The Over/Under - Predicting the Popularity of Marvel Super Heroes Commanders, Part 1

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The Best Commons &#038; Uncommons from Marvel Super Heroes

<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Super-Soldier" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Super-Soldier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by Anna Podedworna</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like in the comics and movies, there are two warring creature types in <em>Marvel Super Heroes</em>. One side represents the selfless saviors with superhuman strengths. The other represents the maniacal machinations of the malevolent. Each was formally introduced in the <em>Spider-Man</em> set, and each received significant enough support in <em>Marvel Super Heroes</em> to emerge as a supported type. We’re going to focus on the headliners, the characters most people come to see.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you guessed it? It’s <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/heroes">Heroes</a>!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In most media, Heroes are the “good guys”. They represent the positive qualities the author values and epitomize teamwork, selflessness, and protection. Oftentimes, they work within the confines of the law, even alongside the criminal justice system. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These qualities have firmly placed Heroic characters in white as a base color, although some are more concerned with investigation and understanding or defending natural laws instead of manmade ones, which bleed into blue or green, respectively, or let their passions and emotions direct them, going into red.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hulk, Gamma Goliath"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm, Force of Nature"></div></div>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hero History</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Technically, the earliest creature in <em>Magic</em> to be considered a Hero was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Changeling Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Changeling Hero</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, although it’s a hero because of changeling and its name, and it didn’t have the Hero type printed on it. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Benalish Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Benalish Hero</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was the first card to have the word “Hero” on its typeline, but it’s been errata'd to be a Soldier. <em>Theros</em> was the first set that printed a deck that claimed to have Heroes in it, in the “Heroes vs. Monsters” Dual Deck. Despite featuring a mechanic called “heroic”, however, <em>Theros</em> did not introduce the type.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heroes were formally introduced to <em>Magic</em> in the <em>Spider-Man</em> set. In that set, however, they were mostly used in name only. <em>Marvel Super Heroes</em> brought cards that care about the Hero type. There were also some cute callbacks to the heroic mechanic, but this deck will be about Heroes working together, not Heroes showboating with the focus on themselves being targeted.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But how do we win a game with a defensive creature type? And what kind of commander could bring this motley crew together?</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain America, Super-Soldier"></div></div>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Super-Soldier" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Super-Soldier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While I’m not too familiar with the Avengers, I am aware that Captain America is considered the first one and the generally accepted leader of the group. He’s the one that yells “AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!”, so he’s the one that will assemble our new group.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our fearless leader protects himself with first strike and a shield counter, the latter of which prevents an instance of damage or destruction. As long as Cap has his shield, we and all of our Heroes have hexproof. All of these defensive abilities work together to ensure that our team stays together through thick and thin.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Somewhat paradoxically, these protective abilities enable our Heroes to leap into the fray of battle, confident that they will be safe. Cap entering with a shield counter means that we can send him into dangerous battlefields with the knowledge that, even if he should meet an untimely end, a three-mana commander is easy to re-cast, and he’ll enter with a brand-new shield.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But what would a Hero deck look like? And how do we simulate teamwork?</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Super-Soldier" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Super-Soldier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heroes have a variety of abilities that give them incredible strength in battle. The Heroes we are going to focus on represent one of two categories, which are common to team battle games: DPS (damage per second) Heroes, who are our frontline forces, and Back Row (support) Heroes, who provide buffs to our team but don’t necessarily engage in combat themselves.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spider-UK"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Falcon, Joaquin Torres"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spider-UK" href="#" target="_blank">Spider-UK</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Falcon, Joaquin Torres" href="#" target="_blank">Falcon, Joaquin Torres</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> make an intriguingly good team. Spidey uses web-slinging to reset ETBs (enters-the-battlefield effects) like our commanders and draws us a card and gains us a couple life if multiple creatures have entered this turn. Falcon, meanwhile, is a flying, lifelinking beater that grows and scries when it and two other creatures attack.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Agent Phil Coulson"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cap’s friend Bucky comes back as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who, in turn, brings a Hero with lesser power back with him, giving it a +1/+1 counter for being Heroic (kind of). These counter synergies are furthered with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Agent Phil Coulson" href="#" target="_blank">Agent Phil Coulson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the guy the movie's Avengers were avenging, although he didn’t really die and went on to head the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series…I think. I’m sure it all makes sense and is super cool. In <em>Magic</em>, Phil is a vigilant <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grizzly Bears" href="#" target="_blank">Grizzly Bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> who’s basically <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steel Overseer" href="#" target="_blank">Steel Overseer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for Heroes, which is incredible at facilitating the deck’s strategies.