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markrochip
02/16/2010, 08:04
For the Points #2: 51 Points

I’ve decided to start a new competition thread called “For the Points”. I will be comparing and contrasting the most recent figure from each Marvel and DC set that shares a common point value (starting with 50 Points).

If there are more than one figure of this point value per set, I will determine which one to use for the debate based on several variables: which figure is most common, which character is more popular, or which piece seems to be most popular.

With this, we can see any power creeps and possible point imbalances. We’ll also be able to discuss some great uses for these figures.

Please, by all means chime in with some opinions here. I’ll only determine who gets the “victory” after two weeks of votes.

Marvel Tarantula (SI) vs. DC Wonder Woman (OR)

Tarantula:

At 51 Points, we have a Spider-Man Ally Wild Card with no range. The dial is 6 clicks deep.

Movement is very "feat flexible" with Leap/Climb down the board starting with a formidable 8, dropping to three consecutive clicks of a 7, and ending with two final clicks of a 6 movement.

The attack value starts out strong - four clicks of a 9 AV. The first click has B/C/F. The attack then changes to a click of Poison. We return with two more B/C/F clicks before the AV drops to 8 and bottoms out with two last clicks of Poison.

Tarantula has absolutely no defensive powers. Her defense values are average at best: 16, 16, 17, 17, 16, and 15. This is where we have to factor in the Wildcard TA and hope that it can improve this shortcoming.

Damage is standard for a 51-point figure. There is a 2 value across the entire dial. It most definitely should be noted that Tarantula has Explot Weakness on three clicks: the three clicks that have Poison on them.

Tarantula has decent keywords that will allow her to get on to some decent theme teams: Heroes for Hire, Martial Artist, and Scientist.

She is definitely a close combat piece. Let's see how she measures up to a 51-point DC piece...

Wonder Woman:

The Origin set New Guy Night Wonder Woman is a 51-point figure that is an impressive 8 clicks deep. She has no TA, but she does have a printed 4 range.

Her movement has an average decline: one click of 9, two at 8, two at 7, and the dial bottoms out with three clicks of a 6 movement. Her fifth and sixth clicks each have Flurry on them (with an 8 AV - 2 damage and 1 damage respectively).

Her AV varies a bit. The starting click has a 9 AV with Super Strength. That object can't be thrown, though because she has Battle Fury as a Damage stat on that click. Her next three clicks all have Incapacitate with varying values (10, 9, 8). While there are no more attack powers, her value does keep dropping: two more clicks with an 8 AV and the dial ends with two clicks of a 7 AV. * On those last four clicks she does go from two clicks of Flurry to two clicks of Close Combat Expert.

Defense is average. Top-loaded Toughness with a steadily declining 17, 16, and 15. From there, the last five clicks are all Combat Reflexes (15, 14, 14, 13, 13) that should try to keep Wonder Woman up close.

The damage is average for Wonder Woman, but probably pretty excellent for a figure that is only 51 points. The first two clicks have a 3 value (Battle Fury on the first click). With that Super Strength tossed onto her first click, even more damage than 3 clicks can be done. Her next three clicks have a 2 damage value and her dial ends with three consecutive clicks of only 1 damage (but the final two have Close Combat Expert). Also, don't forget about that flurry!

Keywords are on the weak side. While you can create a really diverse Justice Society team, there is a bit of limitations with the Amazon keyword. Still, she would be a good filler piece on each team.

For feats, there are a lot that Wonder Woman can use. I'd slap some Stunning Blow on her with some Armor Piercing as well. She'll still be relatively low-pointed. And much more of a threat. I just hate that defense value at the end.

SO – which is better for the points? Tarantula or Wonder Woman?

I am voting Wonder Woman on this one. I think she is capable of dishing out more damage, staying in the game longer, crippling more pieces, and tying up opposing figures for other characters to make range attacks toward.

Who do you think is better for the points?

Next round: 52 Points: Fixer (SN) Rookie vs. Atom (OR) Experienced

Last round: 50 Points Spider-Man (SI) vs. Nightshade (AA)
Spider-Man is currently up 4-0

neutralmarkhot
02/16/2010, 08:20
Cool series. Just to counter your points for WW:

If we are talking about "capable of" then actually Tarantula is more capable, with the ability to do 6 damage on three of her clicks. The other clicks can also do 3 damage with Poison and then EW.

Staying in the game longer - I guess depends on your play style and how you plan on using the piece. WW no doubt can take a hit better, and has a longer life. But Tarantula can avoid hits altogether if copying the Bats TA, dissuade hits by copying Mystics, and/or rely on misses when copying the defense of someone with Defenders TA.

I Am The Game
02/16/2010, 09:56
Wonder Woman.

Potentially, Tarantula is more effective, but she has to be held back until your opponent's fig is compromised. That 16 defense is too big of a liability. Wonder Woman can move up up the board early on and push to better stats.

As far as team builds go, Wonder Woman works better with a JSA team than Tarantula does on a Heroes For Hire team:

- WW She doesn't have to use the Mercenary feat to borrow defenses, there are a number of JSAers with natural Defend. Combat Reflexes lends itself very well to her buddies.

