For better or for worse, recent Universes Beyond sets have become an integral part of Constructed formats. Like it or not, many iconic characters from crossover franchises have become key players in MTG’s various formats. Pauper’s latest White Aggro innovation is a powerful example of this.
Leonardo and Spider-Man Join Forces
Despite being similar to Mono-White Aggro, this Boros Metalcraft deck takes advantage of extremely efficient creatures. In addition to the typical Thraben Inspector and Novice Inspector, this deck utilizes Ornithopter and Phyrexian Walker as free creatures. While they’re individually weak, these cards open up a handful of powerful synergies.
Importantly, the presence of free creatures makes it incredibly easy to stick Spider-Man, Web-Slinger and Leonardo, Big Brother. By putting multiple creatures into play on turn one, chances are, at least one attacker will go unblocked. You can even use Holdout Settlement to tap your zero-drop and play Spider-Man on turn one.
Between these artifact creatures, the two Inspectors, and Ancient Den, this deck also easily sets up Metalcraft early. Doing so makes both Ardent Recruit and Galvanic Blast incredible sources of pressure. Notably, this deck doesn’t play many red sources, but Mardu Devotee at least helps enable the red splash.
As you continue to flood the board with zero and one-mana creatures, it doesn’t take long before Salt Road Packbeast becomes a super-efficient play. With this and the many Clues created by the deck’s Inspectors, Boros Metalcraft can both come online early and grind out the midgame.
An Interesting Comparison
Even though traditional White Weenie decks are still prevalent, this more aggressive version is starting to pick up steam. Thanks to its ability to put a large amount of power into play quickly, this deck has a much better chance of racing opponents. This is a huge boon against combo decks like Familiars as well as Tron, which is seeing a bit more play since the Bonder’s Ornament unban.
At the same time, despite missing out on value engines like Kor Skyfisher and Militia Bugler, this deck still has game against Golgari Gardens and other grindy decks. Spider-Man and Leonardo both conveniently dodge Cast Down, making it easier to navigate around removal. Plus, your wealth of cheap creatures helps protect you against Tithing Blade.
Where this deck can run into trouble is when facing down cards like Krark-Clan Shaman that singlehandedly wipe your board. Missing out on Battle Screech as a go-wide element that produces fliers is certainly costly versus Affinity as a result. Not having access to fliers can also be costly against beefy threats like Tolarian Terror that come down quickly, but at least Leonardo can tussle with big bodies.
This deck is also less consistent than White Weenies, especially when it comes to casting red sideboard cards. With these weaknesses in mind, it’s unclear if Boros Metalcraft will ultimately emerge as a formidable contender. Regardless, the deck has shown some promise, and there’s still plenty of room for further innovation within the archetype.
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