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But where does teamwork come in?</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Heroic Teamwork"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clever Concealment"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Teamwork is an additional cost introduced in the <em>Marvel Super Heroes</em> set, albeit one that didn’t get a lot of support. In fact, only three cards were printed with it, albeit at common rarity. The additional cost comes in the form of tapping creatures with a certain amount of power, which is really similar to convoke, another ability that involves tapping creatures, this time to reduce the cost of a spell.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creatures working together? Sounds like teamwork to me!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Teamwork" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Teamwork</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pumps two creatures at instant speed, drawing a card if teamwork was done. Heroes are known for the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> of their identities, for their and their family’s protection. Concealment in <em>Magic</em> phases out any number of permanents we control, doing a fantastic job of protecting our Heroes by working together, even if we don’t have mana up.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Battle Cry"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rally the Troops"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But how do we balance needing to attack to win with needing to tap creatures for teamwork and convoke? We could use vigilance, and some of our creatures do have or grant that. But it’s far more tactical to untap our creatures at instant speed. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Cry" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Cry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rally the Troops" href="#" target="_blank">Rally the Troops</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both do this, allowing us to get the jump on opponents and dominate combat.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clive&#039;s Hideaway"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Minas Tirith"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clive&#039;s Hideaway" href="#" target="_blank">Clive&#039;s Hideaway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Minas Tirith" href="#" target="_blank">Minas Tirith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> care about legendary creatures, which rewards our deck’s construction. For reference, our Heroes are all legendary, which helps to give the deck a feeling of assembling a new Avengers team. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clive&#039;s Hideaway" href="#" target="_blank">Clive&#039;s Hideaway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is, as the name suggests, a hideaway land, letting us cast a free spell if we have enough legends. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Minas Tirith" href="#" target="_blank">Minas Tirith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> enters untapped if we have a legend, and then draws us cards the same way <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Windbrisk Heights" href="#" target="_blank">Windbrisk Heights</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> operates.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But how do we close the game out?</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Super-Soldier" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Super-Soldier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commander Deck Win?</span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain America, Wings of Freedom"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doctor Spectrum"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our primary means of winning is combat, especially involving Heroes with evasion. Many Heroes fly, and even those who don’t can benefit from layers of counters from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Agent Phil Coulson" href="#" target="_blank">Agent Phil Coulson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doctor Spectrum" href="#" target="_blank">Doctor Spectrum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Wings of Freedom" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Wings of Freedom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another way of buffing our team, giving them power equal to his toughness. Note that this has to do with the current toughness, not the printed one, so our buffs stack and we can literally win games with Steve Rogers’s butt implants.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Captain America, Super Soldier" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="&nbsp;
[Commander]
*1 Captain America, Super-Soldier
[/Commander]
&nbsp;
[Creatures]
*1 Agent Phil Coulson
*1 Amazing Spider-Girl
*1 Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer
*1 Black Panther, Most Dangerous
*1 Black Widow, Intel Expert
*1 Bucky Barnes, Eager Ally
*1 Captain America, Skybound
*1 Captain America, Steve Rogers
*1 Captain America, Unbowed
*1 Captain America, Wings of Freedom
*1 Captain Mar-Vell, Space-Born
*1 Captain Marvel, Earth&#039;s Protector
*1 Captain Marvel, Shooting Star
*1 Doctor Spectrum
*1 Falcon and Redwing
*1 Falcon, Joaquin Torres
*1 Hawkeye, Clint Barton
*1 Hercules, Olympian Hero
*1 Hyperion, Supreme Hero
*1 Invisible Woman, Sue Storm
*1 Luke Cage, Power Man
*1 Matt Murdock, Justice Seeker
*1 Night Nurse, Healer of Heroes
*1 Nighthawk, Dark Defender
*1 Patriot, Shield Wielder
*1 Photon, Lady of Light
*1 Quake, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
*1 Silver Sable, Mercenary Leader
*1 Spectacular Spider-Man
*1 Spider-Man, Peter Parker
*1 Spider-Man, Web-Slinger
*1 Spider-UK
*1 Starling, Aerial Ally
*1 The Falcon, Sam Wilson
*1 The Sentry, Golden Guardian
*1 White Widow, Free Agent
*1 Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes
*1 Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger
*1 Zarda, the Power Princess
[/Creatures]
&nbsp;
[Sorceries]
*1 Everything Comes to Dust
*1 Murdock&#039;s Crusade
*1 Return to the Ranks
*1 Triplicate Spirits
*1 Winnowing
[/Sorceries]
&nbsp;
[Instants]
*1 Aerial Boost
*1 Appeal to Eirdu
*1 Battle Cry
*1 Chant of Vitu-Ghazi
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Cut Short
*1 Devouring Light
*1 Ephemeral Shields
*1 Helicarrier Strike
*1 Heroic Teamwork
*1 Protective Response
*1 Rally the Troops
*1 Roar of the Kha
*1 Rustler Rampage
*1 To Arms!
[/Instants]
&nbsp;
[Lands]
*1 Clive&#039;s Hideaway
*1 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Minas Tirith
*1 Nesting Grounds
*30 Plains
*1 Sejiri Steppe
*1 Three Tree City
*1 War Room
*1 Windbrisk Heights
*1 Witch&#039;s Clinic
[/Lands]
&nbsp;"></span></div></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heroes are some of the more iconic creatures to come out of the <em>Marvel</em> crossover, but there are other ways of building them, including the heroic mechanic, equipment like job-select in <em>Final Fantasy</em>, and activated abilities like power-up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But how would you build Heroes? And who would lead your super squad?</span></p>


