View Full Version : The Trophy Room The Trophy Room: The 10 Best LE's of 2006!
<table><tr><td><IMG SRC="http://www.hcrealms.com/gallery/data/500/medium/superheroposter_viewall.jpg" WIDTH=300></td><td><font size=2>TEN BEST LE's OF 2006
It’s that time of year again. Nah, it’s not just that it’s the holiday season. Everybody knows that. It’s that it’s the end of the year - time to do some deep thinking and take stock of the year that was. Or more specifically the HeroClix year that was. 2006 saw the launch of a number of great sets that spawned over 30 LE’s. And nstead of our regular dissection of a particular figure, today we’ll be taking a look at The 10 Best LE’s of 2006. So grab yourself a cup of egg nog, blow off work for a while, and click on “Read More” to take a merry little stroll down memory lane with me, won’t you?</table>
First things first. A couple of ground rules. Just so that we’re all on the same page, this article will only consider LE’s that were released in 2006 to be defined as all LE’s from:
1 - Collateral Damage,
2 - Armor Wars,
3 - Sinister, and
4 - The first few pieces from Supernova (Hyperion, Blake, Madonna and Doom).
Anything outside of those parameters isn’t in the mix. To be in the running, a piece has to be an LE. Tournament prizes, mail-aways, subscription incentives, and super-rare chase figures (AKA Zombies), will all be viewed as LE’s regardless of the color of their rings. And so, without further ado, lets get rolling. And no skipping ahead, it’ll spoil the surprise. You want to do something like that, go unwrap some of your presents instead.
Honorable Mentions
Because there were really more than 10 outstanding LE’s this year, some other figures that were close to making the cut must be given their due. In no particular order, they are:
Captain Marvel (Mary Marvel – CD) A big improvement over the Experienced Mary, the Captain is a ton of fun with a great first click, a funky red dress and a dial full of great powers like Charge, Outwit, Hypersonic, and Exploit Weakness. What keeps her off the list is that she feels a little light for her 166 points. In that price range I’d like to see an 11 attack and one more click of life.
Michael Roth (Deathlok – SIN) Ziploc is a spiffy switcheroo over E Deathlok. The Stealth and Ranged Combat Expert upfront, the upswing in his mid-dial attacks, the Perplex, the Regen; there’s a lot here to like. Ziploc is a good piece, but could have been even better if he would have kept the Spidey TA, and that keeps him from being ranked.
Krypto (Clix Brick LE – CD) Krypto is very solid, and as a wonderfully nostalgic part of the Superman mythology it’s super cool that he was made and made well. The upfront mobility is nice, but ultimately he’s a flying brick much like many others and that lack of “sparkle” will keep him out of the Top 10 no matter how comic book accurate he is.
And now The 10 Best LE’s of 2006!
#10 – Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman – New Guy Night – AW)
Wallowing in comics obscurity for years, Bendis brought her back to the limelight and with the help of a few good artists we fell in love with Jessica Drew all over again in 2006. Like the character herself, this figure has a lot going for her. Charge with Super Strength and three (3) damage on a 65 point figure’s first click is great. Not to mention the 17 defense with Combat Reflexes putting her at a 19 in close combat. Mind Control, Pulse Wave, RCE and Close Combat expert all fit and flow superbly on her dial providing a myriad of close and ranged combat options. Her Hydra TA is just icing on the cake. And since she was a New Guy Night figure, there’s no reason for anyone not to have one.
#9 – Lester (Bulleye – SIN)
While we may not yet have the Bullseye of our dreams, Lester is pretty good. Opening with Running Shot and Psychic Blast he’ll hurt whoever he hits. Being the master of the Running-Gunning-Bush-Push, he can push on his second turn to blast someone again and provided he ends his movement in hindering, Stealth with keep him safe from retaliation. Once he clears he can fire away with RCE. A very nasty piece of trouble, Lester is kept from going any higher on the list due to the fact that as he stands he can’t penetrate anything better than Toughness in the middle of his dial.
#8 – Soulsword Wielder (Sprite/Shadowcat – SIN)
I can’t rave about how much I like the LE’s that are a radical departure from their REV counterparts without seeing to it that at least one of them made the list, and Soulsword Wielder is the best of the deviants. Between Blades/Claws/Fangs and EW, Kitty is dangerous on every single click with the ability to get through any defense. Pretty good for a 64 point figure. Invulnerable and Toughness upfront help her stay in the fight and Phasing on the bulk of her dial lets her get anywhere she wants to go without those pesky breakaway rolls – even if it’s just to high-tail it to a medic or to swap clicks with a fellow X-Man.
