MGWCC #784 — “They Turn Into Superheroes”

[DCBilly]

Snuck into the first 100 with some helpful confirms. Fun conclusion: kind of no, no, no, no... wait, that last one is a yes!

[ky-mike]

Waiting for beamage. Finally found the heroic group.

Edit - Beamed up.

[HunterX]

:::Groan::: Finally saw it. Awaiting beamage.

[Joe Ross]

For them what wants, I've created a spreadsheet for this puzzle & PMed its link to those who've requested it previously.

If you'd like to be added to this list for future MGWCC spreadsheets or if you'd like the spreadsheet for this puzzle, alone, send a PM with your posting name (for subscription verification).

NOTE: The spreadsheet is merely a tool with 15 grids on which to work out various strategies, once the top grid is fully filled. Use the varied & powerful spreadsheet tools to highlight, copy & paste, draw shapes, & format text to work on your solution.

THIS TOOL DOES NOT OFFER HINTS OF ANY TYPE & USING IT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH YOUR SOLO SOLVE.

[DrTom]

Well I have submitted and am sure of my answer. I had it from about minute one after solving a very tough grid for me. However, to get to the end (i.e. verify) took some real stretching. I cannot say I have ever seen that mechanism before, nor really want to see it again - though if I did I'd know exactly what to do

EDIT: On the Enterprise at #119. I am sorry I needed a nudge, because I had it early on from an intuit though did not know why, but I did and I'm happy it is done.

[HeadinHome]

okay - I finally saw it (yes, agree this was clever and SAD). My “out of my wheelhouse” sentiment not a big factor.

Also, since I’m in the car, I was typing in my answer on Matt’s board and mistyped the last letter. When I was deleting that bad letter the car hit a bump and made me hit the button below delete also (which is ENTER) - so…. my fingers submitted the answer minus one letter. (I emailed Matt to explain.. we shall see whether I get on the board this week).

UPDATE - quick reply,and generous. ( :

Happy lovely weekend, all! MIGHT be able to get on the Tuesday night soon this week, IF we have good WiFi at the beach.

[woozy]

I hated this one until I loved it.

I was ambivalent on this one until I hated it.

[BarbaraK]

Well, I just saw something, kind of by accident, that I guess is it. Submitted but won't claim actual beamed-up status until I see it on the leaderboard.

[MarkWoychick]

I have submitted an answer - if I'm right, it's a solo solve and if I'm wrong, it's a solo fail.

Edit: Beamed up! A slog all around, but I got my 50 badge. Feel like I earned it with this one

[Streroto]

Out of my misery thanks to a kind nudge. KAS5. Short streak ends.

Stay well all.

[KayW]

Assisted into the tractor beam.

[Toby]

I came up with an answer I can defend but it was wrong. Curious if anyone did the same thing.

[DrTom]

I hated this one until I loved it.

You know, I believe Al is right. I cannot say this is a favorite mechanism BUT it is kind of a cilantro thing. If you don't like it you don't like it and if you do you eventually find yourself liking it more and more. I have ruminated on this and even think I have found a "push clue" that gives a nod to the actual mechanism. Now it may just be the old thing of being able to "back associate" in the brain when you know an outcome, and there are as many instances (particularly in medicine and pharmacology) where that is pure drivel, but it would be interesting to see if that was the intent of the creator. So, I am not at "I love it" yet, but it is really clever in its departure from the usual.

[MMe]

I came up with an answer I can defend but it was wrong. Curious if anyone did the same thing.

Well there are 9 more people in the "Overall" tab than in "This Week"...
I did have an answer that seemed *okay* but not *good* before getting the actual answer.

[NoFeetMcGee]

Finally got this one! I had the right answer for the wrong reasons for a long time before I saw the right reasons. Will have to elucidate after the reveal...

[minimuggle]

OK, finally got step 1.... still suffering through this one

[Joe Ross]

I was the first to submit an incorrect WAG, but now have solved solo. VERY clever!

[ZooAnimalsOnWheels]

I have been beamed aboard. Yes, this was one where too much knowledge could be dangerous, and I've been going to Comic-Con for the last 20 years... But it was a fun solve when I got there.

[Bird Lives]

I don't know whether the nudge I got would be considered gentle or strong, but it allowed me to see the solution immediately and just as immediately feel dim-witted for not having seen it myself. As for the grid. . . .
.

[Abide]

but it would be interesting to see if that was the intent of the creator.

I feel pretty sure it was. Great grid, cluing, and meta.