Ok:

So. Can Maelstrom ignore Avatar of Death long enough to heal if he uses pulse wave?

I wouldn't think so. Here's how I think it would go:

1.Maelstrom uses pulse wave on his "THE REST OF THE UNIVERSE STOPS FOR ME" click and "All game effects possessed or used by other characters with a line of fire drawn to them are ignored until the action has been resolved."

2.Thanos is Pulse waved. "Avatar of death" is ignored for that action.

3. Pulse wave action resolves. end of action. Damage is dealt.

4. "Avatar of Death" is now NOT being ignored by pulse wave.

5. Maelstrom cannot heal.

Since this set is not due to come out in a month or so, we wont get a Definite ruling on it just yet.

It's the timing on these two things that are the crux of the question. Is damage dealt AFTER the end of an action? As far as I can tell Maelstrom gets to heal as soon as the damage occurs.

I tend to think it happens BEFORE the action is resolved, otherwise pulse wave wouldn't ignore damage reducers, mystics, etc.

nowhere on maelstrom's power does it state after actions resolved.

hmmm. Yes. the timing on those are the key to this. I think that the damage might be dealt before the action resolves. and the way Maelstrom's power is worded, "Each time an opposing character takes damage from a ranged combat attack made by Maelstrom, you may heal him of 1 damage", could mean that he heals before he is given the token and the action resolves.

He heals when damage is taken. Damage is taken before the action resolves. Pulse Wave ignores stuff until the action is resolved.

Does he heal for each click thanos takes or just one?

Just one. He heals one for each opposing character that takes Damage.

When Nemesis uses his Pulse Wave against Thanos would Life Energy be able to take effect since Thanos' Avatar of Death would be ignored?

What's good for Maelstrom is good for Nemesis.

this is awesome!

good to know. how would that play with the black lantern?? if you use pulse wave to kill an opponent. will you get to heal?? just wondering. my friends and i play games with it and want to know.

If Thanos is in pulse range it looks like it should work since the Black Lantern isn't a character.