We all knew that some Spider-Man memes would be coming in this set. Not only are a few memes iconic to the franchise, but MTG’s Head Designer teased their existence, too. Last week, Mark Rosewater revealed that “a famous Spider-Man meme is made into a card.” Now, that card has been revealed alongside a whole host of other spoilers.
Imposter Syndrome
When it comes to Spider-Man memes, this one really takes the cake. Not only is it frequently seen across the internet, but it was even in the Across the Spider-Verse film. Now, this meme has been lovingly recreated on paper, and it’s more than random meme-y artwork. Fittingly, Imposter Syndrome is an impressive copy engine and token generator in the right deck.
Since you just need to connect with a creature to create a token of it, Imposter Syndrome has a huge amount of potential. With abilities like Trample and Double Strike, you can theoretically make tokens with ease. Since these tokens aren’t legendary, you don’t have to worry about what you copy or needing Mirror Box, either.
Unfortunately, while this all sounds well and good, Imposter Syndrome is definitely a bit of a “win-more” MTG card. On its own, this card is a six-mana do-nothing enchantment that requires an empty or imbalanced board to be useful. While you do have plenty of opponents ot pick between in Commander, playing it won’t automatically win you the game.
Still, not every mana-intensive MTG card needs to be a game-ending threat all on its own. Sometimes cards can just be fun, and Imposter Syndrome definitely will be. Getting to copy creatures is always a hoot, and creating tokens opens up all manner of token-doubling shenanigans, too.
Chameleon, Master of Disguise
As if one creature copying card wasn’t enough, Marvel’s Spider-Man actually has two of them! Previewed by Good Games Morley in an ever-entertaining video, this Spider-Man Villain is basically Sakashima the Impostor 2: Electric Boogaloo. While Chameleon cannot return itself to your hand, getting to copy another creature while changing its name is always useful.
Much like Sakashima the Impostor, Chameleon, Master of Disguise Chameleon, Master of Disguise will be able to create all manner of infinite combos. Alongside Felidar Guardian, for instance, you can have infinite enters and leaves the battlefield triggers. Alternatively, playing it with Mirror-Mad Phantasm gives you infinite self-mill.
Essentially, almost any combo that works with Sakashima will work with Chameleon, Master of Disguise. This alone should mean that Chameleon sees a good amount of play, but it’s strong even if you’re not going down the combo route. For four mana, getting to copy any creature you control while avoiding the Legend Rule is always strong, as you can double up on your biggest threat.
Parker Luck
Speaking of big threats, Parker Luck is a unique damage engine if your deck is loaded with them. Essentially, so long as you reveal high-cost cards, you can really dish out some hurt to an opponent on your end step. While you do risk getting hit in return, deck construction and picking opponents should turn the tide in your favor.
Notably, while Parker Luck does helpfully let you draw the card you reveal, you don’t have to use it on yourself. In theory, you could give two opponents a painful group hug, allowing you to do some politics around the table. Potentially, depending on what our opponents are playing, this may even be a better option than using it on yourself.
Sadly, while Parker Luck can definitely be punishing, it’s ultimately fairly situational. Depending on what your opponents are playing, there’s a chance that Parker Luck is rather ineffective. There’s also very little chance of this card seeing play in competitive formats, though, hitting an opponent for 15 with an Emrakul, the Aeons Torn would be hilarious.
Goblin’s Shadow
- Mana Value: 1R
- Type: Enchantment
- Rarity: Rare
- Card Text: At the beginning of your first main phase, discard a card. If you do, draw a card.
Whenever you play a land or cast a spell from anywhere other than your hand, this enchantment deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Coming back full circle, Goblin’s Shadow could have been another Spider-Man meme card if Wizards really wanted. Sure, Goblin’s Shadow is a fitting name for that evil presence lingering over the Osborns, but “Mind Goblin” was right there. Potentially, that might have been a little too crass for Marvel’s tastes, but clearly, Wizards can have some fun, at least.
In terms of the actual card, Goblin’s Shadow looks incredibly useful, especially in Limited. Thanks to all the Mayhem effects in Marvel’s Spider-Man, having a consistent discard outlet is incredibly useful. On top of that, you’ll also get to ping each opponent when casting a Mayhem card, which is a nice added bonus.
Similar to Interdimensional Web Watch, Goblin’s Shadow has a reasonable chance to see play in Commander decks that care about casting cards from outside the hand. Not only can it deal a lot of damage over the course of a longer game, but it also fuels graveyard strategies and offers a lot of card selection.
Beyond just synergizing with Mayhem, Goblin’s Shadow is a generally useful, cheap red enchantment. In Mono Red decks, for instance, this card could consistently sculpt and fuel your hand. While Mono Red Aggro decks don’t currently need this to be effective, it definitely has some useful potential.
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