The Le: Put your designer cap on for a moment. Let's say you're tasked with designing one special power for a new Superman figure. What would that Special Power be?

Norman: Something I don't think any existing Superman figure allows right now is to reflect how he will fly in to protect his teammates. There is at least one version that has "Defend" but that doesn't really reflect the classic shot of Superman flying in front of someone, bullets bouncing off his chest. So I'd want to work out something along the lines of "When a single teammate is targeted with a ranged attack, Superman may be given a move action so that he moves into a square the blocks the line of fire." Now this would need some polishing. Most likely, Superman needs to at least be given a token, and maybe needs to be pushed by doing this. I don't know. That's what playtesting and point values are for. But that's the kind of special power I'd like to see.

The Le: Thanks for the chat. Do you have any final thoughts on HeroClix or thoughts for the loyal players out there?

Norman: Games are never dead. Some games take a very long time to get all of the pieces out to the public, but as long as you and your friends enjoy playing a game, it is alive and well. There are pockets of Heroclix activity around the country and non-tournament games being played in even more places. I'd love nothing more to see Hammer of Thor hit the shelves (the finalized set, not what might be at best the broken first pass of things). I'd love for Topps to see that there is still money to be made in creating even more for the brand and for there to be subsequent sets. In the end, if that doesn't happen, I still have my complete set and buddies that I get together with as often as I can to play. That's a living game there, it is.

Note: The above answer was give before the San Diego Comic Con, when we all found out about NECA and HeroClix. Norman has kindly given a followup:

Norman: I think it's great news to hear that Heroclix is coming back. I think it's a tip of the hat not only to the fans who have kept the faith, but to the corporate people who have believed in this product and have worked hard to get it back to us. Naturally, some of the decisions of the new owners will be applauded while others are reviled. For what it's worth, I'm going into it with an open mind. If it provides me what I want - additional superheroes with clix dials that grow the game - I'll be happy. Everything else is the "trimmings".