#7 – Kraven the Spider (Kraven – SIN)
Kraven is remarkably effective and long-lived, much more so than his 39 points would lead one to expect. A 10 attack, his 17 defense with CR, and some overlapping clicks of Willpower and CCE enable KTS to annoy and destroy in relatively equal amounts. We would have had perfection if that opening click of damage was a three (3) instead of a two (2), but you can’t get everything. And as a result, KTS can’t go any higher.
#6 – Kyle Rayner (Green Lantern – CD)
Fans have been waiting for this one for quite some time and the Kyle Rayner GL does not disappoint. And as impressive as his REV is, his LE is one of the most sought after pieces from Collateral Damage. It’s easy to see why. Running Shot with the ability to do five (5) damage is remarkable for any figure, let alone one that’s only 135 points. His dial full of RCE and Perplex helps him boost his own or his teammates’ numbers as the case may allow. The loss of the E Green Lantern’s opening Energy Shield/Defection is a concern but it can be mitigated by parking him in hindering terrain whenever possible. A little of Kyle’s shine comes off with the realization that he and KTS have the same number of clicks, but Kyle is dangerous on every one and is a treat to play.
#5 – James Rhodes (War Machine – AW) tied with Hulk (Zombie – SN)
Rhodes is a punishing, carnage-inducing machine. With very stable attack values, Rhodes’ damage-dealing potential equals or exceeds that of E War Machine on every click. Couple that with his starting 18 Invulnerable defense and late-dial Incapacitate and Energy Explosion and James really has number of strategic uses. Given the surging popularity of the Thunderbolts feat, his loss of the Avengers TA is all that stops him from placing higher.
Tied with Mr. Rhodes is the best Zombie that Supernova has to offer – the Hulk. As AZS stated in his review of the four Zombie figures a few weeks ago, Zombie Hulk is one of the finest pieces to be added to the game and I couldn’t agree more. His 18 defense, and Super Strength in concert with Exploit make for a deadly first click. The abundance of Steal Energy after his first click should afford him the ability to heal himself by crushing others. And should he really get taken to task, his late-dial Steal Energy will let him heal up to a point with where he’s at an 11 attack with four (4) damage, Super Strength, and an Invulnerable defense. All of this spells trouble for whoever is squaring off against him. Plus you get to say, “Hulk is the hungriest one there is!”, whenever he attacks. A real gem in either HeroClix or HorrorClix, Hulk’s climb to the top stops here as a result of his absence of move and attack powers and his Blobesque speed values. He actually ends with a three (3). Short of end of dial Halley-Cat, Hulk is also the slowest one there is.
#4 – Superman (New Guy Night – CD)
Perma-Stealth on a figure that is topped-off with Hypersonic, Impervious, an 11 attack with Super Strength and five (5) damage is just about as evil a figure as anyone is ever likely to find. And through the first six clicks of his ten click dial, thanks to Super Strength, RCE and Psychic Blast, Batty Supes can flambé just about any figure he chooses, either all up in the grill or from downtown. The preponderance of eights and sevens on those final four clicks make the success rate of his attacks seem a bit dodgy, but if he’s been able to do his job, the bad guys should be worked over to the point where those attack values will let him connect. Supes parks at number four due to his lack of Speed powers beyond his third click and oddly enough, by his loss of the Superman TA. Without it, he’s just another cat who can’t see who’s hiding behind that bush. Or file cabinet. Or gumball machine.
#3 – King Hyperion (Hyperion – SN)
King Hyperion is a menace. Plan and simple. From his opening click of Hypersonic with five (5) damage to his closing click of Regen (with a 13 attack and four (4) damage no less), The King is going to TCB on every single click. After that magnificent start, he can shred through any defense on his next four clicks with his Psychic Blast and Exploit Weakness one-two punch. As he takes more damage his attack values climb until he finishes with the aforementioned 13 attack. Most kingly, indeed. He’ll squash his foes up close and from afar with relatively similar effectiveness. And if you don’t want to base him and you don’t want to stay away from him, what’s one to do? The best way to know for sure is to put him on your squad and see what your opponent does – before the King KO’s each and every one of those sorry buggers. Then you’ll know what not to do if you ever face him.
