<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://martanael.artstation.com/">Marta Nael</a></em></p>
<h2>It's Rabbit Season!</h2>
<p>Greetings, and welcome back to <em>Commander Makeover</em><em>! </em>Here, older commanders get a new shine using newer cards under two years old. Who might be our pick this week—</p>
<p>Oh. <em>She's</em> here.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ms. Bumbleflower"></div></div>
<p>With <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/blb"><em>Bloomburrow</em></a> now rotated out of our under two year rule, we finally get to address the rabbit in the room. Yes, I mean the "carnivorous rabbit from <em>Monty Python and the Holy Grail</em>" room. Before recently, there was exactly one commander on my blacklist: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Merieke Ri Berit" href="#" target="_blank">Merieke Ri Berit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I have a deep-rooted hatred for the card, dating back to the format's early days. Now, Bumbleflower joins her on the list. Why?</p>
<p>She looks so innocent, giving cards when we cast spells on top of that cutesy art. But don't let that fool you. She spirals very quickly and, before we know it, that rabbit flies and bites us to death in the neck. She can even kill with commander damage, and that's nothing to sneeze at, on top of multiple alternative win conditions.</p>
<p>This week, I will arm us with the knowledge we need to combat this recent menace. Bumbleflower has been adding some new tricks to her arsenal, and we'd better know what we're up against these days.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gleaming Splendor" href="#" target="_blank">Gleaming Splendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gleaming Splendor"></div></div>
<p>The latest "must run" white staple is here, and slots perfectly under...ugh, our commander's playstyle. They'll be drawing their second card often, meaning we get lots of Treasures. I can imagine this card getting altered to replace Smaug with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as part of her reign of terror. In addition, those Treasures being made means more we can do in our opponents' turns.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bilbo&#039;s Gambit" href="#" target="_blank">Bilbo&#039;s Gambit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bilbo&#039;s Gambit"></div></div>
<p>Here, that foul rabbit can tell us to shut up by sending a crucial spell of ours off the stack. Worse, if she bribes us with a Treasure token, we're forced to have the right to remain silent for a turn. That also includes our opponents, so they can't do anything. The good news is that this doesn't have split second, so we can get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to sit back down in her chair.</p>
<h3>Since When Did We Get Bards?</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bard the Bowman"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bard, King of Dale"></div></div>
<p>From <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/hob"><em>The Hobbit</em></a>, we get a couple of cards featuring the same character. We can discuss this unfortunate state of affairs another time. Right now, we must arm ourselves against the Rabbit Regime. First up is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bard the Bowman" href="#" target="_blank">Bard the Bowman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who will trigger very easily here. Giving a creature yet another counter and now lifelink will ensure that attacking is not a good idea. Do not give the Rabbit any carrots (also, seriously, don't—they're not healthy for rabbits, despite the popular rhetoric).</p>
<p>On top of that, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bard, King of Dale" href="#" target="_blank">Bard, King of Dale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who will supply the foul rabbit with cards and (if she runs them) tokens. This Bard comes at a hefty six mana to cast, but he also has vigilance, reach, and a considerable body. But let's be real: it's those abilities that make him shine here.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kid Loki" href="#" target="_blank">Kid Loki</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kid Loki"></div></div>
<p>Arrr! Now <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets hexproof, too? Players with this deck will try to trigger this card to give the rabbit hexproof. Do not let this happen, especially if she's poised to kill someone in one hit. Fortunately, drawing a second card each turn only pumps Kid Loki himself. That said, he, too, can get real big quickly. Just watch he doesn't get flying as well.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="King T&#039;Challa" href="#" target="_blank">King T&#039;Challa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="King T&#039;Challa"></div></div>
<p>What's this? A second <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>? As if the rabbit needed more triggers off of someone's second card draw. The flip side makes this card into a brutal attacker. But here? He's probably going to stay in this front face for that sweet card advantage. In this deck, his ability's going to be easily triggered, ensuring that the players will be ogling all the cards they drew.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pensive Professor" href="#" target="_blank">Pensive Professor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pensive Professor"></div></div>
<p>Once again, even more card draw. It's also a perfect target for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to put the counters on. That increment ability is essentially flavor text. Like the earlier mentioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kid Loki" href="#" target="_blank">Kid Loki</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it's going to get big fast. If this card gets triggered consistently, it'd be a good pal to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Twenty-Toed Toad" href="#" target="_blank">Twenty-Toed Toad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Unagi of Kyoshi Island" href="#" target="_blank">The Unagi of Kyoshi Island</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Unagi of Kyoshi Island"></div></div>
<p>This is undoubtedly a super-charged version 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>, and one that's much harder to remove. Drawing two cards each turn is nuts, and very easy to pull off, courtesy of the accursed Rabbit commander we're covering this week. In addendum, that ward cost ensures that they either slow down to target it, or tap down their creatures and artifacts to pay for the cost.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bender&#039;s Waterskin" href="#" target="_blank">Bender&#039;s Waterskin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bender&#039;s Waterskin"></div></div>
<p>What's better than holding up mana? An artifact that can be used each and every turn, and this card does exactly that. Granted, it's one mana, but one can make a big difference. Having that always available is a boon. But here, it only fuels more antics <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brings to the table. Definitely a good card to run when trying to play at instant speed.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tataru Taru" href="#" target="_blank">Tataru Taru</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tataru Taru"></div></div>
<p>Now that's one way to get far ahead on mana, and from my favorite <em>Universes Beyond</em> set, too. Her trigger on entry guarantees at least one Treasure, which is always good. That said, this is that evil Rabbit, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we're talking about here. Tataru's going to trigger basically every turn, ensuring that, even in green, she'll be running away with loads of mana, the Rabbit oppressing everyone else's turns.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrawling Crawler"></div></div>