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Building Hero Typal with Captain America, Super-Soldier

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CSmirtouille%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Smirtouille</a></em></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/msh"><em>Marvel Super Heroes</em></a> is right around the corner, and this set looks to be packed with a whole host of new possible commanders. As I watched the reveal stream, I was surprised at just how many of the legends caught my interest. This was especially true when they showed off the signpost uncommons from the set, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was front and center for the Azorius (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) color pair.</p>
<p>I knew I had to throw together a budget brew around this fan favorite character, and that's exactly what I did. So, join me, <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, as I go over an exciting deck that you can pick up for around $40 (based on <a href="https://partner.tcgplayer.com/c/4913290/1830156/21018?partnerpropertyid=5237567&amp;subId1=edhrec%2Ccardprice&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tcgplayer.com%2Fproduct%2F696319%2Fmagic-marvel-super-heroes-captain-america-living-legend">TCGPlayer</a> pricing). If you've been looking for a deck that leads to a lot of tricky tapping and untapping shenanigans, then this'll be perfect for you!</p>
<h2>What Does Captain America, Living Legend Bring to the Table?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain America, Living Legend"></div></div>
<p>Running in from a bygone era to lead this deck is none other than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This three drop commander has a very interesting textbox that got a lot of people's brewing minds working! Untapping your creatures the first time they become tapped on your turn is very powerful, and can lead to a whole lot of interesting plays throughout the game.</p>
<p>This legend is definitely designed for assisting with the new <em>teamwork</em> mechanic in the set: check out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Murdock&#039;s Crusade" href="#" target="_blank">Murdock&#039;s Crusade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as an example. While I didn't include any of those cards in the list today (due to this writing being during preview season), those singles will be good to keep an eye on as you open packs from the set, and make for fun inclusions if you're needing more options to fill out your own 99.</p>
<p>So, let's get right into this list by taking a look at a few of the creatures and mechanics that make this deck tick.</p>
<h2>These Creatures Love Being Tapped</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Compassionate Healer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scaretiller"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fallowsage"></div></div>
<p>This deck is filled with creatures that are looking to be turned sideways, whether from attacking, or paying for other effects. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Compassionate Healer" href="#" target="_blank">Compassionate Healer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scaretiller" href="#" target="_blank">Scaretiller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallowsage" href="#" target="_blank">Fallowsage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all great examples of a few of the payoffs for tapping your team throughout the list. So, as we take a look at some of the pivotal cards in this article today, keep in mind that there's a lot of added value you'll be gaining as the game goes on because of creatures like these.</p>
<h2>Ways to Tap Your Creatures</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Omni-Changeling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Waterbending is one of the newest ways we've gotten for tapping our creatures, and this version of Katara is perfect for the deck. It's a repeatable way to turning your team sideways, while eventually being a <em>game ender</em> when you tap your whole board, just for them to be untapped by your commander, and even stronger for combat.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Omni-Changeling" href="#" target="_blank">Omni-Changeling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Several pivotal cards in this list have convoke, which offers some broad effects to the gameplan. This creature is a prime example of that, since it can be a clone of whatever you'd like, while also allowing you to tap down some of your team for value.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Pippin, Guard of the Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: There are several creatures filling out this 99 that have their own tapping abilities. Pippin is a great example of that, since you can tap him on your turn to help an attacker get through, while being able to hold up his activation for added protection from your opponents' plans.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lumen-Class Frigate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Regalia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Guardian Sunmare"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lumen-Class Frigate" href="#" target="_blank">Lumen-Class Frigate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Stationing is another way to tap your creatures, and because your commander will untap your board, you could be getting these to full power in no time. Plus, buffing your team early on is great, and then eventually becoming a threat in the air can help you push through damage.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">The Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: One of the first things a lot of players thought of when they saw this version of Cap was to go towards a Vehicle build. You'll barely register their crew costs since your creatures will be untapped and ready to attack right alongside these wild rides.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian Sunmare" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian Sunmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: There are only a couple mounts in this list, but they still help push the deck towards some wins. In this case, tutoring up your strongest cheaper permanents straight into play can be a sure-fire way to secure your board presence in the mid to late game.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Card Advantage</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcanis the Omnipotent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rent Is Due"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spirit Water Revival"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcanis the Omnipotent" href="#" target="_blank">Arcanis the Omnipotent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This might be a bit of a wild inclusion for the deck, but this legend feels like such a throwback to the early days of Commander for me, and really works well in this list. When paired with the commander, it could ensure you're drawing six extra cards during a turn rotation.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rent Is Due" href="#" target="_blank">Rent Is Due</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I'm sure Steve Rogers had to deal with an angry landlord in his time, so this one drop makes for a thematic and synergistic inclusion if you ask me. Tapping down two creatures on your end step to draw a card isn't too much of a drawback, since your commander untaps them before you pass the turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spirit Water Revival" href="#" target="_blank">Spirit Water Revival</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a prime example of a card advantage spell that works great in the early and late game. Three mana to draw two cards isn't the worst, but a hand refill later on thanks to that waterbend ability can help you keep up with the rest of the table, without breaking a sweat.