#2 – Iron Man (New Guy Night – SN)
I guess it just goes to show that the best things in life really are free as Iron Man becomes the third freebie to make the list. And not to ruin the suspense, but NGN Spidey won’t be the fourth. Clix players have been in dire need of a serious 616 Iron Man since the day it was certain that he wasn’t in Infinity Challenge. Sure the Ultimates Iron Man is sweet, but the mainstream Marvel Universe has been waiting a long time for Tony to represent, and finally, albeit in a variant armor, he does. His initial clicks of Running Shot with Incap, Outwit, and high damage are glorious to behold. So too is the fact that by click four he’s still got a 10 attack. While some nines and eights may follow, those come along with RCE and more Outwit, so if he hits, he’ll make it hurt. His two targets only serve to make his Outwit and Incap clicks more effective, enabling him to spread the pain around even more on each and every attack. Equip him with the Stunning Blow feat and he shines even more brightly. This isn’t the drunkard Iron Man from Xplosion who winds up useless and in his cups after one good hit. This isn’t the somewhat confused rehabbing Iron Man from Armor Wars who isn’t entirely sure if he’s a frontline fighter or some sort of tactician. This is full-on Tony Tony Tony who’s going to be dropping clix faster than you can say “Colt .45”. Shaken, stirred, on the rocks, or straight-up, it doesn’t matter. NGN Iron Man is always smooth. And feel free to Thunderbolt him, because you know Tony’s a playboy who’ll try anything.
And coming in at the coveted #1 spot we have none other than….
#1 – Superman Robot (Wizard Magazine Subscription LE – CD)
Robo-Supes is a superb piece, as fun to play as he is irritating to get. Drop a wad of cash on a magazine and he’s yours! More importantly, he is quite possibly the single best use of 100 points in the game. For those 100 points Robot Superman starts off with HSS, Super Strength, three (3) damage and a respectable nine (9) attack. A 17 defense and the ability to see through Stealth only add to his playablity. Once HSS fades, Robo-Supes gains two clicks of Charge paired with Super Strength to help make sure that he can always get to someone who needs hurting. After a couple of clicks of mid-dial Flurry he closes with the always entertaining Running Shot/Psychic Blast combo that’s all the rage these days. As part of a larger team Robo-Supes fits the bill as a more than capable secondary attacker, and any wildcards will welcome the chance to borrow his TA. But perhaps one of the even more entertaining prospects with regard to Mr. Roboto is that because he has a blue ring, multiple copies of him can appear on the same team. With his high mobility, strong damage potential due to SS and PB, and his TA, Robot Superman packs a wallop for his modest 100 point cost, and it’s that great return on his point cost that makes him the #1 LE for 2006.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the list. Just one more thing. One last caveat. This list is highly subjective, as all of its “Top 10” ilk are. If you don’t agree with a single figure I listed, that’s fine, but I hope you had fun reading the article anyway. Next Week? Either the Top 10 Klunkers or Dr. Donald Blake, I’m not sure which.
Happy Holidays, everybody!
Dark Flash2099
12/21/2006, 14:51
I'm glad to see LE Kyle Rayner is getting some love in the Top 10 list.
bigkahuna83
12/21/2006, 14:55
Thanks for the list.
Makes me hope that Santa will bring me one or more Robot Supermen for Christmas...who am I kidding, I have been naughty this year :(
Go James Rhodes and Jessica Drew! Both are a few of my favorite LE's and both have done extremely well for me! Great review!
fatfinley
12/21/2006, 14:59
Can't argue with any of those. Superman Robot is top billing for me too.
Marshal Law
12/21/2006, 15:03
Normally I don't have major objections to the top 10 lists that have been presented on HCRealms, but a top 10 LEs of 2006 list that doesn't even include Jeanne-Marie Beaubier is IMO deficient. Even with the changes to Hypersonic (which eliminated the free action and the 6 range attack which pushed this piece from solid to outright gross), the high movement, cheap cost, solid damage, and T-Bolt capability makes this figure IMO not just top 10 quality, its IMO the best LE of Armor Wars and possibly of the year.
bigbro911
12/21/2006, 15:06
Thanks...Great Article!!
