<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lucky the Pizza Dog" href="#" target="_blank">Lucky the Pizza Dog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rudy_crut/">Rudy Siswanto</a> </em></p>
<h2>Who Let the Dog Out?</h2>
<p>This week, we're going to deviate from our usual antics and instead explore a preview! Hailing from the upcoming <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/msh"><em>Marvel Superheroes</em></a> set is our commander of the week.</p>
<div id="attachment_184622" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-184622" class="size-medium wp-image-184622" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-225x300.jpg" alt="Lucky, a dog wearing a black and grey coat, looks up with a wagging tail." width="225" height="300" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20221115_061047-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-184622" class="wp-caption-text">One of the many dogs I've live with throughout my life (it's an old photo).</p></div>
<p>...Wait, that's <em>my</em> Lucky. I meant this one.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lucky the Pizza Dog"></div></div>
<p>Before I go on, let me give you a bit of advice, as a dog owner (and someone who's lived with dogs for most of his life): Do not give dogs pepperoni, let alone pizza (crust is fine, assuming it isn't stuffed and/or seasoned in some way). Pepperoni is high in fats, and food like that can be toxic to dogs.</p>
<p>Ok, with that disclaimer out of the way, we can actually look at the card. This card is sure to be a roleplayer in decks like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sophia, Dogged Detective" href="#" target="_blank">Sophia, Dogged Detective</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rin and Seri, Inseparable" href="#" target="_blank">Rin and Seri, Inseparable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, for this week, Lucky is our commander.</p>
<p>He'll want us to run lots of <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/dogs">Dogs</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/cats">Cats</a>, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/heroes">Heroes</a>. On top of that, we'll need ways to gain life (ironic, considering what I said above) and interact with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/plus-1-plus-1-counters">+1/+1 counters</a>.</p>
<h3>Halleujah, it's Raining Cats and Dogs!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="District Mascot"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Undergrowth Leopard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wary Watchdog"></div></div>
<p>To begin, we must add a good assortment of Dogs and Cats. Those two will form the bulk of our creature line up. That said, the list isn't that brilliant. Cats, for example, really benefited from having white, and losing access to it is not small blow.</p>
<p>In a similar vein, Dogs lose some crucial options to make them stay afloat. As for Heroes, there really isn't much to draw from, but I imagine this'll change when <em>Marvel Superheroes </em>releases.</p>
<p>For the Dogs, we take what we can. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="District Mascot" href="#" target="_blank">District Mascot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the best choices. It blows up troublesome artifacts, and gets bigger via +1/+1 counters, thus synergizing with those.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Undergrowth Leopard" href="#" target="_blank">Undergrowth Leopard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is essentially a colorshifted <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathar Commando" href="#" target="_blank">Cathar Commando</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> without flash, but will do some work here. Another good kitty is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of Fables" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of Fables</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which ensures our hand stays full if we connect with our animals.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tanuki Transplanter" href="#" target="_blank">Tanuki Transplanter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will provide ramp on attack, and potentially even more when we reconfigure it onto another, larger creature.</p>
<h3>Get a Life. Or Three.</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ancient Cornucopia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Comforting Counsel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Healing Technique"></div></div>
<p>In order to get +1/+1 counters on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lucky the Pizza Dog" href="#" target="_blank">Lucky the Pizza Dog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we need to gain life. While the Food tokens he creates help us, we can't fully rely on them to get there.</p>
<p>A member of a personal favorite cycle of cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Healing Technique" href="#" target="_blank">Healing Technique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will gain us life while recurring something (twice if we demonstrate it), then exiles itself so we can't reuse it.</p>
<p>While this does help, note that Lucky doesn't care how much life we gain, but rather if we did or not (and triggers each turn to boot).</p>
<p>However, my secret tech for this deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ancient Cornucopia" href="#" target="_blank">Ancient Cornucopia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Yes, it's a mana rock in a color that doesn't need it. Also, yes, it's better if we're running multiple colors.</p>
<p>But need I remind you that even one point of life will satisfy the criteria needed to get Lucky a +1/+1 counter. All it takes is one spell, and the mana produced from the Cornucopia helps get us there.</p>
<p>In addition, what's a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/lifegain">Lifegain</a> deck without payoffs? Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Comforting Counsel" href="#" target="_blank">Comforting Counsel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will buff our entire board once we get enough growth counters on it.</p>
