• Michael "6+3 Conklin

Before reviewing HOB’s Waffen SS set (commonly referred to Men In Black) I would like to state that I will nether refer to the SS as "Evil" or "Heroic", though they were both at different times.

What you get for your $17.50 is six scenarios and a counter sheet with over 200 black SS counters, leaders, vehicles, hole in ice, etc.

You get six scenario, laid out in HOB’s new format. They look great, and all are in tournament style (i.e., low counter mix, no monsters).

The counters appear to be what everyone was waiting for. My problem is that I am not a romantic. I never missed the black SS counters, so the fact that they are available generates a yawn. HOB did a great job on the counters however and if Black SS is what you wanted then Black SS is what you got.

The unit counters are identical to the standard AH versions, except for the Death Head symbol vis the twin lighting bolts. Both 6-5-8 and 8-3-8 are given, and a complete A-Z OOB.

I like the leaders, instead of using Capt, Sgt, Pvt, etc. HOB used Obr., Hpt, Stm. Rtn. etc. I like this touch. Also Whittman and Barkmann appear as Armour Leaders. Great touch.

Concealment counters and Support weapons in SS black also appear.

An assortment of half-tracks, and PzIIF’s appear, along with Sniper counter, AT Guns, Mtrs, Crew. etc. The problem is that just a one colour printing process was used (Black on White), so no vehicles that need red on the appear though some are used in the scenarios.

Just because you wanted them and one scenario has the possibility of using them, "Broken Ice" counters.

To sum up, I like this, the counters look great; but I will probably never punch them. They can be only effectively used in an all SS scenario and since I never missed the black counters, I will stick with the field grey (or purple). The scenarios appear to be great, playable in an evening and a lot of fun.

So the final result is I strongly recommend it, especially if you missed the "Black" counters from COI.