Manga Book Club

Alt Text: Tales from the Mana Crypt #101 – The Modern Horizon A Magic the Gathering comic. Panel 1: A man is hunched over in front of a glowing religious symbol – the Modern Horizons 3 set symbol stuck to the top of a pole. The man looks to be in pain, as if the glow of the symbol is hurting him. Man: God...if anyone is listening, I need help. I...I don't know if I can survive more spoilers. Panel 2: The same man has their hands outstretched with a pained expression as cards scatter in the air around them. In a different shot, they are seen praying at a cliff’s edge. Man: I feel so tired of new cards, yet when there's a break, I look at leaks. I don't even play competitively, but I want to know every card. Please, relieve me of this FOMO. Off-screen (from sky): Raise your head, my child.

Panel 3: Clouds part to reveal the figure of Richard Garfield, looking similarly to the art for the Magic card “Richard Garfield PhD”. The man raises their hands in shock, and their face has an expression of shock as well. Man: Richard Garfield?! Richard Garfield: Yes, PhD. Now listen closely. Magic was meant to be a game where one player couldn't know every card. Know this and enjoy the game as I intended.

Panel 4: The man’s eyes open wide and glow a bright white, their hands out, as if receiving some religious epiphany. Man: Yes...thank you Dr. Garfield! Now, I understand your vision! but there is one last thing which plagues me. Panel 5: The man turns away from Richard Garfield, their face contorted with pain. Richard Garfield conjures up a spectral deckbox as wisps of magic floating all around them, preparing to conjure something else. Man: When I ignore spoilers, cards spike in price and I can't find or afford them. Richard Garfield: I tell you the truth, blessed is the one who supports their LGS and matches their playgroup's power level...

Panel 6: Richard Garfield lifts a newly conjured object aloft, spirals of magic emanating from it – a home inkjet printer. Richard Garfield: ...For they may accept the salvation I offer. Man (Off-Screen): High resolution inkjet home printer?!

A little comic about a recent conversation I had about Magic, and spoiler season burnout

Tales from the Mana Crypt #101

Title: Tales from the Mana Crypt #100 Expressive Iteration A Magic the Gathering Comic A single page spread with a cascade of sketches from previous issues of Tales from the Mana Crypt. Included are drawings of Magic: the Gathering characters such as Elesh Norn, Elspeth Tirel, Vraska, Tyvar Kell, Kaito Shizuki, Jace Beleren, Rowan and Will Kenrith, and Ruby. There are also the Magic psychographic characters, Vorthos, Spike, and Timmy, as well as specific cards like Dark Confidant, Delighted Halfling, Llanowar Elves, and Pheldagriff. At the base of this spread of sketches, there is an illustration of the writer and artist of the comic, hard at work poring over their drawing tablets. Text: Whether it was 1 or 100 pages, thank you for reading Tales from the Mana Crypt! Here’s to 100 more, and more exciting things on the horizon.

Tales from the Mana Crypt #100 - Expressive Iteration
This is the 100th page we've done for Tales from the Mana Crypt! Thank you to everyone who has ever read, shared, or commented, and here's to 100 more! #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #99 – Breaking News A Magic: the Gathering Comic Panel 1: A man in a dinosaur costume with a cowboy hat is walking down the street – Timmy, Power Gamer. A boy in a newsboy cap advertises a newspaper – the Prosperity Post from Thunder Junction. On it, we see the Breaking News printing of the card Skullcrack. Timmy looks sideways at at the newsboy as he passes. Newsboy: Extra, extra! Local ogre's Skull Cracked with another skull! Read it all in the Prosperity Post!

Panel 2: Timmy walks past the same newsboy, now holding two newspapers – the Breaking News printings of Terminal Agony and Mindslaver, both depicting gristly fates befitting their names. Timmy looks increasingly disturbed. Newsboy: Get your daily news! Sheriff found disintegrated, medics confirm he died in Terminal Agony! Innocent bystander found with his Mind Enslaved!

Panel 3: The newsboy throws newspapers in the air, gleefully announcing the tragic stories of the day. On the papers, we see the Breaking News printings of Cruel Ultimatum and Decimate. Timmy looks dumbstruck as he looks on. Newsboy: Train senselessly derailed, passengers Decimated! Other, unrelated train explodes after angry dragon offers a Cruel Ultimatum! Tragic loss of life, as the death toll on Thunder Junction continues to climb! Read all about it!

Panel 4: Cutting to real life, Timmy is playing Magic on Magic Arena, having just had a Cruel Ultimatum cast against him. He looks melancholic. Spike, a young woman with short, sideswept hair, cracks open a beer as they chat. Timmy: Do you ever feel like everything is bad and you can't do anything about it? Spike: No, it's called playing to your outs. Timmy, are you reading the news? Timmy: Sort of.

The most realistic piece of world-building in Thunder Junction - a newspaper that only reports the worst things you've ever seen. #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #99 - Breaking News

Tales from the Mana Crypt #98 – Conditional A Magic the Gathering Comic 1: A Customer shows her phone to an Employee at a local game store. Customer: Hi, I'm picking up a singles order. The email said there were some issues with condition? Employee (typing into computer): Yep, I got your order here...let me show you before you decide. 2: The Employee holds up the novel “Agents of Artifice” with the card “Pore Over Pages” stuck into it. Employee: This one's, "used as a bookmark." Customer: Yeah, that's fine! Panel 3: Employee holds up a wallet, pulling out the card, “Noble’s Coin Purse” from the ID slot of the wallet. Employee: "Kept in a wallet," comes with the wallet! Customer: ...Just the card is good. 4: The Employee shows a copy of “Bloodthirsty Blade”. It shines like metal, and cuts the employees fingers. Employee: This was under a pile of chaff for years. The pressure made it so hard and flat, it's legally a knife. Customer: Are you bleeding?

5: The Employee puts the top half of the meld card, “Brisela, Voice of Nightmares” onto the counter. The card is in a sleeve, with organic, vein like protrusions. Employee: "Sleeve-Fused" Customer: How? 6: The Employee holds up a copy of the card “Papercraft Decoy” folded into a paper airplane. Employee: "Paper Plane." Customer: How?! 7: The Employee shows a vinyl record of the music single, “Paper Planes by M.I.A.” in its packaging. Employee: "Paper Planes by M.I.A. record" Customer: That's...not a Magic card. 8: The Employee scrolls through the Customer’s order on her computer again, and her expression lights up as she notices something. Employee: Oh! One of these is actually just near mint. The Customer grins, relieved to finally hear some good news. Customer: Great!