<p>Hitting five of those is easier than we think. Something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Essence Warden" href="#" target="_blank">Essence Warden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (not in this deck list, mind) will get there very quickly. Again, like the Technique, Counsel only cares about if we gained life, not how much of it.</p>
<h3>Counter-Plan</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terrasymbiosis"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pridemalkin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Earth Crystal"></div></div>
<p>The last piece to our stratagem involves +1/+1 counters. Something that's very easy to exploit. Of course, our creatures tend to be bite-sized compared to the bigger ones our opponents will likely play, so we need to be on even footing with them.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Earth Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Earth Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will double the counters we put on our creatures, including the ones from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lucky the Pizza Dog" href="#" target="_blank">Lucky the Pizza Dog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s end step trigger. It can also put counters on our creatures in a pinch (or we got nothing better to spend mana on).</p>
<p>Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pridemalkin" href="#" target="_blank">Pridemalkin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will put a counter on a creature we control, but will more importantly give them all trample if they have a +1/+1 counter on them.</p>
<p>Lastly, we have no shortage of payoffs for distributing counters around. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terrasymbiosis" href="#" target="_blank">Terrasymbiosis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will draw us cards for each +1/+1 counter(s) we put on creatures.</p>
<p>Be mindful that we only get its trigger once each turn, so choose when you'll put the most counters to use the trigger (thankfully a "may" ability) to get the most value from the card.</p>
<p>Another example of a payoff we can use is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspiring Call" href="#" target="_blank">Inspiring Call</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It draws us cards equal to the number of creatures we have that got +1/+1 counters on them, and makes them indestructible for the turn.</p>
<h3>A Tribute to My Lucky</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Raining Dogs and Cats" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Lucky the Pizza Dog
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Ainok Wayfarer
*1 Arbor Adherent
*1 Chrome Companion
*1 District Mascot
*1 Eel-Hounds
*1 Generous Stray
*1 Greater Tanuki
*1 Hunting Cheetah
*1 Iron Mastiff
*1 Jewel Thief
*1 Keeper of Fables
*1 Longshot Squad
*1 Malamet Brawler
*1 Mirri, Cat Warrior
*1 Mowu, Loyal Companion
*1 Mushroom Watchdogs
*1 Nacatl War-Pride
*1 Pridemalkin
*1 Prowling Serpopard
*1 Scrounging Bandar
*1 Scythecat Cub
*1 Spider-Ham, Peter Porker
*1 Spider-Man, Miles Morales
*1 Tanuki Transplanter
*1 Topiary Panther
*1 Trade Route Envoy
*1 Traveling Botanist
*1 Undergrowth Leopard
*1 Wary Watchdog
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Ancient Cornucopia
*1 Emerald Medallion
*1 Ozolith, the Shattered Spire
*1 Sol Ring
*1 The Great Henge
*1 Tome of Legends
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Beast Within
*1 Collective Resistance
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Krosan Grip
*1 Trash the Town
*1 Wrap in Vigor
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Bioengineered Future
*1 Comforting Counsel
*1 Guardian Project
*1 Hardened Scales
*1 Innkeeper&#039;s Talent
*1 Loading Zone
*1 Roaring Earth
*1 Terrasymbiosis
*1 Trail of Crumbs
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Courage in Crisis
*1 Cultivate
*1 Expand the Sphere
*1 Genesis Storm
*1 Healing Technique
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Open the Way
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Study the Classics
*1 Unnatural Restoration
*1 Verdant Confluence
[/Sorceries]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Jiang Yanggu, Wildcrafter
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Animal Sanctuary
*1 Evendo, Waking Haven
*32 Forest
*1 Hidden Nursery
*1 Opal Palace
*1 Path of Ancestry
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>A Bowl of Pizza-Flavored Kibble</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expand the Sphere"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Genesis Storm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Innkeeper&#039;s Talent"></div></div>
<p>Here's my personal list, which hasn't been built yet (Got sidetracked by a couple of other commanders). Here, I incorporated a number of my favorite cards in the game, but also work with our commander in some way.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genesis Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Genesis Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is bound to get a few copies because <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lucky the Pizza Dog" href="#" target="_blank">Lucky the Pizza Dog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> costs a measly two mana.</p>
<p>A similar deal can be said about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tome of Legends" href="#" target="_blank">Tome of Legends</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which will accrue counters quite quickly, especially with proliferate.</p>