- Tarantula is cheap and mobile, which relegates her to tie-up on a Heroes for Hire squad. Your other options are to toss Iron Fist in there, who you don't want getting hit first, or sending Black Cat, who you need for Probability Control. The 9AV won't hit early, and the 16 defense won't hold. Your opponent will make quick work of her, and everyone will say she sucks.

llyrghmnghyll
02/16/2010, 10:49
si027 R Tarantula
Team: Spider-Man
Range: 0 :bolt:
Points: 51
Keywords: Heroes for Hire, Martial Artist, Scientist
m-boota-fistd-starburstg-starburst891627916279172791726816268152KOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKO

or211 LE Wonder Woman
Team: No Affiliation
Range: 4 :bolt:
Points: 51
Keywords: Amazon, Justice Society
m-boota-fistd-starburstg-starburst99173810163891527815278142681416713167131KOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKOKO

Also Note: This Wonder Woman is not Diana, but Hippolyta

archaon02
02/16/2010, 11:04
Tarantula, Wonder Woman's battle fury makes her to self dependent.

commandercool
02/16/2010, 11:30
Tarantula. I'm a sucker for cheap Poison, especially if it has movement powers to get into position, especially if there's some wildcard going on to give Mystics. It isn't front loaded, but that just means she can move two turns in a row to get into position. Stick Armor Piercing and Damage Shield on her, copy Mystics, and she's a monster. Even alone, Blades and steady values are a solid investment. Keywords are better too.

normalview
02/16/2010, 12:25
Depends on what I looking for: a very versatile piece that can be very useful (especially on a team with diverse TAs) in a lot of different situations or a deep-dialed beatstick that is dirt cheap but can still take a licking?

I'd probably reach for Tartantula more often than not, but both have their niches to fill.

Rurouni KJS
02/16/2010, 12:45
I love them both!!! DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!!!!!

Tarantula can use the superb Lunge feat to excellent advantage, esp. if she has Stealth to either copy or hide behind. She's better off on generic theme teams than the Heroes for Hire one.

Wonder Woman's long, long dial is a bit compromised by her low stats.

I still can't choose.

markrochip
02/16/2010, 19:35
So far it looks like Tarantula is up 3 votes to Wonder Woman's 2.

SimonMoon5
02/16/2010, 20:05
Also Note: This Wonder Woman is not Diana, but Hippolyta

That's debatable. I think that, just like the Batman and Superman from Origins, this is supposed to be "First Appearance Wonder Woman" which most definitely be Diana. Yes, "First Appearance Wonder Woman" is not part of current continuity (on the main post-Crisis Earth), but then neither is "First Appearance Superman".

I mean, sure, they messed things up with the figure since they gave her the lasso that "First Appearance Wonder Woman" did not possess. But I think the intention was for this to be a version of Diana that's not part of current continuity.

As far as which is better, Tarantula or Wonder Woman, I have to say that I really enjoyed Tarantula in sealed and I often think to put her on a team. On the other hand, I never actually do put her on a team. But that's more consideration than I ever give this Wonder Woman.

I have to admit that I never considered Wonder Woman as being remotely playable but comparing to Tarantula does open my eyes a bit. I do think Tarantula's wildcard TA gives her so much extra flexibility which combined with her Leap/Climb for mobility to get where she needs to go, makes Tarantula the winner in my book. Tarantula is always a threat, whether with blades, poison, or exploit weakness. She can't be ignored. And she can go where she needs to go. Wonder Woman can't leap or climb or anything (how odd for this character). She has no defense against range (Tarantula might have stealth), she can be tied up by a bystander, and after two clicks, she can't hurt invulnerable characters (other than with push damage) until her last two clicks, while Tarantula can *always* hurt invulnerable characters.

And if nothing else, Tarantula's keywords are more viable: Martial Artist and Scientist are great teams. Amazon? Not so much? Justice Society? Well, that's a great keyword, but Wonder Woman won't make the cut on a JSA team since they've so many great teammates to choose from.

So, I vote Tarantula.

The7ofDiamonds
02/16/2010, 20:06
I've never been a fan of this particular Wonder Woman... however, one can not deny she is very long lived for her point cost. Close call, but Tarantula gets my vote because of the Dial long leap climb as well as for being a cheap Wildcard.

The7ofDiamonds
02/16/2010, 20:14
Oh, and for the Spidey vs Nightshade.... Spider-Man gets my vote mostly because of the versatility, consistency, and effectiveness for his cost.

jpointer
02/16/2010, 20:29
I go with tarantula all the way. She has a more consistent Defence regardless if it starts at a 16. Also she is more pushable.

readyeddy?
02/17/2010, 03:27
This is not Hippolyta, this is golden age Wonder Woman as she looked in her earliest appearances.

My vote's for Wonder Woman.

Amora's_best_friend
02/17/2010, 11:07
Tarantula is the most perfect dial in all of heroclix. Aesthetically immaculate.

I love it, I love it. Pretty great for 50 points too.