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Mana Ramp</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ornithopter of Paradise"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="PuPu UFO"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Relic of Legends"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ornithopter of Paradise" href="#" target="_blank">Ornithopter of Paradise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Mana dorks are incredible in this list, since they can be tapped twice in a single turn. I packed the deck with as many of these two drop creatures as I could, since they can come down the turn before Captain America, and be ready to add two mana for a follow up play once he's out.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="PuPu UFO" href="#" target="_blank">PuPu UFO</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I love this weird little card, and I'm always happy when I can throw it into a list. Having it in the early game could allow you to dump out most of the lands in your hand, especially when you can tap it twice during a turn rotation. Don't overlook the fact that this allows you to put untapped lands into play at instant speed, which could help you react to an opponent out of nowhere.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Relic of Legends" href="#" target="_blank">Relic of Legends</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's one of the more expensive cards in the list, but it's definitely worth it. Turning your legends into mana dorks is very powerful, plus this is a single that will always be useful to have in your collection, because it gets better and better as the years go on.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Synergistic Interaction</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Retraction Helix"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Artistic Refusal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Split Up"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Retraction Helix" href="#" target="_blank">Retraction Helix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a very tricky card hidden in this 99. Giving one of your creatures the ability to tap and return a nonland permanent to someone's hand is great, but since you can do it twice in a single turn, you'll be able to deal with two problematic threats for only one mana.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artistic Refusal" href="#" target="_blank">Artistic Refusal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Commanders like Captain America, Living Legend are great, since they help lesser played cards make their way into the conversation. Six mana for these effects is way too high, however when you have a deck that's looking to flood the board with creatures eager to get tapped, this could be a <em>"</em>free<em>"</em> piece of interaction when you need it the most.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Split Up" href="#" target="_blank">Split Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This board wipe is very interesting in the list, since you have several ways to ensure that all your creatures are either tapped or untapped, depending on what you're looking to sweep away. Plus, three mana is cheap enough for this to be a follow up play to any of the other tricks this deck is looking to pull off.</li>
</ul>
<h2>A Few Fun Inclusions</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dazzling Theater // Prop Room"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arbiter of the Ideal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adept Watershaper"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dazzling Theater // Prop Room" href="#" target="_blank">Dazzling Theater // Prop Room</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Rooms tend to be overlooked when people are building decks, mainly because we have to turn our head sideways to read them, and let's be honest, it's not great for the neck. However, it's worth it for this one, since it not only helps with your creatures getting tapped, but it also untaps them on everyone else's turns.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arbiter of the Ideal" href="#" target="_blank">Arbiter of the Ideal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's another card that may seem a bit greedy due to its mana cost, however it'll make for some truly memorable plays. Plus, there are several reliable ways to sculpt the top of your library in this list, which means you could be stacking the deck in your favor.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adept Watershaper" href="#" target="_blank">Adept Watershaper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Keeping your board protected is important, which is exactly what this Merfolk does. Now, tapping your creatures to push your game plan forward can also be a way for you to keep key pieces safe as you pass the turn along.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Full Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Captain America - by Tyler &#039;Savesya&#039; Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Captain America, Living Legend
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adept Watershaper
*1 Apprentice Wizard
*1 Arbiter of the Ideal
*1 Arcade Gannon
*1 Arcanis the Omnipotent
*1 Brightfield Glider
*1 Compassionate Healer
*1 Crashing Drawbridge
*1 Disruptor of Currents
*1 Fallowsage
*1 Gold Myr
*1 Guardian Sunmare
*1 Harmonized Trio // Brainstorm
*1 Hedron Crawler
*1 Ioreth of the Healing House
*1 Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope
*1 Kwain, Itinerant Meddler
*1 Loyal Warhound
*1 Manakin
*1 Mechan Navigator
*1 Merfolk Looter
*1 Mindspring Merfolk
*1 Omni-Changeling
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Page, Loose Leaf
*1 Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
*1 PuPu UFO
*1 Samite Herbalist
*1 Scaretiller
*1 Sea Scryer
*1 Silver Myr
*1 Sly Instigator
*1 Surgespanner
*1 Wanderbrine Trapper
*1 Yue, the Moon Spirit
*1 Zephyr Singer
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Artistic Refusal
*1 Meeting of Minds
*1 Negate
*1 Retraction Helix
*1 Transcendent Message
*1 Turnabout
*1 Unexpected Assistance
*1 Unsubstantiate
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Spirit Water Revival
*1 Split Up
*1 Suppression Ray // Orderly Plaza
*1 Waterbending Lesson
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Cultivator&#039;s Caravan
*1 Lumen-Class Frigate
*1 Parhelion II
*1 Pinnacle Kill-Ship
*1 Relic of Legends
*1 Rescue Skiff
*1 Smuggler&#039;s Copter
*1 Specimen Freighter
*1 Springleaf Drum
*1 The Indomitable
*1 The Regalia
*1 The Seriema
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aang&#039;s Iceberg
*1 Dazzling Theater // Prop Room
*1 Rent Is Due
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Irrigated Farmland
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Seachrome Coast
*1 Skycloud Expanse
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*14 Island
*8 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>The Wrap Up on Captain America, Living Legend</h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, my list for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Living Legend" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Living Legend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, that you can pick up for about $40. What did you think of this deck, were there any great cheap cards I missed? Let me know, in the comments below!</p>
<p>If you're looking for more budget content from me, you can find it right <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here on EDHREC</a> as well as on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUtnBZogc1TSttr8eLUK_w/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I do everything I can to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ON-A-BUDGET-21.png

