Locations
Well, Spider-Man has been out for about three weeks now, which actually makes it feel like it's old news. After all, we already have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle previews coming down the pipe!
Due to the age of the Spider-Man set, I was debating whether to actually go over some of the cards I really like in the set, but seeing as it is only a few weeks old - and we've been gaslit into thinking that's an incredible amount of time in a new set's life - I decided I still wanted to. Additionally, the set has been getting a bit of negative feedback, and I love Spider-Man, so I figured it would be fun to point out some of the gems in the set, or discuss some of the lesser-talked about cards.
This will likely fit into multiple parts, considering I'll be looking through the entire set, so be on the look out for any future parts as well. As usual, these are going to be a combination of cards that could be competitive all-stars or just cards that I like a lot, with great flavor, so nothing is really off-limits.
Let's begin!
Arachne, Psionic Weaver
I'm still not 100% sure how good or relevant web-slinging is. I keep wishing it could be used at instant speed, because that just feels correct, using it as a way to protect a creature or to quickly block something. Unfortunately, it's not.
All that being said, Arachne really hits similarly to cards like Elite Spellbinder, except instead of taxing one card for two mana, she taxes all of a specific card type for one mana. This would actually seem like a decent trade off if: 1) she could actually hit creatures, which feels like one of the card types you would most want to hit, and 2) she didn't also tax your cards.
With those two being the case, I'm not sure Arachne is that good, but I did think she was still worth mentioning.
Rent Is Due
I really like this card a lot, especially at one mana, but it does require a bit of set up. In a deck that can easily make treasures (or has creatures they don't want to use for other purposes), this is a solid way to draw an extra card every turn. Again, a lot of set up, and like Arachne, a couple small details away from feeling truly great.
Spectacular Spider-Man
Now this is a great card. This Spider-Man is not only a great 3/2 for two mana, he also has flash, can give himself flying, and can protect all of your other creatures, ala Heroic Intervention or Dauntless Escort. Being able to flash this guy in at instant speed to protect your entire team is wild, and has big Spider-Man energy. Great rate, great abilities, great flavor. Chef's kiss.
Spectacular Tactics
I feel compelled to always include certain cards; things like Naturalize variants, Oblivion Ring variants, and even Valorous Stance variants. This card falls into the latter category. This is basically like a reverse Valorous Stance though. Instead of indestructible, it grants hexproof (while also granting a +1/+1 counter), and instead of killing a creature based on toughness, it kills based on power, which I like a bit better. If you're running Valorous Stance, you should definitely consider Spectacular Tactics.
Web-Shooters
I don't think Web-Shooters is particularly exciting, but I'm including it because I also designed a version of Web-Shooters for a game design test I once completed for an interview. I figured I'd include that and you guys could compare the two. I made mine Blue because web-shooters are a scientific invention. I do find it interesting that both cards cost two-mana, tap creatures down, and grant +1/+1, but I often find that the designs I come up with have been very similar to the designs Wizards comes up with; I also mocked up a Wolverine that was shockingly similar to the Secret Lair Wolverine.
Hydro-Man, Fluid Felon
Hydro-Man is super interesting and really feels like a Merfolk, from being a 2/2 for two Blue, to him turning into a land on each opponent's turn. That latter ability is really kind of cool and I'm surprised it isn't seeing more play as a Blue ramp spell that essentially comes into play untapped and allows you to keep up counterspell mana if played on certain turns. Another benefit is that he's not a creature on your opponent's turns, so if they want to kill him, they have to do it on your turn, or you're getting a free mana on their turn.
Lady Octopus, Inspired Inventor
Lady Octopus has big Emry, Lurker of the Loch vibes. As a one-mana card, this feels like it has a lot of potential, especially since she'll get ingenuity counters on each of your turns without any real work from you. She also triggers on opposing turns! If you're able to draw a second card each turn to put two counters on per turn, you'll be able to cast a six-drop for free in about three turns, which seems pretty good.
We'll continue with the Blue cards in part two! Thanks for reading and I'll catch ya next time!
Frank Lepore