<p>As if <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Psychosis Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Psychosis Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wasn't bad enough. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> now has a second, yet tamer version of it. This card effectively reads "My commander's going to draw you lots of cards, and you lose lots of life, and you're going to love it." Fortunately, it being an artifact creature means it'll be much easier to remove than our average creature.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Homunculus Horde" href="#" target="_blank">Homunculus Horde</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Homunculus Horde"></div></div>
<p>Yet again, a trigger that's easily achievable. But, for what, exactly? A copy of this—oh, wait. This is a card that, the longer it's left out in play, will get out of hand real fast. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scute Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Scute Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> long before it (pray that nefarious Rabbit commander doesn't run this, too), this will create a copy of itself, then two becomes four the next turn. Both should be eliminated with swift prejudice.</p>
<h3><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></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="High Fae Trickster"></div></div>
<p>I'd say expect this in every version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we come across. I'll tell you why: To get all of those triggers, we need to be casting spells. Giving everything flash is the spice needed to really kick that plan into high gear. On the other hand, this is also one of the easier versions of this effect to remove, so expect this to be protected. That Rabbit wants to flash things out, or end up playing a lot of instants.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terrasymbiosis" href="#" target="_blank">Terrasymbiosis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terrasymbiosis"></div></div>
<p>Whew, that's going to be a lot of cards. With all of the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> triggers flying around, that's going to translate into a trove of cards in hand. If the deck has a stronger <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/plus-1-plus-1-counters">+1/+1 counter</a> slant (which we should expect, to be honest), then this card has the potential to draw even more than two cards.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sphere Grid" href="#" target="_blank">Sphere Grid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sphere Grid"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of +1/+1 counter slant, this is a good payoff in that direction. Those creatures with loads of counters on them suddenly become very dangerous, especially if it's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. She'll threaten even more commander damage, and that reach will do a lot to deter flyers coming her way. The first ability is flavor text here, but it's not nothing.</p>
<h3>Good Hunting</h3>
<p>And there we have it. A guide on what to expect when you come across the enemy...I mean <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The commander's a menace to society, and must be stopped without let-up. I'll admit I have a heavy bias here, considering what I said at the beginning, but the point stands. Anyone who sees the commander out there will soon learn why she's as notorious as she deserves.</p>
<p>Anyway, next week, I have a special deck tech centering on the freshly minted <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fra"><em>Reality Fracture</em></a>, so look forward to next week for that.</p>


Ms. Bumbleflower | Commander Makeover

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nekusar, the Mindrazer" href="#" target="_blank">Nekusar, the Mindrazer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/markwinters">Mark Winters</a></em></p>
<h2>Beginning Our Descent into Madness</h2>
<p>Welcome, one and all, to another edition of <em>Commander Makeover</em>! Here, we take commanders older than hills, and give them new life. Today, we're tackling a commander from one of the first preconstructed deck releases, and one that was a boogeyman of sorts in the early days of the format. No, not <em>that</em> early, but close enough.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nekusar, the Mindrazer"></div></div>
<p>Our commander for this week comes in at five mana, where it starts to become expensive for decks not in green (unless you run lots of mana rocks and Treasures). That said, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nekusar, the Mindrazer" href="#" target="_blank">Nekusar, the Mindrazer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does one thing and does it really well: draw cards! As a bonus, he pings our opponents for each card they draw, and that adds up really fast, especially once you account for cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wheel of Fortune" href="#" target="_blank">Wheel of Fortune</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, what are people on EDHREC running in their Nekusar decks these days?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wizard&#039;s Staff" href="#" target="_blank">Wizard&#039;s Staff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wizard&#039;s Staff"></div></div>
<p>The most important thing here is that our commander's a Wizard, meaning double the draws, and double the pings. This will be easy to equip for a brain-melting number of triggers. It almost reminds me of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathars&#039; Crusade" href="#" target="_blank">Cathars&#039; Crusade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card I loathe for exactly the same reason. There's much beauty in simplicity, but if you can handle all those triggers, be sure to give this card a try.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Master of Lake-town" href="#" target="_blank">The Master of Lake-town</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Master of Lake-town"></div></div>
<p>One word: Ew.</p>
<p>One longer word: Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww.</p>
<p>The card's going to be absolutely disgusting here. For each card an opponent draws, they lose a life and mill a card, too. Maybe some masochist opponent who loves fiddling with their graveyards will get a kick out of this, but it adds up real fast. He's also got deathtouch, making him a valuable blocker as well.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krang, the All-Powerful" href="#" target="_blank">Krang, the All-Powerful</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krang, the All-Powerful"></div></div>
<p>A card that, in this deck, is identical to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wizard&#039;s Staff" href="#" target="_blank">Wizard&#039;s Staff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Again, if you can keep track of the triggers, you're in a good spot. On top of that, because of our commander, everyone will be drawing two cards, including our opponents. That means Krang will get huge very fast, making him a real threat in the 99. The caveat is that he's also five mana, like our commander. The priority should always be getting said commander out first, then dropping Krang.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Sculpt" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Sculpt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mana Sculpt"></div></div>