The Employee, from off-screen, holds out a potted mint plant, with a copy of the card, “Mintstrosity” embedded in the soil, like a plant label. The Customer looks dumbfounded. Employee: Wait, it was near a mint plant, oops! Oh, and obviously you'd get a partial refund for all of these. Customer: Can I get some free sleeves instead?

Turns out sleeve-playable is pretty wide-ranging. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #97 – Criminality A Magic the Gathering Comic Panel 1: A man dressed like Baral from Kaladesh is in handcuffs and a cowboy hat (Clyde Counterspell), while an elemental who looks like Ashling the Pilgrim (Bonnie Burn) is beside him, also in handcuffs. They both look irritated as a voice booms down at them. Voice, Off-Panel: Bonnie Burn & Clyde Counterspell, you're under arrest for inciting terror with untapped mana. Clyde: Bronson, I had to counter your game winning spell! Bonnie: And I removed a lethal attacker! Panel 2: A person dressed like Bruvac the Grandiloquent with a Hedron Crab sitting on their shoulder (Millie the Kid) is hunched over, hands cuffed, as they plead, with the same voice booming down at them. Voice, Off-Panel: Millie the Kid, you and your crabs have multiple counts of dumping my cool cards into the graveyard. Millie: Just pretend it was on the bottom of your library! I know you have recursion in your deck, Bronson!

Panel 3: A rabbit-folk that resembles Kwain, Itinerant Meddler is wearing a cowboy hat and has their hands cuffed (Group-Hug Hayes). They yelp in annoyance as a voice booms down at them. Voice, Off-Panel: Group-Hug Hayes. You didn't Secret Rendezvous with me. Hayes: Bronson, you were the archenemy!!

Panel 4: The source of the voice from the previous panels is revealed to be a Dinosaur in a cowboy hat, who angrily admonishes the previous characters. It becomes evident from his language that these characters are all Magic players in a commander game. Text: Bronson Battlecruiser Bronson: Your interaction has been a thorn in my side this whole commander game! Well thanks to WotC, I can call it what it is: crimes! Panel 5: Group-Hug Hayes bargains with Bronson Battlecruiser, whose nose can just be seen in frame. Group-Hug Hayes: Okay, we're all friends, clearly we just had mismatched expectations. why don't we play some horde magic or something? Bronson: ...Okay. Sorry, I had a bad day and took it out on you. I guess I can cancel my game with those guys who said they were law-abiding citizens.

Panel 6: A man who looks like Nevinyrral, Urborg Tyrant (Rufus McWrath), and one who looks like Grand Arbiter Augustin IV (Sawyer Stax) are both reading from a scroll, looking upset. They both have cowboy hats. Rufus McWrath: Ugh, another cancelled game! why does this keep happening, Sawyer Stax? Sawyer Stax: It's not us, Rufus McWrath, it's them.

The only Crime in Commander is poor communication (and broken deals). #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #97 - new comics on Fridays!

Thank you for reading!! This made my day. It's good to know I'm doing an okay job at writing the alt text, and I'm always open for feedback (both on accessibility and on the comic content haha) <3

Tales from the Mana Crypt #96 Mounting Okos Panel 1: Kellan, a young man with pointed ears, and shoulder-length grey hair, dressed in a fanciful western shirt and cowboy hat, stands in front of Oko, his father, a mischievous fae man, with a crown of spikes and a poncho of large feathers. The two are in the midst of being shot at with blasts of energy, and Kellan looks panicked while Oko smirks. The two are labelled “Kellan, the Kid” and “Oko, the Ringleader”. Kellan: Dad, we've gotta fly out of here! Oko: Into the sky full of scorpion dragons? Kellan: Well we can't outrun them on the ground! Oko: Luckily your dad is a master shapeshifter! Oko’s arm is seen starting to disappear as he begins shapeshifting.

Panel 2: Kellan rides atop an Elk with a crown atop its head – Oko, transformed into a mount for a quick getaway. Blasts of energy sizzle around them as Oko dashes at full speed. Kellan grins. Oko (Telepathically): Hold onto your hat and watch the horns! Kellan: Heh, dad, we're finally working as a team! Oko (Telepathically): That's enough kid, we're not a team.

Panel 3: The silhouette of Kellan and Oko is seen galloping across the dunes of the desert. The image of the two of them standing together, emerges from the horizon like a mirage. Oko gives a thumbs up, his hand on Kellan’s shoulder, and two smile and weep tenderly. Oko’s thoughts, off-screen:...We're a family.

Panel 4: A shadow of a person in a hoodie with horns can be seen over a series of Magic: the Gathering cards laid on the table. The cards are Oko, the Ringleader, Trained Arynx, and Kellan the Kid. A bit of visible text on Oko’s card calls out that he can transform into other creatures each turn. Shadowed person (Off-Screen): ...So if Oko copies a mount creature, Kellan can saddle him. And now they're playing horsey! Panel 5: We see that the speaker in the previous panel was Vorthos, a woman with long black hair, and a hoodie with curved horns reminiscent of the dragon character Nicol Bolas. She wears a cowboy hat, the horns poking out of its sides. Beside her is Spike, a shorter haired woman, also in a cowboy hat. Vorthos looks like she is holding back tears, while Spike looks on in mild concern. Vorthos: Finally, that elk bastard can be the dad that Kellan always imagined. Spike: I'm happy for you, Vorthos...but when you said you "solved it," this is not what I was expecting.

With Magic: the Gathering's complex mechanics, we can write our own happy endings. This comic was Inspired by Lev Dev on Twitter! #mtg
Tales from the Mana Crypt updates every Friday <3

Tales from the Mana Crypt #95 Top (Hat) Down Design Panel 1 Drawing of a storefront on Ravnica called “Ravnicaps”. In the window of the store, there is a mannequin with a wide-brimmed hat. Narration: Before leaving Ravnica, Kellan makes one final stop! Kellan (Off-screen): Thanks for coming with me Amalia, I felt so left out around the other detectives here. Panel 2 Kellan, a young half-fae man with medium length black hair is standing beside Amalia, a young vampire girl with glasses and curly black hair. They are inside “Ravnicaps” and in the foreground, a mannequin wearing a top-hat and a deerstalker cap are visible. Kellan smiles as he continues his dialog from the prior panel. Kellan: I don't want to be the only guy without the right hat on my next trip. Amalia adjusts her glasses, her expression incredulous. Amalia: I just can't believe that for every hat here, there's a plane of people wearing it. Kellan: Let's try some on! You can learn a lot about a plane from its hat!

