the Epsilon Guard

[Powersurge]

As I stated under another thread, I think that the Epsilons are really cool. Perhaps the coolest element to be found in vol.2. I'd love to see more of these guys, with significant "stage-setting" roles in larger stories or even stories of their own.

How do the rest of you feel about them?

Also, I have AF vol.2 issues 1 - 6 and... I think it is #13. In these issues I see the Epsilon regular go from a very superheroey full facemask, to a more helmet style head covering. An improvement in my opinion.

As for their capabilities...

I see a Epsilon reg. being knocked over, if not necessarily hurt, by an upper-cut from Puck. And another taking a groin shot from Heather (in civies) without flinching.

One would imagine that the armour is capable of withstanding at least small arms fire.

Strength wise, one Epsilon reg. was able to take Puck out with a nasty backhand... suggesting elevated if not superhuman strength.

They are equipped with anything from bulky SMG looking energy pistols to larger energy rifles, to the "red-tube" stun-rifles used to take the bigfoot Sasquatch down, to the shoulder mounted stun/energy canon used to take down Sunfire.

Apparently, given what we see of Department H in vol.2, they have access to a wide range of hi-tech weapons, above and beyond standard issue.

Does anyone have any demonstrations of power to add to this? Please :D

As for the Epsilon Blacks; from the one issue I have seen them appear in they are significantly bigger and bulkier than the Epsilon regulars armour... suggesting greater strength and durability.

They are also armed with a nasty looking energy canon.

Anything to add here?

Cheers!

[DelBubs]

I don't think the Epsilons where fully explored and they do have potential. An interesting scenario would be to see them face off against a troop of Guardsmen (do they still exist ? ). That would be a battle royale. Or theortically, they could work alongside Guardsmen to go after non registered heroes.

As for powers, I would guess they have powers similar to the original Guardian. Able to lift three ton etc. Then again with more up to date upgrades...

[Canucklehead]

Hey man, I was a huge fan too. This was way back when I was drawing in Windows Paint, but I found an old character I made outta one of them. I figured one of the main Epsilon guys would turn good and join the team. (yeah, I had a thing for spikes back then lol)

http://geocities.com/davidchenard99/epsilonl.gif

[Canucklehead]

Here's a bigger one I just threw together. Might make for a cool villain at least.

http://geocities.com/davidchenard99/epsilon2.gif

[syvalois]

I though they were a little bit interesting, but nothing more. Like alot of Vol 2 concept that never got developped. It's a little bit too military for me, but do make sense. But I would not mind not seen them again. Since I think there is already too much characters related to AF that I would like to see, I don't see the point to develop epsilon guard that we knew next to nothing about.

[Powersurge]

I though they were a little bit interesting, but nothing more. Like alot of Vol 2 concept that never got developped. It's a little bit too military for me, but do make sense. But I would not mind not seen them again. Since I think there is already too much characters related to AF that I would like to see, I don't see the point to develop epsilon guard that we knew next to nothing about.

I think that the fact that the Epsilons are, apparently, attention grabbers, but scantily developed makes them a perfect candidate for inclusion in Omega Flight. They don't come with alot of baggage from the AF volumes (which seems to be where Oeming is starting), but nevertheless seemed very much apart of Department H.

Re: the use of the Guardian battlesuit as a contextual reference point; I think that the basic idea is sound. The first armours certainly looked ALOT like the guardian battlesuit. However, there is the quantity vs. quality factor to consider.

This contextual basis was also suggested by a fellow over on the Classic Marvel RPG site.

I would think that a compotent fighter in the Guardian battlesuit should be able to give give an Epsilon Black as run for it's money. And probably should be able to beat at least one EB. Against the Epsilon regulars however, I think that the battlesuit should be able to handle about a handful of them... withstanding mission-specific hi-tech weapons of course.

One might parallel Guardsmen/Epsilon armours vs. Iron Man/Guardian battlesuit. Thanks DelBubs!

A scenario I'd like to see, as any who have read my Morningstar campaign journal might be well aware of, is an Epsilon vs. Brood story arc.

Oh, and sweet pic. Canucklehead!! I prefered the version of the Epsilons(?) that appeared in issue #6, but a sweet pic nonetheless!

Thanks for your response folks!