<p>For one mana more than the infamous <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Drain" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Drain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we get a fixed version. Here, we're getting the mana only if we have a Wizard out. Our commander just so happens to be a Wizard, so we can get the mana if he sticks. Otherwise, we're better off running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cancel" href="#" target="_blank">Cancel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or one of its many variants. If we're looking to run Mana Drain in Bracket 2 without the feel-bads, this is the way.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flashback" href="#" target="_blank">Flashback</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flashback"></div></div>
<p>With all of those cards in our hand, we're likely discarding them (unless you're paranoid about that and shove in as many cards that negate maximum hand size as possible). On top of that, we also discard our cards when we wheel. Flashback (the card, not the mechanic) ensures we can reuse an instant or sorcery a second time before it goes for good. It also has the namesake mechanic, so we can do it again.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hexing Squelcher" href="#" target="_blank">Hexing Squelcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hexing Squelcher"></div></div>
<p>While the body may be fragile, the abilities are not. This ensures our spells always go through while also adding a layer of protection to all of our creatures, including the commander himself. If we so happen to take a lot of heat for what we're doing, then perhaps the Squelcher will help.</p>
<h3>Do Not Run This!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Naktamun Lorespinner"></div></div>
<p>No, seriously. Don't.</p>
<p>There are about 775 decks on EDHREC running this card, and no doubt the allure of a repeatable <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wheel of Fortune" href="#" target="_blank">Wheel of Fortune</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> sounds promising, but the problem comes with how to prepare it. Our commander will ensure someone will always have cards in hand, thus this card being a nonbo with our commander. If our deck tries to deplete our opponents' hands (which, spoilers, will ensure you get ganged up on and die), then maybe this card works, but even the Wheel draws everyone seven cards. This will make preparing the creature again very unlikely.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Razorkin Needlehead" href="#" target="_blank">Razorkin Needlehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Razorkin Needlehead"></div></div>
<p>While this creature is doing a pretty good impression of our commander, it's also much more frail. That said, it does come down sooner. The double red isn't bad, either. We're not in four or five colors, so casting it shouldn't be hard. The conditional first strike is essentially flavor text here: we're seldom going to be blocking with this card, opting to keep it alive to ping our opponents instead.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scrawling Crawler"></div></div>
<p>Another card that does a (somewhat) even better impression of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nekusar, the Mindrazer" href="#" target="_blank">Nekusar, the Mindrazer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, only easier to remove. I take issue with all this redundancy, but that's a topic for another article. The draw trigger only happens during our upkeep, so it'll be a bit slow for it to get going alone. Again, we're also not really going to be blocking unless our life total is low. Note that the ping done by the Crawler isn't damage but life loss, meaning certain cards won't bump that number up.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls"></div></div>
<p>If I thought <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Master of Lake-town" href="#" target="_blank">The Master of Lake-town</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was "ewwwwwwww," as I described it here, Valvy's going to be "EW! EW! EW!!!!!!!"</p>
<p>Under our commander's influence, Valgavoth will grow scary, very fast. A single ping from an opponent drawing cards will give Moth Boy here a counter and us a card. It's very much a kill-on-sight card, even in the 99 of a deck that can wield it so effectively. The ward cost certainly makes it even better, too. I suppose this goes to show that it's not just busted as a commander (and we'll soon cover him, too. Foreshadowing!)</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niv-Mizzet, Visionary" href="#" target="_blank">Niv-Mizzet, Visionary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Niv-Mizzet, Visionary"></div></div>
<p>Now that's a good way to continue the tempo after dropping our commander! No maximum hand size means we can go silly with drawing cards. On top of that, each ping an opponent gets for drawing cards means we draw one as well. That said, it's also a creature, making it rather frail. On top of that, this will not work with the earlier mentioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scrawling Crawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scrawling Crawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as Niv-Mizzet checks for damage, not life loss. This sort of thing was the bit I was alluding to in that section.</p>
<h3>Removal Galore!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Withering Torment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blasphemous Edict"></div></div>
<p>Over the last two years, we've got ourselves some new removal. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Withering Torment" href="#" target="_blank">Withering Torment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of black's only ways of dealing with enchantments alongside the likes of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chaos Warp" href="#" target="_blank">Chaos Warp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (in red) and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Feed the Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Feed the Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so I'd be running this in every black deck I can. The life loss is also negligible, so we can use this with impunity. The second is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Edict" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Edict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can be good against those pesky token decks. Just note that this impacts us, too, so time it right for the best results.</p>
<h2>Enlightenment!</h2>
<p>Next week, on our <em>Precon</em> <em>Remastered</em> series, we begin <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/c15"><em>Commander 2015</em></a>, so tune in for that. However, as I wrote this piece, I noticed that <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/blb">Bloomburrow</a> </em>rotated out about a month ago (It must've gotten lost in the earlier real-life chaos that unfolded), so the next installment will be from there. Tune back in the week after next to see who that might be.</p>


Nekusar, the Mindrazer | Commander Makeover

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://walley.artstation.com/">Walleystation</a></em></p>
<h2>Stepping Out of the Shadows</h2>
<p>"Psst. Hey, you. <a href="https://scryfall.com/card/ust/123/squirrel-dealer">Do you like Squirrels?</a>"</p>
<p>Oh, wait, wrong question. Anyway, welcome back to another edition of <em>Commander Makeover</em>, where we give a makeover to commanders looking a little long in the tooth. This week, we take on a notorious commander who's got a reputation perhaps rivaled by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Derevi, Empyrial Tactician" href="#" target="_blank">Derevi, Empyrial Tactician</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Who might that be?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow"></div></div>
