Power of the press

While it might not be obvious from the quality of the prose on this blog, I am a professional journalist. Many years ago I was a humble local newspaper reporter, while these days I work freelance and split my time between editing and writing features for trade magazines.

Perhaps it's not so surprising, then, that I am rather keen on the Reporter keyword – and very excited by all the media-luvvie characters Web of Spider-man is bringing to the table:

007 Spider-man

008 Peter Parker

009 Venom

010 Eddie Brock

022 Spider-man

025 Anti-Venom

035 J Jonah Jameson

By my reckoning that's six pretty playable figures - and Eddie Brock, who's only use might be repainting him as someone being hit by a custard pie.

The two Spidey's are both pretty good, though I prefer the cheaper version over the Back in Black option. It's a darn shame neither have a move and attack power though - surely one of Spidey's strength is swinging into battle and landing a solid punch.

Peter Parker is the first Alter Ego I can imagine myself playing. He's a Perplexer who might be some good as a tie-up piece, but can then turn into a three clicks of pretty hard-hitting Spider-man. Sounds like a good deal for 50 points to me. Sculpt looks OK too.

I think Venom is also really solid. I'm a sucker for up-front Charge and Super-strength, and it will be fun to see how his Tendrils power plays out.

I had to hit up Wikipedia for the background to Anti-Venom. When I finished congratulating myself for not having spent any money on comics featuring him, I took a look over his dial and realised he has the potential to be an interesting piece. I'm not convinced how useful his white power will be, though, given that he must do damage to activate it – and then it stops at the end of the turn. Hmm.

But surely the highlight of the hacks is none other than JJJ himself. Personally, I'd play him even is his dial was blank, but a couple of clix of Perplex for 26 points means it should justify his place in the press pack. Just don't put him on your team if you are planning any wildcard abuse.