"Marvel United" Battle Report: Black Widow, Hulk & Daredevil Verses The Red Skull - Part Two

THE RED SKULL IS HALFWAY TO CONQUERING NEW YORK CITY

This game is the second in a series of planned games designed to encourage me to paint up a significant number of the numerous hard-plastic miniatures available for "Marvel United" by "CoolMiniOrNot", and to help re-familiarize us with the core rules. It was played using some of the figures from both the original starter set as well as the Season One Promo Box, and took place upon the 90cm diameter double-sided playmat - which was exclusively released as part of the game's "X-Men" Kickstarter in April 2021.

“The story so far… The diabolical Red Skull is once again threatening the habitants of New York City with an army of Hydra henchmen. Determined to thwart the Nazi maniac's plot, the Black Widow, Daredevil and the Hulk have already put both Bob - Agent of Hydra, and Madame Hydra out for the count. But they still face a seemingly limitless number of Johann Shmidt's goose-stepping goons..."

THE TABLETOP - NEW YORK CITY

"Marvel United" Battle Report: Black Widow, Hulk & Daredevil Verses The Red Skull - Part One

With a truly evil cackle the Red Skull moved to Central Park and using his "BLAM!" ability activated his "Subversion" threat card at the location. Shockingly, this raised the Fear Track up to a whopping 16 points, and brought the super-villain within moments of victory.

In response Daredevil played "Blind Justice", moved to New York Police Headquarters and beat up enough Thugs there to complete the Defeat Thugs mission. This meant that Shmidt was now finally vulnerable to being attacked by the heroes. Encouraged by this turn of events, the Man without Fear made his way to Time's Square and floored (yet) another Thug. In addition, the Hulk momentarily leapt onto the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, smacked a Thug there, and then travelled to Stark Labs.

DAREDEVIL FINALLY MAKES THE RED SKULL VULNERABLE TO ATTACK

'Sitting pretty' at Central Park, Captain America's arch-nemesis gave an enthusiastic "Hail Hydra!" to cause the Hulk to suffer one damage and cause the Fear Track to rise to 17 points. Things definitely didn't look too good for the Avengers now, unless they took the fight directly to "the son of a coarse, drunken German villager."

Utilising "Interrogate" to determine that the Red Skull was going to remain at Central Park even longer, the Black Widow moved to New York Police Headquarters, took out a Thug there, and then had the local law enforcement detain another Thug in Time's Square. With Shmidt's forces dwindling fast, Daredevil swung into Central Park to face the fascist fiend, and socked him on the jaw for two damage - leaving Johann on six health.

THE RED SKULL LAUNCHES A DEADLY ASSAULT FROM CENTRAL PARK

Incensed by the blow, Hitler's one-time bellboy gave another "Hail Hydra!" However, due to Natasha Romanova knowing that this threat was coming, it had no effect. Instead, the red-faced bounder watched open-mouthed as the former Soviet spy raced to his location and triumphantly smacked him in the face.

Disappointingly though, the Hulk was unable to join his comrades-in-arms, and simply bided his time at Starks Labs. Quite possibly an opportunity to save New York City from Hydra's clutches once and for all had been lost..?

Realising that his position at Central Park was now untenable, the Red Skull fled to Avengers Tower and surrounded himself with hostages. It was clear that the "perfect Nazi" was a long way from giving up his dream of conquest.

THE BLACK WIDOW ARRIVES TO SMACK THE RED SKULL IN THE FACE

Spotting a few endangered Civilians on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, Matt Murdock's alter-ego swung by the airborne aircraft carrier to rescue them, before following his foe to Avengers Tower. There he witnessed the Hulk arrive and finally land some bone-crunching blows upon Shmidt. Hydra's leader was now down to just four health points.

Sensing defeat, the Red Skull escaped to New York City Police Headquarters and raised a bodyguard of yellow and green-garbed Hydra troopers to protect him.

He was quickly followed by the Black Widow, who once again was able to use "Interrogate" to determine what the German mastermind was planning, and punch him down to only three health points. Meanwhile, Daredevil made his way to Avengers Tower and detained a Thug lurking there.

THE BLACK WIDOW AND RED SKULL FACE-OFF IN A FINAL SHOWDOWN

In a 'do or die' moment, the "second most powerful man in the Third Reich" returned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and surrounded himself with terrified Civilians. The Avengers had to take him out now or the super-villain would win.

Sadly, the incredible Hulk had to remain where he was at Avengers Tower, and resultantly was unable to get his super-strong hands on his foe. It therefore rested upon the Black Widow, who bravely arrived upon the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Natasha was able to rescue a Civilian, completing the Rescue Civilians mission, and give Shmidt a taste of her Widow's Sting. But the Johann still had one health point remaining and the Fear Track was about to tick to twenty.

DAREDEVIL AND THE HULK DESPERATELY ATTEMPT TO STOP THE RED SKULL

With a truly horrendous laugh, the Red Skull kicked the Black Widow off of the edge of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier and plummet to her doom. Hydra had won the day, and New York City (for now at least) was in the control of the paramilitary terrorist organization...