It’s the end of the year, when Heroclixin’ looks back at the past 12 months to rank the top figures released based on the following criteria:

• We’re looking at Modern Age only, just because Heroclixin’ isn’t at all familiar with stuff from Yugioh. (We have a feeling some of that set is darn good, though)
• We’re considering the 300-point game, which filters out super-high-cost pieces that might otherwise dominate the list.
• Figures only. Despite the overwhelming effect of resources, they’re not being considered for a Top Ten Clix list.
• By the same token, any fig that needs a resource or entity to be strong isn’t making the list.
• But the top characters also need to be able to handle the presence of such tactics as resources or entities.

But this was depending on how the Watch List turned out, and to date, there’s been no update. Heroclixin’ can’t really make a Top Ten if some of the potential frontrunners are going to change drastically like two days later.

Which bums us out. This is kinda Heroclixin’s least favorite list to do. Would like to get it over with.

And perhaps we shall! To heck with the usual countdown. Let’s just look at the cream of the crop.

We’ll start with the HONORABLE MENTIONs that weren’t quite going to rate the list:

• Helspont [Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes 042]: He made some top-level events, but he needs Blind Al to work his quick switcheroo trick. Speaking of whom…
• Blind Al [Deadpool 018]: At just 13 in cost, this old lady is included on a lot of teams. But her Perplex only works in the starting area, which isn’t a place most teams function well in. She needs to be teamed with Deadpool or characters with activation clicks to truly be anything other than filler.
• Mantis [Guardians of the Galaxy 003]: If only her friendly Mind Control weren’t limited to fellow Guardians of the Galaxy only. With Prob Control and good melee skills backed with late-dial Regen and Support, she’s a piece that flirted with top status.
• Parallax [War of Light 041]: Lack of flight and his scale-tipping price of 250 cost him his spot. 50 points doesn’t buy him enough 3-damage allies to keep him consistently active by smashing squares of blocking terrain.
• Hal Jordan and Sinestro [War of Light 052]: One Man Army figs like this duo still don’t work. But Halnestro comes close, very close. The Green Lantern Power Battery’s Emotional Spectrum and other free action silver bullets kill this 300-pointer’s chance of making the list.
• Agent 13 [Captain America: The Winter Soldier 013]: Her inexpensive ability to shut down defense slot powers while tying up with Plasticity and Shape Change seemed like it’d have a bigger impact on the game at first. But her Speed is a little bit on the low side and she really needs to be on a themed team to get the best out of her via her trait. But SHIELD and Spy are NOT the best keywords around.
• Bullseye [Deadpool 036]: One of the deadliest shooters in the game is held off the top ten by his brittle glass jaw and his inability to use Thunderbolts ATA at will on any team.
• Weaponer of Qward [War of Light 025]: High cost and lack of flight and Outwit protection were this powerhouse’s drawbacks outside of the sealed environs he dominated.

 

OK. Visit the rest of the week to see what, in no set-in-stone order (because WATCH LIST), are Heroclixin’s picks for top Modern Age figs released the past 12 months.