When guest writer Morrison began his review of characters with the Soldier keyword, the Captain America set was still only half-revealed. Well, there were enough standout military-style pieces to warrant this, his final segment. Enjoy!
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Captain America (Captain America #001)
Few pieces come this good. At under 90 points his combat values are excellent, with 4 clicks of 10 or better attack, an 18 starting defense, and the ability to crack Invulnerability on every click. Oh, and did I mention he has Perplex? A great leader (even without Leadership) or a great solo fighter, the former Bucky has learned well.
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Howling Commando (Captain America #201)
Both versions are good, but for this review look no further than Howling Commando (201b). Here’s how you should use him. Your force moves out. He walks into Stealth and starts Perplexing. 40 pts is a bit much to invest in a 2 trick pony, but positioned well, that Stealth should keep him on the top click for a while. He is also the cheapest source of Perplex for soldier and certainly the most useful for low cost.
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Nick Fury (Captain America #207)
Not quite Nick Fury: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., but this guy has what I would call effective dial design. Early high movement and Stealth mean that you should position him in hindering terrain where others can’t see him, then next turn push him to get to the Outwit. Say, that strategy sounds an awful lot like…
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Captain America (Captain America #040)
Another solid Cap. For 83 pts, three clicks of 11 attack and a chance to deal either 3 damage to two hit characters or have a 20 def at range ain’t too shabby. As far as keywords go, this is WWII Cap. Despite a low tail end defense, you might actually get to use that late Outwit. Hit the Hun! Buy Liberty Bonds!
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Crimson Dynamo (Captain America #042)
In Soviet Russia, scientists make power armor-man as good as dirty capitalist American Stark, no. Dimitri deserves a place (like War Machine) on both the Armor and Soldier review. The Indomitable ability makes him truly a powerful primary ranged attacker.
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Darkstar (Captain America #043)
For that free Smoke Cloud trait alone, Darkstar has a place on many teams. A suggested strategy: play her with a squadron of S.H.I.E.L.D. snipers — er, KGB operatives. Push to use Telekinesis in your early turns to set up your force and enjoy the 3 damage Penetrating/Psychic Blast.
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Ursa Major (Captain America #044)
Beast Boy, eat your heart out. Take a look at the offensive potential on this guy. At 102 pts, this beaststick will be found on many teams. I dig the Invulnerability and Shape Change combo. If feats are allowed, Not So Special makes this guy an even bigger threat.
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Captain America (Captain America #060)
For 68 points, I just don’t see how you can argue with indomitable, 12 attack, and 3 damage. Steve here certainly provides a lesson in diplomacy by any means, and patience.
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The Captain (Captain America #062)
A very steady and powerfully consistent brick for a decent cost. Between its placement and the prevalence of Outwit, Cap’n Hammer will only rarely see that 12 attack. But it’s still there.
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Ursa (Superman #044)
Ursa is another great figure to have that treasured combo, Running Shot and Penetrating/Psychic Blast; her unique twist is 4 damage and that she ignores Stealth (while herself having some). As only a rare, we can be sure that she is going to see some major tournament play. She tops it all off with Superman Enemy team ability, which while good, is only good if you have other figures with the ability. Figures like…
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"KNEEL."
Zod (Superman #053)
Zod offers some straitforward offense, and then offers some very tactical options with his special damage and speed powers. This guy will definitely be giving the big blue boy scout some grief, and will only be giving it harder with some friends around.
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