<p>Speaking of proliferate, we have a few cards which do exactly that. For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Courage in Crisis" href="#" target="_blank">Courage in Crisis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is mainly in there for that reason, plus a way to add a counter.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expand the Sphere" href="#" target="_blank">Expand the Sphere</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the potential to proliferate multiple times, depending on what we reveal. If we don't have a proliferate card handy, the numerous <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects will do. Some, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ozolith, the Shattered Spire" href="#" target="_blank">Ozolith, the Shattered Spire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, have additional uses.</p>
<p>Lastly, something I'd advise when running this deck is to not flood the board too much. A well-timed wipe will knock the wind out of our sails, and rebuilding may not be easy. So, I incorporated a few protection spells to help shore up this weakness.</p>
<p>That said, we're also not likely to draw into them. Ironically, the lack of board wipes is a weakness as well, but this is a feature of green as a color. The best "wipe" green has is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ezuri&#039;s Predation" href="#" target="_blank">Ezuri&#039;s Predation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and I went out of my way to avoid making tokens that weren't Dogs or Cats (or Food).</p>
<h3>Well-Rested</h3>
<p>I hope very much that the deck appeals to you in some way, even if it does fall on the weaker side of things. In any case, it was meant more as a tribute to my dog (who's still alive, but is very old) than something serious. For that, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lucky the Pizza Dog" href="#" target="_blank">Lucky the Pizza Dog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s EDHREC page might give you some pointers.</p>
<p>What will you be looking forward to from <em>Marvel Superheroes</em>? I'm not really a fan of the IP, but I do love me an adorable dog with the same name is one of my own.</p>
<p>Also, I may or may not be hoping to plan a scheme while twirling my absurdly comical mustache like some Saturday cartoon villain. I'd love to get that opportunity some day. Tune in next week where we finish off the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/c13">Commander 2013</a> </em>precons once and for all.</p>


A Commander Deck Tech on Lucky, the Pizza Dog

Super Shredder Commander Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="J. Jonah Jameson" href="#" target="_blank">J. Jonah Jameson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>|Art by<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paolomrivera/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Paolo Rivera</a></em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="J. Jonah Jameson"></div></div>
<p>Are we live? Good.</p>
<p><strong>Producer: </strong>This is "Just the Facts," with J. Jonah Jameson, where listeners like you discuss the issues affecting our city with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner J. Jonah Jameson, publisher at the Daily Bugle. As always, if you order our book, <em>Spider-Man, Threat or Menace</em>, within 24 hours of this broadcast, you'll get a free autographed copy. Take it away, sir.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Thank you. I must correct you, it's *former* publisher at the Daily Bugle. Anyway, here at "Just the Facts," I alert you to the threats you don't know about. First, a little bit about me. Aside from what my producer already said, I worked at the Bugle for many years before becoming a podcaster. I love New York, and with that love comes my concern for the wellbeing of people in this fair city. Also, to honor those brave souls who put their lives on the line to protect--Spider-Man? HE'S A MENACE! How dare you -- NO! YOU'RE FIRED! GOODBYE!</p>
<p>*Ahem* Oh, Jared gave me something here. What is this? Oh, it's a card from some game called <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>. On top of that, it's a card of me. Ok, is that set symbol Spider-Man's mask? *Takes Sharpie and scrubs out the set symbol<em>.*</em> That's better. So, at least there's some text here that tells me what this does. I turn something into a menace (or, rather, a creature with menace), and whenever one of those menaces I control attacks, I get some Treasure token? Not bad.</p>
<p>Jared, see if you can find a caller who plays this game, and put them on the line. Anyway, I bet those Spider-Man cards are c-- What do you mean I can't say the "c word?" Fine. In the meantime, we go to commercials.</p>
<h3>After Said Messages</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Professional Face-Breaker|fic|296"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Fire Crystal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Command Beacon|fca|64"></div></div>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Welcome back to "Just the Facts," by Yours Truly, J. Jonah Jameson. We have a caller with us, and Jared was kind enough to teach me the basics of this game. Let's dive right in. Caller, tell me your thoughts on my card. Speak!</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>Ok, if you want those tokens, you need to fill the deck with as many menace creatures as possible. Stuff like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Professional Face-Breaker|fic|296" href="#" target="_blank">Professional Face-Breaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rampaging Ferocidon|sld|1390" href="#" target="_blank">Rampaging Ferocidon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, because you can't get those tokens from a suspected creature, unless it's one of your own.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ:</strong> Unfortunate, but at least I can suspect Spider-Man, and bring him down. Reading this list, I noticed there's so few.</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>Yeah, there isn't much out there at the moment in <em>Universes Beyond</em>, but I do have something later that can help.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Fine. Any other ways?</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>No, but there's plenty of good cards in the list. