Since its inception in 1966, Galactus has solidified his status as a colossal figure in Marvel Comics, with a rich history within the HeroClix ecosystem that features numerous impressive iterations of him and his often ambiguous heralds. This summer marks Galactus’s much-anticipated cinematic appearance in Fantastic Four: First Steps, coinciding with the release of the new Marvel Iconix HeroClix set: Heralds of Galactus! Tasked with identifying worlds ripe for consumption by their master, the heralds frequently engage with local inhabitants and eliminate potential adversaries. This set presents a fascinating ensemble featuring revitalized versions of beloved characters such as Silver Surfer, Airwalker, Firelord, Terrax the Tamer, Nova, and Morg the Executioner, along with an exclusive Legacy card pertaining to the latest Galactus figure. Read on to explore detailed insights and captivating images that juxtapose the fresh heralds against their prior representations.
WizKids continues to excel with the striking packaging of the Iconix set, masterfully tailored for collectors. The box is not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, featuring a prominent image of Silver Surfer emerging from Galactus’s hand on the front. Renderings of the figures adorn the sides, while the back panel showcases an image of Galactus alongside photographs of the figures and a detailed description of the set. Opening the front flap reveals the full artwork of Galactus, along with the figures visible through an expansive window, enriched by the iconic Kirby Krackle design against a starry backdrop.
For many comic aficionados, Silver Surfer is a household name. This figure showcases the iconic Norrin Radd, the inaugural herald of Galactus, known for his striking silver appearance and cosmic surfboard. WizKids has released various iterations of the Silver Surfer over the years, and this rendition stands out with its portrayal of him surfing through a wormhole crafted from translucent purple plastic. The attention to detail makes this figure a spectacular addition to any collection.
Air-Walker, a relatively less well-known character, makes a notable appearance with a retro design. He resembles a humanoid figure adorned in an eye-catching red, white, and yellow costume featuring striped pants/boots, a sunburst symbol on his chest, and long red gloves topped with a distinct white cowl. His impressive fiery wings add to his allure. This version of Air-Walker is a significant improvement over his 2009 HeroClix counterpart, which left much to be desired.
Conversely, Firelord boasts a rich legacy, being among the original standout pieces in HeroClix since the Infinity Challenge expansion launched in 2002. Known for his striking appearance, Firelord features yellow skin topped with translucent flames for hair and dons a simple yet effective costume in yellow, red, and white, wielding a staff ignited with fireballs at each end.
Terrax the Tamer is widely recognized for his brutal and destructive persona. This figure captures his essence remarkably, characterized by his formidable stone-like physique and earth-bending abilities, wielding a massive axe. His colorful yet intimidating costume certainly ensures he stands out among the heroes and villains alike. The new rendition of Terrax significantly elevates his previous iterations, offering better detail and stature.
Nova, one of the first heralds introduced in the comics, is a fiery character originally depicted as a human woman named Frankie Raye, possessing super abilities and ties to the Fantastic Four. In her herald guise, Nova manifests as a metallic gold-skinned woman whose flaming hair trails behind her. This figure stands out in the collection, showcasing intricate details in the flame that stabilizes her flight on the base.
Lastly, Morg the Executioner emerges as one of Galactus’s most fearsome heralds. Morg is depicted as a tall, muscular figure with rough, reddish-orange skin, dressed in black pants and silver accessories. He wields a colossal double-headed axe embedded with translucent purple energy. The latest figure starkly contrasts with the old Morg released in the 2012 Galactic Guardians expansion, illustrating significant advancements in design and size.
Each of these characters embodies substantial power in the comics, adept at cosmic maneuvering, and capable of contending with formidable foes. Notably, WizKids has innovatively crafted the herald dials, with all figures priced accessibly at 90 points, equipped with the Cosmic Energy team ability and a shared “Heralds of Galactus” trait. This trait grants them Invulnerability and an exciting call-in feature reminiscent of professional wrestling; if a Herald suffers damage from an adversary, the player can substitute in a fellow herald from the Sideline. The new herald enters on the same starting line while the original progresses to click #9 and isn’t counted towards scoring in that match. This strategic mechanic enhances gameplay, allowing for timely tactical choices and potentially thwarting opponent scoring opportunities.
Beyond this set’s shared trait, each Herald comes loaded with additional traits and special powers, and several boast improved abilities as well. Their statistics, standard powers, and range are individually tailored to reflect their characters faithfully. Silver Surfer excels with impressive speed and durability, starting with Hypersonic Speed and a range of 6, capable of healing allies on successful hits. Air-Walker poses a challenging threat with Hypersonic Speed, targeting 3 enemies and disrupting opponents’ abilities. Firelord engages at close range, utilizing Combat Reflexes and dealing damage through Energy Explosion, while Terrax stands ready to attack with Charge and Quake. Nova specializes in positioning adversaries strategically for her attacks, combining her combat prowess with environmental manipulation. Morg, a force to reckon with, offers brutal attacks and abilities custom-made for executing powerful moves.
This set also includes a significant bonus—a Legacy card for the Galactus figure released in 2020. This addition allows players to utilize Galactus in standard formats at a range of points or a variant “bare-headed” version. The additional dials enable tactics allowing herald empowerment and thematic plays, adding even more excitement to gameplay.
The heralds of Galactus hold an esteemed place within the Marvel Comics landscape, crossing paths with heroes such as the Fantastic Four, Thor, Beta Ray Bill, and Spider-Man. The Iconix set exemplifies a continued trend of success, introducing six compelling figures, each enhanced with detailed sculpts and intricate paint jobs. Decidedly team-oriented, these figures can either be deployed collectively or as singular units capable of coordinating with other heralds from your Sideline. Each herald remains accessible at a competitive 75 points and possesses keywords from various teams or organizations, enhancing their gameplay versatility. While the absence of Stardust from this release is noted, the overall quality and design of this collection undoubtedly resonate with fans and players alike.
Marvel HeroClix Iconix: Heralds of Galactus is currently available for pre-order at an MSRP of $49.99. Be sure to consult your local comic book or game store to secure your copy. For further information along with downloadable rules and maps, please visit HeroClix.com, and stay tuned to PlastiqNews for ongoing reviews of the latest HeroClix releases. Should you lack access to a local comic shop, your HeroClix order can also be placed through the WizKids website.
Based on reporting by Scott Rubin. Read the full story at https://www.actionfigureinsider.com/marvel-heroclix-iconix-heralds-galactus/