This really isn't a faction specific topic, but I'm putting it here since I don't know a better place and only play the Arcanists.
I know a good number of minis gamers, I've played my share of minis games, and I have found that Malifaux has a unique characteristic. It's not the card system (Fairy Meat did that), it is that of all the people I know who have started playing, none have dismissed the game as "not for me" or something similar. While the people who wouldn't enjoy Malifaux surely exist, the overwhelmingly positive response makes me feel obligated to spread the joy that is Malifaux as far as I am able.
But how?
In my experience, the best way to get someone interested in any game is to have them play in a demonstration. Like selling a car, or pushing drugs. Not to watch a game being played, not told to buy a crew, but to have models placed in front of them and told to go at it. Several details must be attended to.
First and foremost, the person playing the demonstration must have fun. The demonstrator can bite the bullet and spend two hours explaining the same rules over and over again. It's for the greater good.
A fun game requires a good matchup. Both crews need to be straightforward. Anything with complex movement tricks or multimodel synergy shouldn't be considered; the Dreamer is right out. Most new arrivals to any game want badass characters who put out big numbers. They want to say "I move over there and shoot that guy" and have it work out for them. Most of all, they want a competition. If they feel that they've been bent across the rules and snapped in half, or that they've been set up for an easy win, they will lose interest.
I have therefore been considering ideal matchups for demonstration games. Remember, these aren't crews that this player will necessarily buy themselves. Neither are these crews without complex strategies. These are crews that don't have to rely on complex strategies if the other guy isn't trying to grind your face into meatloaf. So, for the first time player:
The Viktorias: Their box set contains nothing but named melee beatsticks. Having two masters shouldn't be a problem.
Perdita: A similar idea, but at range.
Lady Justice: I'm pretty sure it's illegal in several states to not like Death Marshals.
The demonstrator has a wider field to choose from. It's best not to pull out relocation shenanigans like the Dreamer or Colette though; don't trick them.
The Resurrectionists (minus Kirai): Shooting zombies is just good fun. Make sure you explain that they'll be getting back up.
Gremlins: When Gremlins go wrong, everyone has a good time.
But the real reason I'm posting this isn't to tell you what to do. I'm new here. I want to know your opinion. What should that first matchup be? How do you pitch the game to someone? Do I have no idea what I am talking about?
The Truth must be heard.
-Bread