Sabre's Lair: Tying HeroClix To Its Roots-Comic Accurate Themed Teams Pt. 2

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Sabre's Lair by Darth Sabre

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Teams have been a staple in the comic industry, for the past 64 years. The X-Men, the Justice League of America, and the Avengers, have become household names for comic readers, and HeroClix players alike. However long before those teams were commonly known, there was a group that came together, to form the original super-team. This group would come to be known as the Justice Society of America .

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[Darth Sabre]

Welcome to Sabre’s Lair.

Tying HeroClix to Its Roots: Comic Accurate Teams! Part 2: The JSA

This series is intended to provide readers with background knowledge of the teams in HeroClix, as well as provide them with teams based on those comics. I really hope to acquaint players with some of the history of the teams that they use, as well as inspire players to use themed teams that are comic accurate. While I have read comics since about 1978, I do not have a PhD in comic history, and am by no means an expert. I have spent time researching things that I wasn’t sure about, and hope that my sources are accurate in their information. Throughout these articles, I will reference my sources, and provide readers with recommended reading material. I hope you enjoy this to the degree, that I enjoyed writing it. Each article will be divided into three parts: The background of the team, the figures available for the team, and some sample teams taken directly from the comics referenced. Please note that I will only focus on figures with the team abilities, that have been made, and which were actual members of the team that I am writing about.

Darth Sabre’s Theme Teams: The JSA

Since 1941, the Justice Society has thrilled readers, as they went off on adventures. With a roster that has included such legendary names as Green Lantern, Flash, and Hawkman, the JSA has endured roster changes, deaths, series cancellations, and retroactive continuity (retcon)* changes, to become one of the most adored teams in comics today.

Without the JSA, many of your favorite teams might not be here today. When the JSA was formed, it was an experiment of sorts, as heroes were brought together, not only from their own titles, but from different companies, to form this now legendary team. The formula proved successful immediately, as their first appearance in All Star Comics # 3, was a hit.

In this second installment of my series on themed teams, we take a look at DC’s Justice Society of America .

*Note: What is retroactive continuity or retcon? It is a term used to describe, previous events in comics that have been changed. Essentially, it’s where history has been revised.

Long time DC readers are well aware of the effects of retconning. DC published a series in 1985, which attempted to streamline their multiverse, known as Crisis on Infinite Earths. As a result of that series, many heroes and villains were either “erased” from DC’s history, or had their history altered.

In this review, it is important to note this, as the JSA’s history has been vastly affected due to retconning. Prior to the events in Crisis (Pre-Crisis), Superman and Batman were honorary members of the JSA. After the Crisis events (Post-Crisis) played out, Superman and Batman’s JSA ties, were erased, and officially, have never occurred. Some of what I use may differ from accounts that you, as a reader, are familiar with.

It is my hope to maintain some clarity, and avoid confusion, in detailing the background o f the team. For those purposes, I will try to only deal in Post-Crisis continuity.

For more on retroactive continuity, please visit:

Learn About Retroactive Continuity (http://http://www.cvalley.net/~canote/retcon.html)

To learn a little more about the Crisis on Infinite Earths, visit

Crisis on Infinite Earths (Includes Spoiler Warnings!) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths)

Background:

In the fall of 1940, Adolf Hitler was planning an invasion of the British Isles. The US government, working with British intelligence, gained information, which revealed that Hitler had obtained the Spear of Destiny. The Spear was an artifact, used to pierce the side of Jesus Christ, at his crucifixion. Hitler planned to use the power of the Spear, to defeat the English forces en route to world domination.

Answering the call of then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a band of costumed heroes (or mystery men, as they were referred to then), joined forces in an effort to thwart Hitler’s dastardly plan. The group included:


Green Lantern I- Alan Scott was an engineer, who discovered an emerald lantern forged from the Starheart (a receptacle that houses the universe’s random magic) and carves a ring from it, making a promise to cast a light on evil.

The Flash I- College student Jay Garrick, becomes the first costumed hero known as the Flash , after inhaling the vapors of a hard water experiment.

The Sandman- Experiencing precognitive dreams that are driving him mad, Wesley Dodds dons a mask and the gas gun.

Hawkman- Carter Hall, an archaeologist, is the reincarnation of the Egyptian prince Khufu, who was murdered in ancient Egypt. Using artificial wings, and an anti-gravity belt, Carter takes to the air, as Hawkman .

The Spectre I- After being murdered by some mobsters, New York City police officer Jim Corrigan, is bonded with the Spectre Force, and becomes God’s spirit of vengeance.

Hourman I- Rex Tyler, a chemist, invents the super drug Miraclo, which endows people with super strength, speed, and agility for 60 minutes. Using his invention, he embarks on a career as a costumed crime fighter.

The Atom I- Al Pratt, a 5’2” pugilist, hones his body to point of peak perfection, and becomes the original mighty mite.