Robot Supes is even better because he starts with a 10 attack. It's great to see so many NGN figures made your list. WK has done a good job of making those quality figures available to almost everyone. I especially love the new Iron Man. He rocks!
I have to agree with Marshall Law though, Jeanne-Marie Beaubier is a fantastic figure for the cost, and in my top 10. However, it's hard to limit it to 10, when there are so many good choices out there.
Smurf Torch
12/21/2006, 15:10
I like I would only add NGN Spiderman to the list. Thats the only major change.
TheFreak
12/21/2006, 15:21
I disagree on a lot here....
wasn't Jessica Drew out LAST year? I believe we got her in October IIRC....
And the Superman Robot? I've used him a few times, and all the times he went down QUICK, without doing much. I have three, and haven't used them in MONTHS.
And Cap Marvel DESERVES to be on the list for sure. she's an incredible figure. Power placement is good (compatibility is nice) i like her ALOT.
DeltaPi1049
12/21/2006, 15:22
I too would add NGN Spidey to the list.
Other than that, pretty good. I really like NGN Iron Man, I could have ranked him above Supes, and Jessica Drew getting love? LOVE IT!
Striker Mcbain
12/21/2006, 15:23
The only one I think that was deserving, but left out, was the Man of Steel. That guy is an absolute beast. I guess Superman already had 2 mentions in the top 10 though.
Wolverine_Hulk
12/21/2006, 15:25
I was hopin Venom would make the Top Ten. :disappoin
Good list, though!
UltraSuperGuy
12/21/2006, 15:31
Yeah, Man Of Steel or Jeanne-Marie are much more deserving than King Hyperion.
You get King Hyperion of his first 3 clicks and he's owned. His last four clicks are a complete joke with no ranged attack and zero defense. He's target practice.
Man of Steel and Venom should have found a way on the list.
Love the List but I love that picture even more. Where did you get it?
Maniac_nmt
12/21/2006, 16:55
I do think the list is missing Jean Marie. I've learned to HATE that piece on Wildcard teams. GRRRR.....
I can see why Venom didn't make the top 10, he's great, but not quite top 10 material.
Other then the lack of Jean Marie, I think I'd move Kraven up to #3 (he could be #2, but my heart has to go to NGN Iron Man for that. He's finally a butt-kicking Iron Man that you are leary of facing across the table, despite how good his dial is, that alone would be enough to make the top 10), and King Hyperion down to Kraven's spot.
winndwalker
12/21/2006, 16:57
Great list, man. I'd have put Man Of Steel on there too, near the top. For my money there is not a better Superman, that includes Hush Supes and Icons. He's the most comic accurate one, and the funnest to play. He's also a real danger if you know how to use him. He's won multiple tournaments at my venue, something that many of the pieces on the list haven't done.
People seem to be arguing for Venom. He's a good piece but the pieces on that list are better.
All in all great work as usual.
Pashmina
12/21/2006, 17:09
I need Jessica Drew, for my Jessica team.
gideon_hull
12/21/2006, 17:10
Glad I'm not the only one curious how LE Aurora got left of the list, she's one of the few LEs I've actually used, maybe the author felt she's been shown up a bit by E Photon from Sinister, but Jean's still one of my favorites.
And why did Krypto get an honorable mention? I've never even taken mine out of the package, he's one of the worst uses of 100 points I can think of.
Wolverine_Hulk
12/21/2006, 17:16
Apparently no one realized that both Jeanne-Marie Beaubier and Jessica Drew are both from last year.
Love the list, and its well-written and explained. My only wish is that Man of Steel were there also - that being said....for someone to undertake this task, and have people generally only mentioning one ommission - WOW - great job! Thanks for this read!
Thanks for the list. it took a fair amount of effort to pore through the figs and make the decisions.
I don't like NGN Ironmans shallow dial. That's not a lot of clix for 160 points.
I'm a little disappointed the Emerald Eye or Ekron didn't make it but I can understand, that is a finesse piece that requires a lot of skill and luck to play correctly....... ;)
Marshal Law
12/21/2006, 17:52
Apparently no one realized that both Jeanne-Marie Beaubier and Jessica Drew are both from last year.
The post defined the entirety of Armor Wars to be included, as its LEs IIRC spanned the year transition. Of course, by that definition the entirety of Supernova should be included for consideration.
