WizKids Games has been steadily expanding its HeroClix Iconix line, with a sub-theme devoted to comic book first appearances. So far this has included Spider-Man, the Avengers, and Wolverine, while the latest brings us the original children of the atom in Marvel HeroClix Iconix: First Appearance X-Men! As an old-school X-Men and X-Factor fan I was really excited for this set that captures the iconic original five young mutant heroes along with their nemesis Magneto, all replicating the look of Jack Kirby’s 1963 comic book cover. Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel, and Iceman face off against the Master of Magnetism on a stark white background, highlighting the characters’ colorful costumes and outlandish powers. Today we’ll be taking a look at this Iconix set and how it can fit into your collection and games of HeroClix!

As we’ve seen previously, HeroClix Iconix sets are awesome collector’s items bringing to life unique characters, interesting pairings, memorable scenes, and even beloved memes. In addition to their figures and game content, they also feature really high-quality packaging, and First Appearance of the X-Men is no different. Here is the usual window box, with the front image based on the Kirby The X-Men #1 cover replacing the characters with their new HeroClix figures. Meanwhile, the back cover has the comic book version along with information about the characters, and on the side panels you can get more views of the game pieces. Open the front panel to reveal the figures behind a plastic window next to a breakdown of The X-Men #1 with its story beats and characters. As usual, this is a fantastic presentation and absolutely display-worthy on its own.

The X-Men’s original lineup by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby over 60 years ago was Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Bobby Drake (Iceman), Hank McCoy (Beast), and Warren Worthington III (Angel), all under the tutelage of Professor Charles Xavier. They were primarily outfitted in yellow and dark blue/black costumes appropriate to their body types, with the exception of Bobby whose snow/ice form necessitated only boots. On the cover of that first comic they display their powers in various ways as they fight against Magneto, a mostly obscured menace at the bottom-left corner with his back to the reader. WizKids has replicated the characters in physical form as close as possible to the artwork, adding lots of fun details and making the HeroClix figures dynamic and fun.

Cyclops, Iceman, and Angel are almost perfect translations of Kirby’s artwork. Scott leans over while unleashing his optic blast, a translucent red effect that looks great. Iceman is in his early “snowy” form, hurling two snowballs via another transparent effect. Angel, meanwhile, dodges through the air with glorious feathered wings. There is a very long-running debate about what exactly Warren is holding on this comic book cover, whether it’s some kind of a rocket launcher or a something metal hurled by Magneto that the flyer has caught in mid-air. In this case WizKids has seemingly gone with the latter as Angel has no ranged attacks of any kind, while Magneto does have a missile launching ability.

Marvel Girl Jean Grey stands in a somewhat awkward pose on the comic book cover, and WizKids has done a great job translating that into a flying stance as she hovers in mid-air to support the team. Then there’s Beast who on the cover swings into battle on some sort of metal contraption; for the HeroClix figure WizKids abandoned that and just has the bouncing mutant jumping into battle feet first with a similar pose and it looks just as good if not better. Lastly, there’s the mysterious villain himself, Magneto. In 1963 comic book readers browsing the racks just saw a little bit of his costume and a translucent, shimmering force shield in front of him. Now his HeroClix figure brings to life the Master of Magnetism in his iconic original costume as he holds a clear shield in front of him.

All the figures look really good, with solid details in poses, sculpts, and paint applications. I really like the dramatic posing of Cyclops, Iceman, and Beast, and while Jean is not quite as active she still looks nice in her hovering pose. The sculpted detail on Angel’s feathered wings is fantastic, and there’s more good stuff on Iceman’s snowy texture and Magneto’s costume. These costumes aren’t the most complicated when it comes to details, but the “X” on the young mutants’ jumpsuits is nicely replicated and their face details range from good to great.

So, how do the original X-Men play? They’re actually really strong and effective, either as a team formed from this set or in conjunction with other figures. Each of the five X-Men can be played at either 75 or 60 points, sport the X-Men team ability, and have two traits (one shared) and a special power. They all feature the “From First Class to Graduation” feat that lets them heal an adjacent X-Men ally for free, and when they’re KO’d you can “upgrade” them to another figure with the same name on its last click! Cyclops and Jean have Improved Targeting and Beast and Angel have Improved Movement, and their traits and special powers range from Jean’s traited Mind Control and Willpower that provides free Barrier and RANGE Terrain actions to Angel’s special power granting him Hypersonic Speed while carrying two friends. Cyclops has a 6 range, and Jean and Iceman both have 5 (while Bobby can target up to three enemies). Their dials are incredibly consistent with very little in the way of degrading numbers and long stretches of powers, making these very straightforward figures to learn and play.

Facing off against those young mutants is a very potent new Magneto. He can be played at either 295 or 175 points and has both Brotherhood of Mutants and Cosmic Energy team abilities along with a 6 range and two targets. Magneto has Improved Targeting: Destroys Blocking and Adjacent Characters, and no fewer than three powerful traits. “Archenemy of the X-Men” says that whenever any character rolls a single d6 and gets a 5, you either heal Magneto one click or deal the character one unavoidable damage, and “Electromagnetic Force Field” provides Energy Shield/Deflection and at top dial enemies modify all their combat values by the number of costed actions that have resolved this turn (which is huge!). The biggie is “Master of Magnetism… and Missiles” that gives Magneto Telekinesis and a crazy ability to launch a long-range missile attack that destroys blocking terrain and can hit multiple opponents. Oh, and on the dial he’s no slouch either with 11 clicks of life, strong combat values, and a great suite of standard powers focusing on ranged attacks and damage reduction.

Beyond the great-looking figures that are going to be a lot of fun to play, I want to point out the unique cards they come with. Iconix sets have featured unique elements on their cards before, but I think these might be my favorite with their dynamic fonts and colors. They really look like comic book covers, especially with the point values in boxes at the bottom-right and the keyword sections. Very cool stuff.

I’ve been impressed with all of the HeroClix Iconix sets I’ve seen in person thus far, and First Appearance X-Men may be my favorite. I love the classic mutant team and these are super fun and effective dials for them, the figures look great, and there’s so much to love in the display-worthy packaging and cards. I also can’t wait to field this killer Magneto and see how much havoc he can wreak on his foes! If you’re an old-school X-Men fan like me then this set is a must-buy, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who plays X-teams.

Marvel HeroClix Iconix: First Appearance X-Men should be hitting shelves very soon with an MSRP of $59.99, so check with your local comic book or game store so you can get yours. Visit HeroClix.com for even more info as well as downloads of rules and maps, and stay tuned to Action Figure Insider as we continue our reviews of new HeroClix! If you don’t have access to a local comic book or game store at this time you can also order your HeroClix directly from the WizKids website.

Review and photos by Scott Rubin.

Review samples courtesy of WizKids Games.