Captain America, Living Legend - Untap Your Board on a Budget

<p><em>Avengers Assemble</em> is a new Commander preconstructed deck releasing with the set <em>Marvel Super Heroes</em>. What's in the deck, who are the commanders, and how can we upgrade it? Let's find out.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/avengersassemblepreconguideheader.png

<p>The <i>Avengers Assemble Marvel Super Heroes</i> Commander deck contains the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 Ready-to-play 100-card Commander deck</li>
<li>1 Traditional foil face commander with borderless art</li>
<li>99 Non-foil cards, including 29 new-to-Magic cards</li>
<li>10 Double-sided tokens and 1 reference card</li>
<li>1 Deck box</li>
</ul>
<p>The <i>Avengers Assemble Marvel Super Heroes</i> Collector's Edition Commander deck contains the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 Ready-to-play 100-card Commander deck</li>
<li>1 Surge foil face commander with borderless art</li>
<li>99 surge foil cards, including full-art basic lands and 29 new-to-Magic cards</li>
<li>10 Double-sided tokens (Surge foil on one side, non-foil on the other) and 1 reference card</li>
<li>1 Deck box</li>
</ul>


<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain America, Team Leader" href="#" target="_blank">Captain America, Team Leader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain America, Team Leader"></div></div>
<p>Cap does a great job unifying all of our heroes. For <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, he gives every Hero that enters the battlefield a +1/+1 counter, haste, and vigilance. He also gets a +1/+1 counter when one of our Heroes enters the battlefield.</p>
<p>Beyond being incredibly flavorful, Captain America is a super strong commander. He doles out counters to nearly all of our creatures, and gives them some pretty powerful keywords. Plus, he costs just three mana! That means he can hit the field early, impact the game often, and be recast with ease.</p>


<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Director Nick Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Director Nick Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Director Nick Fury"></div></div>
<p>Director Nick Fury is our alternate commander, and he helps our Heroes out in a slightly different way. Instead of making the Heroes that we cast better, like Cap does, Fury makes it easier for us to get Heroes onto the battlefield.</p>
<p>By reducing the cost of our Hero spells by <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and putting extra Heroes into our hand, this Human Spy Hero ensures that we've always got something to do on our turn.</p>


