Heroclix miniature superheroes! Featured Collector #5: Alan Nadriz
This week we met up with Heroclix collector Alan, whose collection of Heroclix miniature collectibles is most likely the largest in Singapore! If you are unfamiliar with Heroclix, it is a board game that is unique because it revolves around the use of collectible miniature figures, also known as “Clix". Players form a team using their favourite characters (mainly superheroes from the Marvel and DC Universe but can also include characters from various video games and movies, like Halo and Lord of the Rings) to challenge other players’ teams.
Alan with some of the most precious figures in his Heroclix collection. This is only the icing on a very large cake, really.
Alan showed us the collection that he amassed over about ten years and explained the rules of Heroclix to us (we admit, we were complete noobs at this). We even played a 6-man (technically 5-man 1-lady) Free-For-All format using some of Alan’s Heroclix figures! We were terrible at it but like with most activities, if your friends are terrible too then it can actually turn out to be quite fun. In fact, we all had a great time!
Alan giving us a crash course on the basics of Heroclix.
Red Hulk decided midway that the game was moving too slowly for his liking and decided to take matters into his own hands. Human noobs!
We were surprised to learn that Alan stopped playing Heroclix for about five years due to a lack of player base and community support but decided to make a comeback when he chanced upon a group of active local (Singaporean) Heroclix players. Since then, he has reunited with his childhood love for comic book superheroes and continues to expand his Heroclix collection (estimated to be worth over S$10,000 now).
In an effort to grow the local Heroclix community, he organizes regular tournaments to promote Heroclix in Singapore. Some of the self-sourced tournament prizes he offers are nothing to be scoffed at either! Now that’s dedication folks.
Alan offered rare Fear Itself boosters as prizes for a recent tournament he organised in June this year.
1. What is it about the Heroclix game that you like most?
Besides being able to use the comic book characters, I think I like the strategies as well. You always have to try to outwit the opponents and come up with new strategies to defeat your opponent. I have a penchant for playing funky characters, e.g. the Sinister Six and the Sinister Syndicate. They are not very strong but they have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Also, it can be too obvious if you keep using Superman and Batman. Most of the local players like to use Avengers. The funky stuff might not work all the time but when they do work, people are like “Whaattt?” and I’m like “Yeahh!” (evil maniacal laugh).
Spider-Man and the Sinister Six. You are not seeing things - there are three Mysterios here! He retains his powers of illusion even in Heroclix.
2. Do you have a favourite series or figure from your Heroclix collection?
I have to say it’s Batman. I read and collect lots of Batman comics, and he has always been my favourite character. So I have quite a few Batman clix. The most recent is the Batman series where they introduced quite a number of mechanics and vehicles to the game.
My favourite figure is the Gargoyle Batman (#099 from Arkham Asylum), which has a very nice sculpt. I acquired it through Ebay a long time ago. It is quite hard to get because it’s a chase (i.e. extremely rare). The price I got it at was still reasonable as it belonged to a relatively new set. Now it can go for over $100(!).
Gargoyle Batman (a.k.a. Lamppost Batman) - Alan’s personal favourite figure, and probably our favourite too.
3. Do you regret spending so much on your collection?
No, I don’t. I think most of the collectors will agree with me. They don’t regret when it comes to their hobbies. The regret is when you can’t get the figures you want, not about how much money you have spent on your collection. The urge of completing my collection is more important than worrying about the money. One day when I can finally have my own place, I plan to display my entire Heroclix collection in display cupboards. Then again, if I want to display everything I will have to have a very big house! That’s what I hope to accomplish eventually.
4. Is it easy for a beginner to start playing and collecting Heroclix?
For a beginner player, you don’t need to spend that much in order to play unless you are a hardcore collector and you want to chase every single figure. Gameplay wise, it is fun. Since everybody knows who is Batman, who is Iron man from the movies so it’s very easy for people to pick up the game. Moreover, if you read comics, I don’t think there would be any hindrances or obstacles in playing the game. So if there are any hobbyists or collectors who are interested in Heroclix, they can contact me and I will introduce to them the game.
Counter-top displays and starter sets like these are a good option for new players looking to build their own Heroclix army.
5. Do you think Collectibly can be useful for Heroclix collectors?
I think it would be useful because firstly, they can categorize or keep a catalogue of their figures. Secondly, if they can view each other’s catalogues, it would be easier for them to trade. And I guess more people will know about the game and would want to play the game if they see our collections or like certain sculpts.
Alan’s prized Fear Itself collection. This unique set cannot be bought at retail stores; it can only be won through tournaments.
Alan’s Giant Sized X-Men set was the most challenging for him to attain because it had sold out during his 5-year hiatus from Heroclix. Watch a collector’s unboxing of this set on Youtube here.
Chase figures from the Teen Titans set including the highly sought-after Superboy Prime (third from right)!
White Lantern Chase figures from the DC 75th Anniversary set.
We could not help but be awe-inspired by the intricate sculpts even on miniatures this tiny.
If you would like to know more about the Heroclix community in Singapore, join their Facebook group that is managed by Alan and his friends. The players play regularly every Saturday and hold regular tournaments. They welcome newcomers and are constantly trying to grow the local Heroclix player base.
Are you a collector of Heroclix miniature figures looking for a place to catalog your own collections and connect with other collectors who share the same interests? Then you might want to check out Collectibly at http://www.collectib.ly or follow us for the latest developments on Collectibly.
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