God (pack) is dead

We in the UK haven't even had a chance to open our boosters and moan about how unfair they are, but Wizkids has already announced "god-packs" will not be appearing in future expansions.

For those of you who have managed to avoid the 26,000-or so posts on the subject at HCRealms, a god-pack is a booster that seems to appear every couple of cases and contains four super-rares and a chase figure. Most of the upset seems to be around the theory that in a case containing a god-pack the other brick without the god-pack gets short-changed on super-rares.

Right now I'd be happy to have any booster from Hammer of Thor in my possession, god-pack or otherwise. That said, I'll be delighted to add Thor the Frog to my animal keyword theme team.

Better start saving...

January 13, 2010: Thor’s Mighty Chariot goes on sale in stores

March 2010: The Brave and the Bold expansion

May 2010: New DC Starter ("Our most colorful take on a starter to date," to quote Wizkids)

June 2010: Next Marvel release

Let's start guessing - just what can this colourful starter set be?

You mean I've still gotta wait two weeks?

I imagine most readers of this blog will be aware that Hammer of Thor is being transported to the UK on the backs of disabled turtles and will not be arriving in stores until 7 December.

As part of a recent update to wizkidsgames.com the following was posted by Wizkids staff member Justin Ziran.

"Setting up distribution takes a while, and add to that the rush to get Hammer of Thor product to market and we ended up with a split release date. Chances are high that we may have a split release date for Brave and the Bold too, but we are doing everything we can to limit the delay between US and international release dates. Once we get into 2010, we should be able to align relases a little better around the globe. We currently have distribution in the US, Canada, UK (Esdevium), Belgium (Intrafin), Spain (Dirac), Italy (Counter), South America (Devir), Australia (Sports Card Australia), Asia (Asia Gold)."

Obviously that's not the greatest news, but it is good that Wizkids have told us what is going on and hopefully things won't be so bad next time round.

A touch of Take Hart

NECA/Wizkids (what should we call the company?) has created a gallery of Hammer of Thor figures. Very nice it is too: clean, fast and you just have to click on the picture to see the whole figure. It took me a while to figure that one out, but it is early in the morning.

Obviously there are still a few bugs to iron out. May I draw your attention to the fact that, according the screengrab I just took, Ultron has 88 movement on his seventh click. With Running Shot too.

Linky dink:

http://wizkidsgames.com/heroclix/gallery/

So, where is it?

As regular readers will know, I am based in the UK. Despite the weather - which you really do get used to - there are many great things about living here: excellent beer, beautiful countryside, and Doctor Who, to name but three. However, one not so great thing right now is the distinct lack of Hammer of Thor.

I have spoken to a few retailers who have sold Heroclix in the past and have been given a variety of answers, ranging from "In a week or so" to "When it's here". There is a chance we will see it next week - I hope so as we've got a sealed tournament planned - but in the meantime we will just have to jealously read all about it on HCRealms. While drinking beer and watching Doctor Who.

UPDATE: Esdevium - which I believe is the only distributor carrying Hammer of Thor in the UK - has just posted its upcoming releases for next week and HoT isn't on there. I'm assuming this means we're not likely to see any little plastic ninja or fire demons next week. Esdevium will, however be getting Coronation Street Top Trumps in next week. So that's OK then.

UPDATE 2: NECA has posted the following on the Wizkids Facebook page:

We would like to give our international customers some news about Hammer of Thor. There is no official release date set internationally but distributers are working hard to get the product to you as soon as possible. As a result of pushing to get the product out, there are a few loose ends we are beginning to tie up. We apologize for the delay and would like to thank you for your patience.

Not terribly informative – I'd question the company's use of the word 'news' – but a darn sight better than ignoring the issue.

Chase me! Chase me

No, not a spoiler for one of the Runaways, but news that Hammer of Thor probably contains a couple of chase figures.

Above you can see a screen grab from major US singles dealer Troll & Toad. Assuming the business has been busy cracking open cases in readiness for the release of HoT on the 18th, it seems they have found figures for Thorbuster and Thor, Frog of Thunder.

God packs!?!

According to stories doing the rounds on HCRealms, cases of Hammer of Thor may contain 'God Packs' - boosters with a larger-than-expected proportion of Super Rares.

If I am reading this right, it may mean that when you open a brick of Hammer of Thor, you may get just one or two SR rare figures - or you may get as many as five. 

