[caption id="attachment_4761" align="alignright" width="149" caption="'they're baaaaaack' "][/caption]

Zendikar is being released in a few short weeks and duelists are clamoring to see what new cards are coming along with it. It is natural to be excited about the shiny untarnished images of soon-to-be-released cards. However there is a force that pulls in the opposite direction. The excitement brought on by nostalgic re-printings can be even more than a match for anything fresh. This was evidenced by Magic 2010's decision to re-release a few of MTG's most popular and flavorful cards ever. Instead of creating a list of fundamental cards that represent each color and card-type, like with usual core set, WotC used the idea of dusting off old cards to as a hook to sell new ones.  Re-prints can be cool, but far too often they are examples of cards that have over-stayed their welcome.  Why not take more risks in the re-printing of older cards?

[caption id="attachment_4738" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="not again. . ."][/caption]

Ask any WotC developer how the decision is made to include old cards in new expansions and the reply will likely be: 'When they fit within the set.'  Simple response, to the point and it makes perfect sense. Almost. Looming over every new set list are thousands of older cards just waiting for another opportunity to show what they can do. In an expansion there are many chances to include these, yet only very few make the cut. Usually this has more to do with the type of card than the card itself. Not including core sets, most every re-print is a 'utility' card. Meaning it does a specific task Wizard's wants done in each set. There is a reason Cancel has been printed four times since 2007. Blue always needs simple counter magic to remain, well blue. The wow cards from each set are reserved for new prints, probably as a way to generate interest in the product.  Re-prints are reserved for cards players expect to find in each expansion or core set.  However, classic re-prints can be low hanging fruit for WotC.  And there is a very recent example.

[caption id="attachment_4739" align="alignright" width="223" caption="like jello there's always room for a 6/1 trampler"][/caption]

Ball Lightning became the poster child for the cool 'back to the future' vibe M10 oozed from every pore. Far from being the best card in the set, BL still made as many message boards erupt as more dynamic cards like Silence or Captain of the Watch. The statement was obvious, there is interest in re-printing classics. The question is when. Players get excited about re-prints for two reasons.  The card has a strong connection with a player's roots in Magic or the card is just flat out good. The difficulty is matching wanna-be re-prints with this criteria.  When Reflecting Pool was announced in Shadowmoor many players were happy not because it revitalized a slice of their youth, but because it was a damn good card. Occasionally a perfect balance between the two forces is struck as with Lightning Bolt, a utilitarian card that brings back misty memories of duels past. Wizards may not be able to hit a mark so perfectly every set, but it seems they should at least try. Zendikar would be well served if it included a re-print like Armageddon or Ivory Tower. Creating more interest in a new product is never a bad thing.

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What is bad however, is when WotC revives a card that has neither real use or fan adoration to defend it. Bogardan Hellkite is an example of a card the was cool for a while then faded into obscurity when it's combo pieces were removed, then came back to mixed reviews as a mythic rare in Magic 2010. The above-mentioned Cancel could probably use a rest, but appears to also be included in Zendikar. And while every set needs a blue counterspell re-printing the same card in each expansion tends to stifle enthusiasm. Perhaps it is time for Convolute or Mana Leak to take a few reps. Perhaps instead of throwing Shivan Dragon out every core set, how about a replacement rare re-print like Blood Moon. If the card isn't playable outside limited formats, then it should be enticing in some other way. Even after doing such a fantastic job with most of the M10 re-prints, Wizard's does not always make the right choice.

Almost every card idea has been printed and we need cards we understand and feel comfortable with even within an truly unique expansion like Zendikar.  So re-prints are a necessary evil. Drafts and sealed tournaments depend heavily on them to keep grounded.  Too bad many of these stand-byes don't generate any excitement.  One thing is clear: there remains an opening for the right re-prints at the right time. During the 2010 pre-release some players would have given their right arm for a playset of Lightning Bolts.  The Lorwyn planeswalkers generated more interest as an inclusion in M10 than in the set they were originally printed for. In fact, we look at cards like Nissa Revane and Sorin Markov and can't help wondering, 'When will we see that again?'  Releasing older cards in a new set can be used to manufacture interest, satisfy veteran players, and maintain a sense of history.  With the upcoming release of Zendikar and Worldwake hopefully Wizards won't miss an opportunity.

Here is a look at the latest Zendikar spoiler cards.  Stay up to date with the full Zendikar spoiler list here.