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Fire Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Fire Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes your stuff cheaper, and allows you to copy something. Perhaps create a copy of your card to suspect another creature. Similarly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flamerush Rider|ltc|216" href="#" target="_blank">Flamerush Rider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can clone another creature that's also attacking. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sticky Fingers|pip|191" href="#" target="_blank">Sticky Fingers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives a creature menace, and nets you a Treasure on hit. Failing these, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Command Beacon|fca|64" href="#" target="_blank">Command Beacon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be sacrificed to return your card to your hand from the command zone. Useful if it gets too expensive to cast.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>And these won't deal with Spider-Man?</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>Not directly, but there's always worse. Much worse. Bigger things that would block your path to winning the game. The decklist I have on me has some big creatures, but they need to get through to win. Chances are, you'll want to suspect your own creatures to get both the menace keyword, and the Treasure. Not being able to block isn't a big drawback as we're mostly going to be attacking anyway.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Alright, fair enough. I'll admit that there are worse things than a vain, web-slinging nuisance like Spider-Man, and they need to be dealt with to ensure the safety of New York and its citizens. Now, you mentioned that you have a list for me?</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>I do. Would you like me to send it?</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Yes, please. Right, Jared, we go to commercials again.</p>
<h3>The Caller's Decklist</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-JJJ" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 J. Jonah Jameson
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 Gimli&#039;s Reckless Might
*1 Grim Reaper&#039;s Sprint
*1 Sticky Fingers
*1 Wild Wasteland
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Aspiring Champion
*1 Avalanche of Sector 7
*1 Bloodthirster
*1 Canoptek Scarab Swarm
*1 Chaos Terminator Lord
*1 Clive, Ifrit&#039;s Dominant // Ifrit, Warden of Inferno
*1 Combustible Gearhulk
*1 Crimson Caravaneer
*1 Duchess, Wayward Tavernkeep
*1 Etali, Primal Storm
*1 Exocrine
*1 Flamerush Rider
*1 Frontier Warmonger
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Inferno Titan
*1 Knuckles the Echidna
*1 Lightning, Security Sergeant
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Rampaging Ferocidon
*1 Ruin Grinder
*1 Sabin, Master Monk
*1 Scourge of the Throne
*1 Surtr, Fiery Jötun
*1 Umaro, Raging Yeti
*1 Veronica, Dissident Scribe
*1 Vincent, Vengeful Atoner
*1 Zell Dincht
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Endless Atlas
*1 Key to the City
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Nazgûl Battle-Mace
*1 Panharmonicon
*1 Sceptre of Eternal Glory
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of the Animist
*1 The Fire Crystal
*1 The Reaver Cleaver
*1 The Spear of Leonidas
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Big Score
*1 Bottle-Cap Blast
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Laughing Mad
*1 Reverberate
*1 Unexpected Windfall
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Call Forth the Tempest
*1 Chandra&#039;s Ignition
*1 Delete
*1 Ensnared by the Mara
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Nibelheim Aflame
*1 Overpowering Attack
*1 Relentless Assault
*1 Snort
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Command Beacon
*34 Mountain
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Path of Ancestry
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Rundown</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aspiring Champion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightning, Security Sergeant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodthirster"></div></div>
<p><strong>JJJ:</strong> And we're live again! Is the caller still on?</p>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>Still here.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>So, what's the big idea with this list? All I see are good cards, big menaces, and me.</p>
<p><strong>Caller:</strong> So, I had to make do with what's there, so this deck tends to play as a "good stuff" kind of deck. Of course, with the caveat of having a few cards to work with the abilities on your card. Also, you're in exactly one color, so options are even more limited. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aspiring Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Aspiring Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not only has menace, but it can bring in a new, possibly bigger creature when it dies. To get more Treasures, it would be a good idea to have some extra combats, so I threw in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Relentless Assault|mar|25" href="#" target="_blank">Relentless Assault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodthirster" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodthirster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> among others. Remember, they do not have to deal combat damage to get the Treasure. Another good incentive to suspect your own creatures.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Too bad Spider-Man isn't on that list. That vain, grandstanding showoff would be my number one target.</p>
<p><strong>Caller:</strong> With due respect, he does much to help, but I digress.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>You came this close to me hanging up on you. You're a lucky guy. Anyway, moving on!</p>