I guess life really is a gamble.

The dynamic trio

Thanks to Matt Hardy for pointing the following out. I wouldn't normally cover movie news but with HoT breathing down our collective necks this one is hard to resist.

Earlier today Variety posted the story that Kenneth Branagh, who will be directing Thor, has cast the Warriors Three. Variety has since taken the story down, so treat the 'news' with some caution, but we may be seeing Stuart Townsend, Ray Stevenson and Tadanobu Asano as Fandral, Hogun and Volstagg (though who will be playing who is anyone's guess). If true, they will be joining the likes of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Chris Hemsworth as Godilocks himself.

It's exciting to see another Marvel flick coming on, but I have grave doubts about Thor working as a movie. I can't help but think there is a strong risk of a Thor film looking like one of those dodgy fantasy movies that were so abundant in video shops in the mid-80s or - worse still - a heavy metal video.

That said, the fact that Branagh is in charge gives me some hope. I love his Henry V - if he can bring that level of grit and passion to Asgard then it could work. But I'm a bit gutted that he hasn't found a role for Brian Blessed yet - surely he should have been Volstagg.

Source: Newsarama

The Handstand without Fear

I love me some Daredevil and have felt, with the possible exception of the Vet figure from Sinister, that they have never done Matt Murdock justice. Until now apparently.

At first glance the dial isn't too exciting: I think two clicks of 8 attack at the end are a bit harsh, but the Exploit Weakness is nice and the defence should be suitably frustrating for an opponent. What makes him, though, is the white power. Assuming it hasn't changed too much from the spoiled version, this will grant him Leap/Climb and the ability to see Stealthed characters. To me, this makes him a pretty darn accurate representation of DD - shame that first click doesn't have Ouwit or even Perplex though. Perhaps I'm being greedy.

And I like the sculpt a lot - even more than the oh-so atmospheric cross-hugger we were given a few years ago.

Nothing to Sif at

I'm a bit out of touch with what is regarded as fashionable in Asgard these days, but how often does Sif – a mighty warrior and sister to Heimdell – prance around in little red hotpants? Actually, forget that - I've just Googled her (so to speak) and it turns out she wore them for quite a while back in the day. Doesn't stop them looking silly, though.

Anyway, she may have made a few dubious fashion choices over the years, but look at the clicks on that girl. I'm assuming the white power isn't some form of move and attack - otherwise that well-worn phrase Power Creep will have to be dusted off - but you get some serious damage-dealing from a figure that still gives change from 100 points.

I'm not so Thor

Here's the man himself - and right now I'm a little disappointed in him. 

Let's get the sculpt out of the way first. I know the pics of it have been around for a while, but I haven't commented on them before so bear with me. I'm an old-school (and just plain old) Marvel fan, and to me this shinny-assed fella ain't no god of thunder. He's skinny and looks like he's been wrapped up ready to be roasted in the oven - where's my beefy Walt Simonson-style Thor, the one who looks like he'll do serious damage to you with a hammer? I can see myself sticking on old sculpt on this dial.

If, that is, the dial turns out to be more than it looks at first glance. The Indomitable is fantastic, and the numbers are good, but where's the Impervious? The talk on HCRealms is that he will have a trait given him Super Strength (I should darn well hope so) and possibly Super Senses, in which case I will be a happy bunny. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what November 18 brings us. One more thing - too much Running Shot - I prefer my Thors to be Charging into action and getting up close and personal. Never happy am I?

Source: HCRealms.com

He's bad for your 'elf

Cheeky little Malekith is ruler of the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim who once caused Thor all sorts of bother when he got his blue paws on the Casket of Ancient Winters. He's a good-looking figure with a fine paint job from the admittedly blurry pic. I'm getting bored with saying it, but it's hard to know what to make of him without seeing the white powers, but I'll probably play him just for his looks.

Source: HCRealms

Please let this be true

From an article in the Wall Street Journal comes the following information:

"J.J. Abrams, who created the TV show "Lost" and directed this summer's "Star Trek" film, is in discussions to produce a movie about Japanese toy line Micronauts, which Hasbro just acquired."

Now, while this isn't strictly speaking a Heroclix story, I figure the inclusion of Micronaut Bug in Hammer of Thor justifies its inclusion on my blog. Besides which, Micronauts were the big love of my childhood and I just had to share this with someone.

