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 group of cards 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 Space Armor Iron Man, the first time this particular Iron Man suit has been featured in Dice Masters.

Art: Mike McKone, Scarlet Spider #16 (variant cover)

Comic origin: This suit of armor debuted in 1981 in Iron Man #142 and goes by “Model 5” or “Armor #14c.”

This suit was designed to be used in space (not surprising based on the name of the card) and was first used to confront Sunturion.

The suit is heavy and awkward in normal gravity with controls geared towards zero gravity.

The suit has the usual repulsors and unibeam but that could be used to deflect and push objects. It has concussion beams in the epaulets.

Live action version: No appearances that I’m aware of.

Space Armor Iron Man: Model 5

Card playability: I like the “Suit Up” mechanic as it brings in dice much quicker than going through the normal purchase, bag, draw, roll, and buy process. It gets characters out on the table quickly and in this case at a decent attack and defense value.

I’d be tempted to use the 3 cost Iron Man “Big Man” from the Age of Ultron set. By doing so, you get a higher defense character die that can take a decent amount of damage.

Card vs. Comic: Iron Man suits switching out for each other is common in the comics so to be able to have this as a mechanic fits the character really well.

 

Space Armor Iron Man: Deep Space

Card playability: Similar to the character above but one die more to purchase. I personally am not the biggest fan of high cost characters so when we get to 5 and higher I begin to back off, but that’s a personal style of play.

What this card does have going for it is the combination of
“Suit Up” with its starred ability. The card will give you a character that has a defensive stat of 7 and you gain life each time an opposing character die deals damage to it. So, force some of your opponent’s dice to attack or trigger a character ability to do damage and you can gain some life.

Card vs. Comic: “Suit Up” along gives the card an ability that works really well with the Iron Man character in comics which I mentioned above. I’m not sure the gaining life really fits in, but maybe there’s something I’m missing from the comics.

Space Armor Iron Man: #14-C

Card playability: 6 cost is where I begin to get really trigger shy in using it. But, for that you get a die that can take some damage and stick around.

Instead of being KO’d by combat damage you’re able to pay a SHIELD and spin the die up 1 level and clear all damage from him. So, get stronger and stick around? The high cost could be worth it.

The die also gets Overcrush when fielded at Level 1 and Level 2. With a 3A that’s not a lot, but if you combo that with the ability to flip the attack and defense value you’re now looking at getting some damage in. Add in the fact a SHIELD will just spin the die up a level if it’s KO’d in that instance and you have a resilient character you’ll want to go on the offensive with at low levels.

Card vs. Comic: This one I’m not sure I know enough about the stories this armor has been in to say how much the character’s abilities fit the flavor of the comics.

 

Final Thoughts: All three are interesting additions to the Iron Man world of Dice Masters. The higher the cost the more aggressive you’ll want to get and that 6 cost, while expensive, also creates some interesting play combinations and a character die that’ll stick around for a while.

 

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 group of cards 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 Rescue, the second time we’ve seen this character/die. Rescue originally was featured in the Marvel Dice Masters: Civil War set.

Art: Salvador Larroca, Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1 #12

Comic origin: Pepper Potts might mostly be known as Tony Starks employee, but in Marvel comics, she also has taken on the role as a superhero herself donning the “Rescue” armor that Tony made her while on the run during the “Dark Reign” storyline.

This suit of armor designed by Tony Stark is mostly defensive with the focus on helping individuals with tools like electromagnetic fields and repulsors with little to no weapons systems.

Live action version: Gwyneth Paltrow has depicted Pepper Potts in the Marvel live action films but has not donned the Rescue armor.

Rescue: Catching a Jet

Card playability: I like the “Suit Up” mechanic as it brings in dice much quicker than going through the normal purchase, bag, draw, roll, and buy process. It gets characters out on the table quickly and in this case at a decent attack and defense value.

The ability of the card is similar to the “Pepper” card from the Civil War set, but also allows you to field any Iron Man affiliated dice you draw at level one instead of shield characters. Great if that’s the team you’re running.

Card vs. Comic: It fits well in that she isn’t offensive and is supposed to be support, so bringing out another Iron Man character just feels right and fits in a way.

 

Rescue: Mark 1616

Card playability: Straight and to the point, this character card is cheap to buy and relatively cheap to field for a decent character. The Iron Man team affiliation is a bit pricey at times so to be able to get an option that’s just 2 energy is a big deal.

The stats are good for the die, but I think it should be more defensive than offensive, but I’m not complaining.

She’s the cheapest version of Rescue that’s out there.

Card vs. Comic: There’s not much to really compare. She has higher attack values than defensive and that’s about the only thing to go off of here. It really should be flipped since that’s the type of comic character she is, meant more as a defensive option and one to help save folks than fight super villains.

Rescue: Resilient

Card playability: Not bad at a 3 cost die. It has “Suit Up” which above I explain is a nice new mechanic that I like.

This character die is similar to “Stark’s Equal” from the Civil War set, but the difference is with that card you gain a life and here your opponent loses a life.

I like the card more as it’s an easy way to knock some life off of your opponent and you get energy at the same time. This is my “Tim” to steal a Magic reference.

Card vs. Comic: Again this is a card that does damage which feels a bit odd considering the character isn’t meant to be that way. Rescue is about saving/helping people so doing some damage doesn’t quite feel right.

