There are two big stories to come out of this weekend, and this match is a perfect example of what has gone down here at Wizard World Chicago. Jim Adamski is playing Fantastic Four, which is easily the deck of the tournament. People who had been complaining about Brotherhood’s “bad guys” always winning have been proven wrong. More importantly, Israel Quiroz has proven that there is plenty of room for innovation in Vs., piloting the overlooked Fearsome Five into the Top 8.

Game 1

Quiroz had Puppet Master on turn two, to match Adamski’s Luke Cage. He then began using search effects with Boris and Doom’s Throne Room, but would need Doom himself to optimize things. The Throne Room got him to The Underworld Star, which searched out Shimmer. She came out on turn four, and Adamski played Invisible Woman, Sue Storm. Shimmer and Puppet Master kept everyone exhausted, although Adamski did add Tech Upgrade to the chain to get Fantasticar. Two Fantasticars directly followed Mr. Fantastic, Stretch on turn five, while Quiroz continued to set up with Doom’s Throne Room, and played Dr. Doom, Diabolic Genius. His come-into-play ability was added to the chain, and Quiroz added Mystical Paralysis to exhaust Mr. Fantastic, then turned it back face-down. Reign of Terror bounced Luke Cage, leaving only two characters on Adamski’s side for Shimmer and Puppet Master to hold back.

Boris now activated to get The Underworld Star, getting Psimon. He then played Robot Destroyer and Boris, giving the turn to Adamski. Despite having six resources, the best Adamski could do was play She-Thing and Luke Cage. Robot Destroyer stunned Invisible Woman, and in response the Fantasticar was moved to She-Thing. Shimmer and Puppet Master exhausted everyone except Mr. Fantastic, who was taken care of thanks to Mystical Paralysis. Adamski used Signal Flare to get The Ever-Lovin’ Blue-Eyed Thing, and he hit play to give Quiroz some problems. In response, Quiroz activated Boris to get Entangle. Puppet Master exhausted Luke Cage before bouncing, and it then became Quiroz’s build. Robot Destroyer stunned Invisible Woman, and Quiroz played Puppet Master. He exhausted She-Thing, and then a second Puppet Master came down to exhaust Mr. Fantastic. Shimmer dealt with Thing, Adamski’s remaining ready character attacked, and once again Quiroz was holding back any possible attacks.

Faces of Doom got Dr. Doom, Diabolic Genius, and Psimon hit the table. World’s Finest provided some synergy and flexibility, and Doom attacked She-Thing. Adamski discarded one for a power-up, and both were stunned. Robot Destroyer stunned Luke Cage, Psimon Entangled Mr. Fantastic, and Puppet Master exhausted Thing. Once again, Adamski’s attack had been completely halted. He also had no new characters to play, giving Quiroz plenty of space to get even further ahead. He played Faces of Doom without Doom in hand, and got a warning as a result. Entangle exhausted Mr. Fantastic, and once Dr. Doom, Lord of Latveria hit play, Adamski scooped.

Jim Adamski 0  - Israel Quiroz 1

Game 2

Quiroz got to work with Shimmer right away, exhausting She-Thing. Adamski had Thing, Ben Grimm, and Quiroz played Doom Sentry and Marvel Team-Up. Dr. Doom, Diabolic Genius followed, and Quiroz used chain tricks to get a free Faces of Doom, searching up another Diabolic Genius. Have a Blast! dealt with Marvel Team-Up, and The Underworld Star searched out Dr. Light. Adamski’s curve continued on turn four with Invisible Woman, and a second The Underworld Star provided Quiroz with Psimon. Adamski was able to force through a little endurance loss during his attack, but Quiroz still seemed to have things well under control. Turn five brought Mr. Fantastic, Stretch, but none of the Fantasticars that usually come with him. Avalon Space Station got Quiroz Robot Destroyer, which came right into play.

Mr. Fantastic and Thing team-attacked Dr. Doom, causing Thing and Dr. Doom to become stunned. Invisible Woman attacked Robot Destroyer, and after It’s Clobberin’ Time made her bigger, the Destroyer activated for a stun. Dr. Light came into play on turn six, and Adamski had his six drop in Hulk. Entangle looked to exhaust Mr. Fantastic, and Tech Upgrade was added to the chain. This gave Adamski two Fantasticars, and Quiroz played Psimon. Entangle exhausted Hulk, and Invisible Woman along with Thing team attacked Dr. Light. Quiroz flipped over Marvel Team-Up, and Dr. Light was able to stun Invisible Woman. This meant that only Thing was attacking the Doctor, and of course he became stunned.

Now that Quiroz had the initiative, Shimmer would take care of everything on her own. Dr. Doom, Lord of Latveria came into play, while Adamski played Invisible Woman, Sue Richards. Shimmer exhausted everyone on Adamski’s side, and with Gamma Bomb coming, Adamski conceded.

Jim Adamski 0 – Israel Quiroz 2