If enough people ask nicely I meet even post some pics of the Micronauts collection I have slowly been rebuilding (some guys by a sports car or have an affair when they hit 40 - I buy little plastic Time Travellers).

Update: Hasbro is reported to have told investors yesterday that they are bringing back the Micronauts. I'm assuming this will be a tie-up with a new film. Exciting stuff - just hope they don't deviate too much from the original designs/concept.

Source: aintitcoolnews.com

Oi - are you looking at my bird?

I won't say too much about her because there's a great write up at HCRealms: http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263270

What a fantastic sculpt - but how long has Songbird been wearing a moustache?

Source: HCRealms

Twinkle, Twinkle little StarLord

At first glance, this isn't the most exciting dial in the world, but if the rumours on HCRealms are correct then he could be something a bit special.

Apparently, he boasts the Sharpshooter ability and a white power that adds 2 to his attack value if he targets a single figure, or 2 to his damage if he targets more than one. In which case, I think I bleedin' love him.

I haven't been following his recent comic appearances, but I like his current costume and hope the sculpt does him justice. I'll keep an eye out for a pic and post it here if one turns up. UPDATE: Pic added - and doesn't he look grand!

Dial source: HCRealms

Pic source: traitorarmor, HCRealms

"It was a nice piece of work Kingpin... you shouldn't have signed it."

Ah, Wilson Fisk - a remake that has been a very long time coming (what is it, six years now?).

Now, obviously I haven't seen the white powers yet, though I seem to remember they were Mastermind, Outwit and Leadership in various forms, but I'm pretty underwhelmed by the dial. I've got no idea what the eight starting attack is all about - with the sort of defences being dished out over the past few sets he'll be lucky to hit a bystander, let alone land a punch on Daredevil. Frank Miller's DD is one of my favourite comic runs ever, and portrayed Kingpin as a terrifying, virtually unstoppable force. That ain't what I'm seeing here.

Sculpt looks OK though.

Dial & pic source: HCRealms

M-11: bargain of the year

Now, power creep is one of those phrases that gets bandied about a lot on HCRealms and probably pretty much any place that gamers discuss collectable games. But let's have a look at this little fella.

Now, I know nothing about the comic-book character, having still failed to read Agents of Atlas despite being very keen to do so, and he may very well be an excellent representation of M-11 - but look at that dial and then look at that points cost.

Eight clicks of life, just one of which has an attack number that isn't 10. Seven clicks with 10 attack and 3 damage - supported by five clicks of willpower. Now, I have harped on on these pages about not being a fan of figures without move and attack powers, but TK offers an easy way round that. Throw in a heavy object and this guy could be a threat to just about anyone.

But I digress: power creep. For the same 59 points (and let's be fair and just look at recent sets) you could alternatively have Professor Ivo, Veteran Trapster or Red Ghost. All respectable figures in their own ways, but not even in the same league as this guy.

Dial source: HCRealms

If I had a hammer...

I love this sculpt! Ol' Ronan is really swing that hammer of his. Great stuff and a terrific paint job by the look of it too.

Once again, however, we have a figure with great numbers but no move and attack power, which seems to be the way things are going with the HoT set. Personally, I have to have a pretty good reason to choose a figure without move-and-attack appearing somewhere on the dial - even with the 17 Def and Impervious there's a chance of Ronan taking a hit before getting into action with his hammer. I have a feeling he may gather dust in my collection, which is a shame for such a cracking-looking piece.

Dial and pic source: Heroclixworld.com

That's Handy

Ninja's are about as cool as you can get. I grew up in the 70s and 80s when you couldn't move for cheap made-for-video films just full of hot ninja action: we had Ninja Dragons, American Ninjas, Lady Ninjas, Shaolin vs Ninjas - heck, we even had the great Lee Van Cleef as an aging ninja master on telly. I loved 'em back then and I love 'em now.

And I love this fella. The 38pt cost looks a little steep for four clicks of life, but he can dish out some serious damage and - if I can remember correctly - that white power gives him a free attack when in hindering terrain. Ninjatastic!

Let's hope I pull about ten from my brick in a few weeks' time.

Dial source: ProfessorShananigans, HCRealms forum

I see the bad Moon rising

You get an awful lot of figure for 76 points this days. Running Shot, Psychic Blast and a very respectable defence at range - and a little outwit on top.

