Following the monumental success of the Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy expansion, which made history by selling $200 million in a single day, Wizards of the Coast is setting its sights on another blockbuster. The highly anticipated Marvel`s Spider-Man MTG expansion is slated for release on September 26, and expectations are high for a similar triumph.
We`re thrilled to provide an exclusive preview of two exciting cards from the upcoming Spider-Man set. Both feature characters who share the legendary “Scarlet Spider” mantle: Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker. Each character brings a unique flavor to the Magic color pie with their distinct abilities and strategic implications.
Scarlet Spider, Ben Reilly
- Legendary Creature – Spider Human Hero
- Costs one generic, one red, and one green mana to cast
- 4 power/3 toughness
- Web-slinging for one red and one green mana (You may cast this spell for one red and one green mana if you also return a tapped creature you control to its owner`s hand.)
- Trample
- Sensational Save – If Scarlet Spider was cast using web-slinging, he enters with X +1/+1 counters on him, where X is the mana value of the returned creature.
Ben Reilly presents a potentially explosive card that demands strategic setup to maximize its value. Its design encourages players to hold off on casting it until later stages of the game to unlock its full potential.
While a 4/3 creature with Trample for three mana is already solid, Ben Reilly`s true power shines when utilizing his Web-slinging ability. Imagine returning a powerful six- or seven-mana creature that has just attacked. With the reduced casting cost, Ben Reilly can enter the battlefield as a formidable 10/9 or even 11/10 Trampler. This synergy also allows for the possibility of recasting the returned creature, potentially creating devastating combos, such as bringing back Gladiolus Amicita from the Final Fantasy set to further ramp your mana by searching for an additional land.
Scarlet Spider, Kaine
- Legendary Creature – Spider Human Hero
- Costs one generic, one red, and one black mana to cast
- 2 power/1 toughness
- Menace
- When Scarlet Spider enters, you may discard a card. If you do, put a +1/+1 counter on him.
- Mayhem for one red or black mana (You may cast this card from your graveyard for one red or black mana if you discarded it this turn. Timing rules still apply.)
Kaine introduces the Spider-Man set`s innovative Mayhem mechanic, an enhanced version of the classic Madness ability. Unlike Madness, which required immediate casting of a discarded card, Mayhem grants players the flexibility to cast the discarded card from their graveyard anytime before the end of their turn. This strategic window allows for more intricate plays and tactical advantages.
Although Kaine`s base 2/1 body for two mana may seem modest, his Menace ability ensures he can often bypass opponents` defenses if they have only a single blocker. Deciding to discard a card upon casting him allows Kaine to enter as a 3/2, delivering more impactful damage. Furthermore, if the discarded card also possesses Mayhem, you gain the option to cast it from your graveyard later in the same turn, adding layers of strategic depth to your plays.
The Magic: The Gathering – Marvel`s Spider-Man expansion is scheduled to be available at local game stores and major retailers on September 26. Players eager to get an early look can participate in prerelease events, which will run from September 19-21 at participating local game stores.