This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a card a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Iron Manor which makes its debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: John Paul Leon, Earth X #0

 

Comic origin: In this world of Marvel the Inhumans have released the Terrigen Mists across the world. Tony Stark, fearing what he might become, has sealed himself up into the Iron Manor to prevent a possible mutation.

Earth X imagines a dystopian future for the Marvel Universe where every single person on the planet has superpowers

Live action version: None

 

Iron Man: Celestial Slayer

Card playability: I like this card a lot. For playing an all Iron Man team, this one has potential. First, there’s Suit up, which allows you to field this character die much quicker than having to put it in your bag. Next, it gains +1A and +1D for each other, different active Iron Man character. That’s potentially an awesome punch.

Then there’s the global to be able to field another Iron Man character die for 1 less!

That’s a whole lot of Iron Man coming at you.

Card vs. Comic: It fits pretty well considering Tony Stark sent a wave of Iron Men out to do battle.

 

Iron Manor: Earth X

Card playability: A cheaper version of the above without the ability to gain as far the attack and defense.

Card vs. Comic: It fits pretty well considering Tony Stark sent a wave of Iron Men out to do battle.

Iron Man: Hermetically Sealed

Card playability: Also similar to the above two. The difference here is that you get the +1A and +1D but don’t get the global ability.

Card vs. Comic: It fits pretty well considering Tony Stark sent a wave of Iron Men out to do battle and working together.

Final Thoughts: I actually like all three versions of these cards. The concept is really cool and their various functions make me want to build an Iron Man team to see how it does. Out of all of the cards in the set, these three really intrigue me and have me thinking through what’s possible out of the Iron Man affiliation.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a card a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Hulkbuster Iron Man which makes its debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: Gerald Parel, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #19 2nd printing cover

Comic origin: This version of Iron Man’s armor debuted in 2007 in Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #19. This particular design was an updated version of the Hulkbuster armor built to deal with the Hulk.

In particular, this version of the armor was used during the “World War Hulk” storyline. The armor was built to battle the Hulk after the character returned from his exile in space. The new armor was built as a large exo-skeletal shell which fits around his normal armor and is equipped with rocket-boosted gauntlets, capable of punching the Hulk back several miles. It is also equipped with Adamantium-tipped injector needles, which Stark used in an attempt to suppress the Hulk’s power with S.P.I.N. Tech nanites.

Live action version: A version of the Iron Man Hulkbuster armor appeared in both Iron Man III and Avengers: Age of Ultron, but not this particular version of the armor.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Bustin’ Makes Me Feel Good

Card playability: It’s getting easier to field large characters in the Dice Masters game, so this particular is made to deal with expensive competition. Pretty expensive itself, it’s an interesting card that I think is just too limited in use until high-cost characters become more prevalent. The relatively pricey fielding costs don’t help matters. Still, it’s an easy way to knock out an opposing character die.

Card vs. Comic: Since this armor was built to take on the Hulk, the flavor of this version of the card feels like it works well.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Model 36

Card playability: Again this card is focused on expensive dice. I know I’m not playing against a lot of teams built around high-cost dice so not sure how useful this card is, especially since it can still be blocked by dice with a purchase cost of less than 6. The high cost to field isn’t helping.

Card vs. Comic: So there’s some debate about the model number for this model. Originally, it was identified as Model 37 in an All-New Iron Man Annual and then identified as Model 36 in the Iron Manual… so yeah.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Rocket Powered Punches

Card playability: Out of the three, this one is the version of this card I like the most.

The ability to get it fielded quickly ups the playability factor for me, especially if someone is playing an “Iron Man” team. At level 2, the character has a 6A and 6D so it’ll do some damage and take some too.

The bonus with “Suit Up” is that the high fielding cost which was an issue I had with the two other versions is gone for the most part. The fact that this triggers “when purchased” means this die is getting into the field quickly bypassing the bag and rolling. To guarantee fielding a 6A 6D character is pretty solid.

Card vs. Comic: This card out of the three really fits this particular armor. Since it fits another Iron Man armor inside the swap out function of it works really well to bring that aspect of the character and comic to the game.

Final Thoughts: Out of the three versions, there’s one that works for me. A high cost to purchase is hurt and a high cost to field doesn’t help matters. Plus, having such a limited focus for two versions makes it pretty clear which of the three is the best. A team focused on  “Rocket Powered Punches” could work really well and quickly get high attack characters into the field.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a card a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

First up is Howard Stark who makes his debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: Michael Komarck, Operation S.I.N. #3 cover

Comic origin: Howard Stark first appeared in Iron Man #28 back in 1970 and was created by Archie Goodwin and Don Heck.

Best known as Tony Stark’s father the character’s history has been fleshed out, especially due to his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where he’s played a significant role.

The character is a brilliant scientist and ruthless businessman he’d go on to found Stark Industries with his father where he focused mainly on weapons.

He was later recruited to be a part of science organization known as The Shield (don’t ask, it was weird). He also was revealed to have met Nick Fury back in the day and recruited Fury into being a defender of Earth from extraterrestrial and extra-dimensional threats.

With his wife Maria, Howard had a son Arno and would later adopt Tony.

Howard and Maria were killed in a car accident which may not have been an accident!

Live action version: Played by both Dominic Cooper and John Slattery and has appeared in animated shows as well as Agent Carter (Cooper), Iron Man (Slattery), Captain America: The First Avenger (Cooper), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Cooper), Ant-Man (Slattery), and Captain America: Civil War (Slattery).

Howard Stark: Father

Card playability: When I see a 2 cost card, I immediately take notice. With a SHIELD team affiliation, Ally, and at level 3 protection from being targeted by Global Abilities the card is a cheap addition for decks that need to get characters out quickly.

Card vs. Comic: The Ally fits the card well. Howard Stark in comics (and even the movies) has felt like the person that works with others as opposed to being out front and being the hero. Not being able to be targeted by globals feels like it fits a bit, maybe some cool tech prevents it?

Howard Stark: Expert Businessman

Card playability: A little more expensive at three cost, the card’s value is in his ability. To be able to sacrifice the character die and then give other dice you control +2A is pretty cool and something I could see myself using in a SHIELD team. It’s not too expensive and a great way to boost a wave of dice attacking.

Card vs. Comic: Like above the card as an Ally feels right, and the fact you can boost other dice feels even more legit. This is Howard Stark arming his allies, which really nails the feel of the character.

Howard Stark: Brilliant

Card playability: Another card whose role is to sacrifice itself and boost another character die. Spinning a die up could be cool and I’m positive there’s some combos to come out of just that, but the Iron Will is interesting. For those not familiar with that ability the short version is the character cannot be KO’d unless it was previously damaged this turn or if it is simultaneously damaged by two different sources. It’s a pain to deal with so could become a helpful ability to keep a die around. It’s not a bad ability, but one die vs. all your dice, I know which way I’m going.

Card vs. Comic: Like above the card as an Ally feels right, and the fact you can boost other dice feels even more legit. This is Howard Stark arming his allies, which really nails the feel of the character.

Final Thoughts: Howard Stark’s debut in Dice Masters feels right. He helps other dice which fits the character well. A 2 cost character is always nice and fits my style of play but the “Expert Businessman” is the one that really catches my eye. To be able to boost your entire team with a +2A could be a game winner if played right and at least swing the momentum. Not a bad card that I see some use, but it’s not necessarily a game changer by any means.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.