When Wizards of the Coast announced their collaboration with Marvel, it was as if they had thrown a party where everyone spontaneously danced with excitement. Spider-Man, after all, is one of those characters who effortlessly swings into the hearts of even those who don’t shun be familiar with the world of Magic: The Gathering. On paper, this seemed like an easy pathway for new players to join the fold and a potential victory lap for seasoned veterans eager to explore new realms. However, the reality of the release danced quite a different tune.
The set has ended up being a dream for high-end collectors but a bit of a challenge for those yearning for deep draft experiences and robust gameplay. The rollercoaster of emotions was palpable, as initial enthusiasm somehow dwindled into quiet prerelease events. Local shop owners pointed fingers at the heftier price tags, a saturation of Marvel paraphernalia, and players earmarking their funds for other anticipated releases. This disconnect is the lens through which we must examine every detail.
The curious tale of this split personality set stems from its design evolution. Originally, Wizards had intended for this to be a cheeky, Commander-focused add-on consisting of a mere 100 cards. Draft battles weren’t even supposed to be on the table. However, after similar previous mini sets didn’t entirely impress, the decision was made to expand Spider-Man into a full-fledged adventure with 188 cards. This hasty increase in scope, executed under the same pressure cooker timeline, shows its seams in places.
Standing at 188 cards, the set is lean compared to recent Standard promenades. They whittled down draft archetypes from the usual ten to a modest five, slicing the replay value considerably. A plethora of Spider Human Hero legends, dazzlingly illustrated but, for some, disappointingly similar in gameplay, means the initial novelty wears off quicker than a magic trick’s allure. The limited environment succumbs to repetition, while the Constructed card pool feels somewhat undercooked and half-baked.
Adding to the tale, the digital realm offers its own peculiarity. Marvel’s licensing requirements have led to altered names and art for certain cards on Magic Arena. This disparity can be more jarring than a slapstick pratfall for players toggling between physical cards and their digital avatars.
Yet, not all is spelled gloom. For collectors, the set is a scrumptious buffet. The prized jewel? The Soul Stone. This two-mana indestructible artifact not only looks pretty in a display case but can resurrect creatures each turn like some undead maestro. It demands attention on the field and becomes even more magnetic with its Cosmic Foil treatment. Early sales have danced into four-figure territory, living up to the sumptuous yet elusive treasure fans expect from this kind of branded extravaganza.
Glimmering amidst the glitter, Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer finds its niche in white and black Commander decks with a penchant for bringing the dead back to life and toying with lifelines. Meanwhile, Electro, Assaulting Battery gifts red decks with flexible mana choices and tactical reach. Gwenom, Remorseless is a playful creature version of Bolas’s Citadel, allowing players to transform life into spells from the deck’s top. Spectacular Spider-Man, equipped with the gift of flash and protective measures that ward the team with hexproof and indestructible, embodies the kind of interactive, thrilling dynamism that injects life into a format.
The pitfalls, as noted, include a plethora of cards blending into one another, a dilution of that rare legendary allure. Some characters, like Morbius, find themselves in awkward corners, reading clunky and inefficient. Even Spider-Man’s standard-bearer, Peter Parker, might raise a collective eyebrow for his surprisingly mediocre show. The card choices concerning color pies occasionally clash with the flavor and expectations—Miles Morales appears in green to suit certain mechanics, creating a slight cognitive hiccup for fans familiar with his story and strengths.
For draft formats to thrive, they demand clear archetypes, visible signposts at various card levels, and sufficient divergence in play patterns to make each match feel fresh. By compressing archetypes, repeating mechanical beats, and not arming common cards with evolving depth, this set stumbles to offer a compelling draft experience. When draughts fall flat, player participation wanes, leaving store owners with products once enveloped in vibrant potential now languishing in dust.
When juxtaposed with heavyweight predecessors like The Lord of the Rings and Final Fantasy sets, Spider-Man struggles to measure up on the gameplay front. It carries the torch on brand fidelity, collectible allure, and certain standout cards that capture attention. However, it stumbles over the gameplay hurdle these predecessors had elegantly cleared.
Collectors and superfans will have a field day, with numerous chase cards and intriguing editions to their collections. Conversely, those budget-conscious players and drafting enthusiasts may feel gypped. For the Commander crowd, there lies a select crop of cards destined for cherished decks, though their numbers are limited.
For those considering what to do with their magic money, the recommendation may well be to buy singles. Create a wishlist, seek out those cards that seamlessly blend with your decks or dazzle your display. Should you feel lucky, roll the dice on collectible boosters with the understanding that the value heavily leans into rare versions. Yet be forewarned, for such an adventure can be a bumpy ride.
For my own notes, I’ll keep in mind the lean Limited experience, the rare allure of the Soul Stone, the reliability of Anti-Venom, Electro, Gwenom, and Spectacular Spider-Man for consistent play, and the disjointed flavor and color choices. Magic Arena’s name and art changes offer a final frustration for enthusiasts juggling both card mediums.
While this set may not turn heads for its draft potential, it does hold gems for those treasure hunters and Commander aficionados willing to sift through its varied offerings.
