While we are getting the "I dunno how many'est" version of HULK, Spidey, Wolverine and Daredevil there are still oh so many more or less popular characters out there that are still waiting impatiently for their Heroclix debut.

I proudly present to you: the flying manticore better known as...THE GRIFFIN.

John "Johnny" Horton, aka the Griffin, first appeared in Amazing Adventures vol. 1 #15 (Nov 1972) and was created by Steve Englehart and Tom Sutton. After working as a local muscle for the Secret Empire one of their surgeons physically altered him by adding characteristics similar to that of the mythological Manticore including wings, a mane, lion-like paws and a tail to his body, as well as giving him an experimental mutagenic serum. As a result of the bionic surgery and injection of the serum, the Griffin has superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability and enhanced human reflexes. He possesses pronounced canine teeth, sharp claws on his fingers and toes, a scaled dinosaur-like hide, a spiked prehensile tail, and wings.
The Griffin's physiology is such that he mutates into a more powerful form whenever his present abilities are pushed to the limit. Such increases in power come with a corresponding decrease in intelligence.
He's been a former ally and member of the Hood's Crime Syndicate (Keyword) and was last seen as a member of Max Fury's Masters of Evil (keyword).


Hence possible powers for the Griffin could be:

ferocious attack - charge
I'll rip you open - blades/claws/fangs
Beastial strength - superstrength
[b]Forced evolution[b] - roll a dice that can't be rerolled. On a result of 1-2 add 1 to Griffin's Defense Value - on a 3-4 add one to Griffin'S Damage Value and on a 5-6 add 1 to Griffin's Attack Value until the start of your next turn.
Animal senses - Griffin can use combat reflexes and super senses
Tough hide - toughness
difficult to hurt - invulnerability
Are you sure it's still him? - shapechange

Masters of Evil TA

I'm curious what your dream-dials for the Griffin will look like...
And...don't forget to come back in two weeks for a yet unclixed Robot from outer space...

This is one of those characters that would seem like a "no-brainer" as far as dial development for Wizkids. He is pretty much a straight brusier/claw machine.
I like the Forced Evolution power, but would suggest something stronger, perhaps plus 2 (similar to Genis-Vell).

[quote=MadCap#1;6665055] He is pretty much a straight brusier/claw machine.QUOTE]

And even better, he's a straight brusier/claw machine that can fly! Charge on every click with a mix of Blades/claws and Super strength.

He could also play on Slingshot and/or Sub-Mariner teams.

Very cool. I've actually never heard of this character before, but Id like one for an animal team.

Nice article-

Here's my attempt at it-

Veteran The Griffin
Team: Master of Evil
Range: 0
Points: 150
Keywords: Crime Syndicate, Masters of Evil

10 11 17 4

8 10 17 3

8 10 17 3

7 10 17 3

7 10 16 3

7 9 15 2

7 9 15 2

6 8 15 1

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

KO KO KO KO

Evolution pushed to the limit: Give The Griffin a free action to roll a D6. On a result of 4-6, increase his attack value by 1 until your next turn, on a result of 5-6 increase his defense value by 1 until your next turn, on a result of 6, increase his damage value by 1 until your next turn. These bonuses can stack
Superhuman reflexes and stamina: The Griffin can use Willpower and Combat Reflexes.
Animal senses: The Griffin can use Super Senses.



Is the trait a bit much?

Let me know what you think!

Adding transporter would not be a bad idea. He did serve as a mount for Submariner.

Makes sense- done.

Has this guy ever fought the Hulk? Imagine that "forced evolution". Does he qualify for Battle Fury, too. It is a useful power on range-less brutes.......

I could see some battle fury on this guy. I would love if they made him. Actually, I would like to see the Marvel equivalent of Arkam Asylum and give us some Hood Gang villains. PLEASE!!!!

This is one of those that I would like made if for no other reason than cool sculpt potential alone.

Not to flame, but I think the reason he's not clix'd is because he is a lame meat bag used for punching.

The one comic I've read with him as a prominent character was the Fear Itself tie-in of Hercules' book. Griffin served as Herc's mount after becoming basically animal-minded. I'd like to see him just for that appearance.

My theory on characters like this is that they are one good writer from being an interesting character. During the Sub-Mariner series I thought he added a lot to the story line. Now as the father to Slingshot, he becomes part of the current Marvel storylines. Appearing in Earths Mightiest Heroes doesn't hurt either.

I see him as a hulk like dial. He gets stronger mid to late dial then weakens again. Possibly 8 clix of health. I would also give him masters of evil team ability with indomitable. With his physic he could be a transporter thus having the transporter ability but that also depicts his flying charge he seems to do. Nothing higher than a 17 defense and at most an 8 movement.