 

Final Thoughts: All three are improvements on the previous versions of the characters with either a little extra for the same cost or a slight twist to what we’ve seen. The stats aren’t as good, but the previous version was more expensive to field and definitely geared towards defense. So, maybe the stats are weaker to represent the weak offensive capabilities of this suit. We also get a nice cheap no-thrills version which is much needed. A definite add if you’re running an Iron Man team.

 

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 group of cards 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 Jarvis which makes his debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: George Pérez and Terry Austin, The Avengers #201

Comic origin: Edwin Jarvis is best known as the butler for the Avnegers. He first came into his position as the butler for Howard and Maria Stark and then Tony Stark.

Jarvis was present at the first meeting for the Avengers since Stark donation the mansion to the group as their headquarters. Jarvis remained as their servant and confidant.

Live action version: Edwin Jarvis appeared in the two seasons of Agent Carter played by James D’Arcy. Tony Stark’s AI in the Iron Man films is also named J.A.R.V.I.S.

Jarvis: Butler

Card playability: There’s a lot packed into this card. Based on the stats of the die, we’re not looking at an offensive machine here, it’s meant for defense.

First, the character is an Ally which makes it a Sidekick in the field zone. There’s good and bad about that with other cards that can impact Sidekicks in positive and negative ways.

I like the “when fielded” ability to deal “X” damage to a target character die when the die is fielded. So, you’re doing at least 1 damage which might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a nice added. And I tend to field a few dice at once in my style of play, so this one definitely works for me when it comes to that.

Finally, there’s the Global Ability which allows you to spin an Iron Man character down to field an Iron Man Affiliation die for 1 less. There’s some pricey Iron Man affiliated dice out there, so anything cheaper is a good thing.

Card vs. Comic: Jarvis in the comics feels like he does a ton, and this card definitely matches that giving us three different functions packed into it.

 

Jarvis: Chief of Staff

Card playability: I like the ability to gain life in the game, but there’s easier ways that are cheaper, so this character card isn’t quite as good as I’d hope. Yes, it’s a bit more straightforward with less trings than others, but at 5 to purchase I’d only see it come into play in later parts of the game.

If there gets to a point where you can gain more than 20 life my opinion might change, but right now, not a fan of this for the price.

Card vs. Comic: I guess? Jarvis does help bring the Avengers together often, especially when it comes to patching each other up, so in that sense, it works well to reflect that aspect.

Jarvis: Loyal Confidant

Card playability: Again this card is focused on fielding, a theme all three cards have. This one has the Ally, but it also allows you to field ANY die for 1 less as long as it’s the next one. That one also gets +1A and +1D.

The bad is it’s just one die, but the fact it’s any of them is a bonus and helpful to lessen the impact of some of the dice from this set (and elsewhere) that’s a bit expensive to field. Add in the fact that even at level 3 Jarvis costs nothing to field, this is a solid bonus and function.

Card vs. Comic: Again this is a card that helps others, which fits Jarvis’ role within the Avengers. He helps boost other dice and helps you field them cheaper. It’s solid and feels like Jarvis helping support an Avenger and making sure they’re in their best shape to fight.

 

Final Thoughts: I generally like all three versions. Out of the two “Butler” and “Loyal Confidant” are the two that stick out and I can see me adding them to a team to help set up some sort of combination.

 

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 Iron Spider which makes its debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: Tyler Kirkham, Amazing Spider-Man #530

Comic origin: The Iron Spider armor first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #529 and was designed by Joe Quesada where it was based on a sketch by Chris Bachalo.

Supported by a system similar to that of Stark’s classic Iron Man design, The Iron Spider armor features many gadgets, including three mechanical spider-arms, or “waldoes”, that can be used to see around corners (via cameras in the tips) and to manipulate objects indirectly. It also had short-distance gliding capability, limited bulletproofing, built in fire/police/emergency scanner, and more. Think a Spider-Man suit mixed with Iron Man.

Live action version: So far this particular design has not, but it looks like some capabilities may exist in the suit Tony Stark designs for the brand new Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Iron Spider: Waldoes

Card playability: A cheap character die that works for both Spider-Man and Iron Man teams. I like the idea and the next time I have to participate in a two affiliation event, I think I might try this out.

I particularly like “Suit Up” and to be able to get this in quickly at level 2 is not bad. That gives you a 4A 2 D character, though that’s just 1 to field otherwise.

Card vs. Comic: The Waldoes are the arms the suit has so I guess it kind of works? The bigger is switching up the suit and being part of team Stark was a big part of the original Civil War storyline.

 

Iron Spider: Version 2.0

Card playability: This card also works for both Iron Man or Spider-Man affiliations. This one gives affiliated dice a +1D until the end of turn. If you get a star dice of both affiliations get the +1D.

It’s an ok ability, but compared to “Waldoes” it doesn’t work as well, I’d probably lean towards that one.

Card vs. Comic: I guess? I don’t remember specific versions, but maybe the second version had better defensive abilities?

Iron Spider: Too Cool For Words

Card playability: A bit more expensive than the first two cards this one deals damage to a target character. 2 damage is not something to sneeze at and since it’s for each Iron Man and Spider-Man character die, it can add up quickly and possibly take down some big competition.

Compared to the other two, I personally like the one with “Suit Up” more, but potentially this could work in some teams depending how they’re set up.

Card vs. Comic: Not quite sure about this one other than some of the offensive capabilities of the suit… I guess.

Final Thoughts: “Waldoes” is my favorite of the three and I’m working through my head a combination Iron Man and Spider-Man team to take advantage of it. I don’t see any of these making their way into regular competition, but in events with limitations, this could be an interesting card to build a team around.

 

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 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.