Dr. Fate I- In 1940, Kent Nelson, a young boy, enters the temple of Nabu the Wise (an energy being who was exiled to Earth, and took form as an Egyptian magician),
where he is instantly transformed into an adult. Nelson is then given some powerful artifacts (an amulet, a helmet, and a cloak), and becomes the mysterious (and the first) Dr. Fate .


For more on members of the JSA:


http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/jsa/index.html


The group prevented Hitler from invading England, and also stopped an attack on the White House. The heroes then decided to band together permanently, forming the Justice Society of America, but not before continuing to help in the war effort as the Justice Battalion.

In 1942, the JSA, as well as all heroes from their era, formed the All-Star Squadron- a team brought together by the President and charged with protecting American soil against any possible attacks from foreign enemies. Eventually, the team split into two factions, the JSA and the Young All-Stars. The Young All-Stars decide to go about their business, free of government control.

In a battle against Ian Karkull (a villain that the team faced during WWII), the Spectre caused Karkull’s shadow form to explode. This event causes temporal energy to rain down on the on the JSA members, and extends their life spans.

In 1951, the House on Un-American Activities Committee caused the retirement of the JSA, and the team disbanded.

Several years later, the team would reassemble, and fight along side the JLA in several adventures. In one such adventure, they travel through time, fighting the Nebula Man, in an attempt to save the original Seven Soldiers of Victory. In another, they come together with heroes from space and time to stop the Anti-Monitor.

In 1998, during the event known as Zero Hour, The JSA suffers the losses of the original Hourman, Dr. Mid-Nite, and The Atom, during a battle with the villain known as Extant (formerly Hawk, of Hawk and Dove). The remaining members officially retire and the JSA disbands, yet again.

A year later, Wesley Dodds, the original Sandman sacrifices himself, in an effort to delay the plans of the Dark Lord, Mordru. Mordru was looking for the new Fate-Child, so that he could kill him/her, and assume control of the artifacts. Mordru knew that the Sandman’s precognitive abilities, would reveal when and where the Fate-Child would be born.

The old membership of The Flash, Wildcat, and Green Lantern (now calling himself Sentinel) combine with a new generation of heroes, and the JSA returns, presumably for good.

JSA in Comics:

Aside from their 10 year run in All Star comics, the JSA have had several appearances in comics. They made guests appearances during the Silver Age of comics, mostly appearing in team ups with the Justice League of America (which became an annual event).

In the late 70’s their All Star line was revived, but only lasted 16 issues. In the 80’s, they were featured in the All-Star Squadron, as one of the Squadron’s sub-teams. This series eventually ended and spawned a sequel, in the form of the Young All-Stars.

Once again, the JSA would be relegated to spot duty in guest appearances, mini-series, and one-shots.

In 1999, David S. Goyer and James Robinson spearheaded an effort to revive the legendary group, which eventually lead the way to Geoff Johns, who has made them popular again.

Shameless plug- I highly recommend the current series. Members of HCRealms, that read it, generally agree that this is one of the best series currently being written, and is quite possibly the best book out there right now.

Johns is a critically acclaimed writer, and considered one of the best writers today. He has a good handle on the characters, and crafts great stories. This team is embedded in lineage, and Johns does a great job, keeping them tied to their past-while keeping the characters fresh. Not many readers find faults in his writing style, and I’ve yet to hear a reader say that they dislike any of the characters. If continuity is your cup of tea, then the current JSA series is for you.

JSA Recommended Reading:


JSA: Secret Files & Origins #1 (1999) (Prelude to the current series)
JSA: Justice Be Done TPB (Reprints first story arc in current series, issues #1-4)
JSA: Princes of Darkness TPB (Reprints Issues #45-49)
JSA: Black Reign (Reprints Issues #56-58 & Hawkman #23-25) Solicited for May!!
JSA: Strange Adventures (6-issue mini series, which tells a great story about the Golden Age JSA)
JLA/JSA: Virtue & Vice (Team up of DC’s two top teams)


For an Annotated Look at the JSA Comics:


The Checklist (http://members.optusnet.com.au/justicesociety/index)


Sources:


http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/comics101/archives.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_Society
http://my.execpc/~icicle/JSAHOME.html
http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/cosmic/index.html
JSA: Secret Files & Origins #1 (Aug. 1999)


That ends our look at the JSA in comics. Now let’s take a look at the JSA figures available in HeroClix.

The Justice Society of America in HeroClix

Prior to the release of Legacy, the JSA had poor representation in HeroClix. The three previous sets of DC HeroClix (Hypertime, Cosmic Justice, and Unleashed), produced a paltry 9 figures with the JSA team ability on their base. Legacy increased that number to a now impressive 23 figures.

Of those 23 JSA-designated figures, 4 have never been official members of the Justice Society (counting Super Rares and Limited Edition figures that are the same dial-wise as 1 version):


Hippolyta Trevor-Hall LE (Fury)
Obsidian R
Jade R
Jennifer Lynn-Hayden LE/SR (Jade)


These were the founding members of Infinity, Inc, which was essentially the junior version of the JSA.

