Wizards Presents: The Weekend Grab‑Bag of Card‑Craze!
The first Wizards Presents was a whirlwind of excitement—like a dragon loose on a throne room. After the fireworks, we’re sliding back into our regular programming. Tighten your sleeves, folks!
Dominaria United Arrives with a Bang
When the new set Dominaria United hit the shelves, Wizards didn’t just drop cards—they dropped an exclusive look at one of them. Think of it as a backstage pass to the latest blood‑and‑soul update.
- New cards are on the way.
- Wizards gave us a sneak peek.
- Everything’s still newbie‑ready and battle‑prone.
Got a Pesky Planeswalker or Creature? We’ve Got Your Back!
When a planeswalker or creature starts acting like a diva on the battlefield, you’ve got to cut the drama before it gets out of hand. Enter the trusty sidekick: Citizen’s Arrest. It’s the card equivalent of a demanding storm‑trooper saying, “You’re out, buddy!”
So, whether you’re rolling into a card frenzy or just looking to keep the battlefield clean, Citizen’s Arrest is the quick‑draw solution that keeps your deck—and your sanity—smooth.
Citizen’s Arrest: The Phyrexian Plot Sealed in a Tiny Artifact
Imagine a card that costs just one generic mana and two whites but packs a punch: it exiles a creature or even a planeswalker until it leaves the battlefield on its own. That’s Citizen’s Arrest for you, a nifty enchantment that turns the game into a high‑stakes “who’s in danger” showdown.
Why the Card Feels Like a Seed in a Storm
At first glance, you might think it’s a simple removal tool – but hold onto your mana! The card sits smack in the heart of Dominaria United, a set that dives deep into the Phyreanean horror wave sweeping the world.
In this grim narrative, ordinary Dominarians are slowly being queen‑turned‑cactus into Compleated Phyrexian sleeper agents— a state of ever‑locked servitude. Trust has become a hard‑to‑find currency, and conspiracy is lurking around every corner.
The Art, The Artist, The Muse
The illustration by Wisnu Tan (Indonesia’s own brush‑master for MTG) captures a chilling scene: a Phyrexian sleeper being discovered and publicly eliminated. The artwork feels like a comic‑strip crisis—one line of suspense, one ready hinge, and then—ding—exile!
Planeswalkers? Oh, You Mean The Team’s Ace!
Ah, the plot thickens because this card does not just target creatures but also planeswalkers—what a deal of drama! Phyrexia’s biggest weapon? It’s the ability to steal those mighty archmage juggernauts.
Remember when Neon Dynasty broke the “Planeswalkers are safe” rule by Compleating Tamiyo? That was a watershed moment. The Magic universe now whispers, “You’re not out of danger, world.” Fast forward to Dominaria United, and an additional beloved hero, Ajani, meets the same fateful fate.
Between the events of Neon Dynasty and this new set, Ajani was covertly converted. The short story released on Magic’s site on Aug. 18 exposes how his betrayal shifts the balance of power and even leads to the tragic death of Jaya.
Key Takeaways in Bullet Form
- Citizen’s Arrest: Exiles any creature or planeswalker until they leave the battlefield.
- Phyreanean Compleation: Turns ordinary people into sleeper agents, straining the trust fabric of Dominaria.
- Planeswalker Targeting: Allows Phyreana to turn the universe’s strongest beings into pawn fodder.
- Ajani’s Transformation: New twist in story arc—another cherished planeswalker swallowed by Phyreana, causing headlines and heartbreak.
- Art by Wisnu Tan: Visually dramatic and enriches narrative lore.
In short, Citizen’s Arrest is a brilliant way to showcase how magic’s biggest threat isn’t just a creature to be rinsed out; it’s an all‑seeping conspiracy that rattles even the most powerful beings.
How does it compare?
Why Citizen’s Arrest Isn’t a Pro‑lifetime Slam—But Still Knocks Out Planeswalkers
When the card hit the table, nobody expected a roar—just a polite nod. It doesn’t stir the same frenzy as the “Liliana of the Veil” reprint.