<p>Our commander for this week gets her infamy from her commander ninjistu ability, allowing her to sneak past the commander tax and onto the battlefield for a measly two mana. She's even got a <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/salt">salt score</a> for a reason. But, surely, we could give a great big makeover for her deck, right?</p>
<p>Unfortunately not. Looking over the past two years' worth of cards, there are only sixteen cards to her name (and only one of those was from last year!), possibly making this the shortest article in the series. That said, I can think of a card or two from <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/hob">The Hobbit</a> </em>that might help us add some substance. Anyway, without further ado.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="My Precious" href="#" target="_blank">My Precious</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="My Precious"></div></div>
<p>What would a tricksy human need of Gollum's Precious? The Adventure half is good, but that's not why it's here. In fact, it's the Equipment half itself. With Yuriko, she and our other creatures really want to be unblockable. Not only does Precious provide that, it also grants hexproof. It's not necessarily useful on our commander herself, but we could use it to protect a key creature.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bilbo, Luckwearer" href="#" target="_blank">Bilbo, Luckwearer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bilbo, Luckwearer"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of unblockable creatures, Bilbo has us loot (draw and discard one) when he connects. On that note, we're more likely to run one-drops that can't be blocked anyway, so he will face some stiff competition. Also, we can ignore the Adventure half, as it doesn't really contribute anything (unless you're a monster that loves to sow chaos and watch the world burn).</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boss Uramon, Shadow&#039;s Reach" href="#" target="_blank">Boss Uramon, Shadow&#039;s Reach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Boss Uramon, Shadow&#039;s Reach"></div></div>
<p>While we won't be seeing her for a bit of time yet, she effectively can't be blocked thanks to shadow, making her a great Yuriko target. She also gives our attacking <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/ninjas">Ninjas</a> deathtouch, giving them pseudo-evasion, and makes tokens each time said Ninjas (or Rogues — that can and will be relevant) hit an opponent. She does cost four mana, but we're likely going to have a flat curve outside of the big spells we're keeping on top for our commander's trigger.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elektra, Daughter of the Hand" href="#" target="_blank">Elektra, Daughter of the Hand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elektra, Daughter of the Hand"></div></div>
<p>Spoilers: There's only one other creature with the Ninja type on this list after Elektra. She is targeted removal, provided we hit something small. The catch with her is that she uses the weaker ninjitsu variant, sneak. I say weaker because it uses the stack. She can get countered if an opponent's willing. That said, she'll quite likely get returned to our hand, so we can cast her again.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stature, Size Shifter" href="#" target="_blank">Stature, Size Shifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stature, Size Shifter"></div></div>
<p>There's nothing to write home about here. She's a 1/1 who's also unblockable, two great traits for ninjitsu antics. We can also avoid the power-up ability, as that actually weakens her playability. Besides, she's going to end up returning to our hand for our Ninja antics, so those counters will get reset each time.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pym Particles" href="#" target="_blank">Pym Particles</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pym Particles"></div></div>
<p>With this, we can make a creature have vigilance and unblockable, so we can have a blocker when it isn't our turn should we need one. It's especially useful in Ninja-focused builds because, ironically, not all ninjas have unblockable. In that case, we can get one to slip by for our antics.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Turtle Lair" href="#" target="_blank">Turtle Lair</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Turtle Lair"></div></div>
<p>This is better off being a dual land, since this will tap only for two colors (unless our commander is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Splinter, Radical Rat" href="#" target="_blank">Splinter, Radical Rat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which it's not). That said, for three mana (and tapping this land), we can make a Ninja unblockable, which feeds into our game plan. In addition, this won't enter tapped, so we can use it right away.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Splinter, Hamato Yoshi" href="#" target="_blank">Splinter, Hamato Yoshi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Splinter, Hamato Yoshi"></div></div>
<p>The only other Ninja on our list, Splinter makes for a nice anthem for our Ninjas, especially if we lean harder on kindred synergies. +1/+1 isn't much by any means, but Ninjas only have so many of those effects before we begin relying on artifacts. Sneaking him out for one mana less is a bonus, but negligible.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Splinter&#039;s Technique" href="#" target="_blank">Splinter&#039;s Technique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Splinter&#039;s Technique"></div></div>
<p>At least here, sneaking this out is more beneficial, whether it be for a key creature or a piece to make our commander really bring the pain. In fact, it's better to cast this card for its sneak cost anyway, since it's the only time it can be cast outside of sorcery speed. Also, remember that this isn't ninjitsu. Our opponents can counter cards with the sneak ability, whereas ninjitsu bypasses this.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ninja Teen" href="#" target="_blank">Ninja Teen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ninja Teen"></div></div>
<p>This enchantment does quite a bit for our Ninjas. Level one will ensure that bouncing our Ninjas and unblockable creatures does something, whittling down our opponents with a thousand cuts (my most disliked game-ending method). Level two is where we get cooking. A small boost to our creatures, and any easily blocked ones now have menace, making them more likely to get through. Finally, the final level ensures that our opponents won't just be tracking our hands for ninjitsu/sneaking shenanigans. That said, four mana is a lot to pay to bring one creature back, especially if we intend on paying the cost multiple times.</p>
<p>Also, did I mention that the cost to level this card to full is a measly three mana?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Secret Tunnel" href="#" target="_blank">Secret Tunnel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Secret Tunnel"></div></div>
<p>That first line may as well say "Secret Tunnel! Secret Tunnel!" because that's exactly what it is here: flavor text.</p>
<p>Anyway, the sole addition from 2025 is not the best customer if we're already running a large number of unblockable creatures. That said, it helps if we can consistently get Yuriko through. But four mana can be quite steep, and that tends to be why I avoid <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rogue&#039;s Passage" href="#" target="_blank">Rogue&#039;s Passage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the first place.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enter the Enigma" href="#" target="_blank">Enter the Enigma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enter the Enigma"></div></div>