Besides, James Rhodes was also listed as #5 - and as one of the Marquee prizes for Armor Wars it was by definition released before JMB.
Marshal Law
12/21/2006, 17:56
And the Superman Robot? I've used him a few times, and all the times he went down QUICK, without doing much. I have three, and haven't used them in MONTHS.
He is a finesse piece, one that requires as much thought as brute force use, and Nanobots is almost a requirement on. Dealing with him requires tying him up or hitting him hard and fast, not an easy task given his high mobility and that you've still got around 200 points of other stuff to deal with at the same time. I don't think I'd put him in the top slot, but I've got no bones to pick with him being on the list.
Ghost_Rider
12/21/2006, 18:11
Great list. I agree with almost everything, although I do think Man of Steel deserves some love and of course Venom should be squeezed in somewhere. Personally I think Man of Steel > NGN Superman because of the team ability, and he doesn't tire out at the end either.
The post defined the entirety of Armor Wars to be included, as its LEs IIRC spanned the year transition. Of course, by that definition the entirety of Supernova should be included for consideration.
Besides, James Rhodes was also listed as #5 - and as one of the Marquee prizes for Armor Wars it was by definition released before JMB.
I chose to include all of Armor Wars simply for my own sanity so that I didn't have to nitpick through which piece was released when. Since it's LE's bridged '05 and '06, that seemed a resonable and fast solution. For Supernova, it was easier, becasue here we are and really only four SN LE's have made it into circulation.
I'm also a big fan of Venom, J-MB and MOS Supes, however the pieces I listed just moved me a little more. But they are very good pieces and their exclusion is not meant to take anything away from them.
And for the gentleman who asked, I have no idea where that spiffy picture came from. I asked AZS to find me a picture with gobs and gobs of heroes and he came through in grand fashion. Thanks, AZS!
hulkclixer
12/21/2006, 18:43
Awesome review of some great clixs. I have only used a couple in games such as Jessica Drew, robot supes, and zombie hulk. I didn't have good luck w/robot supes (guess I'm not good w/strategy of him) but the other two did great. My fav on honorable mention was michael roth (took down the final clixs on Ares) and the one missing Aurora. I really like her dial and have used her in many of my teams. I also like Venom w/his funky dial all over the place. tough to only pick ten.
DoctorDoom
12/21/2006, 18:46
I totally agree with all the comments on the NGN Iron Man. As of right now, he's probably my favorite clix... short of Dr. Doom of course. ;)
Nice reviews!
Great list! I haven't tried the Venom but I suspect he could be on there, andI would have ranked Kraven and Lester much higher. (Heh, looks like I'm a SS fan.... I'm reallynot, those are just three great LE's.):grin:
unsung hero
12/21/2006, 19:29
Nice list ol_Dut! I have to disagree with all the votes for Jean-Marie. She used to make it on ALL my pre-CD teams. Have used her ONCE in the last 8 months. She got straight-up NUTERED by the rules changes and is a joke now.
Venom does deserve to be on the list. So far I like all of the New-Guy-Night figures. All well worth the points!
mr_moneypenny
12/21/2006, 20:47
What a great Christmas treat, dut! Thanks for putting together such a good list. When I read Jessica Drew (one of my very faves) at number 10, I felt like that bystander token guy in Superman II (okay, so I have Clix on the brain) who says, "This is gonna be GOOD!" right as the super-powered throwdown is starting: if things are this good at # ten, the rest of the list must REALLY rock (it did).
Agree or disagree with the choices, there can be little debate about what an AMAZING year 2006 was for great LEs. Looking over this list, I can't help but wonder how many of these entries might show up on a "10 Best LE's EVER!" list... (you can take that as a gauntlet thrown down should you so choose, dut... ;) ). Quite a few, I'd wager...
Anyways, happy holidays to all!
-jason
Trader2699
12/21/2006, 20:52
Nice job Dut!
Personally, I'm not as much as a fan of Venom, as he really does need Pounce to be effective, and I can't see a figure in a Top 10 list if he needs a feat to be good. All the figures on the list are A+ material, and that's why they were picked.
MOS Superman? Not really, as he is just far too many points on a standard 300 point team. Not only that, I think many players are tired of the hit and run brick. With HC undergoing so many innovations and new strategies, the standard TK, hit, soar (or run around a corner) just isn't cutting it anymore.
