to capitalize on.

TEAM UP: Aquaman [Superman 048], Badoon Commander and Atlantean Warrior are all fellow Soldiers, so one could make a keyword team at 400 points to maybe get that watery map choice it likes.

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Aquaman [War of Light]: It’s unbelievable, but here’s another version of this character that lacks the Atlantis keyword! This 129-point Transporter’s combat values are just OK for the price compared with just about every carded Aquaman. You’re really running him for his two traits: “Death: A Watery Grave,” which, along with granting use of Steal Energy, heals him when enemies are KO’d and creates water terrain in clear squares surrounding the victim, and “Summon The Undead Sharks,” which brings in a once-per-game backup quartet of zombie shark bystanders with 10 AV BCF (though they self-KO if they end the turn out of the water) each next to a different foe in his 5 range and 2 extra actions that turn to boot.

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Killer Croc [No Man’s Land 005]: Though too pricey at 173 points, his SP granting Stealth-plus in water is pretty useful — but be careful, as he’s unseen by foe AND friend. His treated 2d6 version of B/C/F rocks, too.
TEAM UP: Two versions of Namor [Fantastic Forces 067 and Wolverine + The X-Men 058] are wildcards who’ll like his high AV and Batman Enemy TA.

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All Pacific Rim Kaiju: Ranging between 200 and 600 points, these beasties all have the dolphin symbol, making them work with a number of Atlantis pieces. Each also bears a trait that grants +1 AV and damage while in water. On a non-Atlantis-themed team, they nevertheless fit as any number of colossal sea monsters Aquaman or Namor have summoned from the deep. Could be fun.

TEAM UP: Aquaman [Justice League 002] can Perplex multiples at once. Aquaman [Superman] can give ’em free movement.

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OK, enough dipping the toe in. Get in the pool!

Enjoy team-building and have a nice swim, ‘Clixers!

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