Panel 3 Amalia is wearing a Regency-era outfit with a fancy bonnet and dress. Her fingers are steepled together and she squints her eyes listening to what Kellan has to say. Amalia:...Did we need to do the whole outfit? Kellan (Off-screen): Of course! That bonnet is from Regencia. it's a plane of idle nobles, tangled in webs of romance! Amalia: Wow, need a lot of peasants to support that lifestyle. Kellan (Off-screen): Nope, constructs do all of the labor, so it's all good! Panel 4 Kellan grins while wearing a bucket hat, fishing vest, and brandishes a fishing pole, holding the lure in one hand. Kellan: This bucket hat is from the plane of Reelidin. Fishing is everything there! Amalia (Off-screen): Everything? Their ecology must be really complicated. Kellan: Nope, the fish just replenish with magic!

Panel 5 Amalia wears a beatnik outfit, with a beret, and striped black-and-white shirt. She is holding what looks like a lit cigarette, smoke trailing around. She looks deeply confused. Amalia: Let me guess, is this beret from a plane that's really invested in disrupting societal norms Kellan (Off-screen): No, that's just a new Strixhaven trend. they all got really into slam poetry and abstract art recently......plus that magical, non-addictive burning stick! Amalia: Kellan, do you really need a new hat to fit in? These all seem like they're just for show.

Panel 6 Kellan tips a Stetson cowboy hat, his eyes obscured but his smile visible. Kellan: You're right, but some folks really like a show. And I have a feeling my dad's one of them. Narration: Next stop: Thunder Junction!

Dive into the exciting future of Top(hat)-Down design in Magic the Gathering with Kellan and Amalia! #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #94 It's a Magical Life Part 11 Panel 1 Narration (in song): For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, Dark Confidant looks up at the flock of millions of Restoration Angels, delighted to see Restora again with her wings. Bob: Restora! You did it, you got your wings! I didn't think that I'd get to see you again! Panel 2 Narration (in song): We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Restora looks over Bob, flying on new wings. Her speech font has changed to match that of her divine supervisor from her first appearance in the story. Her arms extended, she smiles warmly. Restora: Yes, fate works in strange ways. I can't stay for long but, remember Bob:

Panel 3 Narration (in song): And there's a hand my trusty friend! And give me a hand o' thine! Restora continues speaking over a montage of panels. Ron’s family gathering back in the real world can be seen, with relatives passing around a karaoke mic and singing with abandon. Restora (narrating from off-screen): Each card touches so many lives. Panel 4 Narration (in song): And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne. We see a group of friends doing a holiday gift exchange with Magic decks, smiling and laughing together. Restora (narrating from off-screen): And one last, most important thing,

Panel 5 Narration (in song): For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, Cutting back to the Realm of Magic, Dark Confidant and his friends celebrate as he lifts a drink aloft, the cube draft having ended. Bob: A toast, to all of us! And to all of the sweet bastards that play us! Restora (narrating from off-screen): I left a note, in case anyone else ever needs a reminder.

Panel 6 Narration (in song): For auld lang syne. A pair of hands sleeves a Restoration Angel, with a Dark Confidant in view in the background. This is the copy of Restoration Angel that previously confused Ron, as there is flavour text not present on normal printings. It reads “Greatness Comes in Many Forms”. Narration: End.

Restora leaves Bob with a few words (and flavor text) of wisdom, as the celebrations swell. #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #94 - It's a Magical life Part 11

Thanks for reading! You can find all of the previous parts on our profile! We'll be back with more Tales next week!

Tales from the Mana Crypt #93 It's a Magical Life Part 10 Panel 1 Narration: In the realm of magic, as the game continues: Returning to the realm of Magic, we see the source of the thought bubble from the previous page – Dark Confidant (Bob), along with several other Magic creatures, including the Kiki Jiki in play beside him, and a Tarmogoyf. Bob: ...Thanks again guys. still can't believe you all got a request through to have us in the same cube. Tarmogoyf: We're just glad you liked the idea! You should have seen your face when we surprised you! Panel 2 Tarmogoyf’s narration leads into the memory of what happened when Restora returned Bob to his world: the long shadow being cast was from his friends, out looking for him. Tarmogoyf, Goblin Guide, and Vendilion Clique are all there to show Bob their application to be played in a cube together. Bob (off-screen): Your size changes so often, it's hard to tell it's you, Goyf.

Panel 3 Back in the present, a giant avatar of Ron - the person playing in real life – looms over Bob. This version of Ron has starlight in his shadows, like a Therosian god. His words in real life echo down into the realm of Magic as he prepares to reveal the card for his Dark Confidant trigger. Bob grins as his hand crackles with magic. Ron: ...Okay, Bob trigger... Bob: That's my cue!

Panel 4 In the real world, Ron flips over a Restoration Angel. In view on the table are the Dark Confidant and Kiki-Jiki. Ron: BAM! Panel 5 Ron and his Fedora-wearing relative look down at the board state. His relative smiles at Ron’s good luck, but Ron looks confused. In the background, singing can be heard from the other room as his family launches into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Fedora relative: Wait, you have Kiki-Jiki, that's infinite! Good timing, I hear them singing. Ron: Hold on, something's off with this Resto - Singing (in background): Should old acquaintance be forgot, Panel 6 Singing (in background): And never brought to mind? The singing continues as Ron holds up the copy of Restoration close to his face, confusion visible as he inspects the card. Ron: ...Did Restoration Angel always have flavour text? Fedora relative (Off-screen): Are you doing a bit? What, does it say "get good"??

Panel 7 The singing in the background fades into narration as the perspective returns to the Realm of Magic. Tarmogoyf and Dark Confidant look on at infinite angels being produced by Kiki-Jiki, gleefully holding his mirror aloft. Narration (in song): Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? Tarmogoyf: Wow, I guess it's true what they say – every time someone topdecks a win, an angel gets its wings! Bob, thinking: ...If you say so, Goyfie.

As Dark Confidant and friends enjoy their holiday hurrahs, the match back on earth ends in spectacular fashion, and Bob sees a familiar face. #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #93 - It's a Magical life Part 10

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Tales from the Mana Crypt #92 It's a Magical Life Part 9 Panel 1 Bob/Dark Confidant stands facing away from Restora, who is aglow with bright light, as reality fractures around her. Dark Confidant, eyes closed and gathering himself after an emotional catharsis, does not notice. Bob: ...I should be getting back to my world. Thanks for the tough love, felt like I -

Panel 2 Dark Confidant is back on the bridge that he was standing on when Restora found him. At the edges of this panel are cracks like looking through broken glass. Dark Confidant looks around, confused, as a long shadow stretches toward him. Bob: ...Restora? Hello? Off-Screen, from the source of the shadow: Bob...we've been looking for you... Panel 3 Bob whips around to the source of the voice, still unseen to the reader, shocked and alarmed. Bob: Wha- it's you! But how...?!