So that leaves us with 19 figures that we can use to create JSA themed teams. Broken down by sets, we have:

Hypertime [HT] (2 figures):


Hawkman-V/LE
The Flash-U*


Cosmic Justice [CJ] (1 figure):


Black Canary-R
Starman-V*


Unleashed [UL] (5 figures):


Hawkgirl-E/LE
Dr. Fate-E
Black Adam-E
Captain Marvel-U (Shazam!)


Legacy [LE] (11 figures):


Hourman-R/E/V
Mr. Terrific- R/E/V
Star-Spangled Kid/Stargirl-E/V
Power Girl-R/V
Wonder Woman-U


*Note- Flash was a founding member of the JSA, and his lack of the team ability was a design oversight. Starman was a member of the new team when it reformed in 1999. For the purposes of the theme, they are considered to be members of the team, but will not be counted among those with the team ability. One can hope that these oversights will be corrected in an upcoming set.

The following is a list of important members of the modern JSA, who have yet to be made in clix form:


Green Lantern/Sentinel (We have the KC Unique)
Wildcat (Ted Grant)
Dr. Mid-Nite (Dr. Pieter Cross)
Sand (Sanderson “Sandy” Hawkins)
Atom Smasher (Albert Rothstein)


*Note-It is questionable if the current Spectre should be a JSA member. He was an important part of their past, but Jim Corrigan was freed from his bond with the Spectre, and passed on into the afterlife, about 6 months before the current team, came into being. The spirit then took a hold of Hal Jordan, who didn’t have the same ties to the team that Corrigan did. As the Spectre is a very powerful entity, he would most likely be a Unique. Since WizKids tends to favor more modern versions of characters, it will be interesting to see what they do with the Spectre, should they decide to make him.

JSA Team Ability:


A member of this team may use the unmodified defense value of any other adjacent friendly member of this team instead of its own.


Enemies of the JSA in HeroClix:


Solomon Grundy R/E/V
Shade R/E/V/LE
Mordru U
Eclipso U
Obsidian E/V
Black Adam R/V/LE
Ultra-Humanite U
Kobra R/E/V
Kobra Fanatic R/E/V/LE (Jason Burr was also Kobra)
Cheetah R/E/V (While this is likely the current Cheetah, Barbara Minerva, it is possible that could also be Priscilla Rich, the original. As an FYI, Minerva recently killed Rich.)


Want a brief idea of who your Justice Society clix are?:


Visit WhoClix (http://members.aol.com/thefightingfury/whoclix/guide.htm)


So “officially” we have 21 figures to work with. The JSA as a team is still missing quite a few powers and abilities:


Battle Fury (Which is good!):grin:
No Aquatic movement :cheeky:
No Giant Character (Maybe soon!)
Defend
Enhancement (Fate should’ve had this, IMHO)
Force Blast
Mind Control
Perplex :eek:
Plasticity
Poison
Pulse Wave
Regeneration
Shape Change
Smoke Cloud
Steal Energy
Support
Telekinesis


Pulse wave would be a welcomed addition to the JSA, since Captain Marvel and Hourman, both have activation clicks, and Sand could have it. Enhancement and Perplex could really help the team some. Support should be arriving, in the form of Dr. Mid-Nite. TK, should arrive when an Alan Scott JSA click is made, and Atom Smasher would give the team a Giant figure. So I would say that the outlook for the JSA looks good.

That does it for a look at the figures. For play tips and reviews on individual figures, I’ve included links to articles written by HCRealms moderator Azs.

JSA Figure Reviews by Azs:

Note: Some of Azs’ reviews were written before the NAAT & FCCF were in place, so some of the information may be outdated.


Black Adam R/E/V Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90033)
Dr. Fate R/E/V Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94093)
Hawkgirl R/E/V Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92447)
Captain Marvel (Shazam!) U Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94340)
Hawkman R/E/V Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14299)
Starman R/E/V Review (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52870)


Comic Accurate JSA Teams:

All we have left to do is throw some teams together. So I have selected 4 specific JSA teams that have appeared in comics, beginning with the group that formed the current team. Please realize that I don’t subscribe to the common belief that in order for accuracy, you have to use team ability-specific figures (i.e., The Flash U (HT) and Starman would not be used, because they do not have the JSA TA printed on their bases). While such notions are true, they don’t always lend themselves to a fun time or comic accurate teams. So I will use versions of figures that are the best for the team of build that I’m shooting for, and in some cases, accurately represent the character (not historical accuracy). I will not use alternate universe versions for substitutions (i.e. KC figures), even if they are more effective. Also, I will stay away from LE’s, and Con Exclusives, as not everyone has access to them.

In the case of Feat Cards and Battle Field Conditions, I will cross HeroClix lines in hopes of maximizing the effectiveness of a particular team.

Finally, do realize that these are themed teams, based on comics. So they will not always make the best use of points, actions, etc. The intent here is to have fun, not necessarily to become world champion. So for the sake of comic book accuracy, traditional and recommended team building strategies have been tossed out.

