What better way to begin this HeroClix series than to profile one of my favorite Support characters, one I knew nothing of till I heard the mythical-sounding tale of her existence?
When I began playing HeroClix in the fall of 2007, I first saw the full set of Paramedics (Rookie, Experienced, and Veteran), and loved their ability to heal other characters. I saw how the addition of a Medic could change the course of a battle, simply by bringing a first-string attacker back to full health (or as close as possible). For the long-term games I liked to play, a Paramedic seemed like the best choice; I could simply outlast my opponent.
Image credit: HCRealms.com; screenshot shows the Paramedics from the Xplosion set. These same figures were reprinted in the Universe set.
The Paramedics’ dials (seen above) were very simple–just Support, nothing else. And I was happy with that, because the point investments were small (8, 10, and 12 points, respectively. You could fit a Paramedic on your team easily, and gain quite a bit of game longevity.
Then, I learned of another figure, who added Willpower for all 4 clicks of her life, and only cost 4 more points than the Vet Medic. She was a rare Clix figure, not often seen in local shops, and never traded once gotten…the Limited Edition Jane Foster, #206 out of Xplosion.
Image credit: HCRealms.com
Not only does LE Jane Foster have a higher move value, she also keeps her attack higher for longer (that 8 attack is pretty mighty, considering she was printed very early in HeroClix’s history). And the combination of Willpower and Support, on all four clicks, for only 16 points? Let’s just say that once she finally became a part of my collection (thanks to my awesome boyfriend), she had an immediate place of honor on many of my teams.
Her ability to heal on back-to-back turns without taking pushing damage was unmatched back in the day, and she’s still the absolute cheapest option in the game for WP & Support, even considering Night Nurse (who at 27 points is the next cheapest). These days, I’ve used Jane Foster and Night Nurse to run many a successful triage station during Clix games!
Jane Foster is a favorite of mine because she’s simple, yet effective. There are no tricks to playing her; you just include her in your team build, keep her away from the main fighting, and she’s there to Support when needed. And her ability makes it possible for me to play teamfuls of “squishy” Clix pieces and still win the day. I’d say that’s worth making 16 points’ worth of room for her on a team!