Absorbing Man in action

In-game image from MCOC, courtesy of Kabam (© Kabam)

Absorbing Man

Absorbing Man is a deadly champion, capable of adapting to any fight. Learn how to master his unique abilities and exploit his strengths and weaknesses.

Absorbing Man, or Carl Creel, is one of the most adaptive champions in MCOC, capable of altering his form based on the materials he absorbs. This unique ability gives him a wide range of advantages in battle, allowing him to counter many threats in the Contest. Let’s explore his strengths, weaknesses, and some special tips to dominate with Absorbing Man.

Marvel Universe Background

Absorbing Man is a supervillain in the Marvel Universe, first appearing in Journey into Mystery #114. Originally a small-time crook, Carl Creel was transformed into Absorbing Man after absorbing the power of a mystic ball. He gained the ability to absorb the properties of any material he touches, allowing him to morph into that material and gain its properties. Absorbing Man’s adaptability has made him a formidable foe for heroes like Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk.

Strengths

  1. Adaptability

    • Material Absorption: Absorbing Man’s ability to absorb various materials allows him to change his form and gain advantages based on the opponent he’s facing. His Special 1 allows him to absorb the opponent’s abilities, while his Special 2 grants him the power to absorb different forms for specific buffs.
    • Defense Buffs: Absorbing certain materials grants Absorbing Man powerful defensive buffs like Armor Up, making him tanky in fights.
  2. Strong Offense

    • Special 2 Burst Damage: Absorbing Man’s Special 2 deals massive damage, particularly when he absorbs the right material for the situation. This burst damage can take down opponents quickly.
    • Attack Buffs: His Special 1 can increase his attack damage depending on what material he absorbs, allowing for devastating combos.
  3. Utility and Control

    • Debuff Resistance: Absorbing Man’s ability to absorb materials also allows him to resist certain debuffs. This makes him useful against champions that rely heavily on debuffs to control the fight.
    • Damage Reflection: Absorbing Man can reflect certain types of damage based on his current material, making him unpredictable in certain matchups.
  4. Tankiness

    • Absorbing Man can become extremely tanky by absorbing materials that increase his defenses. His resilience and ability to absorb incoming damage make him a reliable pick for longer fights.

Weaknesses

  1. Relies on Absorption Timing

    • Absorbing Man’s true strength is dependent on the timing and choice of materials he absorbs. If you mismanage his form or absorb the wrong material at the wrong time, you might lose valuable buffs or become vulnerable.
  2. Complex Rotation

    • Absorbing Man’s rotation can be complex. It requires precise timing to switch between materials and activate the appropriate buffs, which may take some practice to master.
  3. Vulnerable to Nullify

    • Champions that can nullify buffs, such as Magneto or Doctor Voodoo, can neutralize Absorbing Man’s advantages by removing his defensive buffs or debuff resistance.
  4. Special 2 Difficulty

    • Absorbing Man’s Special 2, while powerful, can be tricky to land if the opponent is aggressive or constantly evading attacks.

Special Tips for Playing Absorbing Man

  1. Master Material Absorption

    • Absorbing Man’s adaptability is his greatest strength. Pay attention to the opponent’s abilities and absorb the appropriate material for the situation. Use your Special 1 to absorb the opponent’s abilities and set up for your Special 2.
  2. Exploit Armor Buffs

    • When fighting tough enemies, use Absorbing Man’s ability to absorb materials that grant Armor Up to make him tankier and reduce incoming damage.
  3. Timing Is Key

    • The key to Absorbing Man’s success is precise timing. Make sure you switch to the right material at the right time, especially when trying to land your Special 2 for burst damage.
  4. Be Aware of Debuff Immunity

    • Absorbing Man’s debuff resistance is a great tool against champions who rely on applying debuffs. Utilize this resistance when facing champions with aggressive debuff strategies.
  5. Counter Nullify Effects

    • Be mindful of champions that can nullify your buffs, such as Magneto or Doctor Voodoo. If you’re facing these champions, avoid absorbing materials that provide too many buffs.

Best Uses for Absorbing Man

  1. Questing

    • Absorbing Man’s versatility makes him perfect for various quests, especially those that feature multiple types of enemies with different mechanics.
  2. Alliance War

    • Absorbing Man’s adaptability and defensive buffs make him a strong defender in Alliance War. He can handle a variety of attackers with his ability to absorb materials.
  3. Alliance Quest

    • In Alliance Quest, Absorbing Man can be useful in paths with nodes that require damage reflection or debuff resistance. His tankiness makes him well-suited for longer fights.

Final Thoughts

Absorbing Man is a unique and highly adaptable champion that requires careful management of his abilities and buffs to fully utilize his potential. By mastering his absorption mechanics and understanding the right materials to absorb in different situations, he can become a powerful asset in any Summoner’s roster.