Magic 2011, the second core-set released on the new annual basis time-line is right around the corner and spoilers are starting to drip from the WotC faucet.  With the fans salivating, the critics nit-picking, and the blogs speculating, there are questions abound.  Here were the biggest three, in reverse order: First, what cycle of dual lands will be included?  The answer to that was supplied by Wizards themselves, the same dual lands from M10 will appear again in M11.  Second, will Baneslayer Angel, the most expensive and desirable non-Planeswalker in modern MTG, be a one-hit wonder?  Within the same article, WotC declared that BSA is a new face of Magic, and will be around for some time.  Third, what Planewalkers will show up in M11?  As for that, we still have no idea.

Of course many prognosticators think they know exactly what WotC is doing, and are not afraid to voice this to Gathering Magic, their friends, or even complete strangers.  Far be it for us to put a damper on all the speculation, au-contraire, let's stoke this flame into a roaring fire.  The following is a three pronged Planeswalker attack made up of popular theories, what we think we know, and what we can prove.

Theory #1 - Elspeth is out, but hope remains for the 'second generation'.

A certain spoiler-guru has been releasing riddles regarding cards included in M11, and let slip that Elite Vanguard and Excommunicate were both in the M11.  The problem being these two cards have sequential collector's numbers so Elspeth, Knight Errant ain't coming to the party.  To many, no Elspeth means no second generation Walkers, but not everyone agrees.  They say the Knight Errant alone is too powerful and too exclusive for a core set.  If Elspeth isn't core enough to make M11, then how are Tezzeret, Sorin, Sarkhan, or Nissa?

Theory #2 - The original five will be back in evolutionary form.

Ever since Chandra Ablaze was spoiled in Zendikar, there has been a buzz about M11 and the old Planeswalkers evolving.  The only problem with that, WotC has certainly taken their sweet time, and as M11 nears, only three Lorwyn PWs have a new look.  And Ajani happens to be two-tone, something frowned upon in core sets.  The entire idea seems much too far fetched, but it's gained steam because it seems to be the route fans want M11 to take.  Perhaps that doesn't count as much as we all want it to.

Theory #3 - All five Lorwyn Planeswalkers will be back in M11.

Like LeBron staying in Cleveland, this has the odds-on chance of being correct.  When people aren't sure of something, they tend to assume the status quo will hold.  Signs are everywhere pointing to the color-pie five staying put.  There aren't five suitable replacement PWs to include, and with the dual lands already announced, WotC has set a precedent.  Magic 2011 will simply carry the torch lit by M10, instead of lighting something new.

What we think - M11 can't contain complex cards like Jace, the Mind Sculptor.

If these theories have an origin, it is the facts we assume to know about Planeswalkers in core sets.  The OG Five must be in, because there are too many 'reasons' they can't be replaced.  Did you know they will never print a new walker in a core set?  Or that two plus-abilities or a zero-cost-ability will never see a core set either?  That means next level Jace and his buddies Gideon and Nissa won't ever see an M-set.  Reactions to the Elspeth exclusion have ranged from 'not surprised', to 'angry that anyone would be surprised'.  Why?  Elspeth is in the new dual deck, so there was no way she would show up in M11!  Of course Jace, Chandra, Liliana, and Garruk all wandered into M10 after their duel decks came out.  Sarcasm aside, these fans look to be correct, complicated Planewalkers aren't meant for core sets.

What we think - There must be a cycle of walkers, not an all-star team.

It's a cool idea, like cars that get 150-miles to the gallon, or a movie about ninjas, but All-Star style selection of PWs is equally unlikely to succeed.  To maintain balance within the colors, and to keep a semblance of flavor, WotC needs to have exactly five Walkers, all within the same cycle.  That means any of the three above theories, but not a hodge-podge of cool selections thrown together.  In a fantasy world (no pun intended) we could hope for a potpourri of choices from the past three years.  In reality, that idea places too much pressure on R&D and to much strain on M11 flavor.

What we can prove - Planewalkers will appear in M11.

With no PWs yet revealed for M11, maybe the cynic in you wants to ask, "why is this under the 'what we can prove' section?"  Wizards of the Coast may be lazy at times, but they aren't stupid, in fact they are pretty darn smart. Smart enough to realize the outstanding popularity of Walkers, which was their goal all along.   Now, these permanents have become the face of the franchise, and will continue to be for a long time.  When it comes to Planeswalkers in M11, the question begins with 'who' not 'if'.

What we can prove - If the Original Five return again, it will be a bummer.

Every core set has about 15 opportunities for chase rares, five dual lands, five planeswalkers, and some super awesome fatties like Baneslayer.  M11 could already be 1 for 11 on that front.  Core set planewalkers are like hitting beach balls, pitched under-handed, by my grandmother, from six feet away.  They're can' t miss chase cards!  Except of course, for the five we've already had two sets, and numerous secondary products, to collect.  Finally, we know that the worth of any release is determined almost exclusively by its Rares and Mythics.  If the Lorwyn Walkers are back in M11, there better be some darn good Commons and Uncommons along with them.