What Makes It Worth Attention
- It’s familiar territory: Creature‑removal spells that exile until the source disappears are old news.
- But Citizen’s Arrest nails a sharp edge—it doesn’t just wipe out ordinary creatures, it targets the big-ticket planeswalkers.
- Removing a planeswalker is a tough nut to crack: either you drum up enough loyalty counters to peel them or use effects that specifically mention “planeswalker” or “permanent”.
Why White Players Love It
White decks suddenly get an extra removal tool. Think about a game where Teferi, Time Raveler has been parked on the field for the entire match—you’ve already felt the sting. This card gives a quick way to break that spell, and we’re not complaining about the additional solutions.
Planar and Enchantment Demands
Just as planeswalkers demand specialized removal, so do enchantments. Citizen’s Arrest forces opponents to spend one of their handy responses on a pivotal target. It’s a neat way to press the advantage.
Takeaway
Citizen’s Arrest may not go viral, but it still punches where it matters—especially for players who need to eliminate those sneaky planeswalkers without spending a lot of bait. It’s a quiet, effective addition to many decks.
It’s all about the mana, mana, mana
Speed is the Secret Sauce – A Quick Fix for Your Magic Woes
In MTG, time is a precious commodity. If you’re hunting for a speedy jambreaker that keeps you on the grind, Citizen’s Arrest is a solid pick. Its cost – two white mana plus any one mana – means you keep your options open while locking down a creature or planeswalker. But hey, why limit yourself?
Why Consider Switching It Up?
- Flexibility is everything: Citizen’s Arrest can only target creatures or planeswalkers. Wanna hit that pesky artifact or a creature with a weird hybrid cost? You’re stuck.
- Snowy cost and low power consumption: Two white mana is sweet, but some decks pay better for that “any color” punch.
Meet the Grand Alternatives
- Borrowed Time – A true multitasker. It hurts all permanents, not just creatures or planeswalkers. Decks love the versatility; it’s like a Swiss Army knife in card form.
- Banishing Light – Even tighter control. Hits every permanent, making it a gentle shoo‑non‑allowed for all your enemies’ pesky toys.
Both enchantments mirror the core function of Citizen’s Arrest but with added flexibility. If your deck’s primary goal is to thin the board while still keeping mana costs low, give these two a spin. It’s all about converting a solid jambreaker into an even sharper saboteur.
Bottom Line: Keep Your Options Open
Don’t lock yourself into one stranglehold. Borrowed Time and Banishing Light let you target any permanent, giving you the freedom to snuff out your opponent’s game plan faster than a caffeine‑boosted squirrel. Speed, versatility, and a dash of drama – that’s the real recipe for victory in Magic.
Whites in the Wild: Affordable Removal Options
When the game turns into a battlefield of rubble and swagger, having a cheap and versatile removal can mean the difference between a neat victory and a comedic disaster. These white cards are oddly economical yet powerful, making them darling of any decker who loves to keep the mana bucket healthy.
The Three‑Mana Trick
This card is a simple sacrifice: 3 mana total. What’s cool is that you only need 1 white mana + 2 color‑free mana. So, if you’re already juggling white sorceries, this one slips in without draining your colors.
Other Cheap White Offenders
- Portable Hole – For just one white mana, you can snatch everything with a mana value of two or less right out of play. Best friend for low‑cost creatures and pesky chasers of token armies.
- White Hygiene – This one’s a classic. It’s the bearer of the exact same price point but it demands a more specialized scenario. Picture a board full of comic combinations needing a targeted wipe. It’s niche but absolutely adorable when executed.
Bottom line: white removal isn’t about spending a fortune— it’s about daily, sweat‑free domination. Pick the right tool, keep your mana supply wholesome, and let the white magic do its merry dancing on your opponents.
Spotlight on an Upcoming Card
It’s no rock‑star card, but for our casual Commander crew it’s a win‑win. We’re already gearing up to add it to our decks.
- Solid play for looser, more relaxed games.
- Not a game‑changer, but definitely a reliable addition.
Dominaria United drops on September 9, so stay tuned for some fresh action.