<p>A very simple card. Typically, we're casting this on Yuriko to ensure we can get her trigger. We're likely also casting this on some easily blocked Ninja to get its trigger. Beyond those uses, nothing to write home about here.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ninja&#039;s Blades" href="#" target="_blank">Ninja&#039;s Blades</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ninja&#039;s Blades"></div></div>
<p>This does a fairly good impression of our commander, but we discard the card rather than check the top of our library. If we can consistently get the same card back on top, this can be a good engine to end the game quickly. On that note, while the Hero token would become a Ninja, we can also equip this to one of our unblockable creatures and turn that into a Ninja.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leyline of Transformation" href="#" target="_blank">Leyline of Transformation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leyline of Transformation"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of type changing, this changes all of our unblockable 1/1s into Ninjas, so we can repeatedly get our commander's trigger and unleash a devastating turn. That said, these kinds of effects are not common, only found in a couple of other cards (<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conspiracy" href="#" target="_blank">Conspiracy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Adaptation" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Adaptation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come to mind), so we'd be tutoring for these every game, and protecting them. If you ask me, I don't like relying on a couple of cards to prop up a deck, especially in the 99.</p>
<h3>This is Getting Out of Hand. Now There are Two of Them!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kaito, Bane of Nightmares"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kaito, Cunning Infiltrator"></div></div>
<p>Our emblematic Ninja planeswalker swoops in to give Ninjas some much-needed yet burgeoning support. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaito, Cunning Infiltrator" href="#" target="_blank">Kaito, Cunning Infiltrator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will quickly rack up loyalty counters with all the unblockable creatures we'll be swinging with. The plus one makes our commander unblockable while also letting us loot. The only other mode worth noting is the emblem. It's great for Ninja decks, if we can get that high.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaito, Bane of Nightmares" href="#" target="_blank">Kaito, Bane of Nightmares</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a nasty piece of work. He can be ninjitsu'd in, and can be a creature himself if it's our turn. The big reason to run him is the plus one ability, giving an anthem effect to our Ninjas. Even better if this Kaito sticks around to do it again and again. If unchecked, all of those Ninjas suddenly can take down Eldrazi. That's a Multiverse-level threat right there, unlike a certain hooded planeswalker who's been doing everything in his power to avoid a much-needed therapy session.</p>
<h3>Back Into the Shadows</h3>
<p>All right. I know I said this may be the shortest article in the series, but I don't think that's the case now. At least it isn't the longest. Anyway, come back next week, when we return to my other series, <em>Precon Remastered</em> to finish off the last of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/c14"><em>Commander 2014</em></a> decks.</p>


Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow | Commander Makeover

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giada, Font of Hope|J25|60" href="#" target="_blank">Giada, Font of Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CHisashi+Momose%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Hisashi Momose</a></em></p>
<h2>Come to the Light</h2>
<p>Salutations, and welcome to another edition of <em>Commander Makeover</em>! Here, we take old commanders and shed light on some recent cards that work with them. This week, we're taking on our second mono-color commander in the Top 200, which you can find <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders">here</a>. Not too long ago, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-case-for-why-we-need-more-monocolored-commander-decks">I made my points</a> on why there should be more mono-color precons, but I digress. Why do I bring this up? Because our commander this week is one of the five coming out with the new Starter Decks in a couple of months (as of writing).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Giada, Font of Hope"></div></div>
<p>This four-year-old legend is popular, <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/giada-font-of-hope">ranked #14 overall</a> on EDHREC. White is not the first color we go looking for ramp, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giada, Font of Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Giada, Font of Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a mana dork itself. On top of that, it comes down very early to start the ramp going. Lastly, in the late game, it buffs our <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/angels">Angels</a>, making them into enormous threats (as if they weren't already). However, what new cards could make it into a Giada deck (maybe even the precon), I wonder?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gleaming Splendor" href="#" target="_blank">Gleaming Splendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gleaming Splendor"></div></div>
<p>Kicking off our sermon is a newly printed card from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/hob"><em>The Hobbit</em></a>. Here's my colder-than-Pluto cold take (minus 387 degrees, for those wondering): This will be a Commander staple, through and through. This enchantment will be pricey unless it gets reprinted into oblivion, assuming it does. If you've got the money in these trying times, get it, by all means. Otherwise, best look for an alternative (yes, you could always proxy, but I'm not going down that rabbit hole here).</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cosmic Cube" href="#" target="_blank">Cosmic Cube</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cosmic Cube"></div></div>
<p>Certainly a neat card, and it does shine here. Naturally, a number of our Angels will have large stats, giving the Cube more range when we trigger it. On the plus side, our commander's buffing ability broadens those horizons a little at a time. It also being hard to remove is a bonus.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Arkenstone" href="#" target="_blank">The Arkenstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Arkenstone"></div></div>
<p>There are a lot of legendary Angels, even in mono-white, so the Adventure half of the card will have some range. When we do cast it, though, the anthem won't be the reason we're running this card. Actually, it's the card draw ability. Something another new card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ten Rings" href="#" target="_blank">The Ten Rings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can do, but that's a hefty eight mana.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mind Stone" href="#" target="_blank">The Mind Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Mind Stone"></div></div>
<p>Not to be confused with the even older <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mind Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Mind Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this is more or less an indestructible <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marble Diamond" href="#" target="_blank">Marble Diamond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that doesn't enter tapped, plus upside if we harness it. However, I imagine the price tag will put some people off. If you have one/can get one, it's not a bad card to run.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Exemplar of Light" href="#" target="_blank">Exemplar of Light</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Exemplar of Light"></div></div>