The JSA Returns 500 pt Team as featured in JSA: Secret Files & Origins and JSA #1, August 1999:

Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age hero formerly known as the Sandman, and one of the founding members of the now-disbanded super team, the JSA, passes away under mysterious circumstances. While at his funeral, former members of the JSA and Infinity, Inc. are attacked, by the Sons of Anubis. The Sons are a group of zombies who are after the artifacts of Fate. After a tough fight, the individuals are visited by the Scarab, who informs the assembled group of heroes that the end of the world is near, and only the JSA could stop it.


Flash U (HT) w/ Armor Piercing-111 pts
Star-Spangled Kid E w/Stunning Blow- 59 pts
Hourman E w/ Haymaker- 95 pts*
Wonder Woman U (LE)-106 pts
Hawkgirl E-39 pts
Starman V-63 pts
Black Canary R- 21 pts


Total-494 pts

Note: Hourman is used in place of Tyler, the android Hourman.

Recommended Battle Field Conditions:


Ordinary Day
Bright Lights
War Zone or Radiation Leak
Overconfidence
Darkness


Pros: 5 of the 7 members of the team have the JSA team ability, which allows them to share each other’s defensive vales. Wonder Woman’s defense, clocks in the highest, at a solid 17. 5 members have move and attack capabilities, with Hourman gaining the ability, after he gets past his activation click. The team has a solid mix of ranged fighters and close combatants.

Cons: No, real outstanding attack values-only 3 members have a 10. No real powerhouse piece. No way to deal with stealth (without BFC) from range, or powerhouses with damage reducers. Two members lack the JSA TA (Flash and Starman), and they have 2 out of the 3 highest defenses on the team. Essentially, this is a team made up of secondary or tertiary attackers. Unfortunately, none of the JSA big hitters are available. The team can be out-ranged.

Strategy: I like the idea, of carrying Hourman with Hawkgirl. With her Willpower, it allows her to carry him out, or charge an opposing figure on one turn, have him use Haymaker to get him going, and then she can follow-up. Flash with Armor Piercing, is your best bet to get past those damage reducers. With his HSS, he could use his 20 movement to come in, hit, and get out of the way. Depending on how you move the team, you could then have a series of follow up attacks. Star-Spangled Kid and Stunning Blow would be great to use as a way to slow down those beefy monsters that your opponent will throw your way. Using Super Strength with Wonder Woman and Hourman, along with well placed objects can also help increase damage output. Wise use of feat cards can be extremely helpful. Use Overconfidence to cut down Perplex abuse. Use Bright Lights, to eliminate stealth. Use Darkness, to bring the fight to your close fighters. Since you have no Support, use Radiation Leak or War Zone, to make your opponent to eat the damage you dish out. Ordinary day, is there to take care of Earthquake, Crosswinds, or Poor Team Work.

Black Reign JSA 900 pts as presented in JSA # 56-58 & Hawkman #23-25, March-April 2004:

Black Adam (a former member of the JSA), assembles a team of vigilantes, comprised of family members of the JSA, and former team mates. Their mission: to invade Teth’s home land of Kahndaq, in an effort to free it from the oppressive rule of Asim Muhunnad. Hawkman joins the other JSA members just in time to see a news report, which implies that the JSA has invaded the small African nation. Hawkman assumes control of the team, and leads them into the war torn country, in an effort to save the children of the JSA, and stop Black Adam.


Shazam! U w/ Fortitude-191 pts
Power Girl V w/ Armor Piercing-130 pts
Doctor Fate E-113 pts
Flash U (HT) w/ Armor Piercing-111 pts
Hourman V w/ Haymaker-110 pts
Mr. Terrific E-72 pts
Stargirl V w/ Trick Shot 83 pts
Hawkman V-48 pts
Hawkgirl E-39 pts


Total=897 pts

Recommended Battle Field Conditions:


Ordinary Day
War Zone or Radiation Leak
Overconfidence
Darkness
Deep Shadows


Pros: Awesome mobility! 6 fliers, and a grounded figure with HSS and 20 movement means this team can go anywhere. Incredible damage-dealing potential, with 3 quality bricks leading the fight. The team has 2 Probability Controllers, and 2 Outwitters, 3 Close Combat Experts, a figure with Psychic Blaster, and a figure with Exploit Weakness. The team sports all the move and attack movement powers (HSS, Charge, and Running Shot). The team is exceptionally good against Earthquake (barring Crosswinds).

Cons: Serious lack of range. No Support. Too many high priced figures that are JSA members

Strategy: This team is like being blind-folded and taken to a secret location, where your blind fold is removed, and you see nothing but monster trucks and race cars-power and speed. The first thing a player has to figure out is how to get Shazam! and Hourman off of their activation clicks. You can carry them both, so getting them out there should be no problem. Use Stargirl to pick off any pesky stealthers, and hang Dr. Fate back where he can PC rolls, while Mr. Terrific Outwits. Once Shazam! arrives, use his HSS in conjunction with Flash’s to zip around the board and smack fools. Use Power Girl’s Charge and Quake Combo to bust up formations. The Hawks, can take care of support figures that hang back. Deep Shadows and Darkness can be used to cut down your opponents’ range. War Zone and Radiation Leak can help keep damaged figures from getting back in the game. Use Ordinary Day to eliminate Crosswinds or Poor Teamwork.

