Dials for missing Suicide Squad recruits?

[tidge]

I've had fun trying to find "Teen" pieces that play well for the Legion of Super Heroes, and now I want to start looking for good dials to use for the not-made characters that have served with the Suicide Squad.

One character that figures into many early Suicide Squad stories is Tom Tresser a.k.a. Nemesis. I understand he has appeared recently in Wonder Woman's supporting cast, but in the squad he was almost always the "man in disguise".

I've always thought that the Matches Malone LE suited him, because of the shape-change, incap, and general handi-ness.

un203 LE Matches Malone
Team: Batman Ally
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 70
Keywords: Detective, Gotham City, Spy
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There may be a better dial, preferably one cheaper so he'd be better mastermind fodder, for my Rick Flag Jr substitute (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/album.php?albumid=666&pictureid=7703), Vet Silver Sable:

mm036 V Silver Sable
Team: Spider-Man
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 53
Keywords: Outlaws, Soldier
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Silver Sable has pretty much everything I'd want for Rick Flag, Jr. IN the modern game, Mastermind at 53 points isn't so hot...but it does allow for the use of Contingency Plan.

The other characters I'm looking for that *must* have reasonable dials:

Plastique. Basically I need a non-flier with explosive powers. AFAIK, she was only on the first mission, but that was a fun lineup.

Also on that first lineup was Mindboggler, who had a combination of powers akin to Dani Moonstar's ability to incapacitate a large number of characters. Rookie Vertigo seems to fit the bill (and can be fodder for Rick Flag) but there may be others I haven't thought of.
If anyone has a suggestion for her "post-death" as the new "djinn", I'll accept them too!

I've no interest in deciding on Dr. Karen Grace, but if I did I think I would just use whatever medic made sense...possibly the Intergang Medic to grant "Rick Flag Jr." Outwit....since the two of them were so close. Realistically, given the mercenary nature of the squad and the presence of Wild Cards (Captain Boomer-butt, and also my Silver Sable Sub) I can imagine using either a SHIELD or HYDRA medic as warranted to assist with the ranged attackers (Deadshot, Enchantress, Boomerang, Nightshade) from her time on the squad.

I'm currently re-reading the series, it's a blast!

[flatmatt]

I might be on the wrong track with Plastique's powers, but I searched for energy explosion and pulse wave and came up with these as probably the top possibilities, depending on her power level:

LE Alex Summers
E Electro
Chamber
Dazzler (M&M)
V Jubilee

Vertigo is pretty much the iconic three-target incapper of course, though it seems Mindboggler could qualify for mind control as well. Of course, that brings her up to about 100 points.

[tidge]

I've no interest in deciding on Dr. Karen Grace, but if I did I think I would just use whatever medic made sense...possibly the Intergang Medic to grant "Rick Flag Jr." Outwit....since the two of them were so close. Realistically, given the mercenary nature of the squad and the presence of Wild Cards (Captain Boomer-butt, and also my Silver Sable Sub) I can imagine using either a SHIELD or HYDRA medic as warranted to assist with the ranged attackers (Deadshot, Enchantress, Boomerang, Nightshade) from her time on the squad.


After last night's showing, I definitely think adding a SHIELD medic to range-heavy versions of the squad would improve damage potential.

I'm also reconsidering if I "need" a dial for Nemesis. Using a BST for him worked out well for the Suicide Squad TA figures.

[anonym0use]

I don't think I could ever justify Karen Grace on a squad team (though I'm not passing judgment).

I repainted a Gotham Undercover for Nemesis, and used him ICWO for cheap Outwit though I like Matches as well (but was afraid to paint him), and think that is a good higher point substitute.

Silver Sable makes a good Rick, I suppose though I'm not a fan of the BCF. I have used Captain Ben for a substitute.

hb006 V Captain Ben Daimio
Team: B.P.R.D.
Range: 6 :bolt::bolt:
Points: 65
Keywords: BPRD, Soldier
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I think, for MindBoggler, I have thought about using an Alpha Oracle dial with a Ultimates Dazzler mod. Mindboggler's not that tough to begin with, so I wanted a low cost, low range MC'er. Leadership doesn't represent her as a leader as much as it could be her mental acuity squeezing an extra action out for the team. A stretch I know. :nervous:

ba025 E Oracle
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 50
Keywords: Detective, Gotham City, JLA
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For Plastique I've toyed with fellow Squad Keyworder Major Disaster, though the biggest problem is the PC. Toughness may also be a bit of a fib, though Plastique's body has changed somewhat to generate her explosive power, so that could represent it. Human bomb could be okay, but I don't like Bomb's limitations. :ermm:

jl044 V Major Disaster
Team: Injustice League
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 59
Keywords: Injustice League, JLA, Justice League Antartica, Justice League Elite, Suicide Squad
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I'll have to look over HoT to see if there's anything newer and better to fill the gaps in the team.

[tidge]

LOL, I'd forgotten that "Matches Malone" was the ID that Batman used to get himself transfered to Belle Reve in issue 10!

I'm at the point now in the series were I will need a sub for "Black Orchid".

She (like Shade the Changing Man) was in this version of the squad prior to Vertigo "re-imagining".

Her main power was as a "mistress of disguise", but she had flight, super-strength, and damage reducing powers. Later versions offered whatever vaguely "green" powers were needed (think Swamp Thing, Poison Ivy).