<p>This is more right at home in a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/plus-1-plus-1-counters">+1/+1 Counters</a> deck. That said, assuming we have our commander out, we net a card from its trigger right away. In addition, Angel decks tend to have a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/lifegain">Lifegain</a> subtheme, while will still give us card draw in a more convoluted way. It's also four mana, and cheap Angels are hard to come by.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dazzling Angel" href="#" target="_blank">Dazzling Angel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dazzling Angel"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of life gain, here's one way to do it. It's cheaper than the above card, but that's all it's got going for it. Not bad, if a little slow for us to take advantage of that life gain.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starfield Shepherd" href="#" target="_blank">Starfield Shepherd</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starfield Shepherd"></div></div>
<p>Not ramp, per se, but this does help us not miss our land drops when we need them. The fact that this can be cast early is a boon. Then, we have a five mana Angel sitting there and looking pretty until we cast it. Also, let's be real, we're using this to find lands. There aren't many one-drops worth running in this deck.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Restoration Magic"></div></div>
<p>While we do have a number of ways to protect our board in white, no one can fault this card's flexibility. Protect our whole board, or shield a key card from removal. The lifegain is a neat bonus, especially if we're running cards to take advantage of it. On top of that, it's also one of the few ways in <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/mono-white">mono-white</a> (that I know of at least) that gives the protected permanents hexproof. Take that as you will, because I say this is a top contender for any white deck with lots of cards on board.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wind Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Wind Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Wind Crystal"></div></div>
<p>This artifact has a lot of uses. Firstly, it's ramp, even if it does cost four mana. We'll need all the ramping and drawing help we can get. Second, for only six mana, we can give our board lifelink (the flying's irrelevant here), and gain a boatload of life.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winnowing" href="#" target="_blank">Winnowing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winnowing"></div></div>
<p>The best comparison to this card is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tragic Arrogance" href="#" target="_blank">Tragic Arrogance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which hit more than just creatures. The balancing act here is that we won't be sacrificing our board, since we're leaning completely into one creature type. Unless our opponents are running a typal deck as well, this could be backbreaking against them.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chronicle of Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Chronicle of Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chronicle of Victory"></div></div>
<p>I've covered this card in the past, but we won't be getting much mileage out of the card draw. That said, +2/+2, first strike, and trample to all of our Angels is nothing to sneeze at. All for the low, low cost of six mana. Is it worth it? I'll let you be the judge here.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gathering Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Gathering Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gathering Stone"></div></div>
<p>Remember <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>? That's exactly what this is, except it triggers on entry, and not adding the card to our hand gives us the option to send it to the graveyard instead. Like I said, we're in mono-white, which is notorious for its lack of ramp and draw. In saying that, we're likely running this for that reason, even if our commander does ramp us.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Banner of Kinship" href="#" target="_blank">Banner of Kinship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Banner of Kinship"></div></div>
<p>Again, like with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chronicle of Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Chronicle of Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we're not going to get much out of this. That said, if you consistently get a large board of Angels (then I'd be asking what in tarnation is wrong with your opponents), this might be worth our while. It's also five mana, so we aren't slamming this down the moment we draw it.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightstall Inquisitor" href="#" target="_blank">Lightstall Inquisitor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightstall Inquisitor"></div></div>
<p>Now this is a rarity! One-mana Angels are not common, so the first instinct would be to slam this in right away. Then, its trigger will either slow our opponents down, or make something in their hand harder to cast. Either way, this is not a bad card at all.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Exalted Sunborn" href="#" target="_blank">Exalted Sunborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Exalted Sunborn"></div></div>
<p>If the deck's got a lot of token making, then this will be worth including. The warp cost being as cheap as it is means we can set up for something massive that turn. What we'll do with those tokens is another matter. To my knowledge, there aren't enough cards that make Angel tokens. That said, this could be a card to consider long-term as more ways to make Angel tokens get released.</p>
<h3>A Blessed Ending</h3>
<p>Hopefully we're seeing Angels instead. We do have a new Angel commander in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seluma, Light of Aysen" href="#" target="_blank">Seluma, Light of Aysen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so I'd be interested to see where she goes (if you ask me, she's what <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maelstrom Archangel" href="#" target="_blank">Maelstrom Archangel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> should've been). Speaking of cards from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/mbc"><em>Mystery Booster: Commander Edition</em></a>, come back next week, and I'll treat you to a deck tech to one of those spicy new commander options.</p>


Giada, Font of Hope | Commander Makeover

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wise Mothman" href="#" target="_blank">The Wise Mothman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/leoluch">Sergei Panin</a></em></p>
<h2>A Rad-ical Perspective</h2>
<p>Greetings, and welcome to <em>Commander Makeover</em>! If you're new, a warm welcome to you. Here, we take older commanders and recommend some more recent upgrades to their decks. This week, we're taking a field trip to a post-apocalyptic world, a place where we better start carrying some lamps.</p>
<p>Some <em>very</em> <em>big</em> lamps.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Wise Mothman"></div></div>
<p>One of the most popular commanders from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/pip"><em>Fallout</em></a>, Moth Boy here (not to be confused with in-universe's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls" href="#" target="_blank">Valgavoth, Harrower of Souls</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) wants us to mill everyone to get so big that no lamp can save them. Furthermore, it operates through the unique rad counters found in the set, so we can expect to be proliferating those counters like crazy. Enough rad counters, and we can eclipse every lamp in the Multiverse (and beyond it). With all that being said, what are some new cards we can add?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expansion Algorithm" href="#" target="_blank">Expansion Algorithm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expansion Algorithm"></div></div>
