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Pojo's HeroClix "Click of the Day"
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WildWill |
Name: Deathbird
Set: X-Plosion
Numbers: 87
Rarities: Unique6
Costs: 70
Health: 8
SSADD:10/10/17/2
Powers: Running Shot (one), BCF, Incapacitate, Energy Shield/Deflection, RCE
Ranged Attacks: 1 Range 8
Team: None
Deathbird is the sister of the Shiar Empress (and on-again/off-again
girlfriend of Professor Xavier), who was born with mutant wings. Like all
good royal sibs, Deathbird has tried to overthrow her sis, and has fallen in
with Apocalypse on occasion. Currently she’s at large, plotting her next
evil scheme.
I love ranged flyers. I especially love ranged flyers with Running Shot and
RCE. That’s about all she has to offer though. That 19 defense (17 + 2 for
Energy Shield) against ranged attacks is nice (though wouldn’t stealth on
her be even nice…yes, it would, and that’s why it’s broken). If she gets
based, she unleashes BCF or Incapacitate. Starting stats don’t suck, but she
fades fast. A couple clicks of hurtin’ and she’ll be limping back towards a
medic toot-sweet. At 70 points, she’s a tad too expensive for what you get,
but I suppose that variety is the spice of life.
Currently Deathbird is selling for between $7 and $16.60 on Ebay. I’d expect
that to increase a little with the release of Marvel Universe (because the
XP Uniques are NOT being reprinted in that set).
My Ratings: (Playability first, then Collectability)
3,3
Next time – Another Space Baddie…but who will it be? Tune in to see! |
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Shooter |
Deathbird
70 points
Range 8; 1 Target
7 clix of life
Running Shot (1 clix); Blades/Claws/Fangs (3 clix); Incapacitate (3 clix);
Energy Shield/Deflection (4 clix); Ranged Combat Expert (2 clix)
Ah good old Deathbird, just one more figure I want (in truth, I want them
all) but do not have. When Wizkids released they’re new rule saying that
flyers could shoot out of basing, the instant buzz was to really abuse that
with this figure. Previously, she was mostly a powerful ranged attacker who
punished anyone who dared get near with her B/C/F. Now, she can fly in with
her running shot to base someone (ideally a stealthed figure to take them
out), shoot someone else within her range, and still be set up to BCF the
person she’s basing.
She’s got three clix of Incapacitate after she takes a little damage so she
can down an opponent while she flies away. If only she had a second target……
Nothing too much else to say. She was considered a good figure before the
rules change, and she is considered a good figure after as well.
Ratings:
100 points: 1.5 out of 5
200 points: 2.5 out of 5 (decent, but for 70 points out of 200, you probably
want someone who’s a bigger hitter)
300 points: 4 out of 5 (provides a useful variety of combat powers for her
cost)
400+ points: 3.5 out of 5 (slightly less useful since you have the points
for more power-specific figures)
---Shooter |
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Monger |
Unique Deathbird
Xplosion #087
Deathbird has always been one of my favorite figures in HeroClix. If my team
didn’t include Firelord, it would always have Deathbird in his place. In
some cases they even work together and this is a frightening duo! She has a
large arsenal and several strong abilities on her dial which makes this
figure well worth the 70 points they have valued her at. I believe this
figure is definitely tournament worthy in Marvel or open formats and a
casual game dominator.
Speed: A ten range with running shot is SO GOOD! Combine this ability with
her soaring and she is able to swoop out of nowhere to deal a quick two
damage to any victim within sight and range. Now, she only offers one click
of running shot so use it wisely and get the most out of it. Sometimes it is
best to use her ten speed just to get into position and not use the running
shot as she deals massive damage when standing still. The speed numbers stay
rather high and give this figure an excellent chance to run back to medics
when she needs support.
Attack: I would have done back flips in order to get my hands on this figure
if they would have gave her an eleven attack, but I guess that’s what Con
Artists and perplex are for, right? Either way, I’m happy with a ten attack
as it gives her a decent chance in hitting most opposing figures. Tack on a
little Blades/Fangs/Claws action and she can make an excellent taxi for Jean
Grey or Mandroid Armor. That’s what makes this piece so deadly – the fact
she can deal four clicks of damage from range or a possible six clicks of
damage from base-to-base battle. Once she takes a few clicks of damage, the
aggressive tactics fade away and she gains incapacitate to hold figures in
place while the back-up arrives (if it’s ever needed).
Defense: Energy deflection is one of the most powerful abilities in the
game. With all the ranged combatants running around nowadays, the extra two
on a figures defense is outstanding! This is what places Deathbird on my all
time top 10 list. Not only can she deal four or more damage at will, she is
one of the hardest figures in the game to hit. Place her in hindering
terrain when possible, that’s the key. When an opposing figure attempts to
take a shot, they now need to meet or break 20 with their attack in order to
deal any damage. Even on this figures third click, opposing figures must
break or meet 17 in order to get in any hits. I was impressed with this
figures defense to say the less. I feel it helps this figure to maximize her
offensive abilities!
Damage: Nothing real fancy on this part of the dial but it deserves some
attention from your opponent. Try to keep her away from any opposing figures
with outwit, as they can drop her ranged combat ability. This hampers
Deathbird a little, but two damage is still two damage and usually enough to
bring out the medics from their cubby holes.
Overall: She is capable of fighting hand-to-hand or from her 8 range with
grace and deadly results. She reminds me a lot of a veteran Storm with a
superior defense and running shot. I could talk about this figure all day
long, but I’m sure you can see why I like her so much. Use Deathbird by
herself or team her with Jean Grey and you’ll be set to battle! I love this
piece and I hope you’ll try to give her a starting position on some of your
teams as well, she deserves it!
~Monger~ |
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