WW stuns aswell. 8 clicks is so lovely. And the second click is so worth it, but unfortunately, this goes to Tarantula.

songwriterz
02/17/2010, 11:29
I played against this Wonder Woman in a tournament once and was very much intimidated - until I took her out in two turns! Not being familiar with the dial, I assumed any piece named "Wonder Woman" would be a beast and bum-rushed her. She folded fast.

Based on that one experience, I'm voting Tarantula.

webhead76
02/17/2010, 17:57
This was kind of a toss up for me because they are both decent secondary attackers with awesome dials for the points. What really hurts the Tarantula piece is her lack of defensive powers. The thing that makes her good is the fact that she can do damage on each of her clix, while Wonder Woman holds her own by having some good defensive abilities. In a fight though, I think Tarantula would win so I have to vote for her, it was not an easy decision though.

For 50pts though, both of these ladies are awesome pieces!

Edit: The Spider-Man TA on Tarantula aided in my decision.

Bat-Phreak
02/18/2010, 12:10
This is fairly close, but I would have to vote for Tarantula.

Wonder Woman has a longer dial and better opening stats, but the low Defense Value for the last half of her dial makes her ineffective. Had she possessed the JSA TA as well as the keyword, she would be significantly better.

Tarantula's WC TA combined with the Poison and Leap Climb make her a better figure for the cost.

WolvieFan9
02/18/2010, 12:47
I will vote for Wonder Woman.

Mainly because Origins Batman, Origins Superman, and this Wonder Woman make a great 195 point team.

Also, I like the character more than I like the female Tarantula. She is in Heroes for Hire, but the newer, not-Cage-and-Rand version.

And finally, I will hold it against the female Tarantula that we got that figure before the original Tarantula villain.

Nightwing-fan
02/18/2010, 13:01
Wonder Woman gets my vote

spaffler
02/18/2010, 13:30
My vote is for WW. She's just more for my play style. Tarantula is very good, but i'd go for wonderwoman every time.

Suggestion for a later "For the Points": SI Iron Fist 70 VS. Colonel Logan 70. thats the hardest decision for me to make.

Ignatz_Mouse
02/18/2010, 18:44
I love that WW and I think she's overlooked and underrated... but Tarantula is just better in Clix.

thebigZZZZZ
02/18/2010, 19:19
I vote for Wonder Woman...she can easily shoot at her...incap her....as Tarantula has no defense. *plnkt bling* (bullets ricocheting off her bracelets) Wonder Woman wins.

The7ofDiamonds
02/18/2010, 21:55
My vote is for WW. She's just more for my play style. Tarantula is very good, but i'd go for wonderwoman every time.

Suggestion for a later "For the Points": SI Iron Fist 70 VS. Colonel Logan 70. thats the hardest decision for me to make.

Firstly.... I don't think that would be a very hard decision.

Secondly.... JL Green Arrow would be a better matchup for Iron Fist.

Thirdly.... Iron Fist and Colonel Logan are both Marvel.... lolz.

traitorarmor
02/18/2010, 22:54
I will be picking Tarantula.

The poison in addition to her BCF or EW for the dial is great and makes for some very interesting play decisions for your opponent......especially those T-Bolted Ant-man teams.;)

I've never seen anyone look at that WW and say I should deal with her now before she can cause problems.........not that she isn't capable in her own right.



Firstly.... I don't think that would be a very hard decision.

Secondly.... JL Green Arrow would be a better matchup for Iron Fist.

Thirdly.... Iron Fist and Colonel Logan are both Marvel.... lolz.

And Batgirl, Cassie(CR) would be an even better match-up I think........heck just throw those 4 70 pt figs in and see the discussion! :classic:

MacGyver2506
02/19/2010, 03:38
Wonder Woman!!!

Bob
02/19/2010, 10:22
My vote goes to Tarantula.

I like how her B/C/F clicks alternate with her EW clicks - has a decent chance to hurt those Impervious/Invulnerable characters every time!

The7ofDiamonds
02/20/2010, 02:07
And Batgirl, Cassie(CR) would be an even better match-up I think........heck just throw those 4 70 pt figs in and see the discussion! :classic:

Agree! Especially since they have a similar power set. I mean, Good Fortune Thunder Kick is the exact same front-loaded power as Trained From Birth.

Manchine
02/20/2010, 17:34
Gonna have to give it to Wonder Woman.

The7ofDiamonds
02/21/2010, 23:28
Gonna have to give it to Wonder Woman.

You'd like that wouldn't you? Now who gets your vote?

dariusq
02/22/2010, 00:03
My vote is for Tarantula.

Tarantula just has way more overall options. Doing damage is one thing but you've still got to get into position and WW will have trouble doing that.

zyxba
02/23/2010, 03:01
Tarantula is sweet. Wonder Woman is merely ok. Tarantula wins.

kitsque
02/23/2010, 03:39
Go w/ Tarantula b/c she's more mobile and can deal more damage. WW can just last a little longer.

Shuttle
02/23/2010, 08:16
I'm a sucker for golden age JSA teams, so Wonder Woman gets my vote.

markrochip
03/06/2010, 13:06
Final result = Tarantula 16 - Wonder Woman 10