Dial source: ProfessorShananigans, HCRealms forum

Doggone it

This is just the sort of thing I was afraid of seeing when Disney bought Marvel. It's bad enough that we are getting this type of character, but it isn't even a very good representation - where's the Blade, Claws, Fangs and how can a dog have two clicks of impervious? Oh...

Wrong Pluto. That's a little embarrassing.

Apparently there is another Pluto - the Roman god of death – who has appeared in a few Marvel comics over the years. And he's made for an interesting dial - I really can't recall seeing anything quite like that before. No sign of move and attack powers (unless that late-dial white power is one) but huge attack numbers and bucket loads of steal energy that should keep him on the map. Me likey.

This little gem grabbed me as I was looking up Pluto online – I hope it gives you as much pleasure as it gave me.

From the Wikipedia entry: "Zeus decrees that Pluto can only leave the Underworld if he finds someone willing to rule in his place. [fair enough so far] Pluto travels to Earth and disguises himself as Mr. Hellman, a movie producer, [remember, this is the god of death] and invites Hercules to make a movie about himself [of course]. Hercules signs the contract into ruling the underworld unaware of that the contract actually binds him to serve as ruler of the Olympian Underworld in Pluto's place. [I had to stop reading at that point as I nearly spat out my sandwich for laughing]

Dial source: ProfessorShananigans, HCRealms forum

The interchangeable world of the Micronauts

If you are old enough - and well versed enough - to recognise the title of this post then Bug will need little introduction. His career began back in the 70s in the Micronauts comic which was based on a fantastic toyline of action figures and vehicles that could be taken apart and reconfigured and various ways. Since then the little fella has cropped up from time to time in various Marvel comics.

The dial reminds me of Mockingbird: a decent tie-up piece who can also dish out some damage. Another option would be sticking Pounce on him for a nasty first-hit attack. Or there's teaming him up with Ambush Bug and The Beetle for some insectoid fun.

Source: ProfessorShananigans, HCRealms forum

That's a Hela a woman

It's hard to know what to make of this gal from her dial - what we can see is all good stuff but it's those white powers that are going to show us just how good she is and whether she's worth the 200 pt cost. I'm wondering if the white damage power at the end of the dial could be her Hand of Glory - a punch that can kill an Asgardian. Could be fun.

Like many of the spoilers I am putting up at the moment, this dial was obtained through the hard word of HCRealms forum member ProfessorShananigans, who has been phoning around stores in his area and convincing them to spill the beans on their preview figures to him. Thanks for the great work!

Source: ProfessorShananigans, HCRealms forum
Hela image: Remjer, HCRealms forum

What's your poison?

I've never been a fan of Venom. I'm old enough to have been reading comics when the black suit first appeared and really enjoyed the build-up and the mystery over what the suit actually was. It was a good story but I've been amazed how much mileage has been squeezed out of the idea since then.

None of which has a whole lot to do with the spoiler for the Venom figure. I really like dial - it's got good damage potential and is going to annoy the bell out of your opponents. As with Balder, the scult is OK, but I would have liked to have seen something more dynamic.

Balder the Brave

Balder the Brave: with stats like that how brave does he have to be? He's just one more sign of how tough Asgardian teams are going to be come the end of December. The sculpt's OK - nothing too exciting but definitely Balder.

Bubble bath feet Cap

Here's a dial a lot of people have been waiting for. A few years ago an image was posted of the figure that came to be known as 'smokey-feet Cap' - a lovely sculpt of Captain America that failed to appear in any subsequent Heroclix sets. Well, the wait is finally over as the sculpt has been used in HoT and still looks great.

The only thing I'm not sure about is the clear plastic used for the 'smoke' - to me it looks as if he is standing on bubbles. And while I'm grumbling: that dial isn't any Captain America I know from the comics. Maybe the white power will change things but, as someone on the HCRealms forums suggested, that 8 range, ESD and running shot would be a fine dial for Green Arrow.

Still, there are plenty of other Cap dials I could stick that fine-looking figure on. If the glue's going to hold on those bubbles, that is.

Source: HCRealms

Looky - Loki

Here's that mischief-maker Loki and darn fine he looks too. He's a sneaky bugger so it makes sense that he can hide in stealth while dishing out Psychic Blasts from 10 range. We don't know what his white defensive power is yet, but I wouldn't be shocked to see some Mastermind there. He is going to be nasty for sure - I'm just not sure if he is 208 points of nasty.