I like Namorita:
av046 E Namorita
Team: Spider-Man
Range: 0 :bolt:
Points: 98
Keywords: Mutant, New Warriors
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Because that dial fits my play style (deep-dial, wildcard utility, "in your face" play) but teh character sort of needs starting shape change.

Other possibilities: Detective John Jones, R Meggan, M&M Morph, AA White Martian.

I think R Meggan fits best: Cheap for force builds and all the right powers (2 range doesn't bother me). White Martian's 6-range (and late dial HSS) is harder to rationalize.

sn076 R Meggan
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 2 :bolt:
Points: 53
Keywords: Excalibur, Mystical
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This figure is a tad more fragile than I want for Black Orchid, but the starting Perplex will help squad teams. I can always assign +3 points for Alias, even if I can only use it on the first click.

I suppose there might be an Avenger that I could Thunderbolt to Skrulls for the "shape-change"?

[tidge]

I've gotten to the point in my re-reading of Suicide Squad that I am going to need substitute dials for Punch and Jewelee.

The Trickster & Pied Piper duo figure has most of the powers I'd want to see on Punch and Jewelee, but the 133 point cost really makes me shudder. I already balk at the 78 points for Captain Boomerang!

Here are my considerations. Each of them should have "colorful" dials. Their 'powers' are AFAIK basically alien gadgetry that they've adapted for circus (or Coney Island)-themed mayhem. They both should have a ranged attack. Punch should have either flight or leap/climb (he has his own 'air-walking shoes') Jewelee's powers tend more towards support (illusions and such). I'd also prefer dials that are more unpredictable than steady.

For Jewelee, the candidate I like best is R/E Tessa/Sage from Supernova:
sv031 R Tessa
Team: The Brotherhood
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 39
Keywords: Hellfire Club, Mutant, Spy
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sv032 E Sage
Team: The Brotherhood
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 60
Keywords: Hellfire Club, Mutant, Psychic, X-Men
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The Experienced version is more colorful (and offers the wee bit of Mind-Control) but I prefer the lower cost and starting Enhancement for the lineups I know will be coming. (Count Vertigo, Captain Boomerang)

For Punch, the candidate I like best is LE Dr. Hank Pym:
sv205 LE Dr. Hank Pym
Team: Avengers
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 59
Keywords: Scientist, West Coast Avengers
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The only problem is the support...I'm not sure "hide the salami" counts as support.

The next best candidate IMO is Experienced Nocturne:
sv035 E Nocturne
Team: The Brotherhood
Range: 4 :bolt:
Points: 43
Keywords: Exiles, Hellfire Club, Mutant, Mystical
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Nocturne's cool powers don't show up until the end, but there is the ability to get into (and out of) trouble easily.

Notice that each of the above has a "free move" team ability. This is especially appealing for the lower point figures, since deploying on a map is crucial for Suicide Squad teams (not many TAXIs, no TK to speak of).

Using those figures above, I can field Punch and Jewelee for a point cost between 82 and 119 points. 82 points seems like a bargain for a piece that can cause close-combat mayhem (Nocturne) and a piece that can provide Enhancement/Perplex/PC.

Other colorful dials I'm considering:

Rookie (Sinister) Daredevil. For only 38 points, it switches nicely between Incapacitate (Sting String!) and CCE (Big Hammer!) with 4 range and Leap/Climb.

REV Mantis (35/50/67) lacks range but has incredibly colorful (and effective dials).

What say you Suicide Squad fans? Any preferences?

[tidge]

As I went through the effort to make lineups appropriate for the comic issues, some substitutes appealed to me better than others.

The characters I've made card for can be found in this gallery devoted to the Suicide Squad (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/album.php?albumid=666).

Because I am always pointconscious, the cards I've made for Punch and Jewelee are the budget-friendly E Nocturne and R Tessa. I especially like that they share the same TA (free-moving Brotherhood) and also two-different keywords!

You will also find a card for Major Victory (based on Major Force)
lg073 R Major Force
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 6 :bolt:
Points: 95
Keywords: Brute, Soldier
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A card for Stalnoivoilk (based on the Origin Unique Superman)
or096 U Superman
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 0 :bolt:
Points: 93
Keywords: Justice Society, Metropolis
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As well as suggestions for Ravan, Manhunter (in full gear), Rick Flag Jr. and Shade the Changing Man.

[anonym0use]

I'd give Sinister a look over.

Jack O Lantern, Wizard, Electro, Techno, Trapster - all have powers sets and stats that look and feel like a Punch & Jewelee combo.

[tidge]

I did consider Sinister dials, but ultimately I didn't think the dials would play like I wanted Punch and Jewelee to play: either the powers don't fit (TK is IIRC on Wizard) or they were too costly. Once they hit 130+ for the pair, there is no good reason (IMO) not to use Trickster & Pied Piper duo.

[anonym0use]

I did consider Sinister dials, but ultimately I didn't think the dials would play like I wanted Punch and Jewelee to play: either the powers don't fit (TK is IIRC on Wizard) or they were too costly. Once they hit 130+ for the pair, there is no good reason (IMO) not to use Trickster & Pied Piper duo.

Aha! I see where you were going now.

I'd also recommend Jack and Ten or even King & Queen of the RFG. Jack & Ten would be easier to come by and mod...

I really, really, really hope this is a moot point and we get P&J in B&tB.