Again, thanks for doing the comparison work for the review.
"And since she was a New Guy Night figure, there’s no reason for anyone not to have one."
Bah, you try living in Japan, or any of the many other countries with no offical tournament support.
-Jools
I was hopin Venom would make the Top Ten. :disappoin
Good list, though!
I agree. Venom would have received my vote.
jiggle_billy
12/21/2006, 21:25
great job on the list! One minor suggestion is that i would have taken off soulsword wielder for jeanne marie.
soulsword is just a meh piece to me, average attack and defense and nothing spectacular. to each his own though
George Smiley
12/21/2006, 23:22
I'd put the Kyle Raynor LE at #1 and Silver Centurion Iron Man at #2. I have had great success with both figures and I love the way they play.
They both have nice sculpts too.
Emberwild
12/21/2006, 23:26
Man of steel in my opinion is the best representitation of Superman to date. HSS to get into the heat of battle and lots of close combat powers makes him play the way I fell he should be played. I would take one of him then two Superman robots anyday.
malakim2099
12/22/2006, 00:20
No love for Doctor Donald Blake? LE Thor is definitely worthy of the title of God of Thunder, in my eyes. A truly brutal clix that actually has a DEFENSE.
Still, an interesting list... unfortunately, I don't have most of the AW figs, just because I'm a newcomer to the game.
It seems that what is makes everyone's list is what plays well for them. I played MOS and Robo Supes on the same team and they did fabulous together. MOS would top my list, followed by Robo Supes. I've seen NGN Supes played so often that I wouldn't put him on a list just because I'm tired of seeing him (although, the frequency in which he gets played seems to be an arguement for having him on the list). I've seen Venom played with mixed results. Some players do really well with him, but most players don't seem to be able to fully utilize his rainbox dial (which I absolutely love). Experienced players seem to be able to quickly dismantle Venom with little effort.
Kite-Man
12/22/2006, 00:52
Nice to see LE Ziploc on the list!:)
Such a cool piece!:)
I paid too much for him, but I hadda have him!:)
He critical misses on a push every time I use him!:cry:
GroovyBoy
12/22/2006, 01:06
Venom and MOS Supes deserve to be on that list, whilst Jean-Marie Boobs should at least get honorables...
It seems that what is makes everyone's list is what plays well for them. I played MOS and Robo Supes on the same team and they did fabulous together. MOS would top my list, followed by Robo Supes.
On the other hand, I've seen MoS and robo Supes on the same team and I blitzed 'em with Norman Osborn.
so it's all subjective... :)
Cool review again, thanks!
It gives my idiotic "gotta catch em all" mentality a warm fuzzy feeling to think that I am only missing King Hyperion from that list too.
Oh yeah, regarding Lester: the fact that he is the only Sinister version of the character with the SinSyn TA is a big deal for theme play and a big reason why I really wanted to get that figure.
The last year or so has really had some great LEs hasnt it? :) I dont always agree with Seths numbers but he is definitely doing a lot right when it comes to designing LEs :cool:
niceguyrob
12/22/2006, 09:33
A good list. I don't play much anymore, but it's nice to see what's making the grade, what is being looked for, and to get an overall view of pieces.
On an unrelated note, I'm also curious as to where the art for the article came from, it's superb.
daponteclix
12/22/2006, 10:25
Okay, a couple quick things involving cool LE's. First of all, LE Bullseye, Lester, is terrible. Why would I want to play a guy who starts with 2 damage, even if he does have psychic blast? The vet is so much better. Now, there's been a lot of talk about him having the Sinister Syndicate ability. Where are you seeing this? I do not own this figure, but on the Heroclix site there is no mention of any team ability. I just checked the updated errta, and nothing is mentioned? Am I wrong on this? If he had that TA it would be one thing, but it doesn't seem like he does. I would have liked to have seen Skurge, the LE Executioner. He is a really playable piece and not too expensive. And how did zombie hulk not make it on this list?! The guy is nuts!!!
Darth Sabre
12/22/2006, 10:34
Man of Steel and Venom should have found a way on the list.
That was my thinking as well. Of all those, Man of Steel would've been one of the top 2. But it is his opinion, and you have to respect it for the effort and the forethought of doing this. Thanks ol-dut!
It's a nice list, the only improvement I'd suggest is to have included an actual list of all the LE's underconsidration, for utter completeness (holy textfile!)