<p>Today, we begin with a banger new card from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos"><em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em></a>. Yes, this will be a heavy mana investment, but the chance to dump so many rad counters on our opponents is hard to pass up, especially when proliferating only adds one counter to each opponent per trigger. Plus, this being X-costed means we can be flexible with it. Don't be afraid to make X a lower number if we need to. We're trying to ensure our opponents always have rad counters, after all.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grave Researcher" href="#" target="_blank">Grave Researcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grave Researcher"></div></div>
<p>This creature will almost always be prepared. More so than Scar, dare I say it. Hitting the requirement is laughably easy, and the surveil is almost pointless here. That being said, we aren't exactly interested in milling ourselves, so there's that. Casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reanimate" href="#" target="_blank">Reanimate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will ensure we get the best cut from everyone's graveyards. That said, better keep an eye on that life total!</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kitsune&#039;s Technique" href="#" target="_blank">Kitsune&#039;s Technique</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kitsune&#039;s Technique"></div></div>
<p>For us, this will be a valuable ability to have. Milling half of someone's library will always ensure that either our commander or some other creature will be monstrous. The catch, however, is ensuring we can pay the sneak cost so we can cast this for much cheaper. Not only that, the timing will ensure that we won't get to hit our opponents with an even bigger bug after Technique resolves.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ghoul, Gunslinger" href="#" target="_blank">The Ghoul, Gunslinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Ghoul, Gunslinger"></div></div>
<p>Hailing from the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sld">Secret Lair</a> drops that featured <em>Fallout</em> (the TV series) comes another way to make more rad counters. We can dispute whether the show is canon to the games, but what can't be ignored is that we're likely going to be running a lot of creatures that fit what he's looking for. A number of creatures from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wise Mothman" href="#" target="_blank">The Wise Mothman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s precon, <a href="https://edhrec.com/precon/mutant-menace"><em>Mutant</em> <em>Menace</em></a>, were Zombies, Mutants or both, so there's plenty of opportunity to get The Ghoul's trigger.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Icetill Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Icetill Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Icetill Explorer"></div></div>
<p>Now that's a valuable set of abilities! We can play the lands from our graveyard if we accidentally mill them. In addition, we can mill ourselves should we need to. Also, having that extra land drop ability means that we can get away with emptying our hand and graveyard of lands. Lastly, Icetill having four toughness puts it out of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Bolt" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Bolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> range, if that matters.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Singularity Rupture" href="#" target="_blank">Singularity Rupture</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Singularity Rupture"></div></div>
<p>Oh boy, that's going to be a <em>lot</em> of counters. That is, of course, if we get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wise Mothman" href="#" target="_blank">The Wise Mothman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to stick around. To ensure its survival, we're going to need to make it indestructible. Remember, the wipe part of the card will resolve first, so by the time we mill, Mothman won't be around to enjoy the benefits. This card feels like a divisive include, so I'll leave this one up to you.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terrasymbiosis" href="#" target="_blank">Terrasymbiosis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Terrasymbiosis"></div></div>
<p>There's a lot to like about this card: easy to cast, will draw grips of cards, and on each turn as well. It's especially good with rad counters because we'll likely get to put counters via our commander each turn, effectively creating a draw engine. That said, if we plan on milling ourselves, take care that we don't mill out, unless we have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laboratory Maniac" href="#" target="_blank">Laboratory Maniac</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect or two handy.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jenova, Ancient Calamity" href="#" target="_blank">Jenova, Ancient Calamity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jenova, Ancient Calamity"></div></div>
<p>When <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wise Mothman" href="#" target="_blank">The Wise Mothman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> triggers and puts counters on stuff, Jenova's one of the few creatures for which we should divest counters from Mothman. That way, when Jenova's combat trigger resolves, we get to put those counters back on a creature, turning them into Mutants in the process. On top of that, just like the card above, that's going to be quite a bit of card draw, albeit less of an engine.</p>
<h3>The Two Crystals</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Water Crystal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Earth Crystal"></div></div>
<p>First, a small pet peeve. I get that it's unsynergistic with our commander, but I'd also be running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Darkness Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Darkness Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, because I'd rather have the full cycle or none at all.</p>
<p>Personal grievances aside, both of these crystals work with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Wise Mothman" href="#" target="_blank">The Wise Mothman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in different ways. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Water Crystal" href="#" target="_blank">The Water Crystal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be yet another way to mill our opponents. And I've already elaborated on how good milling half of someone's library is. No further comments.</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>, however, will effectively double all the counters Mothman will distribute, making our board lethal in the right moments. The activated ability is flavor text, unless we're in a pinch.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sphere Grid" href="#" target="_blank">Sphere Grid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sphere Grid"></div></div>
<p>This is actually one of the best ways we can give our commander evasion. Reach will be useless here, but trample will certainly not. Too often does a little lamp stop it cold in its tracks. With trample, we can assign a small amount of damage to that pest, then fling the rest at the defending player. Note, too, that this affects our other creatures, so they'll get the benefits too (and reach will actually be useful)!</p>