Panel 4 Leaving the world of Magic, a pair of hands in real life on Earth are holding a Dark Confidant and Arcbound Ravager, as they flip through a stack of magic cards, drafting. Drafter: Woah! How is this still here? Panel 5 Narration: Earth, at a holiday cube draft: Zooming out, the drafter was Ron from the very first installment of this story, a man who was deciding which magic cards to pack for a holiday visit to see his family. Surrounding him are several of his relatives, one with a buzzcut in the foreground and one wearing a turtleneck beside him. They are partway through a cube draft, passing cards back and forth to each other. Turtleneck relative: It's my way of saying "thanks for building this cube". Also, I'm forcing Mono-Blue mill. Buzzcut relative: Yeah, thanks man! What inspired you? Ron: It was my pleasure, seriously! It feels like Magic has so many changes lately. I just wanted a place to jam all of our old favourites!

Panel 6 Narration: Later, during game 3 of the last match: Ron is playing a game of magic against another relative, wearing a Fedora. His hand is over his library, when his buzzcut relative drops by. Ron: Okay, upkeep... Buzzcut relative: Y'all almost done? We're doing carols soon! Panel 7 Zooming in on Ron’s board state, we see Dark Confidant and Kiki Jiki, Mirror Breaker in play. Ron’s hand still rests over his library as he chats with his relative. Ron (Off-screen): I might die right now to my Bob trigger...Otherwise, the board is pretty stalled. Buzzcut Relative (Off-screen): Okay, just come join whenever you're done. Thought bubble: Wow, this was exactly what I needed...

Having learned a hard lesson, Dark Confidant is returned to where he came from to a surprise. Back on earth, a cube draft unfolds... #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #92 - It's a Magical Life Part 9

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Tales from the Mana Crypt #91 It's a Magical Life Part 8 Panel 1 Bob pinches the bridge of his nose and throws a hand up in resignation. Bob: I'm done. I'm not going to just settle for pity play. Restora, floating nearby, puts her hands out and offers a weak smile in the face of Bob’s pessimism. Restora: It's not pity, Bob. They chose you, truly and sincerely. Bob: That's the problem! Panel 2 Bob whips his head around to look over his shoulder and snarls at Restora. Bob: They're making bad choices! Why would I care what they think?! Panel 3 Close up of Restora, showing just the lower half of her face and upper torso. Stark shadows are cast across her figure. Her lip is tense, her mouth a stern line. Restora: Oh, you idiot. Bob (Off-Screen):...What was that?

Panel 4 Restora snaps, clenching her fists and looming over Bob. All around and behind her, memory screens swirl with images of people who still love and play Dark Confidant. Bob looks around, frantic and shocked at the sudden change in Restora’s demeanor. Restora: I said, you're an idiot. They sleeved you up, downsides and all. That isn't a bad choice just because you hate yourself. Is your ambition so small that you can only envy the past? Meanwhile, you spout off about greatness -

Panel 5 Close up of Bob’s eye. Reflected in it, we see a hand sleeving up a copy of Dark Confidant. Restora (Off-Screen): Face reality Bob. What do you see?

Panel 6 A memory screen showing a group of friends and family, laughing together as they play Magic. The person holding the card from the previous panel is Ron, from Tales from the Mana Crypt #84, Panel 1. On the screen, Dark Confidant’s shadow is visible, his forearm covering his eyes, wiping away tears. Bob:...Dammit. Don't make me say it.

Restoration Angel gets fed up, and hits Dark Confidant with a cold dose of reality. #MTG
Tales from the Mana Crypt #91 - It's a Magical Life Part 8

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TftMC 90 Tales from the Mana Crypt #90 It's a Magical Life Part 7 Panel 1 Restora drags Bob by the collar to see more of his recent memories. Restora: Okay, more to see! Bob: They're not all from the past five years, are they? Panel 2 On a memory screen, a bearded MTG streamer rubs their hands together maniacally. Bob’s shadow is cast over the screen, his posture angry. Text: Vintage cube: Streamer: I'll play Dark Confidant, this isn't a coward stream. Bob: You drafted reanimator! Next! Panel 3 On a memory screen, a player holds up copies of Dark Confidant and Liliana of the Veil. Bob’s shadow is cast over the screen, now shouting. Text: Modern: Player: The 1-of Bob? He and Lilli are the mascots. Can't cut them! Bob: Yes, you can! Next! Panel 4 On a memory screen, a player in a sunni beard shuffles a deck with a big grin. Bob’s shadow is cast over the screen, dejected. Text: Legacy: Player: I'm running Bob, again, no one wants to force a Bob! I solved it! Bob: ...Next!

Panel 5 On a large memory screen, a game of commander unfolds – Player 1 prepares to flip over the top card of their deck. Text: Commander: Player 1: Upkeep, Dark Confidant Trigger! Player 2: Just flip it! Player 3: Come on, he’s at ten, nothing will happen. Bob scoffs and turns away, waving his hand dismissively at the screen. Bob (to Restora): Okay that’s it, I’m done. I watched your little show, and nice try - Panel 6 Bob points angrily at Restora, the two of them backlit by the screen behind them. Bob: - But does my flavor text say, "Fun, at any cost"? I'm good on the pity parade of losers settling for me. Now Alchemy me like you - From screen (speaker unseen): Ha! Sick!

Panel 7 Bob swivels around to see what caused the laugh from before, and sees the results of Player 1’s Dark Confidant trigger – revealing Explosive Singularity, a 10 mana card, they died. Everyone around the table is in good spirits. Player 1: Hahaha! Player 2: Haha – oh no, I need to put Bob in more decks! Player 3: Pft – I guess I underestimated how wild your deck was! Player 4: Hahaha! What would the flavor of this even be?

Panel 8 Bob looks directly at the reader, as if they are the screen they just watched. Bob (dumbfounded): Why are you laughing? You just died of dumb luck! Panel 9 Bob (angry): Just play a better card! Trade that one in for credit! Panel 10 Bob (face in hand): Haha...don't you know? That card's no good anymore.

Sometimes, downsides are upsides. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #90 - It's a Magical Life Part 7

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ICJ denied israel’s only defense that south africa didn’t have standing to submit a case of genocide 🙏

Tales from the Mana Crypt #89 It's a Magical Life Part 6 Panel 1 Dark Confidant stands with his face in his hand, back to the reader. The various screens around him reflect his pitiful state. Bob: Seeing what I used to be...it's just painful. I would do anything to be great again...Even being rebalanced in alchemy. Panel 2 Restora, with a concerned expression, conjures a circular reflecting pool where an Alchemy rebalanced version of Dark Confidant is visible. The rebalanced card costs one black mana, triggers on the end step, and gains life instead of losing life. The flavour text reads, “Greatness, at the cost of one mythic wildcard.” Restora: ...That is possible, but it will not restore your past. Many will scorn you. You may still just be worse than Orcish Bowmasters. Is that what you want?