<p><strong>Caller:</strong> Before we move to the next part, I do want to highlight a few cards. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nazgûl Battle-Mace" href="#" target="_blank">Nazgûl Battle-Mace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't just give menace, but a couple of other powerful abilities as well. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning, Security Sergeant" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning, Security Sergeant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has menace, and will exile the top card, allowing you to cast it for as long as she's out. Also, be wary when you use <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frontier Warmonger|ltc|217" href="#" target="_blank">Frontier Warmonger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Yes, while it does give menace, you will not get the tokens from the trigger. It's to give opponents incentive to attack elsewhere.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ:</strong> I see. Let's dive into the next section!</p>
<h3>Other Suggestions</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin War Drums"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Academy Manufactor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Frillscare Mentor"></div></div>
<p><strong>Caller: </strong>Right, so outside of <em>Universes Beyond</em>, we gain access to cards that can more directly work with your card, Mr. Jameson. With access to these, the deck gets a near total overhaul, becoming more of a Treasure deck with a "menace matters" subtheme. One of the biggest additions is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Academy Manufactor" href="#" target="_blank">Academy Manufactor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives you tokens to draw cards and gain life respectively. In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldspan Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Goldspan Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets our Treasure tap for two instead of one.</p>
<p>Secondly, we also get to use cards that give everyone menace. The lowly <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin War Drums" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin War Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does exactly this, ensuring we get lots of Treasures. We also get to use even more creatures that already have menace, so we can load up on those, including <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Furnace Punisher" href="#" target="_blank">Furnace Punisher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which dings opponents if they don't control multiple basic lands. And, we get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frillscare Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Frillscare Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which buffs our menace creatures, and gives a non-Human creature we control menace. These factors will make it far less likely to suspect your own creatures, and instead ensure that they can't block when you swing at them.</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>Excellent. With this, Spider-Man will fall to the press, leaving the true heroes of our fair New York-the police, the firefighters among them, their time to truly shine.</p>
<p><strong>Caller:</strong> Again, with all due--</p>
<p><strong>JJJ: </strong>NOPE! I WILL NOT BE HEARING ANYMORE! THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD DAY! Jared, I need to lay down. Finally.</p>
<h3><strong>Aftermath</strong></h3>
<p>*Deep breath* And Scene (Yes, this is me, Owain, the author, speaking now).</p>
<p>When J. Jonah Jameson got revealed, I knew I had to write up this article as a script of sorts. And having to tap into my inner Mr. Jameson as best as I could.</p>
<p>To be honest, he's never playing <em>Magic</em>. I doubt it'd be his thing, though the comic writers can certainly try to prove me wrong. Not to worry, this script-like form is most likely a one off.</p>
<p>In any case, I do hope you enjoyed this entry in the <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em> series. Tune in next time where I'll have some additional thoughts now that the set's been fully revealed.</p>


J. Jonah Jameson Commander Deck Tech

<h6 style="text-align: right;">Untold Stories #2 Variant cover. Illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anireal.art/?hl=en">Jessica Fong</a></h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dark Horse Comics' collaboration with Wizards of the Coast to create a new <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> comic book series is just beginning. We don't even have the first issue just yet (as it is due out on September 10th). However, the details for issue #2 are beginning to trickle outward to the public. Here's what we know about <em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2 so far!</p>
<div id="attachment_158793" style="width: 373px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Owen-Gieni-main-cover-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-158793" class="wp-image-158793" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Owen-Gieni-main-cover-2.jpg" alt="Untold Stories: Elspeth #2. Main cover illustrated by Owen Gieni. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast" width="363" height="559" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Owen-Gieni-main-cover-2.jpg 600w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Owen-Gieni-main-cover-2-195x300.jpg 195w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-158793" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2. Main cover illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/owen_gieni/?hl=en"><strong>Owen Gieni</strong></a>. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<h2>Klothys and Calix Make an Appearance</h2>