<h3>Counter Dumping!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evolution Witness"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Basking Broodscale"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pensive Professor"></div></div>
<p>There's something to be said about having other creatures to put counters on. These effects are valuable, especially if we can get them on each turn, letting us outvalue our opponents like a speeding bullet.</p>
<p>First up is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evolution Witness" href="#" target="_blank">Evolution Witness</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which lets us recur permanent cards we milled or that got blown up. The adapt ability may as well not be on there, and the best part is that we can do this as many times a turn as we can.</p>
<p>The same can be said for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Basking Broodscale" href="#" target="_blank">Basking Broodscale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but the difference is that we get tokens that sac themselves for mana instead. Oh, did we want more cards instead? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pensive Professor" href="#" target="_blank">Pensive Professor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (and the older, dual-colored <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fathom Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Fathom Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) is right up our alley.</p>
<p>In a bizarrely opposite vein, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pollywog Prodigy" href="#" target="_blank">Pollywog Prodigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes us add counters to it, so we can draw cards when opponents cast noncreature spells that cost less mana than its stats. Make it big enough, and we'll have an engine going.</p>
<p>Finally, it's worth noting that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Germination Practicum" href="#" target="_blank">Germination Practicum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will trigger all of these cards. I didn't mention it or the Professor earlier because these two deserve to be in this section more.</p>
<h3>One Set to Lift Them All!</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Six"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ripples of Undeath"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dreamtide Whale"></div></div>
<p>It's no secret that <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/mh1"><em>Modern Horizons</em></a> sets tend to be high-powered releases, and the third iteration is no different. Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Revitalizing Repast" href="#" target="_blank">Revitalizing Repast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sink into Stupor" href="#" target="_blank">Sink into Stupor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> have nice utility attached to a land that we could play instead, but we'd rather have the spells most of the time.</p>
<p>Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Six" href="#" target="_blank">Six</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ripples of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Ripples of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> work with our graveyard in different ways. Six will allow us to recast nonland permanents from our graveyard, but only on our turn. We could always attack with it to ensure we mill more, and get a land back to hand.</p>
<p>Next, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ripples of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Ripples of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> adds more cards to the graveyard, but we can return a card from among them to our hand at the cost of three life and a single mana. Not to mention that it comes down very early, so we can start filling our graveyard right away.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dreamtide Whale" href="#" target="_blank">Dreamtide Whale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ensures we have a way to proliferate, but we need to keep casting two spells to ensure that we do. Opponents will likely do this, too, but may be hesitant about gaining more rad counters. So, in a way, this restricts them from doing too much.</p>
<h3>And All the Rest</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glacierwood Siege"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Mindskinner"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Riverchurn Monument"></div></div>
<p>While <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/dft"><em>Aetherdrift</em></a> was much maligned, it did give us <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riverchurn Monument" href="#" target="_blank">Riverchurn Monument</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is a source of mill. On top of that, we can do even more, but the exhaust ability ensures we can only do this once. Definitely an ability we need to use at the right time.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a few cards from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm"><em>Tarkir Dragonstorm</em></a> worm their way in here. Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glacierwood Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Glacierwood Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hollowmurk Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Hollowmurk Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help the deck in different areas. Glacierwood either lets us play lands from our graveyard, or mills us to fill it. On the other hand, Hollowmurk can either act as a slower <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Terrasymbiosis" href="#" target="_blank">Terrasymbiosis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or grant our commander some much-needed evasion.</p>
<p>On top of the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pollywog Prodigy" href="#" target="_blank">Pollywog Prodigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/blb"><em>Bloomburrow</em></a> gave us <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Innkeeper&#039;s Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Innkeeper&#039;s Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which puts out counters, shields our stuff with a small ward ability (assuming they have counters), and can double counters on permanents or players, including rad counters.</p>
<p>Lastly, <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/dsk"><em>Duskmourn: House of Horror</em></a> gave us a couple of new toys. First, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Mindskinner" href="#" target="_blank">The Mindskinner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can't be blocked and will mill opponents for a whole bunch, letting us put multiple counters across our board at once. Second, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hedge Shredder" href="#" target="_blank">Hedge Shredder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fills our graveyard on attack and will get huge quickly. The best part is that it'll also put any land card we mill right into play tapped. Especially good if we're milling ourselves for a whole bunch.</p>
<h3>No More Lamps</h3>
<p>It sort of looked like I was trying something new there at the end, perhaps grouping new cards by sections rather than doing them all individually. Please sound off in the comments if you'd rather I did it that way. Anyway, come back next time, when we return to <em>Precon Remastered</em>, my other series.</p>


commander makeover

Ms. Bumbleflower | Commander Makeover

Nekusar, the Mindrazer | Commander Makeover

Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow | Commander Makeover

Giada, Font of Hope | Commander Makeover

The Wise Mothman | Adding New Cards With Commander Makeover