Panel 3 Bob’s hand is held out, feigning bravado – the rest of him is invisible. The curl of the hand resembles the art of Hero’s Downfall from Innistrad: Crimson Vow. In the background, a screen shows a professional match, where a player casts Hero’s Downfall from Theros as a commentator speaks. Bob (off-screen): Yeah. Commentator (from screen in background):...And a timely kill spell to remove that last blocker... Bob (off-screen): Greatness at any cost, right?

Panel 4 Restora turns her back to Bob, facing a procession of screens. The angle and position of the screens resemble wings extending from Restora’s shoulder as she floats above and ahead of Bob, who looks at her excitedly. Restora: Then I will make it so, but only if you will witness the rest of these memories. Deal? Bob: Wha – really!? Yeah, whatever you want, what's next? Pro-Tour Finals? old SCG Tour? Worlds?

Panel 5: Restora and Bob look at a screen. A player grins widely while holding up an Exodus printing of Carnophage. Player on Screen: ...Play swamp, Black Lotus, sac it, cast Dark Confidant, Carnophage, and Dauthi Voidwalker! Bob looks disgruntled that he has to watch this, and Restora floats above him, smiling. Bob: I refuse to believe anyone has ever put those cards into the same deck. Restora: They do in Canadian Highlander! You just haven't seen the deck-lists at the card allocation office! It's a format run by players! Panel 6: Bob’s silhouette is reflected over the screen – a motley crew of creatures laid out, with hands excitedly gesturing over them. The speech of the players in the memory seem to blend into the background. Bob (Off-Screen): Oh, I don't bother with formats like that. Player 1 on Screen: Carnophage? Nice taste. Player 2 on Screen: Thanks, isn't Canlander te best?! Bob (Off-Screen): Look how sad they are. Let's just move on. Narrative text: To be continued...

Where do top-tier cards go to live once they're past their prime? Well.. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #89 - It's a Magical Life Part 6

Read the previous parts here: bsky.app/profile/mang...

TftMC 88 Tales from the Mana Crypt #88 It's a Magical Life Part 5 Panel 1 The Dark Confidant, aka Bob floats alongside Restora, a wingless angel with perpetually closed eyes. They drift through an ethereal space filled with floating screens. Bob: Where are we? Restora: Between worlds – sort of like phasing. Here we can view memories of you, from the world where you were printed. Here is one from the time of your first printing: Restora gestures to a screen where we see a teenage girl and boy, Emi and Kanou respectively.

Panel 2 Emi looks at a card, freshly opened from a booster pack, as Kanou peers over her shoulder. Emi: My rare deals damage to me? Who would play this? Kanou: Trade you my Blazing Archon for it? Panel 3 Kanou and Emi sit at a table, finishing a game of Magic. Kanou gestures with a card in his hand, indicating that he is casting it, with a sheepish smile. Emi has an expression of comical frustration on her face. Kanou: Nekrataal your last blocker, attack for lethal? Emi: How do you keep beating me!? It’s like...

Panel 4 Bob and Restora finish watching the scene play out. Bob looks irritated but vindicated listening to Emi continue to besmirch him. Restora smiles gently as she watches his reaction. Emi (off-screen): ...you find your answers before that stupid dark confidant kills you! Bob: Heh, it's called card advantage, kid. Restora: One of many lessons you've taught over the years. But we still have much to see. Panel 5 Restora and Bob are silhouetted against a new screen: footage from Pro Tour Rivals of Ixalan, with commentary coming from the screen. In the real footage of this game, Marshall Sutcliffe is the commentator being quoted. Commentator/Marshall Sutcliffe (off-screen): Here we go, Dark Confidant on the battlefield for Reid Duke - Bob: Oh yeah, the glory days. Restora: You remember? Bob: Of course I do.

Panel 6 Bob and Restora look up and around them as screens swirl with scenes from past competitive events where Dark Confidant played a key role in the meta-game. Bob smiles fondly as the voices of commentators fill the background, and he counts his victories on his fingers. Commentator (off-screen):...Maelstrom Pulse revealed with Bob to clear those tokens... Commentator (off-screen):...He'll have to spend precious removal on that Dark Confidant... Commentator (off-screen):...Bob getting in the red zone, that two power coming in clutch here... Bob: Five Pro-Tour Top Eights, and three wins. Modern, Standard, Extended - I was always there. Restora: Greatness indeed. Bob: Yeah... Panel 7 Bob’s face is overcast, but he smiles sadly as he grips his staff tightly. Bob: Look, thanks for the walk down memory lane. Commentator (off-screen):...And that's why they call him "the Great One"! Bob: Let's just call it here. Text: To be continued...

Dark Confidant and Restoration Angel take a trip down memory lane, to more nostalgic times. #MTG

Tales from the Mana Crypt #88 - It's a Magical Life Part 5
Read part 2-4 here: bsky.app/profile/mang...

No Tales from the Mana Crypt this week, real life got a bit too jam packed :(

Tales from the Mana Crypt #87 It's a Magical Life Part 4 P1 Bob speaks to Restora, who is just off-screen, his eyes wide with surprise and a hint of disbelief. Bob: You're an angel? But you don't even have flying! Restora (off-screen): Yes I am, and no, not yet. If I can help you, I'll earn my wings. P2 Bob’s expression changes to one of anticipation and excitement, thinking that Restora might solve his problem. Bob: You're going to make me playable again? What'll it be? More toughness? An ETB? Flash? Restora (off-screen): There will be no power level errata. We do not do that. Except for companions... P3 Bob’s expression changes back to one of annoyance, as this time, he points a finger at Restora. Bob: So why are you here? Ugh – let me guess. You'll show me how bad things are, if I was never printed, so I learn to be grateful. Restora wrings her hair out in the foreground, the river-water dripping out. Restora: No no, worlds without you are just fine.

Panel 4 A close-up on Bob’s eyes as he reacts to Restora’s comment, before being promptly cut off. Bob: What? How dare - Restora raises her hands and images of cards are conjured all around her – glimpses at cards in alternate realities, perhaps. Her pose is reminiscent of the card art for Behold the Multiverse. Restora: Strange isn't it? With infinite combinations, each card's life touches so many others – including yours. Without you, there would be a completely different history – different decks, metas, synergies. But who can say that one such world is better than another?

