DC HeroClix: Justice League Trinity War: Hawkman and Vandal Savage!

Happy New Year HeroClix Fans!

It’s not uncommon for many people to take a look back at their lives as they inaugurate a new year, so we thought we’d look at a pair of long-lived characters from the upcoming DC HeroClix: Justice League – Trinity War.

First up is the winged warrior better known as Hawkman!

Hawkman begins play with a fantastic Speed-based special power called I Own the Sky which allows Hawkman to use Charge. However, when he does, Hawkman does not have to halve his speed value (allowing for a full-movement Charge) and if he successfully hits his target, he can then use Sidestep as well! With his impressive combat values, Hawkman can readily maneuver in for a first strike attack using I Own the Sky and his full 10 speed value, then move out of the way thanks to Sidestep, allowing for an unobstructed target for subsequent ranged or close combat attacks by his teammates.

Hawkman’s combat dial also opens up with two powers that demonstrate his melee skills and ferocity in combat. Precision Strike ensures that when he successfully hits targets with a close combat attack (say, when he uses I Own the Sky), the target will take at least one click of damage. If Hawkman uses a close combat action, Close Combat Expert will give him either an attack or damage boost (or both!)

Near the end of his combat dial, Hawkman’s Precision Strike is replaced with a new Attack-based special power called No Matter the Odds, They Will Fall Before Me (NMtOTWFBM). NMtOTWFBM grants Hawkman the use of the Quake standard power, and if he is part of a Justice League of America themed team he can be given a move action and then use Quake as a free action!
Defensively, Hawkman’s combat dial opens with Energy Shield/Deflection which grants him a defense bonus when he is targeted by ranged combat attacks. Mid- to end-dial, Combat Reflexes grants Hawkman a defense bonus against close combat attacks.

Near the end of his dial, Hawkman’s I Own the Sky special power is replaced with standard Charge, while Close Combat Expert is replaced by Battle Fury. Hawkman cannot make ranged attacks due to Battle Fury (no big deal since his range value of 0), but Battle Fury does protect him from both Incapacitate and Mind Control attacks.
Hawkman’s competitive and consistent combat values help make him a fantastic addition to any HeroClix team. The JLA team ability and his Justice League of America, Past and Warrior keywords make him an easy addition to competitive and fun theme teams.

Next up, we look at a seemingly immortal villain, Vandal Savage!

Vandal Savage possesses two traits that reflect his long-lived experience and biology; Seemingly Immortal grants Vandal Savage a click of healing if he still has two action tokens after a player clears their tokens at the end of their turn. The second trait, I Was Alexander, Genghis, Vlad… grants Vandal Savage the use of Leadership. When Vandal Savage uses Leadership and succeeds, friendly characters on his team receive a +1 bonus to their attack values for that turn!

Vandal Savage’s combat dial possesses a myriad of powers (again, reflecting his long life’s experience): he begins play with Charge, Toughness and Shape Change which allows him to get directly into the fray, withstand a few hits, and avoid attacks entirely. Vandal Savage also starts with an attack special power called Trained in Every Style of Fighting which grants Vandal Savage the use of Close Combat Expert, and Probability Control when he uses Close Combat Expert.

After his first click, the Trained in Every Style of Fighting Style special power is replaced by the Super Strength while Flurry replaces Charge. Near the mid-point of his combat dial, Vandal Savage gains the use of Stealth, Invulnerability, and a new special power titled Tactician That Won A Thousand Wars. This Damage-based special power grants Vandal Savage the use of Outwit and Perplex as if possessed a range value of 8 and the Improved Targeting: Characters combat ability.

Mid-dial (or the beginning of his 160-point combat dial – more on that later), Vandal Savage again gains the use of Charge and the Trained in Every Fighting Style special power. Vandal Savage also gains enhanced protection from Invincibility.

Mid- to late dial, Vandal Savage’s combat dial is a mix of powers and special powers we’ve seen earlier, with the addition of Plasticity (which makes it easier for Vandal Savage to break away while making it harder for his opponents to do the same), as well as Steal Energy, allowing Vandal Savage to regain clicks of health while he simultaneously attacks his enemies.

Vandal Savage’s combat values are largely consistent throughout his dial; his attack value climbs steadily towards the end of his dial, while his defense dips a little but largely Vandal Savage’s combat dials remain competitive and worthwhile throughout his entire dial.

Vandal Savage can be played at two different point values (250 and 160) allowing him to fit on a myriad of team builds and strategies. He possesses the Demon Knights, Injustice Society, Past, Ruler and Secret Society of Super-Villains keywords which makes him an easy addition to a broad variety to themed teams.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at two more of the exciting figures found in the upcoming DC HeroClix: Justice League – Trinity War set! Stay tuned to HeroClix.com for more fantastic previews to come, and happy New Year to all of our fans!

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