<p>There's tons of new cards in this deck, so I'll just be focusing on the 10 best ones! A lot of the cards that we're seeing in this list are focused pretty intently on Heroes. While that's fun, the cards that I'm shouting out here will have at least a bit of broader applicability.</p>
<p>With that out of the way, and in no particular order...</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron Man, Armored Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Iron Man, Armored Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iron Man, Armored Avenger"></div></div>
<p>This version of Iron Man reminds me of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skatewing Spy" href="#" target="_blank">Skatewing Spy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Iron Man, though, can distribute +1/+1 counters to our creatures with ease. We'll get to put at least one +1/+1 counter on a creature every turn, while also giving some powerful evasion to all of our modified creatures.</p>
<p>Paired with our commander, Iron Man will give every Hero that we cast flying, vigilance, and haste! That's a recipe for success for any aggressive deck.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Falcon and Redwing" href="#" target="_blank">Falcon and Redwing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Falcon and Redwing"></div></div>
<p>Falcon and Redwing will make us tons of 1/1 Bird tokens, while also being a potent flying threat themselves. This creature is a nice value engine, and creating a board full of blockers is pretty sweet when we're often swinging out with most of our creatures.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Professor Hulk" href="#" target="_blank">Professor Hulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Professor Hulk"></div></div>
<p>This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cold-Eyed Selkie" href="#" target="_blank">Cold-Eyed Selkie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> variant is fantastic. Hulk is a 6/6 with trample, meaning that he'll often crash through for a significant amount of damage. That represents a lot of card draw!</p>
<p>Our commander gives him an additional point of power and haste, letting us draw even more cards!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avenge" href="#" target="_blank">Avenge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avenge"></div></div>
<p>This sorcery isn't flashy, but it is powerful. We get to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fumigate" href="#" target="_blank">Fumigate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the cost of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Day of Judgment" href="#" target="_blank">Day of Judgment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! A bit of life gain can go a long way in some commander games.</p>
<p>This spell is an example of the subtle power creep that we see these days in Commander. I'm always on the lookout for cards like this that slowly push old staples out of decks!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Widow, Agile Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Black Widow, Agile Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Black Widow, Agile Avenger"></div></div>
<p>This may be the best card in the whole deck. I'm already a big fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Mastermind" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Mastermind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-style effects that tax our opponents draws. This Human Spy Hero does just that, while also becoming a big attacking threat!</p>
<p>This creature will likely have a slot in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winota, Joiner of Forces" href="#" target="_blank">Winota, Joiner of Forces</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks, and is right at home in most any deck that has access to <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain Marvel, Apex Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Captain Marvel, Apex Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captain Marvel, Apex Avenger"></div></div>
<p>There's always going to be a space for big, flying beaters in Commander. Captain Marvel is a great creature, coming with flying and double strike to ensure that she hits opponents hard and indestructible to ensure that she's safe from most removal.</p>
<p>Captain America, our commander, makes Captain Marvel even better. If we've got our commander on the field, Captain Marvel can attack as a 5/5 flying double striker, at minimum, the turn she hits the field!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hawkeye, Avenging Archer" href="#" target="_blank">Hawkeye, Avenging Archer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hawkeye, Avenging Archer"></div></div>
<p>Hawkeye can ping opposing creatures down and draw us cards while doing so. As cool as he is, though, this creature is likely better served as the commander of his own deck.</p>
<p>If we build around Hawkeye, using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shore Up" href="#" target="_blank">Shore Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Basilisk Collar" href="#" target="_blank">Basilisk Collar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to bolster his effectiveness, we've got what could be considered an even better version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kelsien, the Plague" href="#" target="_blank">Kelsien, the Plague</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quicksilver, Speedster" href="#" target="_blank">Quicksilver, Speedster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quicksilver, Speedster"></div></div>
<p>Casting spells as though they had flash is always powerful. Typically, this effect can be accessed for four mana (see: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Fae Trickster" href="#" target="_blank">High Fae Trickster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>). But Quicksliver also comes in as an effective attacker, making him better for decks that seek to win through combat damage. It's great that this creature has haste inherently, so we can tap him the turn he hits the board.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jocasta, Automaton Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Jocasta, Automaton Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jocasta, Automaton Avenger"></div></div>
<p>Jocasta is a nice inclusion in the 99 of any deck that wants to attack with its commander frequently. Perhaps we pair this card with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akul the Unrepentant" href="#" target="_blank">Akul the Unrepentant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to cheat out creatures or with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rankle, Master of Pranks" href="#" target="_blank">Rankle, Master of Pranks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as repeatable sacrifice fodder. The possibilities are endless!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ant-Man, Elusive Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Ant-Man, Elusive Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ant-Man, Elusive Avenger"></div></div>
<p>At a base level, Ant-Man will make us at least one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> per turn. If we manage to buff him up, perhaps by placing +1/+1 counters on him with our commander, he becomes less likely to hit a player but makes us more treasures when we do connect. It's an interesting push-pull, and makes for a powerful card.</p>