<p>This story follows Elspeth's efforts to escape the Theroan underworld. It also appears to follow <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Klothys, God of Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Klothys, God of Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and her champion, the demigod and Planeswalker known as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Calix, Destiny&#039;s Hand" href="#" target="_blank">Calix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Klothys is upset that Elspeth is attempting to defy her fate to perish in that despondent realm. So, largely unable to fully leave Nyx (the <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> Olympus analogue), she sends Calix to pursue Elspeth.</p>
<p>As we don't know the exact plot for issue #1, the two may make their introduction there. However, it's also entirely possible that issue #2 will be Klothys and Calix's debut.</p>
<div id="attachment_158794" style="width: 373px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jessica-Fong-variant-cover-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-158794" class="wp-image-158794" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jessica-Fong-variant-cover-2.jpg" alt="Untold Stories: Elspeth #2. Variant cover illustrated by Jessica Fong. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast" width="363" height="559" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jessica-Fong-variant-cover-2.jpg 600w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jessica-Fong-variant-cover-2-195x300.jpg 195w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-158794" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2. Variant cover illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anireal.art/?hl=en"><strong>Jessica Fong</strong></a>. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<h2>Erebos Presides Over the Storyline</h2>
<p>As this all unfolds, one figure stands present, orchestrating much of what happens here: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Erebos, God of the Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Erebos, God of the Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Erebos is a covetous tyrant of a God, and also presides over ill fate and misfortune. As such, he would naturally have a role in this story. You can see in the variant cover art for <em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2 (stunningly illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magali_villeneuve/?hl=en"><strong>Magali Villeneuve</strong></a>) that Erebos is very present in the background. In visual language, this often will signify that the character is pulling some of the strings and will play an important role in later acts of the story. Does that mean Erebos has a larger role than many Vorthos may have been led to believe? Perhaps, but we will see. After all, this is Dark Horse Comics' version of the story as a whole.</p>
<div id="attachment_158798" style="width: 373px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Magali-Villeneuve-variant-cover-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-158798" class="wp-image-158798" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Magali-Villeneuve-variant-cover-2.jpg" alt="Untold Stories: Elspeth #2. Variant cover illustrated by Magali Villeneuve. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast" width="363" height="559" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Magali-Villeneuve-variant-cover-2.jpg 600w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Magali-Villeneuve-variant-cover-2-195x300.jpg 195w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 363px) 100vw, 363px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-158798" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2. Variant cover illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magali_villeneuve/?hl=en"><strong>Magali Villeneuve</strong></a>. Image credit: Dark Horse Comics and Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<h2>Dark Horse Comics Has Provided Further Details</h2>
<p>Of course, with new comic book covers often comes new details about that comic book. As such, let's provide what Dark Horse has made public:</p>
<blockquote>
<div class="product-description">
<p>After slaying one god and being betrayed by another, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elspeth Tirel" href="#" target="_blank">Elspeth Tirel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> scours Theros’s underworld for the man she loved and lost. However, the god of fate plans to redirect Elspeth into a tragic destiny.</p>
<p>• In partnership with Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast, Dark Horse expands the world of <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>—a widely popular tabletop and digital collectible card game with a 30+ year legacy.</p>
<p>• Written by acclaimed writer <strong>Dan Watters</strong> and illustrated by the talented <a href="https://www.instagram.com/owen_gieni/?hl=en"><strong>Owen Gieni</strong></a>.</p>
<p>• Four-issue series.</p>
</div>
<div class="product_details">
<h3>Creators</h3>
<dl>
<dt>Writer: <strong>Dan Watters</strong></dt>
<dt>Artist: <strong>Owen Gieni</strong></dt>
<dt>Colorist: <strong>Hilary Jenkins</strong></dt>
<dt>Letterer: <strong>Clayton Cowles</strong></dt>
<dt>Cover Artist: <strong>Owen Gieni</strong></dt>
</dl>
</div>
<div class="genre"><strong>Genre:</strong> Media Tie-In, Fantasy</div>
</blockquote>
<div>As this description alludes to, Elspeth has entered the Underworld hoping to find and rescue <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Daxos of Meletis" href="#" target="_blank">Daxos of Meletis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who is canonically Elspeth's Theroan paramour. However, Klothys clearly has other plans for Elspeth there.</div>
<div></div>
<div><em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2 releases on October 22nd, 2025, quite a bit of time away from the time we're writing this piece. So, for now, this is the brunt of what we know about Dark Horse Comics' <em>Untold Stories: Elspeth</em> #2. Are you planning to read this comic book series? What's your opinion of Theros, <em>Theros: Beyond Death</em>, and/or Elspeth? Sound off in the comments below!</div>


comics

A Commander Deck Tech on Lucky, the Pizza Dog

Super Shredder Commander Deck Tech

J. Jonah Jameson Commander Deck Tech

Dark Horse Comics' Elspeth #2: What We Know So Far