Princes of Darkness JSA 1000 pts as presented in JSA # 46, May 2003:

After a long hard-fought battle with the terrorist organization, Kobra International, the JSA is ambushed by Mordru the Dark Lord, Obsidian-the son of Alan Scott, and Eclipso-otherwise known as the Princes of Darkness.


Shazam! U w/ Fortitude-191 pts
Power Girl V w/Fortitude & Armor Piercing-155 pts
Doctor Fate E-113 pts
Flash U (HT) w/ Armor Piercing-111 pts
Hourman V w/Fortitude& Haymaker -135 pts
Mr. Terrific V-80 pts
Stargirl V w/ Trick Shot & Armor Piercing-93 pts
Hawkman V-48 pts
Hawkgirl E-39 pts
Black Canary R w/ Armor Piercing-31 pts


Total=996 pts

Note: Use the Pros/Cons/Strategies from the Black Reign team. The only difference is that you now have R Black Canary w/ Armor Piercing. Use her as a formation killer. AP allows her Energy Explosion to be far more effective.

Virtue & Vice JSA 1000 pts as presented in JLA/JSA Virtue & Vice, December 2003:

For the first time in years, The World’s Greatest Heroes, and the Original Super-Team come together, in hopes of having a relaxing Thanksgiving meal, and establishing a yearly tradition. Suddenly things start to go awry, as the teams start fighting amongst themselves. In the back ground, Despero and Johnny Sorrow, watch as their plans come to fruition.


Black Canary R w/ Armor Piercing-31 pts
Star-Spangled Kid E w/ Stunning Blow-59 pts
Hawkgirl E-39 pts
Doctor Fate E w/ Fortitude-138 pts
Black Adam E w/ Fortitude-148 pts
Hawkman V-48 pts
Hourman E w/ Haymaker-95 pts
Mr. Terrific E-72 pts
Power Girl V w/ Armor Piercing & Fortitude-155 pts
Flash U (HT) w/ Armor Piercing-111 pts


Total=896 pts

Note: Similar team as the previous two, but with two changes. E Black Adam replaces Shazam! and we use E Star-Spangled Kid, instead of the Vet. You can use Shazam! instead of Black Adam, as he was a part of the team as well. Of course, you can toss the rules out, and use them both in a higher point game.

Well, that wraps up our look at the Original Super-team! Once they get Sand, Wildcat, Green Lantern, and Dr. Mid-Nite, the JSA should be one of the best themed teams a person can use, as they will gain a quality close combat figure, a great support figure, and a powerful ranged fighter, with a variety of available options.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, gained some useful information, and good team ideas.

Next time, I go with a smaller theme, as I take a look at the team that made people angry, when they didn’t get their own team ability: Alpha Flight!

Special thanks to Azs for allowing me to link up to his reviews and assisting me with the strategy section. Special thanks to boneyard for allowing me to link up to WhoClix . Special thanks to HCRealmsers who helped in my research and helped answer my questions. Extra special thanks to DC Comics, WizKids, and HCRealms. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. ;)

Previous Articles from the Lair:


The X-Men (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=131439)

[Starman973]

[post edited

We don't do 'first post' here, as shown by his warning points
<------

Thank you.
~azs]

[K-Ness]

If you consider the REV of Dr. Fate a member, why not Hector Hall? That would give the JSA Support, Pulse Wave, Defend and Mind Control.

[balanceathart]

Just one small correction, JSA team does have TK and it lyes with the rookie and LE Jade. Other than that, it was a great read.

[K-Ness]

Originally posted by Starman973
First Reply. =] Seriously.... what is the point of this? Would you like a medal? Perhaps a cookie?

Please, post something relevant.

[K-Ness]

Originally posted by balanceathart
Just one small correction, JSA team does have TK and it lyes with the rookie and LE Jade. Other than that, it was a great read. He pointed out why Jade isn't counted as a JSA member. Therefore, there's still no TK.


God, this is hard. I keep factoring in the mystics for powers...

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by K-ness
If you consider the REV of Dr. Fate a member, why not Hector Hall? That would give the JSA Support, Pulse Wave, Defend and Mind Control.

I didn't consider those JSA members, because they are not. Neither is Hector Hall. The only reason they are mentioned in the article is because os azs reviews. It would be an injustice for me to direct members to to his reviews, only to consider one version, when his reviews cover all R/E/V versions. ;)

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by balanceathart
Just one small correction, JSA team does have TK and it lyes with the rookie and LE Jade. Other than that, it was a great read.

Of those 23 JSA-designated figures, 4 have never been official members of the Justice Society (counting Super Rares and Limited Edition figures that are the same dial-wise as 1 version):


Hippolyta Trevor-Hall LE (Fury)
Obsidian R
Jade R
Jennifer Lynn-Hayden LE/SR (Jade)


These were the four founding members of Infinity, Inc, which was essentially the junior version of the JSA.

