It's Prime Time!

When is a Clix figure like a rib roast?
(I may not be cut out for a riddle-based career in crime...)

Prime Time is a bi-weekly focus on the most exclusive members of any team. How does the A-side compare to the B-side? Should you track down both? Just how well does that Prime justify the green ring? The answers are all inside.

Riddler has never been much of a physical threat, which has made him difficult to translate in HeroClix. Back in the old days, Perplex seldom appeared on anyone with combat prowess, which gave a strictly-Perplexing character like Riddler a role. But as more powers began to show up on dials and interpretations loosened, this:
became obsolete.

They've experimented a few times, but Riddler has never quite gotten his due. The closest they came was with a novelty Incapacitate piece in Arkham Asylum who costs a bit too much for his trickery and a token-removing LE who saw some serious meta play for a short time. The former was a challenge to use well; the latter didn't feel like the villain we all love.

So how did they represent him this time?


A-Sides: Riddler
Unique Keywords: 0
Point Allocation: 18%
Role: Hidden support piece, team unity
Reason for Use: Perplexes opponents everywhere, mobile hindering terrain with the Batman Enemies team ability



As much as I love the concept of absolute control represented in Edward Nigma's dial, I can never quite bring myself to use him. Losing Stealth is such a huge downside, and the increased cost is less team friendly. Paired with a Relic or Resource to grant Running Shot, Nigma could do big things with that Mind Control... but I can't help but feel that a Riddler-backed tentpole would make short work of a team prominently featuring Edward. Riddler takes this one, though I heartily recommend the Prime for a fun and unique HeroClix experience.

Despite 3 keywords, Edward Nigma has no Modern Age competition. In Golden age, we find 2 Detectives crowding Eddie for the spotlight.

Detective

The Caped Crusader is a great fighter, but he's also a 140-ish point figure with 6 clicks of life and average damage output. He struggles to shine in a crowd of Batmen- so why waste your Prime slot on him when you could run Edward instead? Both figures are novelty pieces with unique strategies, so in the end it comes down to personal taste.

Hannibal King has incredibly flexible stats that are actually just as good as The Dark Knight's. But he also has a long dial, excellent mobility, and great damage output. Hannibal will turn games in your favor, while Edward will lose 1 out of 3 games at the revealing of forces (Mind Control is worthless against tentpoles). Hannibal takes this one easy.

That's all for this week! Next time, Marvel throws down the gauntlet on Prime Time!

I love that Riddler.
Have not tracked down Nigma yet.

It's rare to be well done?

I never got either... actually didn't get either Cheetah come to think of it

I always thought the Arkham Origins version wasn't a terrible option - he just doesn't have the proper green costume we all know and love.

I just can't pay 90 for that dial.

The Dark Knight? You mean The Caped Crusader?

Yep, and fixed. Thanks!

Nigma being the prime baffled me from the get go.

Just like in the movies...seems they can never get Riddler quite right. The one in Gotham may have some promise, only watched season 1, (Netflix). Not a big Riddler fan, or DC, but kudos once again for a great write-up. Do fondly call abusing the ol LE with a Thor fig now and then, .

As someone who is constantly evaluating my collection and keeping it to a manageable size, I try to find a definitive version of a character to keep. This Riddler is that character.
Low costed enough to be on any team, a constant thorn in the opponent's side without even being physically present, and he literally has to be hunted down out of hiding to deal with him.
And that sculpt.
I liked the AA version, but can never talk myself into even considering him again.
The Nigma Prime is a bit too bizarre for a Riddler dial for me, with abilities I just can't associate with Edward no matter what fancy names they're justified with.

One of the many reasons why precision strike needs to be toned down.

I actually tend to think both dials are thematically appropriate. The regular 55 point Riddler represents him capering about doing his shtick and generally confusing his foes. The prime represents Riddler after months of planning and manipulating the opposing team, and he is springing the trap.