<p>As the new cards present in this deck imply, we're here to put +1/+1 counters on our Heroes! Tons of our cards are focused on spreading counters across our board, and making good use of those counters (beyond just attacking for tons of damage).</p>
<h3>+1/+1 Counters</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Metallic Mimic" href="#" target="_blank">Metallic Mimic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>The vast majority of creatures in our 99 are Heroes! That allows Metallic Mimic to flood the board with counters, all for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="She-Hulk, Wallbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">She-Hulk, Wallbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>Our Heroes are going to be big, so they're likely to be blocked. She-Hulk gently encourages our opponents to let creatures through, lest those creatures become even bigger for the next attack!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This creature is a slightly better version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian Scalelord" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian Scalelord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, given the number of Heroes that we're playing with.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Metallic Mimic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="She-Hulk, Wallbreaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winter Soldier, Reborn Avenger"></div></div>
<h3>Counter Synergies</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebird, Blazing Ranger" href="#" target="_blank">Firebird, Blazing Ranger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>If we manage to suit Firebird up with a few +1/+1 counters, we can give our whole team a sweet anthem. If Captain America is on the board when this bird lands, we'll always get to give our attacking creatures at least +2/+0.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="War Machine, Avenging Arsenal" href="#" target="_blank">War Machine, Avenging Arsenal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>Double strike pairs extremely well with +1/+1 counters! War Machine lets us effectively double the power boost that our counters give, which can end games quickly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Photon, Mighty Marvel" href="#" target="_blank">Photon, Mighty Marvel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>If we slap a few +1/+1 counters onto Photon, we'll be making more mana than we can spend in a turn! It's great that this creature already has flying, too, making it easier for us to connect with opponents.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebird, Blazing Ranger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="War Machine, Avenging Arsenal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Photon, Mighty Marvel"></div></div>
<h3>Removal</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Methods of the Mighty" href="#" target="_blank">Methods of the Mighty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This spell does cost a good bit of mana, but all of its effects are super useful! This is exactly the kind of synergistic removal that I love seeing in Commander decks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raise the Palisade" href="#" target="_blank">Raise the Palisade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>Outside of <em>Marvel</em>-based sets, Heroes are pretty rare in Commander. That makes this five-mana sweeper pretty one-sided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Methods of the Mighty"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Raise the Palisade"></div></div>
<h3>Card Advantage</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings" href="#" target="_blank">Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>It'll take a while to get there, but Shang-Chi is a great late-game payoff for all of the +1/+1 counters we'll be placing on creatures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scarlet Witch, Chaotic Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Scarlet Witch, Chaotic Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>Scarlet Witch is a very cool card, and will let us see tons of cards over the course of the game. She's one of the best cards in our 99. She may let us avoid spending over a dozen mana throughout the course of a game, and the importance of that savings cannot be understated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="West Coast Expansion" href="#" target="_blank">West Coast Expansion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This is a neat burst card draw spell, and we even get a spell for free if we invest enough mana! I'd take this card over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braingeyser" href="#" target="_blank">Braingeyser</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> any day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scarlet Witch, Chaotic Avenger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="West Coast Expansion"></div></div>


<p>We've got 38 lands in this list, which is a pretty good number given our average mana value is relatively high at 3.35. Some highlights include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plaza of Heroes" href="#" target="_blank">Plaza of Heroes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Secluded Courtyard" href="#" target="_blank">Secluded Courtyard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but I'm most impressed by a new card: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avengers Tower" href="#" target="_blank">Avengers Tower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This land provides mana of any color, and can even help us dig through our library for Heroes!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Plaza of Heroes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Secluded Courtyard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avengers Tower"></div></div>
<p>We've got a whole bunch of two-mana rocks, like the ever-reliable <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Signet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We've also got <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Relic of Legends" href="#" target="_blank">Relic of Legends</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to make tons of mana when paired with the 30 legendary creatures in our decklist. Finally, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald&#039;s Horn" href="#" target="_blank">Herald&#039;s Horn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Director Nick Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Director Nick Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to reduce the cost of our Hero spells.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Signet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Relic of Legends"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Director Nick Fury"></div></div>


