Rey Plays Games · 457
Nothing Tames the Savage Hulk
OK, so we all know the impact Ready for a Fight has had on the game, so here's my version for Hulk. Thematically this is the Savage Hulk in all his rage, and the epic struggle Banner faces to contain him.
Banner struggles with his Inner Demon
What we want to do for this deck is to flip down to Banner as soon as you play Ready for a Fight - which coupled with 3 x copies in the deck and ample physical resources should be possible. This represents Banner trying to exert dominance, and keep the monster at bay. When the villain phase begins, at step 2, use Ready for a Fight to transform to Hulk! This signifies the Hulk bursting through Banner's persona - he can't be contained! It also means that the villain doesn't scheme, which is a good thing, as we want to mitigate scheming at all costs due to Hulk's lack of thwart.
The Angrier Hulk Gets, the Stronger Hulk Gets
Once transforming to the Savage Hulk from Ready for a Fight, use Perseverance to make the Savage Hulk even stronger with a tough, to eat up the villain's attack. The other option, if Perseverance isn't drawn, is to then take the attack and stay standing (Hulk's hp should always be remembered to be a valuable resource to use). Second Wind can then be used to heal up after the villain phase, for Hulk to attack!
There are various options here - dependent on the villain you face, consider replacing Second Wind with either Limitless Stamina or even Tackle. Both serve a similar purpose in that Hulk can defend the villains attack, then use Limitless Stamina to stand up again; or use Tackle to hurt the villain back, and stun them for an easier time next villain turn.
As Mental as it is Physical
As Banner struggles against the Hulk, so too does the notion of Brain vs Brawn...Mental vs Physical. The mental battle is just as important so one of the top priorities would be to try and play Ingenuity which can be done in alter-ego. Four cards rely on the mental resource - Black Widow, Dr. Sinclair, Warlock and Second Wind.
Black Widow can thwart for 2 but more importantly she can do away with any nasty encounters cards that pop up. Try to keep her around and use her ability when needed to get rid of any encounter cards that may hinder your progress.
Dr. Sinclair is probably one of the most important cards in this deck as she removes status tokens on Hulk and heals him with his REC. If you get Banner's Laboratory and Down Time out, you'll be healing for 8REC!
Warlock - and odd ally to Hulk - is not top priority, but his purpose is to keep threat down and with a mental resource, he can hang around for the whole game;
Second Wind as mentioned earlier, gives the Savage Hulk replenished energy after taking a hit (don't get him angry!). The mental resource allows him to heal for that little bit more. At 3 cost, you want to be healing for 5 every time.
You Are Not Alone
Although Hulk always wants to be left alone, there are always heroes willing to help him (and make sure he doesn't cause too much destruction!)
Blade is a mainstay ally for Hulk...his immortality using physical resources allows him to thwart (similar to Warlock ) or punch a minion for various turns. If needed, his cheap cost also makes him a quick chump blocker if needed;
Brother Voodoo can thwart well but he can also get you an additional card - either a event you need, or just another resource to use for your hand;
Machine Man can also be massively helpful by using any left over cards in Hulk's hand (which would be discarded by the end of the turn anyway) to allow Aaron Stack to thwart for 1-4 or attack for as much!
Ironheart is the most expendable as her stats aren't great (though she still thwarts for 1 and can ping off a tough from the villain if needed). Her most value comes from the card draw and her being a mental resource (which is needed if yoy haven't got Ingenuity out in play yet, but want to spend a mental resource for the likes of Dr. Sinclair, Black Widow etc...
Banner's built-in Insurance
Finally, rounding out the deck are as few card that are handy to have to support Banner and the Hulk.
Practiced Plan helps you keep a copy of Ready for a Fight in hand to ensure you get that all important card down as soon as you can;
Indomitable is there just in case Hulk does need to defend and wants to stand up again. It's handy in a pinch and allows for Hulk to keep hitting and keep the tempo up;
Avengers Mansion is Banner's plea to the Avengers to help him. It gives you an extra card/resource each turn, so this (especially when in alter-ego, and alongside Banner's Scientific Research) allows you fish for the card you want - e.g look for a copy of Perseverance if you plan to trigger Ready for a Fight...or look for Hulk Smash for that big hit...or Thunderclap if you have minions out..
Whatever the scenario, the battle within Bruce Banner rages even whilst the battle with the villain ensues...
You need Banner to control the situation...but no matter what...in the end....
Nothing Tames the Savage Hulk!