:rolleyes:

j/k

;)

[Obidon]

I have never really known that much about the JSA but occasionally picking up a copy of their comic has left me curious about their origin for a while now, therefore I have found this article not only educational but rather entertaining also. I hope to see more entertaining threads from you soon Darth Sabre, but for now congrats on a job well done

[Ravenface]

Absolutely first-rate article. Top drawer!

I love the team examples. Do you suppose you could, in future articles include an opposing force for them to match up against?

I would have loved to have seen the 500pt Zombie team. I reckon you could do something with Vampire Lackeys, Morlocks, etc.

Excellent article. Magnificent. Capital!

[Iceman425]

Legacy was a Godsend for the JSA. They are quickly shaping up to be one of the better teams out there...unfortunately they seem to suffer from JLA syndrome....so many great figs at a high cost. I have run effective 400pt squads, and you can make it with 300pters, but they are just more fun in big point games.

[fenway]

AWESOME article - AGAIN

I also like the suggestion to include a team to match up againstfrom somewhere in 'comicdom'.

Thanks for the info!

[MB7-TheFlash]

actually, Hector Hall is a member of the JSA... while he started out as Scarab from Infinity Inc...


.... he is the modern JSA's Dr Fate... shoot, the first story arc was him being reincarnated as Dr Fate

[vadersson]

Great article!! Very good history of the JSA and review of the figures.

These articles have so inspired me that last night (before I read this BTW) I created a JSA team in this vein. I went specifically for the JSA members at the funeral of Wesley Dobbs.

400 points
Black Canary (tm) Rookie
Flash (tm) Unique w/Armor Piercing
Star-Spangled Kid (tm) Experieneced w/Stunning Blow
In Contact with Oracle (20)
Stargirl (tm) Veteran w/ Trick Shot
Wonder Woman (tm) Unique

I used a Starman figure on the Stargirl base as that is how he should have been made. I used ICWO on WW and Stargirl(man). Overall the team was ok, but I made some tactical errors and lost both my games. I think I was too feat heavy for 400 points. I really hope they add Atom Smasher, Wild Cat and Sand soon. (And I hope Wildcat and Sand are reasonably costed.) I give Stargirl my MVP award.

Also, I know you don't like to include LEs and Uniques, but Carter Hall (LE Hawkman) is a great figure for the JSA. My normal JSA teams almost always include both Hawks (Carter and the E Hawkgirl). If you like the JSA, you should try to get a Carter Hall.

Again, good article.

See ya,
Duncan

[tyroclix]

Great article!

I'd been playing Hero Clix for a few years before I decided to try reading the JSA comic. It quickly became one of my favorites once I saw what all the hype was about.

Now I can't get enough.

And as happy as I am about the JSA additions with Legacy - I can't help but pine away for Dr. Mid-Nite, GL / Sentinel and Wildcat.

Unfortunately, Iceman425 is right. You can't field a kick-butt team for 350-450 points. And each time I try and build a team I get frustrated with which member I have to leave behind.

[nedleeds]

Originally posted by K-ness
God, this is hard. I keep factoring in the mystics for powers...

Why wouldn't you ? Dr. Fate is a Mystic but still active in the JSA. The Flash is on all his teams ? These articles are great and informative, but I think DS could lighten up on the stringent "must have" the team ability when building his teams (and ease up on Haymaker there cowboy :cool: )

[ultimatecap]

I enjoyed this article and the X-Men one, but the one thing I would do different is go ahead and use the alternate universe pieces (like Ultimates or KC) if, and only IF, the piece is a better representation of the character. It is soooo going to pain me to read your Avengers article (whenever you may get there) to see you ignore the Ultimate Cap in favor of the crappy IC REV (In this case, I'd at least use the rookie Ult Cap).

Anyhow, that's just one example. I'd use the alternate versions where they are a better, more accurate, representation of the characters "comic-self".

Very enjoyable reads though, regardless. I look forward to the next. :cool:

[Ro-gan]

Another STUPENDOUS article Darth Sabre!!!!

And I concur: JSA is the best team book being written right now.

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by MB7-TheFlash
actually, Hector Hall is a member of the JSA... while he started out as Scarab from Infinity Inc...


.... he is the modern JSA's Dr Fate... shoot, the first story arc was him being reincarnated as Dr Fate

Right. But the LE is a Mystic. ;)

[MB7-TheFlash]

whoops

I misread your previous post

my bad

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by Ravenface
Absolutely first-rate article. Top drawer!

I love the team examples. Do you suppose you could, in future articles include an opposing force for them to match up against?



Excellent article. Magnificent. Capital!

Thanks!

The reason I don't draw up teams for them to match up against, is because I don't want to do someting now, that I may cover in a later article.

But after the X-Men article, I felt that I should at least acknowledge enemies of the teams, that I do a write up on, which is why starting with this article, I'll include enemies, when available.

[dougmac]

I haven't read the new JSA, but I'm definitely going to check it out now after all the buzz here. I read it when the series was restarted in the 70's and 80's with Power Girl and the male Star Spangled Kid. What happened to him anyway?

