Before the Annihilators, back to Annihilation Conquest for 1 more.
I can see why no one has done the Phalanx before. Originally I built their grid like Beyonder, except using their own specials, but that seemed far too strong for them. Their actions are driven by instinct, not intellect (invade, conquer, call for clean-up). Their fighting & strength powers are only those of the beings they absorb. Their cost of 20 assumes a 5 in each of these categories. Subject to abuse? Sure, but I had to put them somewhere on the scale. Their Specials require a fair amount of work to set up, so abuse shouldn't be too easy. I tried to include their "look" for different points in Marvel history. I even threw in 3 extra OPD Specials for characters who voluntarily joined with the trans-mode virus, questionable art & all. Why? justa for fun! Why else?
(http://img04.deviantart.net/1884/i/2017/100/1/a/15_phalanx_by_justaopfan-db5ce8u.png)
Hostile Takeover (AZ) Target Character may not attack the Phalanx for remainder of battle unless the Phalanx attacks them first.
http://img12.deviantart.net/c2ea/i/2017/102/2/4/hostile_takeover_by_justaopfan-db5jn7c.png
Destructive Instincts (NT) Acts as a level 6 Energy attack. If successful, Opponent must discard from hand until both players have an equal number of cards in hand. Opponent's choice.
http://img11.deviantart.net/f10a/i/2017/102/c/c/destructive_instincts_by_justaopfan-db5jn5o.png
Lifeglow (AL) Acts as a level 6 AnyPower attack. If successful, remove 1 hit from the Phalanx's Hits from Current Battle or Permanent Record. May affect Venture Total.
http://img00.deviantart.net/2b7e/i/2017/102/9/2/lifeglow_by_justaopfan-db5jn90.png
Techno-Organic Absorption (MF) The Phalanx may place and play all non-OPD Special cards of Target Teammate (who may be KO'd) for remainder of game. May be played from Reserve.
http://img11.deviantart.net/49f4/i/2017/100/6/6/techno_organic_absorption_by_justaopfan-db5cdph.png
Babel Spire (*KC) For remainder of game or until the Phalanx are KO'd, all attacks by Opponent that are not defended hit the Phalanx instead of target.
http://img02.deviantart.net/8505/i/2017/100/7/d/babel_spire_by_justaopfan-db5ce60.png
Hive Mind (*JR) Play during battle and draw 1 card, discard if duplicate. Next battle, the Phalanx may play all cards in hand.
http://img04.deviantart.net/ad8a/i/2017/100/d/8/hive_mind_by_justaopfan-db5cdw3.png
Tools Of The Technarchy (*CF) The Phalanx may increase their team's or Opponent's ventured Mission cards by 1. May be played after Opponent has conceded the battle.
http://img04.deviantart.net/3378/i/2017/100/d/0/tools_of_the_technarchy_by_justaopfan-db5cdn6.png
Steven Lang (*IC) The Phalanx's "Hostile Takeover", "Lifeglow", and "Techno-Organic Absorption" become Any Character Specials for remainder of game.
http://img13.deviantart.net/4b12/i/2017/102/e/7/steven_lang_by_justaopfan-db5jnq4.png
Cameron Hodge (*CP) Discard this card and remaining cards in hand to draw an equal number of cards from top of Draw Pile. May keep duplicates.
http://img06.deviantart.net/dcaa/i/2017/100/3/6/cameron_hodge_by_justaopfan-db5ce2m.png
Ultron (*CH) Target Character must discard all Placed cards and may not attack for remainder of battle.
http://img10.deviantart.net/62c5/i/2017/100/0/f/ultron_by_justaopfan-db5cdku.png
let me know what you think.
I can't look. But the card titles seem like a nice spread of things that happened.
based on comments from OP3 on deviantart, i made the following changes:
Destructive Instincts - restored card to legacy version
Hostile Takeover - changed from BM to AZ
Lifeglow - changed name & art - i didn't realize the art i had was Danger, not Phalanx (how embarrassing)
Steven Lang - due to Lifeglow name change
thanks for the help!