Magic: The Gathering’s ‘Turtle Power’ Commander Deck: A Deep Dive
Magic: The Gathering’s latest foray into the world of pop culture crossovers has arrived with the ‘Turtle Power’ Commander deck, based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Unlike last year’s Marvel set, this release features a single, preconstructed Commander deck that has garnered positive reception for its playability, reprints, and overall value. But what makes this deck stand out, and is it worth adding to your collection?
What Makes a Good Precon?
When evaluating a preconstructed deck, several key factors come into play. Does the deck have a clear playstyle and execute it effectively? Does it contain desirable reprints of sought-after cards? And does it introduce new cards that are useful beyond the deck itself? The ‘Turtle Power’ deck appears to succeed in all these areas.
Value in Reprints
The ‘Turtle Power’ deck includes several valuable reprints that would be expensive to acquire individually. These include Fabled Passage, Wave Goodbye, Assassin’s Trophy, Vigor, and Steelbane Hydra. The inclusion of these cards significantly boosts the deck’s value, though prices are expected to drop as more players acquire it.
New Cards and Synergies
Beyond the reprints, the deck introduces new cards that offer interesting gameplay possibilities. Continue is a low-cost instant that allows players to return up to four creatures from their graveyard to the battlefield after a board wipe. Krang, the All-Powerful provides double draw triggers and counters, enhancing card advantage.
Commander Options and Modularity
The ‘Turtle Power’ deck offers a unique level of modularity with its Commander options. The deck includes six borderless foil cards featuring each of the Turtles individually, Splinter, and the team as a whole, allowing players to easily swap their chosen Commander. The deck boasts a total of 29 potential Commanders, thanks to the Partner mechanic, offering a wide range of playstyles. Baxter, Fly in the Ointment, for example, grants flying to cards with tokens, while Shredder focuses on reducing opponents’ life totals.
Deckbuilding Potential
The deck’s strong mana base, including cards like City of Brass and various bond lands, further enhances its value. The deck’s components can even be used to build multiple decks, potentially offering a better value than other recent Commander bundles.