I also bought the old reprints from All Star Comics from the 40's, and loved those as well. They did include Batman and Superman. Pick up some of those Axis-fighting comics for some real retro Golden Age flavor.

Hey, DS...I hope someday you'll attempt a Masters of Evil team. My kids love to be Avengers or XMen, so I often try to create a MOE booby trap, but I still can't get it exactly right for our theme games and the heroes (my kids) always win. I guess, true to the comics, the good guys always win in the end.

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by nedleeds
Why wouldn't you ? Dr. Fate is a Mystic but still active in the JSA. The Flash is on all his teams ? These articles are great and informative, but I think DS could lighten up on the stringent "must have" the team ability when building his teams (and ease up on Haymaker there cowboy :cool: )

Actually Dr. Fate is currently inactive as a member of the team, because he wanted to spend time with his wife, who was recently resurrected.

As for the "must have" the TA issue-I spent some serious time, contemplating this issue, before I started writing these up.

See, back when there was Infinity Challenge, Hypertime, and Clobberin Time, we used to have massive flame wars on here regarding JLA vs Avengers battles. The reason was because Avengers fan boys, didn't like the fact that JLA players would use E Batman and OWAW Superman (which were better representations of those characters at that time), during those battles. More often than not, the JLA teams would win.

So as to avoid those type of remarks, and flame ups, I decided to just go with the TA. I had to make exceptions for Flash U and Starman V, because they should'vehad those particular team abilites. As more articles are written, I will look at figures on a case by case basis, for this.

There is one more reason, though. I'm hoping that doing articles on these specific types of theme teams, will encourage people to not only play them, but to use figures that normally wouldn't see the light of day. ;)

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by dougmac

Hey, DS...I hope someday you'll attempt a Masters of Evil team. My kids love to be Avengers or XMen, so I often try to create a MOE booby trap, but I still can't get it exactly right for our theme games and the heroes (my kids) always win. I guess, true to the comics, the good guys always win in the end.

An MOE article is in the pipeline, I have Alpha Flight next week, another hero team the week after that, and then I'll do some bad guy teams. Since they have been requested the most, MOE will fall with in that grouping. :grin:

So I ask all you MOE fans to be paitient-I'm working on it. :)

[Polychrome]

I love playing the JSA, and Legacy really helped them alot. Here's a team I play alot:

123 E Black Adam
113 E Dr. Fate
039 E Hawkgirl
021 R Black Canary
296 pts total

Black Adam and Dr. Fate provide a solid 1 2 punch , and Hawkgirl and Black Canary act as harrassment and tie up. Fate shares his 17 DV with everybody and uses his PC if anybody hits it. Black Adam zips out clobbers somebody and zips back to stop next to Fate for the 17 DV. I have found it to be very effective overall.

[rouge2]

Originally posted by dougmac
I haven't read the new JSA, but I'm definitely going to check it out now after all the buzz here. I read it when the series was restarted in the 70's and 80's with Power Girl and the male Star Spangled Kid. What happened to him anyway?

He formed the JSA splinter group, Infinity Inc. He later changed his name to Skyman, and was killed when Solomon Grundy swung Mr. Bones (whose touch is poison) into him.

[Gentlegamer]

This article brought tears of joy to my eyes!

(This is what a featured article should look like!)

[Darth Sabre]

Wow. First I sneak the X-men article past ro_gan without incident, and now the JSA one past GG. Wonder if I should quit while I'm ahead! :p

[Gentlegamer]

Your thorough and polished examination of the JSA in comics and HeroClix brings no comment from me except for the highest praise!

[gatharion]

J.J. Thunder and T-Bolt is another current member of the team who is absent. Rex Tyler (the original Hourman) has also been around lately, although his powers would be just like the Hourman clix that we have minus the Probability Control.

Count me as another fan happy with all the JSA in Legacy. The top of my heroclix wishlist is Dr. Mid-Nite (giving the JSA some serious Support), Alan Scott (giving the JSA a very strong ranged attacker), and Hawkman (cause dangit, he's my fav character and his R/E/V doesn't begin to do justice to the figure).

Besides other recent team members like Sand, Wildcat, and Atom Smasher I would also love to see more of the Golden Age crew.
Sandman
Atom
Starman
Hawkgirl
Dr. Mid-Nite
Johnny Thunder (riding a translucent pink T-bolt)

[Dr Mid-Knight]

Sabre... man. You're the king of articles.

No wait... even better. You're the Frank Sinatra of writing articles. Jeeesh and I wont say that about just anyone Mister!

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by gatharion
J.J. Thunder and T-Bolt is another current member of the team who is absent. Rex Tyler (the original Hourman) has also been around lately, although his powers would be just like the Hourman clix that we have minus the Probability Control.

Count me as another fan happy with all the JSA in Legacy. The top of my heroclix wishlist is Dr. Mid-Nite (giving the JSA some serious Support), Alan Scott (giving the JSA a very strong ranged attacker), and Hawkman (cause dangit, he's my fav character and his R/E/V doesn't begin to do justice to the figure).