Panel 5 Bob throws his hands up and scoffs at what Restora is saying. Bob: So, I don't make a difference, thanks! That really helps me out! I bet you're getting your wings, any minute now! Restora grabs Bob’s staff and a crackling light emerges where she holds it. Restora: My apologies, I was unclear. I will show you -

Panel 6 Restora pulls Bob, and transports him to an extra-planar space. The barrier between the two spaces shatters like glass as the two float, and all around them, silhouettes of people playing Magic the Gathering are visible on screens. Bob looks around, in shock and awe, as Restora’s dress and hair billow around him. Restora: - The world where you do make a difference. Ignore hypothetical worlds where Dark Confidant was never printed – turn your eyes toward the world where it was. Narrator: To be continued...

Restora hits Dark Confidant with a harsh dose of reality as the two argue back and forth - before Restora decides it would be faster just to show her point directly. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #84 - It's a Magical Life Pt 4, part 5 out next Friday!

Tales from the Mana Crypt #86 It's a Magical Life Part 3 Panel 1 Dark Confidant a.k.a Bob continues to look up at the sky from the bridge, contemplating the words he had just spoken: “I wish I had never been printed”. Narrator: Back down below: Bob:...of course no one's listening. Panel 2 A flash of light is visible from the sky, as Bob puts their head in their hands. Sound Effect: Flash! Off-screen, toward the sky: Help! I've missed my mark! Bob: Heh...now I'm even hearing things. Get it together Bob, you're not Asylum Visitor. Panel 3 The Dark Confidant notices the source of the speech coming from the sky, and is startled to attention, scanning the night sky for what it could be. Off-sceen, toward the sky, now bigger: Please! I'm going to fall in the river! Bob:...What?! Were my prayers actually answered?!

Panel 4 Zooming out, we see Restora falling from the sky like a shooting star. She poses, overly dramatic, trying to entice Bob to catch her before she falls into the water below. Bob’s face is stoic and somber as he absorbs the silliness of the situation. Restora: Oh, if only a card could leap into action to catch me! Oh, and! Maybe they'd realize that being printed was a gift in the process! Bob (thinking):...Why did I get my hopes up?

Panel 5 Bob peers over the edges of the bridge as Restora’s screams disappear and she lands with a splash into the water below. Panel 6 Bob stands back up straight, with a serious expression. A finger taps his shoulder from behind. Bob: Okay, back to wallowing.

Restora the angel tries a naive gambit to shake Dark Confidant out of his funk, only to get a cold awakening. #mtg Tales from the Mana Crypt #84 - It's a Magical Life Pt 3

Restora the angel tries a naive gambit to shake Dark Confidant out of his funk, only to get a cold awakening. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #84 - It's a Magical Life Pt 3

Tales from the Mana Crypt #85 It's a Magical Life Part 2 Panel 1: Dark Confidant, a.k.a Bob is seated at a bar surrounded by other former all-stars of Modern. Vendilion Clique, Goblin Guide, and Tarmogoyf all fly or sit around him, with drinks scattered across the bartop. Vendilion Clique: So, whatcha gonna do? Bob: I don't know... I just wish we could all go back to the glory days. Goblin Guide: Bob just need guide! Still good value! Bob: Not unless I've got an ETB, cheat on mana – or more than 1 toughness! Tarmogoyf: Players still love you – you're a part of magic history! Bob: Maybe I don't want to be history Goyf, maybe I want to be great! ...Sorry.

Panel 2: Bob leaves the bar, and the silhouettes of his friends, Goblin Guide and Vendilion Clique are visible, whispering to each other with concern. Bob: ...I'm getting heated. I'll take a walk. Panel 3: Bob walks outside, crossing a bridge and looking at the reflection of the night sky in the water as snow falls overhead. We see him from the back, his face hidden from view. Bob (thinking):...Maybe those guys heckling me were right.

Panel 4: Bob looks up toward the sky, his face shadowed with anxiety. The moon and stars are directly overhead as he thinks to himself. Bob (thinking): I'm better off as store credit – at least I'd be making someone happy. Bob: If anyone's listening, I wish... Panel 5: Elsewhere, in a space of darkness filled with stars, the words of Bob the Dark Confidant are heard by an omniscient mote of Light. This Light voices their concerns – worries like those of the Dark Confidant are their responsibilities to deal with. Bob (thoughts, off-screen):...I wish I'd never been printed. Light: Oh dear. Bring Restora, the second-tier angel to me. Narrator: Beyond space and time, Dark Confidant is heard.

Panel 6: The silhouette of Restoration Angel, a.k.a. Restora is visible – though without her wings. She floats against the same expanse of stars and darkness as the Light speaks in the space around her. Restora: You called for me? Light: Yes, Restora. A card in the realms below needs our help. Restora: Water damage? Light: No, worse. he thinks he's unplayable. Both cards and players are pleading on his behalf. Panel 7: Zooming in on her Restora, her features become visible. Her eyes are permanently closed, but she has an eager expression with a bright smile. Light: Help him, and you will finally earn your wings. Restora: Oh! I'll do my darndest!

As Dark Confidant commiserates with other former all-stars, he starts to doubt himself. Far away, a certain angel is assigned to help Restore his faith in himself. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #84 - It's a Magical Life Pt 2
Read Part 1 here: bsky.app/profile/mang...

Tales from the Mana Crypt #84 It's a Magical Life Part 1 Panel 1: A man named Ron, wearing a festive holiday sweater decorated with black lotuses sits in an armchair. The calendar behind him is marked December and a Christmas tree sits off to the side. He is picking through cards from scattered deckboxes, and pulling one out of its card sleeve. Off Screen: Hey Ron, are we playing magic when we visit your family this year? Ron: Yeah, I'll bring some commander decks, maybe Modern? Oh man - I haven't updated Jund in a minute. I've still got Dark Confidant in here?!

Panel 2: Ron's shadow is cast over the card "Dark Confidant," set down on a table as he stands up. The solitary card looks lonesome on the side table. Ron (Off-Screen): Sorry Bob*, I'll find a better home for you after I pack. Text: *Dark confidant's nickname. Pro Player Bob Maher Jr got to design the card by winning the 2004 Magic Invitational. The original art bears his likeness. Panel 3: Zooming in on the Dark Confidant card, the art transitions to a hand-drawn style matching the rest of the comic, and the Dark Confidant in the art changes expression to look disgruntled. Ron (Off-Screen): Maybe if I pray hard enough to R&D, you'll be playable again…

Panel 4:  Inside of a building resembling a post office, the Dark Confidant slams his fist onto the counter. Behind the counter, another character from a card - Dragon's Rage Channeler, or "Darcy" - wearing robes and leather straps with dragon-like claws looks through a binder labelled "Card Requests". Darcy's wears an anxious expression on her face. Narration: At the Card Allocation Office in The Realm of Magic, Dark Confidant gets the news. Dark Confidant: ...I've been removed from another deck?! You gotta be delirious; Ron loves me! Darcy: Sorry Bob. Your time's been off on the Horizon for a while. Dark Confidant: Someone's gotta want me, Darcy! I'm getting a reprint soon - at mythic! Darcy: I'll tell you if I surveil anything competitive for you, Bob. Maybe in the sideboard. But look, you're holding up the line, and I got deck slots to fill.

