Are grounded characters able to meak a ranged attack when next to a flyer? I am unsure if this has changed.

If they are only next to enemy flyers, yes, but only against that enemy.
If they are next to at least one non-flying enemy, no.

Thanks Quebbster,

That is exactly how I thought the rules are at this time. However, my headstrong friend is still very adamant about his position. Can I get some judge back up on this, or a rule book location? At least some folks backing me and the Q-man here.

Appreciate it,

CH

Just for the record, I am a judge.
However, solid backup can be found on page 28 of the Danger Room rulebook:
Can't get much clearer than that...

Could Zombie Spider-Man make an EE attack against an adjacent flier, thanks to Leap/Climb?

* Edit

Leap/Climb only allows a figure to make a close combat attack against a figure on another elevation. However, if Zombie Spiderman had his Range increased to 1 (via Perplex or ICWO) he would be able to do a ranged attack against an adjacent flyer, as long as he is not in base contact with a hostile non-flyer.

If you raise his range by 1 he could make an EE attack against an adjacent flier, but that would have nothing to do with leap and climb.

since my question is also about ranged attack amidst adjacency, i wont post a new thread anymore...

here it goes...
can a hovering fig with 2 targets attack 2 adjacent opponent figs. (1 hovering, 1 grounded) with 2-target EE? also, what happens if those 2 adjacent opp. figs are hovering?

Yes. And it makes no difference whether the targets are hovering or boot-speed.

Note, however, that hitting two adjacent figures with Energy Explosion will mean taking splash damage from both of them-- two clicks to the attacker, unless he has got invulnerability, impervious, or a higher Defense.

thanks...i never knew that the attacking fig, could get tagged by his own EE...anyway, does this work the way you've explained regarding ICONS RULES?

The change to EE was made with the Icons rules and was carried into the Danger Room rules. The way that fecundity explained it is how it currently works.