I was a little surprised to learn recently that Proton Bombs ignore shields. As near as I can tell this is because the rule specifically states to deal a face-up damage card rather than the usual verbage of suffer X damage which follows the rules on page 16.

So, my question is, are there other cards out there that bypass the suffer damage step and go directly to the dealing of damage cards possibly bypassing shields?

I think currently it is the only card or attack to do this.

No, though it's a popular misconception that Direct Hit! does.

No, though it's a popular misconception that Direct Hit! does.

Does it not? My understanding is that if an A wing takes a proton bomb hit and receive a Direct hit card, it dies instantly even if it has shields remaining.

No, though it's a popular misconception that Direct Hit! does.

Does it not? My understanding is that if an A wing takes a proton bomb hit and receive a Direct hit card, it dies instantly even if it has shields remaining.

The sole exception is when card text instructs you to take damage cards (face-up or down) even when you have shields.

Proton bomb deals a face up card, if that card is direct hit then yes it would deal both to the ship, shields or not.. I think that might have been what was meant, but I don't think there has been any misconception about it.. not that I've seen...

I don't have my cards handy atm but I thought the Vader crew card dealt out crit's regardless of shields .......??

The Darth Vader card uses the phrase "suffer damage" which is understood to have to consume shields before it can affect hull.

Edit: I am ninja!

I don't have my cards handy atm but I thought the Vader crew card dealt out crit's regardless of shields .......??

I think it's deal one Critical Damage, not Deal one face up Damage card. There is a difference, one hits shields, the other bypasses.

I don't have my cards handy atm but I thought the Vader crew card dealt out crit's regardless of shields .......??

Do'h ninja'd twice!

Vader says "...you may suffer 2 damage to cause that ship to suffer 1 critical damage."

So, my interpretation was that the steps for suffer damage from page 16 would apply and the damage would hit shields first like usual. Unless I am misinterpreting the card.

No, though it's a popular misconception that Direct Hit! does.

You only get a "Direct Hit" if you're dealt a face up card. This means it is either under the shield already or your shields are gone. If a Proton Bomb slips a Direct Hit under the shield it certain DOES count as two cards under the shield which can destroy 2 hull ships instantly.

Proton Bombs only. Vader was arguable but in he end it still just counts as suffering damage; It would probably be too good if it did and now, outside of suicidal shuttle, probably not quite good enough. If the empire ever gets a 15-16pt crew carrier, watch out.