<p>This list has lots of fun new cards, but not all of them are great fits for a deck led by Captain America. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hawkeye, Avenging Archer" href="#" target="_blank">Hawkeye, Avenging Archer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hercules, Olympian Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Hercules, Olympian Hero</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example, are much better suited for decks built to maximize the effectiveness of their abilities. They're not bad cards in a Captain America deck by any means, but other cards would serve us better in their slots.</p>
<p>I'd also cut <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Patriot, Shield Wielder" href="#" target="_blank">Patriot, Shield Wielder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wasp, Winsome Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">The Wasp, Winsome Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These creatures can protect our board well, but I'd rather spend mana on spells that'll lower opposing life totals in this aggressive deck.</p>
<p>Finally, I'd get rid of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hero&#039;s Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Hero&#039;s Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We don't really have much of a use for this Equipment, despite it auto-attaching itself, so I'd rather slot in something a bit more synergistic.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hercules, Olympian Hero"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Wasp, Winsome Avenger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hero&#039;s Blade"></div></div>
<h3>Five Additions on a Budget</h3>
<p>I'd like to capitalize on the +1/+1 counters that Captain America distributes to our creatures. To that end, I'd add in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Envoy of the Ancestors" href="#" target="_blank">Envoy of the Ancestors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chocobo Knights" href="#" target="_blank">Chocobo Knights</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The keyword abilities these creatures will provide to our whole board can put the game well out of reach for our opponents.</p>
<p>I'd also slot in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Honor-Worn Shaku" href="#" target="_blank">Honor-Worn Shaku</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for a bit more mana production. Much like Relic of Legends, this three-mana rock can pay for itself in no time flat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scholar of New Horizons" href="#" target="_blank">Scholar of New Horizons</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help us stay on pace with mana production too, at the small cost of removing a +1/+1 counter from a creature we control.</p>
<p>Finally, I'd include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wave Goodbye" href="#" target="_blank">Wave Goodbye</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This will leave our board pretty much unscathed, letting us swing in for the victory with ease.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chocobo Knights"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Honor-Worn Shaku"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wave Goodbye"></div></div>
<h3>Five Additions With No Budget</h3>
<p>I'd like to protect our creatures, and the counters that are on them, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ozolith" href="#" target="_blank">The Ozolith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ripples of Potential" href="#" target="_blank">Ripples of Potential</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These cards are great insurance policies, and can turn the game on its head with ease.</p>
<p>For some more Hero-centric goodness, I'd find a home in our 99 for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shared Animosity" href="#" target="_blank">Shared Animosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Echoes" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Echoes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These enchantments can work wonders in decks that have a high density of one specific creature type, and will catapult us to wins quite frequently.</p>
<p>Then, I'd add in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flowering of the White Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Flowering of the White Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The anthem and protection that this enchantment provides for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> is unmatched, and it's a no-brainer in a deck with as many legendary creatures as this one.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Ozolith"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mana Echoes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flowering of the White Tree"></div></div>
<h3>Game Changers</h3>
<p>We've got room for three <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers">Game Changers</a> if we want to play this deck in <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets">Bracket 3</a>, and we've got some great options.</p>
<p>I'd choose to include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeska&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Jeska&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The One Ring" href="#" target="_blank">The One Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> because I want to maximize the card advantage that we've got access to. Captain America can win us the game all on his own if we've got a steady stream of Heroes hitting the stack, so I'd like to make sure that we've got a grip full of cards at all times.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jeska&#039;s Will"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhystic Study"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The One Ring"></div></div>


<p><a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/marvel-super-heroes-commander-decklists#AvengersAssemble">This deck's MSRP is $74.99</a>, and there's $179.60 of cards in it (using Card Kingdom pricing and ignoring the price of new cards). That means we're getting about 2.4 times the amount of money we spent on the deck in value! In order, this deck's most expensive reprints are...</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spectator Seating" href="#" target="_blank">Spectator Seating</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-rw" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> land is part of one of the most powerful cycles in all of Commander!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindred Discovery" href="#" target="_blank">Kindred Discovery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This enchantment will draw us dozens of cards if we manage to land it on the board early. It feels like this card is always in need of another reprint!</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plaza of Heroes" href="#" target="_blank">Plaza of Heroes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This land provides color-fixing and protects our best creature once. What more could we ask for?</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raise the Palisade" href="#" target="_blank">Raise the Palisade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>One-sided board wipes will always be in demand, and this spell's broad usefulness has earned it a high price tag.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Door of Destinies" href="#" target="_blank">Door of Destinies</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<ul>
<li>This artifact can be cast relatively early in the game, and provides a progressively larger anthem to our creatures. It's been reprinted a few times, but hasn't seen a significant price drop just yet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


<p>On the whole, this deck is fun. It's a bit similar to the <em>Riders of Rohan</em> deck, led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Éowyn, Shieldmaiden" href="#" target="_blank">Éowyn, Shieldmaiden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as both are aggressive Jeskai decks that want to win by flooding the battlefield with a specific type of creature.</p>
<p>But how would I rate this deck? As tempting as it is to give this deck an "A" to match its already alliterative <em>Avengers Assemble</em> name, I'm going to have to rate it as a "B." There are some subpar new cards and some outdated removal spells. I really didn't expect to see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Make Your Move" href="#" target="_blank">Make Your Move</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a product that Wizards of the Coast is charging nearly $80 for, but here we are.</p>
<p>Overall, I'm happy with <i>Avengers Assemble</i>. It doesn't do anything extremely exciting or unique, but it presents a tried and true theme with a fresh coat of paint.</p>


captain america

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Avengers Assemble - Marvel Super Heroes Precon Guide