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Deathbird - X-Plosion

Reviewed 03.16.2004

Rank Unique
Point Value  70
Collector's Number  87
Rarity  6

Ratings are based on a 1 to 5 scale
1 being the worst.  3 ... average.  
5 is the highest rating

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Click of the Day Reviews 


WildWill

 Name: Deathbird
Set: X-Plosion
Numbers: 87
Rarities: Unique6
Costs: 70
Health: 8
SSADD:10/10/17/2
Powers: Running Shot (one), BCF, Incapacitate, Energy Shield/Deflection, RCE
Ranged Attacks: 1 Range 8
Team: None

Deathbird is the sister of the Shiar Empress (and on-again/off-again girlfriend of Professor Xavier), who was born with mutant wings. Like all good royal sibs, Deathbird has tried to overthrow her sis, and has fallen in with Apocalypse on occasion. Currently she’s at large, plotting her next evil scheme.

I love ranged flyers. I especially love ranged flyers with Running Shot and RCE. That’s about all she has to offer though. That 19 defense (17 + 2 for Energy Shield) against ranged attacks is nice (though wouldn’t stealth on her be even nice…yes, it would, and that’s why it’s broken). If she gets based, she unleashes BCF or Incapacitate. Starting stats don’t suck, but she fades fast. A couple clicks of hurtin’ and she’ll be limping back towards a medic toot-sweet. At 70 points, she’s a tad too expensive for what you get, but I suppose that variety is the spice of life.

Currently Deathbird is selling for between $7 and $16.60 on Ebay. I’d expect that to increase a little with the release of Marvel Universe (because the XP Uniques are NOT being reprinted in that set).

My Ratings: (Playability first, then Collectability)

3,3

Next time – Another Space Baddie…but who will it be? Tune in to see!
Shooter  Deathbird
70 points
Range 8; 1 Target
7 clix of life

Running Shot (1 clix); Blades/Claws/Fangs (3 clix); Incapacitate (3 clix); Energy Shield/Deflection (4 clix); Ranged Combat Expert (2 clix)

Ah good old Deathbird, just one more figure I want (in truth, I want them all) but do not have. When Wizkids released they’re new rule saying that flyers could shoot out of basing, the instant buzz was to really abuse that with this figure. Previously, she was mostly a powerful ranged attacker who punished anyone who dared get near with her B/C/F. Now, she can fly in with her running shot to base someone (ideally a stealthed figure to take them out), shoot someone else within her range, and still be set up to BCF the person she’s basing.

She’s got three clix of Incapacitate after she takes a little damage so she can down an opponent while she flies away. If only she had a second target……

Nothing too much else to say. She was considered a good figure before the rules change, and she is considered a good figure after as well.

Ratings:
100 points: 1.5 out of 5
200 points: 2.5 out of 5 (decent, but for 70 points out of 200, you probably want someone who’s a bigger hitter)

300 points: 4 out of 5 (provides a useful variety of combat powers for her cost)
400+ points: 3.5 out of 5 (slightly less useful since you have the points for more power-specific figures)
---Shooter
Monger  Unique Deathbird
Xplosion #087

Deathbird has always been one of my favorite figures in HeroClix. If my team didn’t include Firelord, it would always have Deathbird in his place. In some cases they even work together and this is a frightening duo! She has a large arsenal and several strong abilities on her dial which makes this figure well worth the 70 points they have valued her at. I believe this figure is definitely tournament worthy in Marvel or open formats and a casual game dominator.

Speed: A ten range with running shot is SO GOOD! Combine this ability with her soaring and she is able to swoop out of nowhere to deal a quick two damage to any victim within sight and range. Now, she only offers one click of running shot so use it wisely and get the most out of it. Sometimes it is best to use her ten speed just to get into position and not use the running shot as she deals massive damage when standing still. The speed numbers stay rather high and give this figure an excellent chance to run back to medics when she needs support.

Attack: I would have done back flips in order to get my hands on this figure if they would have gave her an eleven attack, but I guess that’s what Con Artists and perplex are for, right? Either way, I’m happy with a ten attack as it gives her a decent chance in hitting most opposing figures. Tack on a little Blades/Fangs/Claws action and she can make an excellent taxi for Jean Grey or Mandroid Armor. That’s what makes this piece so deadly – the fact she can deal four clicks of damage from range or a possible six clicks of damage from base-to-base battle. Once she takes a few clicks of damage, the aggressive tactics fade away and she gains incapacitate to hold figures in place while the back-up arrives (if it’s ever needed).

Defense: Energy deflection is one of the most powerful abilities in the game. With all the ranged combatants running around nowadays, the extra two on a figures defense is outstanding! This is what places Deathbird on my all time top 10 list. Not only can she deal four or more damage at will, she is one of the hardest figures in the game to hit. Place her in hindering terrain when possible, that’s the key. When an opposing figure attempts to take a shot, they now need to meet or break 20 with their attack in order to deal any damage. Even on this figures third click, opposing figures must break or meet 17 in order to get in any hits. I was impressed with this figures defense to say the less. I feel it helps this figure to maximize her offensive abilities!

Damage: Nothing real fancy on this part of the dial but it deserves some attention from your opponent. Try to keep her away from any opposing figures with outwit, as they can drop her ranged combat ability. This hampers Deathbird a little, but two damage is still two damage and usually enough to bring out the medics from their cubby holes.

Overall: She is capable of fighting hand-to-hand or from her 8 range with grace and deadly results. She reminds me a lot of a veteran Storm with a superior defense and running shot. I could talk about this figure all day long, but I’m sure you can see why I like her so much. Use Deathbird by herself or team her with Jean Grey and you’ll be set to battle! I love this piece and I hope you’ll try to give her a starting position on some of your teams as well, she deserves it!

~Monger~

 

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