Panel 5: The line of other card characters behind Dark Confidant are seen: Shardless Agent hanging upside down; Sheoldred with her palm to her chin with an arrogant expression; and Delighted Halfling, who has their hands at their hips, a mocking smile on their lips. Shardless Agent: Sorry "Great One," no room for you in MY cascade. How's ol' Bloodbraid these days? Sheoldred: Face it Bob, you're too fair. It's okay to punish your opponents instead of your caster. Delighted Halfling: I said find one more toughness, or trade in for store credit - before you're BULK! "Great at any cost," right? Dark Confidant disgustedly throws his hand up in a half hearted goodbye as he turns and makes his exit. He is backlit as he leaves, his front shrouded in shadow. Dark Confidant: Yeah, yeah, I've heard enough. I'll make like a Mox and Jet, happy? Darcy, I'll be at the An-Havva Inn if you find anything. Happy holidays, all of you. Text: To be continued...

Hope your holidays are going better than this guy's.

Tales from the Mana Crypt 84 - It's a Magical Life Pt 1

Part two will be out next Friday! #mtg

Title: Tales from the Mana Crypt #83 - Doppeljanker Panel 1: A woman in a sweater (Natalie) walks up to a table with three people seated: a man with his hair in thick braids (Andre), a bearded man with glasses (Dave) with a man standing behind him with a bag on his head, and a blonde man with a cowlick (Steven). Natalie: Hey, do you guys need a fourth for commander? Oh - my bad, didn't see your...friend behind you, Dave. Andre: Oh, you can join, that's just his doppeljanker. Natalie: ...His what? Steven: You know, a doppeljanker!

Panel 2: With narration from Steven, the scene cuts to a young man, grinning with manic glee as he looks at a pair of magic cards. A twin of the man in a clown costume leans over his shoulder - his doppeljanker. Steven: It's all of your worst magic impulses as an uncanny mockery of you, whispering temptations! "one land one keep"? That's your doppeljanker. Drafting five colors, no fixing? Doppeljanker. Clown doppeljanker: Skip your land drop and discard to hand size! You can reanimate it in three turns! Steven: Drew too many cards and milled out? Doppeljanker. Upgraded a casual deck too hard, and now it doesn't spark joy? Doppeljanker.

Panel 3: Andre looks to the side and up at Natalie, standing to his left and just behind him. He has an anxious look on his face, eyebrows creased and mouth taut, his hands clasped out in front of him like he's making a point. Natalie covers her mouth with a fist, perplexed by what she is seeing and hearing. Andre: Dave's doppeljanker makes him play mill and discard, even though he'll be archenemy. Everybody has one, but if they're ignored, they stay dormant and invisible. Natalie:...So how come I can see that one whispering behind Dave? Andre: They can take form if their host gives in to them. It takes a big shock, but...Well, we were playing a game...

Panel 4: Narration: Two games ago... Andre (Off-Screen):...Okay, I'll bounce all of your permanents, attack you for 1, then Pass the turn! Dave sits with a smile on his face, his Doppeljanker with the bag on its head behind him with his hand on Dave's shoulder. A nightmarish creature made of shadows and teeth looms behind them both, a manifestation of a creature called Umbris. Dave's Doppeljanker hands Dave a deckbox. Dave: I'll just scoop! Dave's Doppeljanker:...The only way to be safe is to exile their whole library...This wouldn't happen if they didn't have any cards in hand... Dave:...Hey, mind if I play my Umbris deck for the next game?

This creature is to blame for all of your sketchy Magic choices - your Doppeljanker.

Tales from the Mana Crypt #83 featuring Dave the Noob as a prize for the Sheldon Menery Charity Stream! #MTG

Thank you so much!!

Panel 1: Title: Tales from the Mana Crypt #82 - Ambition's Costs Text: 1999 A card designer in round glasses, a bow-tie, and lab coat with slicked back hair is presenting to a group of people, whose heads are visible only in silhouette. Behind them, there is a projector screen with the cards Palinchron, Frantic Search, Rewind, and Peregrine Drake displayed. Designer: Okay, we've learned our lesson from Force of Will that free spells are too strong. That's why for Urza's Block, the "free" spells will require mana up front, and untap your lands after.

Panel 2: Text: 2009 The same designer from the previous panel has lost the bow-tie and looks more haggard, with hints of stubble. He points to screens with the cards Bloodbraid Elf, Violent Outburst, and Ardent Plea displayed on them. Designer: Okay, so we've learned that refunding mana is also broken. So with this new Cascade mechanic, the spells will be random!

Panel 3: Text: 2011 The card designer now has long, unkempt hair, a visible stubble, and is shaking with over-caffeination. On the screens behind them are the cards Mental Misstep, Birthing Pod, Phyrexian Metamorph, and Dismember. The silhouette of his audience is now sweating and nervous. Designer: Okay, we've learned our lesson from Urza's Block, Affinity, pitch spells, the Pacts, and Cascade, that free spells are too strong. So for New Phyrexia, we'll make sure they cost mana, and only the color pip can be paid with life.

Panel 4: Text: 2023 The card designer leans in close to the reader's pov, as if they are the audience now. He looks gaunt and malnourished, with dark circles under his eyes. There is darkness all around him. He brandishes a single card: Quintorius Kand, his eyes crazed and conspiratorial. Designer: Okay, I know we've had complaints about cheating mana with spells like Once Upon a Time, the MH2 Elementals, the Ikoria commander spells, Fires of Invention, Boros Convoke, Tibalt's Trickery, the MH2 Suspend spells, Mishra's Bauble, and Hogaak - but hear me out, Cascade 2: Elephant Boogaloo.

Free is free, until there's a cost. #mtg

Tales from the Mana Crypt #82 - Ambition's Costs

Panel 1: A student dressed in apprentice wizards' robes stands, atop a shattered bridge, leading to a shattered mansion surrounding by mountains and its own floating ruins - Markov Manor. The student, named Nora, draws in a notebook. Small panels are visible in the notebook. Text: My name is Nora. I'm a Prismari member of the Strixhaven story circle. Thanks to the Omenpaths, I'm here on Innistrad, drawing references of Markov Manor for our next release. Unknown to Nora, a figure with long white hair and a black trenchcoat floats behind her as she draws. Unknown Person: So you're the little mouse that's been scurrying around here.