Besides other recent team members like Sand, Wildcat, and Atom Smasher I would also love to see more of the Golden Age crew.
Sandman
Atom
Starman
Hawkgirl
Dr. Mid-Nite
Johnny Thunder (riding a translucent pink T-bolt)

Dang, I forgot about Jakeem and T-Bolt. But mostly because they just came back into the fold, with the current story arc.

Also Rex, is on leave from the team, and only assisting them with the current arc. I'm sure he'll play a bigger role. He was supposed to be reacquainting himself with his wife, and reassembling Tyler the android.

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by Dr Mid-Knight
Sabre... man. You're the king of articles.

No wait... even better. You're the Frank Sinatra of writing articles. Jeeesh and I wont say that about just anyone Mister!

In Elvis, form

"Thank you. Thank you very much." :cheeky:

[Ro-gan]

Originally posted by Gentlegamer
Your thorough and polished examination of the JSA in comics and HeroClix brings no comment from me except for the highest praise!

What he said. But change "JSA" to "X-Men."

[Ro-gan]

Originally posted by Darth Sabre
Also Rex, is on leave from the team, and only assisting them with the current arc. I'm sure he'll play a bigger role. He was supposed to be reacquainting himself with his wife, and reassembling Tyler the android.

PFFT!

So he says. You just know Rex is going to be sneaking out on his wife to play superhero. I just don't see him changing permanently to be a stay at home husband. Sure, he wants to. And may have every intention to do so, but, like soooo many times in the past, he will be donning the tights and going out on the town with a few dozen Miraclo pills in his pockets.

I predict that Geoff Johns is going in this direction and then within a year or two there will be a huge fight between father and son to defend his mom's honor.

Although, I also see Johns going with a storyline involving the Miraclo being proven/discovered to be highly addictive and Rex winds up going through some serious withdrawals/addiction issues. This seems more likely and sort of fits into little clues that Johns has been dropping the past year or two.

[phantom1592]

Originally posted by ro_gan
PFFT!
Although, I also see Johns going with a storyline involving the Miraclo being proven/discovered to be highly addictive and Rex winds up going through some serious withdrawals/addiction issues. This seems more likely and sort of fits into little clues that Johns has been dropping the past year or two.


bahh They've already covered that Miraclo was Highly addictive. This new version is supposed to have fixed that.

What I think would be a better story is if it's shown that SUPERHEROing was what Rex was REALLY addictied to. he want's to stay at home.... but.... Can't!

[phantom1592]

I'm hoping for Doc Midnight the most. GL Alan a real close second.

Doc would be the single Best Medic in the game. He would be able to share his defense (and have a decent one himself) and he would have an Excellent attack value, to both protect himself and Hit those high defenses.

Best medic EVER!

[Eric2]

And he would heal in stealth!

[Buddyhoss]

One of the most fun teams I've played:

V Power Girl + ICWO
V Stargirl + ICWO
U Wonderwoman + ICWO
LE Jennifer-Lynn Hayden
391 pts.

Deep Shadows and Darkness

I thought I would get clobbered because of my action per fig deficiency, but I ended up doing the clobbering! They could barely ever hit me! 18 defense with an ICWO boost, or 19 with hindering added. 20 for Stargirl and ESD. Three of the 4 have 17's to share. By the end of the game, it's really hard to hit that! And it was so fun to charge and running shot all the time, especially out of soaring, where people had a 3 range against me.

Yay JSA!

[Grinner]

Originally posted by Darth Sabre
Of those 23 JSA-designated figures, 4 have never been official members of the Justice Society (counting Super Rares and Limited Edition figures that are the same dial-wise as 1 version):


Hippolyta Trevor-Hall LE (Fury)
Obsidian R
Jade R
Jennifer Lynn-Hayden LE/SR (Jade)


These were the founding members of Infinity, Inc, which was essentially the junior version of the JSA.

Now, if you're going to be picky like this, you really should include the rookie Hourman, as Rex the younger started his heroic career in Infinity, Inc.

[Darth Sabre]

Originally posted by Grinner
Now, if you're going to be picky like this, you really should include the rookie Hourman, as Rex the younger started his heroic career in Infinity, Inc.

Except that Rick has been an actual member of the JSA, where as none of those listed there, have been.

So even though his R version represents his time as an Infinity, Inc member, it's not necessarily a stretch, if you use him as a member of your comic-accurate JSA team, due to his TA. ;)

[thugit]

Originally posted by Buddyhoss
One of the most fun teams I've played:

V Power Girl + ICWO
V Stargirl + ICWO
U Wonderwoman + ICWO
LE Jennifer-Lynn Hayden
391 pts.

Deep Shadows and Darkness

I thought I would get clobbered because of my action per fig deficiency, but I ended up doing the clobbering!


To be fair, you WOULD have been clobbered if I could have rolled a stinking FOUR. ;)

[Buddyhoss]

Originally posted by thugit
To be fair, you WOULD have been clobbered if I could have rolled a stinking FOUR. ;)

Bah!