As expected, even though the set looked geared toward Commander, it didn’t take long for Marvel Super Heroes to have a competitive impact. Cards like Hawkeye’s Bow were highlighted as potentially ban-worthy problems pre-release, and they’re quickly proving that might be necessary. While it’s still early days, this new combo has already topped a 100-player event after just four days.
Hawkeye’s Bow in Naya Gates
When Hawkeye’s Bow was first spoiled, the card received a lot of hype due to its interaction with Seeker of Skybreak. Because Seeker’s activated ability can repeatedly untap itself, all you have to do is equip Bow to the Elf to set up an infinite damage kill. As powerful as this combo is, though, it wasn’t exactly clear what archetypes could best incorporate it.
Well, the combo has found immediate success in this Naya Gates shell, and this home makes a lot of sense. Gates decks have always been extremely good at grinding, combining Basilisk Gate with Lifelink threats like Sacred Cat to create inevitability. What they’ve lacked is closing speed, so adding a game-ending combo into the mix gives them the best of both worlds.
With access to card selection via Malevolent Rumble and Pursue the Past, finding the combo isn’t difficult, either. Bitter Reunion is especially helpful as a Haste enabler, allowing you to combo off out of nowhere if your opponent taps out.
Versatility Versus Streamlining
Ultimately, having this sort of dual approach depending on the matchup is a nice luxury. Incorporating the combo forces your opponent to play scared, which only makes them more vulnerable to getting ground out by Sneaky Snacker and friends. At the same time, combo matchups like Spy Combo are more winnable with the combo mixed in.
Notably, though, this isn’t to say that adding the combo to the Gates deck is strict upside. After all, there’s value in keeping the deck more streamlined. To make slots for Seeker of Skybreak and Hawkeye’s Bow, this decklist has omitted Gatecreeper Vine, making the Basilisk Gate plan less consistent. Losing out on Guardian of the Guildpact also makes it harder to cheese matchups like Mono-Blue and Dimir Terror.
With these tradeoffs in mind, it’ll be interesting to see exactly how strong the Hawkeye’s Bow combo proves to be long-term. There’s a good chance that after an incredible performance like this, players will start gunning to try to keep the combo in check. Regardless, the combo’s elite performance right out of the gates shows its incredible potential.
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