VS: Full Disclosure - Vibranium Shield (MEQ-019)

"Flashback" if you want the full story behind Full Disclosure.

Awwww yeah! If there's one way to get the Dwarf's attention, it's to slap a maple leaf icon in his face. Want to make him even happier? Make it Captain America-compatible.

For those of you with "image issues":

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MEQ-019
Vibranium Shield, Unique
Equipment
0-Cost

Equip only to an Alpha Flight or Avengers character.
Equipped Character gets +2 DEF.
Return Vibranium Shield to its owner's hand -> Equipped character gets +2 ATK this attack.

"Sure it's mine. I'm holding it, ain't I?"
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While this is no "Captain America's Shield", it does have it's benefits. First off, it's not character stamped, only team stamped. So if Cap is holding his REAL shield, this can go on any other Alpha/Avengers character of your choice.

Second, if the "+2 DEF" isn't going to save your character, get the stun-back by returning the card to your hand. It's sort of a mini-Against All Odds and Nasty Surprise all wrapped into one.

Finally - it's reusable! Bounce it as much as you'd like, then use it to pitch as fuel for something else.

Of course, there are the obvious drawbacks - visible only, and it's unique, so only one per board. (How is this shield unique, but cap's isn't? Hmm...)

So, who would benefit most from "wearing" one of these? Here are just a few ideas.

Alpha Flight

If you're looking for a brink wall on turn 2, you can slap the shield on Talisman. A 1/6 2-drop ought to help buy you some time until Beta Ray Bill can come into play.

John Walker ♦ U.S. Agent, is the obvious choice for more reasons than one. Play a Flying Kick on him, bounce the PT back to your hand, then attack. With the Vibranium Shield, you have the choice of a 13/9 attacker or...if the stunback is inevitable, a 15/7 attacker. And that's just turn 4.

Avengers

2-drops

Hey look - another chance to equip John Walker. Not quite as potent this time around, but a 3/5 on turn 2 is nothing to sneeze at.

Quicksilver...ugh. Like he needs more help.

3-drops

Captain America - Steve Rogers. The V-shield turns him into a 6/6. Considering the bonus his leader ability gives, this might be worth it in a team-attack deck.

Hawkeye. Heck, all of his versions. They're a little low on defense, since their activated abilities are so disabiling to rush decks. The shield is a way to keep him around a little longer (or at least soak up more of the damage).

4-drops

Captain America, Champion License...if not already equipped with his OWN shield, is a great candidate. Having some say in who your opponent can and can't attack can break his game.

Doc Druid isn't usually the Avenger's 4-drop of choice, but the Vibranium Shield gives him a 10 DEF on turn 4. Throw in an Against All Odds, and your team has got some major "D" going on (assuming you have 4 or more face-down resources).

Keeping either of the 4-drop Iron Man(s) around is always a good thing. Of course, there is better character-stamped equipment to use, but the V-shield can be used in a pinch.

5-Drops

Spider-Man - Secret Avenger. 12 D on turn 5 on any character is sick. On THIS character...it can win you many a game.

Wonder Man - Mighty Avenger. Bring his DEF up to match his ATK, or take advantage of his ability by upping the amount of breakthrough you do.

6-drops

Give 15 DEF to your Captain America - Living Legend and form correctly. You'll likely make it through the turn with your complete board.

Speaking of 15 DEF, that's the minimum that Iron Man - Invincible will have once you equip him. (Of course, that's still one less than Luke Cage.)

And while it only gives War Machine a 14 DEF, it practically forces your opponent to team-attack.

7-drops

If you can wait for combat to use his ability, Spider-Man - Stark's Protege could benefit from the shield. It might not be the finest strategy, but since this piece of equipment is basically re-usable, you may as well.

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While the Vibranium Shield may not become a staple in every Alpha/Avengers deck, it would make a fine addition if either group is going equipment heavy.

I'd like to take a quick second to thank Adam "Flashback81" Kirkby for including me in this final set of "official" previews. And for giving me what is likely the last official Alpha Flight-stamped card made by UDE. (Or...is it?)

Be sure to check out the next Disclosure tomorrow over on Lost Hemisphere.

Comments

[Unclechawie]

Coolness. More Alpha Flight stamped cards. Now the only question is how are we going to legalize it? Hmmmmm.....

[Carlos]

Good question! I mean...they ARE official. Of course, no one has access to them...

Sadly, I also confirmed that UDE has no plans to officially release them in ANY capacity. So, no point store, no promos...nothing. :(

[Rian Fike]

Very interesting times.

Legal or not? Damn. I don't know what to think about that one. I only know that it is a serious thrill being a part of this.

Thanks Adam, thanks Miguel, thanks UDE, thanks Gods!