Anywho, here are my comments:
Michael Roth as an honorable somewhat surprised me. Not that I disagree, but for just getting on as a 'switch up' piece hardly seems like a qualifier, especially with pieces like "Len Snart" or "The Brain" or "Dan Cassiday" in contention.
I guess you have to be a high-priced, hard-hitting ranged-attack flier to make the the top five/six! (Not counting the Hulk)...While I'm sad that we aren't seeing any low-price highly effective LEs in the upper tier...I'm glad that this is because Seth is designing such pieces into the actual set itself, rather than using the LE slots to give us the best versions of the pieces! (Roy Harper, Sue Storm, Elektra, Lil' Sure Shot, et al.)
edit: Lester definitely has the SinSyn TA...but I'm also queasy about his inclusion on the list. It's a fine piece, IMO...and it's nice to have him since I haven't been able to pull/trade for a veteran...but considering the Original IC vet Bulleseye is just such an incredible bargain for Sinister Syndicate teams...all of the new versions fall short of that much more common piece, IMO.
spiderman9797
12/22/2006, 13:07
I personally would have put Venom as number 5 or so.
Manchine
12/22/2006, 14:04
I don't think I would of put Superman Robot as #1 but oh well. :)
mr_moneypenny
12/22/2006, 15:38
Okay, a couple quick things involving cool LE's. First of all, LE Bullseye, Lester, is terrible. Why would I want to play a guy who starts with 2 damage, even if he does have psychic blast? The vet is so much better. Now, there's been a lot of talk about him having the Sinister Syndicate ability. Where are you seeing this? I do not own this figure, but on the Heroclix site there is no mention of any team ability. I just checked the updated errta, and nothing is mentioned? Am I wrong on this? If he had that TA it would be one thing, but it doesn't seem like he does. I would have liked to have seen Skurge, the LE Executioner. He is a really playable piece and not too expensive. And how did zombie hulk not make it on this list?! The guy is nuts!!!
Actually, dut put Zombo Hulko at #5 on the list (tied with James Rhodes).
And looking at the figure in hand, Lester does indeed have the Sinister Syndicate TA. There would be no mention of this in the figure errata, as the FIGURE is correct and wouldn't need to be errata-ed. :) If you'd like to see them produce a WizKids web site / figure gallery errata, well... you're a braver man than I, my friend! :)
I cant believe no one has mentioned gene spliced brain. It still kills me I win most tournaments and did not win that one.
leather_w0lf
12/22/2006, 22:43
Hyperion falls easy. Blake is a better piece.
A nice article, and there really was a huge surprise in the end! Maybe a too huge for my taste...
Robo Supes just seems a bit fragile, and unable a put up a real fight if/when caught. Someone mentioned something about Nanobots, but in my opinion a figure should be able to survive and make his mark also without Feats. I haven´t tried out or faced him, so this is just my gamers instinct speaking...
Robo is a cool piece, though, and a whole team of them would be even cooler, if necessarily not that efficient. So I can understand his inclusion on the list, but number 1 spot somewhat baffles me.
By the way, what defines a figure as "Limited Edition"? I´ve got the impression that they are also "Uniques", figures that have a limit of one per team. So, as multiple copies of Robo Supes can be included, is he really a LE? Probably a stupid question, but it just crossed my mind.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this article, and look forward on seeing more of similar stuff. How about "The Best LE:s Ever"? Has it been done already..?
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this article, and look forward on seeing more of similar stuff. How about "The Best LE:s Ever"? Has it been done already..?
RavensProject used to do LE reviews (including 'best ever'), but IIRC we always got stuck with his biased assessment that the ShadowCat LE's were 1 or 2 !
It's not fair comparing Seth's LE's to what came before, primarily because prior to Seth's dial design...the REVs were often so dull that any change in the figure figure for an LE was likely to generate interest. Seth is giving us variety in the base set, plus a cool LE.
thepunisher27
12/23/2006, 19:44
i agree with everything except venom definitley deserves a spot atleast an honorable mention
I disagree on a lot here....
And the Superman Robot? I've used him a few times, and all the times he went down QUICK, without doing much. I have three, and haven't used them in MONTHS.
And Cap Marvel DESERVES to be on the list for sure. she's an incredible figure. Power placement is good (compatibility is nice) i like her ALOT.
