This comes to us from Cory Bullock (@corybthosaurus)
This week is something of a double feature for X-Men HeroClix fans. Not only can they pick up Powers of X #5, the latest issue of the hit mini-series from Jonathan Hickman and R.B. Silva, but they can also get their hands on the hotly anticipated brand new HeroClix set: Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga.
HeroClix is WizKids’ long-running superhero collectible miniatures game, first released in 2003. With over fifteen years of figures under their belt, the game has grown in scope and scale, while still retaining its core features: simple and fast-paced dice combat for two or more players and the unique HeroClix combat dial. Each figure comes on an eponymous “clix” base that shows their stats which are used — with the help of those aforementioned dice — to move, attack, and defend across a special map, capturing the feel of iconic superhero battles along the way. As an individual game progresses, you’ll “click” the dial in the character’s base to reveal new stats and powers as you go. Wolverine might break into a feral rage or Mystique will go from issuing commands to her Brotherhood to getting her own hands dirty, the possibilities are endless.
This fall’s new release, however, is a first for WizKids: it’s their first foray into characters based largely on a Marvel animated series. HeroClix are typically sold either via individual booster packs, which contain five figures (one a guaranteed “rare”), or as a sealed set of ten boosters (a “booster brick”), but X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga is special set in that it has giant-sized “super boosters.” Each set contains four “normal” figures — think someone like Cyclops or Frenzy — in addition to one, larger Colossal figure, which is a perfect way to incorporate characters like the Sentinels, Onslaught, or even Evangeline Whedon into the game!
For more detailed information, here’s what WizKids themselves have to say about the set:
Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga comes to the tabletop in a BIG way. Based on the success of Marvel HeroClix: Avengers Infinity, Colossal Boosters are back! Each Colossal Booster will contain 4 standard size figures and a 2×2 Clix Base figure in EVERY booster! Discover new characters both small and large in this can’t-be-missed release! This set features all of the fan-favorite characters from the 1990’s X-Men animated series like Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, and Morph! For the first time ever, Colossal characters will be Prime figures! Colossal figures in the set will feature some of the epic threats that the X-Men have faced ranging from Nimrod to the Dark Phoenix or the Shadow King! Not to fear, some of the X-Men have found ways to be a colossal answer to evil, like Iceman and Vange Whedon.
The Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Booster Set has over 80 new figures to collect:
- 12 Commons (Plus 1 prime rarity figure)
- 11 Uncommons (Plus 1 prime rarity figure)
- 10 Rares (Plus 1 prime rarity figure)
- 10 Super Rares (Plus 1 prime rarity figure)
- 6 Chases
- 10 Uncommon 2×2 Clix Base figures (plus 1 Prime)
- 10 Rare 2×2 Clix Base figure (Plus 1 Prime)
- 5 Super Rare 2×2 Clix Base figure (Plus 1 Prime)
Brick MSRP: $179.90
Fortunately, for new players, this set also introduces a new Fast Forces pack, featuring some of the best that ‘90s X-Men has to offer. Fast Forces are non-randomized “teams in a box,” which comes with six characters designed to be used together to help new players jump into the game quickly. The X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Fast Forces is one of the best ever featuring favorites Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, Beast, and Jubilee in one pack! It’s the perfect purchase for an X-Men fan looking to get into the game.
If you’ve never played HeroClix before, combining this Fast Forces pack with any HeroClix starter set, which includes the rules, maps, and all the other tools you’ll need to play, is the simplest way to get started on your own Saturday morning adventure. You can then combine these figures with whatever boosters or other Fast Forces you add to your collection in the future!
This Fast Forces will have you saying, “to me, my X-Men!” Wolverine, Rogue, Beast, Storm, Gambit, and Jubilee come as a thematic team ready to play by themselves against your friends, or perfect to mix with X-Men from your X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Colossal Boosters. Once a player already has a Starter Set, a Fast Forces is a great way for them to construct a brand new thematic team and build their HeroClix collection!
MSRP: $16.99
Finally, dedicated fans who want to upgrade their gaming experience to include X-Men dice and action tokens need look no further than the new dice and token pack.
The Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Dice and Token Pack contains 2 custom dicefeaturing a special Dark Phoenix icon to celebrate the release of the Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Colossal Booster Brick! The 6 action tokens will feature 6 beloved X-Men characters from the animated series and will have bystanders on the back to use with characters that generate bystanders in the Booster Set! The Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga Dice and Token Pack is a great way to enhance your HeroClix experience!
MSRP: $9.99
There’s something for everyone in (deep breath!) Marvel HeroClix: X-Men the Animated Series, the Dark Phoenix Saga. Ask about it at your local comic shop or game store September 25!
Zachary Jenkins co-hosts the podcast Battle of the Atom and is the former editor-in-chief of ComicsXF. Shocking everyone, he has a full and vibrant life outside all this.