Panel 2: The unknown person is revealed to be Sorin Markov - a handsome vampire with flowing white shirt beneath his long coat, and white hair that flows in the wind. He looks down at Nora with contempt, Nora's back is still to him. Nora sweats, her eyes wide in shock as she clutches her notebook close to her chest. Sorin: Brave, and foolish to be spying on the lord of Innistrad. But show me what you've gathered, before I end your life. Nora (Thinking): T-that must be Sorin Markov..!! Panel 3: Sorin moves with unearthly speed, snatching the notebook from Nora's hands, and she panics. Nora (Yelling): No - please, wait! Sorin: Now let's see...

Panel 4: Sorin's hands hold the notebook - on the front is a cover featuring a highly stylized depiction of Sorin and Ugin, a ghostly dragon. Both are drawn with exaggerated handsomeness, large sparkly eyes, and pouty lips. The title: "Ghostly Flames".

Panel 5: Sorin looks confused, flipping through the book. Nora's face has lost all expression, her emotion drained. Sorin: Though it is...innacurate, you have clearly worked very hard on this...I'll have to read it. Nora: No, no, just end my life, please.

The Omenpaths offer possibilities for storytelling, never before thought possible. #mtg

Sometimes I re-read our old work and think wow this is actually decent maybe I'm not an imposter after all

Panel 1: Tales from the Mana Crypt Text: Going back in time; Elspeth Tirel is visited in her nightmare while in the Theros underworld! The planeswalker Ashiok offers a weapon fit to slay a god... Ashiok and Elspeth stand in front of a starry sky, a crumbling column in the background. Ashiok faces the camera while Elspeth's back is to it. Ashiok brandishes a multi-pronged, black spear, floating between their hands. Ashiok: You will awaken, but you may take this weapon with you, crafted from your own nightmare, this Shadowspear gives you +1/+1, trample and lifelink...and it can remove hexproof and indestructible.

Panel 2: Elspeth holds her hand over the spear, hesitant, her eyes shadowed. Elspeth: This weapon...Heliod is sure to know it. Do you have any others, weaver of nightmares?

Panel 3: Ashiok, now sweating slightly, produces a jagged dagger. In the background we can see an armored figure, their face hidden in shadow beneath their helmet - the Witch-King of Angmar. Ashiok: ...very well. This weapon is drawn from Universes Beyond. This Morghul Knife was used by a Witch-King. It...also gives +1/+1, trample and lifelink......and it can remove hexproof and indestructible! Panel 4: Elspeth looks visibly disappointed, sighing and clicking her tongue. Ashiok (Off-panel): ...Okay, you're not impressed.

Panel 5: Ashiok, now pancking, produces an ornate spear, pointing at it and sweating. Ashiok: ...Th-this, last weapon was used by a legendary Tomb Raider!! Totec's Spear offers +1/+1, trample, and lifelink- Elspeth, interrupting Ashiok: I'll just take the one made out of my own nightmares. These "Universes Beyond" owe me some royalties... Elspeth looks off to the side, holding the Shadowspear, unimpressed and talking out of the side of her mouth.

Tales from the Mana Crypt #80 - Mirror Universes Beyond

No one can prove this isn't what happened in Theros Beyond Death. #mtg

Thank you to @merchant_magic on Twitter for the idea!

P1: Tales from the Mana Crypt: Text: We spoke to four types of players at pre-release about their strategies. A broad-shouldered man in a three piece suit and fedora holds two cards, seated at a table. He casts an imposing shadow over the table and his hat casts a shadow over his eyes. He says, "Well, a man's gotta have a code, see? but what's a fella to do when he opens bombs in all 5 colors? All this mana fixing's making me an offer I can't refuse." Text (Bold): The Fixer.

P2: A dishevelled person in a hoodie with dark circles under their eyes, their hair up in a clip, and two different earbuds (one in each ear, each leading to a different device) frantically sorts cards on a table while muttering, "Okay, good commons in red, but my rares..." They look up, startled at the presence of the interviewer. "Oh! Sorry, couldn't hear you," they say, "I got Limited Resources in one ear, and Lords of Limited in the other." They add, sheepish, "...yes, at 2x speed." Text (Bold): The Prepper.

P3: A woman with dangly jewlery and shiny, angular sunglasses sits at a table with rows of cards. "Strategy?" she asks, "Draw a copy of my build-around every game, or die trying!" She continues, "what do you mean, 'what if you don't'? Did I stutter?" Text (Bold): The Dreamer.

P4: A black man with flat-top haircut in a pressed white button-down with tie and cardigan, reminiscent of Mr. Rogers stands in a pose like medieval iconography of Jesus Christ. he holds one card close to his face and another closer to the table. A sun-like flare shines in the background. "Oh you're new to the game? Welcome! Let me know if you need any help," he says, "If you have any cards you're looking for, I'll let you know if I open any! Yeah, we can trade or honestly you could just have them!" Text (Bold): The Saint.

The four types of players at every pre-release. #mtg

Photos from the pro-Palestine protests in Toronto today. My ears rang with everyone's voices, and my glasses were foggy with my own.

Tales from the Mana Crypt: An Oltec woman holds a pick-axe in one hand and a brick in another, and speaks to Saheeli Rai. "It is good to meet you Saheeli, Huatli speaks so highly of you," she says. Saheeli replies, "The feeling is mutual! I've heard much of the Oltec tradition of craft." The first Oltec woman replies, "Oh, it just so happens, I'm about craft these clay-fired bricks and this diamond pick-axe."

The Oltec woman conjurs a Minecraft-esque crafting window, with boxes for her bricks and pick-axe, and a box showing the result (a kiln). Forceful lasers from her eyes seem to be transferring the objects that were in her hands into the box. Saheeli looks taken aback.

The Oltec woman conjures a massive kiln with circular, clockwork gnome-like creatures in the background. It seems almost effortless for the size of what she has created. "Tadah!" she says. Saheeli looks stunned, but her eyes are wider in curiosity now.

Saheeli grips the shoulders of the Oltec woman, leaning in close. Her face is shadowed dramatically, and a bead of sweat falls down the Oltec woman's face - Saheeli is feeling very intense about what she has just witnessed. "I would like to learn everything about whatever the hell that was." she says. In the background the clockwork gnomes dance around.

I'm not convinced that Jurassic Park was the only UB intended for Lost Caverns of Ixalan. #mtg