Ah freak baby...you couldn't be more RIGHTER!!
I was so into reading this article and then I got to the #1 LE clix and it's.....Superman Robot???!!! Either this is a very very late April fool's joke or a very early one....and either way, it doesn't belong in an end of the YEAR LE count down.....give me a break....superman robot???
I've used this guy (I mean robot) once and He (I mean IT) went down faster than the Red Tornado did facing Amazo in that JL show.
Superman robot??? :confused: No way......I think Krypto should be #1 and Mr. Roboto should have made the honorable mention list....and even then.....maybe.
VelvetGuru9
12/24/2006, 08:21
Excellent list, I agree with most of the picks and I'm glad that Venom was left off.
Mr. Cranberry
12/24/2006, 14:05
I'm just wondering why there's no honorable mention for these figs:
Gennady Gavrilov
The Gremlin- Lack of mobility hurts him over his Vet, but that RCE & late-dial OW are great.
George Baptiste-Auto-Regen makes this guy even deadlier since you don't have to use an action to heal.
or
Skurge- He's like a mini-Persuader, just without the EW & WC TA.
Steve Man-Bat
12/24/2006, 14:30
Great list Dut!
I wouldn't have put the NGN Iron Man on there. I like the Tony Stark LE alot more, and always have great luck with him. His dial changes enough to keep people guessing, and those Pulse Wave/Willpower have saved my bacon lots of times.
RavenProject
12/25/2006, 00:15
RavensProject used to do LE reviews (including 'best ever'), but IIRC we always got stuck with his biased assessment that the ShadowCat LE's were 1 or 2 !
Heck yah it was biased... that was the point. Kitty was #2 because she represented the universal "fanboy geek element" that you absolutely had to have regardless of how playable it might be, simply because you love the character that much.
Most people just didn't get that. Silly me. :)
-J
Iceman425
12/26/2006, 16:00
I think that Tony Stark was at least deserving of a mention here. I've used him to great effect. I'd drop Soulsword from that list completely, I've used her and she's way short of Spectacular.
epalicki
12/27/2006, 08:40
I've been far less than impressed by Kyle Rayner (with any other TA, he would be amazing)...but this is a good list (although I do agree with many that Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, who was an ubiquitous presence at any Invitational that wasn't played on the Space Map, deserves at least a mention).
I would've been interested to see a top ten list made of only LEs that could be won in competition, eliminating the pieces that anyone can get (NGN prizes etc). If you're going to include mail-aways and NGN pieces, then you should also include characters from the Collector's Sets, which would change the list some, I would think.
--E
samuraigrifter
12/28/2006, 16:51
I think Man of Steel should have been mentioned, even just an honorable mention would do. I love the fact that Kyle Rayner and NGN Supes got some love, because they're absolute favorites of mine. They almost never leave my tackle box.
theanalogkid
12/29/2006, 15:53
My personal favorite is Kyle Richmond.
lngcntry
12/30/2006, 01:05
hey nice list didnt not like Superman Robot i brought him down with a Ultimate V Black Widow against a more experinced player
and Jessica Drew??:ermm: what the heck I did not like her at all though she is Ok few other disagreements but every body likes their own Stuff:)
Kyle RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monkey Joe
12/30/2006, 01:28
My personal favorite is Kyle Richmond.
seconded. Great for his points. After him is Jessica Drew. She is so feat friendly.
fredo619
12/30/2006, 07:01
I am glad the Spider man NGN did not make it :grin:
burleigh2
12/31/2006, 17:25
I've got to agree with a lot of the crowd.... Jeanne-Marie should be in there, and I think King Hyperion is too high in the rankings.
I also don't think Robot Superman should be in this list for the simple fact that he is NOT an LE... he's Experienced. I think he's labeled as a Collector's Edition at the best, but not Limited Edition.
I think Venom doesn't deserve to be on the list because he's just too expensive for what is actually used (and fairly easy to KO before he can use most of what he's got).
....Aside from those 2 objections (and the 1 disagreement with other objectioners), I think that makes a great list.
thepunisher27
01/01/2007, 15:36
I am glad the Spider man NGN did not make it :grin:
he was really dissapointing hed of been alot better if he had 3 damage on his first click rather then 2 he wasnt worth 96 or 98 points either whatever he was
vBulletin® v3.7.0, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.