Shiko, Paragon of the WayShiko, Paragon of the Way | art by Victor Adame Minguez

White | Blue | Black | Red | Green | Artifacts & Lands | Enemy & Wedges | cEDH | Reprints | Pauper/Budget

Tarkir 2: Electric Boogaloo

Hello, everyone! It’s your friendly neighborhood Jesguy here, and welcome to the Tarkir:Dragonstorm blue and Jeskai Set Review.

I am so, so, so, so, so excited for this set. Not only is it a return to form for Magic sets, but it includes support for my favorite color combination as well. It's all positives here for Tarkir!

We've got plenty of Dragons, sneaky spells, and game winners ahead of us, so let's hurry up and see if we can weather the storm!

Blue

Mythics and Rares

Ambling StormshellAmbling Stormshell

Meandering TowershellMeandering Towershell has a new look, and in a new color!

That said, I'm not terribly impressed here. Drawing three cards is great, I'm not going to deny that, but putting three stun counters on it as a trade off is really tough.

The Turtle untapping text is negligible, and therefore you will need to wait a full three turns for this fella to untap again. Not great.

This is a bulk rare through and through. It's fun, and a cute design, but I don't think it will be making the cut in many decks.

DragonologistDragonologist

DragonologistDragonologist's best home is unsurprisingly in Dragon decks, but I think it's a great sneaky inclusion into Blink lists.

Regardless of which style deck you're playing, being able to dig six cards deep is huge, and having three different card types it can hit means it will hopefully never miss (provided that you've built your deck correctly).

Being able to blinkblink this multiple times in order to grab cards like Eerie InterludeEerie Interlude or Ghostly FlickerGhostly Flicker off the top and chain them together, or simply nabbing a dragon and giving the rest of your team hexproof, DragonologistDragonologist performs excellently in the decks that want it.

Marang River RegentMarang River Regent

I love modality on my cards, and while Omens aren't Adventures, I think that they are still very strong.

Having a massive creature that can bounce two nonland permanents, with the buyout of drawing three cards and discarding a card is excellent. Being able to smooth out your draw while having the ability to potentially change a game for six mana is fantastic.

Yes, you have to choose between the two, since Omens shuffle back into your deck, but I don't think I'd knock any points for that. it's basically a Channel ability, and we know how strong those are. This is excellent in Dragon decks specifically, but could also find a home in Blink decks as well.

Naga FleshcrafterNaga Fleshcrafter

So I know CloneClone has been outclassed for quite a while now, but now it's just getting ridiculous.

FleshcrafterFleshcrafter is super strong. Being a CloneClone on the front half, while being able to turn all your creatures into your best one later in the game is amazing.

It seems like a slam dunk in Graveyard decks, Token decks or any decks that want to go wide. Being able to turn your entire board into something like Curiosity CrafterCuriosity Crafter, Monastery MentorMonastery Mentor, or a Scute SwarmScute Swarm can be game winning.

Overall, I think Naga FleshcrafterNaga Fleshcrafter is something special. It's excellent mid game, and can also be a game ender as well. I like it a bunch.

Stillness in MotionStillness in Motion

Stillness in MotionStillness in Motion isn't a card that I want to spend a lot of time on.

The DoomsdayDoomsday mode on this is negligible in my opinion. The amount of times it's going to happen will be far and few between. The most interesting part of this is the fact that it's a two mana way to mill three cards a turn.

Ripples of UndeathRipples of Undeath does something similar for that rate, and that is quite the solid card. This issue here, is that Stillness in MotionStillness in Motion won't draw you a card, unlike RipplesRipples.

If you need a consistent way to mill yourself for cheap, that's what Stillness in MotionStillness in Motion can provide for you. Otherwise, keep it in the bulk bin.

Taigam, Master OpportunistTaigam, Master Opportunist

I didn't think we'd be seeing Suspend return in a Standard set, but here we are!

Taigam, Master OpportunistTaigam, Master Opportunist is really cool. Provided that you have enough spells and enough time, you can start using your Suspended spells to help fuel Flurry and keep the Suspend train rolling.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Flurry counts the second spell on every turn, meaning you can also start putting spells in exile on your opponent's turn and keep the value train rolling.

Important cards for Taigam include Twinning StaffTwinning Staff and Errant, Street ArtistErrant, Street Artist, since you are exiling the original spell and creating a copy of it, Time Travel cards like Time BeetleTime Beetle and All of History, All at OnceAll of History, All at Once to help turn the clocks and have your spells come back faster, and Archmage EmeritusArchmage Emeritus to keep your hand full.

I don't know how exactly you win in a Taigam deck, but with all the value that you get from him, I'm sure you'll find a way. Two mana for an effect like this? Absurd.

Winternight StoriesWinternight Stories

It's nice to see a creature version of Thirst for KnowledgeThirst for Knowledge, even if it is a sorcery.

Despite that, I think this is really solid since you get to use it twice. Having a creature with power four of greater isn't a big ask, so having its Harmonize cost only a single blue is an excellent deal.

You will definitely want this in creature-based decks where it will shine brightest. Being a sorcery hurts it a bit, but I think being able to cast it a second time for cheap more than makes up for it.

Uncommons and Commons

• Bewildering BlizzardBewildering Blizzard is a really expensive FogFog variant, but I don't mind that. This is the kind of card that can get you back into a game, stop an alpha strike, refill your hand, and then have more options to use once your turn rolls around. Great for slower reactive decks.
• Focus the MindFocus the Mind is a nice spell for Flurry decks. The cost reduction is solid and being able to filter through three extra cards means that you'll be able to double spell more often on subsequent turns too. A good little common.
• Spectral DenialSpectral Denial is a different flavor of Stubborn DenialStubborn Denial. Yes, you need to put a little more work into it, but at least you can counter any spell instead of just instants and sorceries. I still think Stubborn DenialStubborn Denial is better, but I could see this easily slotting in alongside it if you have enough powerful creatures.
• Roiling DragonstormRoiling Dragonstorm is solid card advantage for Dragon decks, and that's about it. One thing to keep in mind is that Dragons are expensive, so adding a two mana tax to them may not be as easy or feasible as it might sound. If you're able to play it once a turn though, this can be solid value.
• Kishla TrawlersKishla Trawlers isn't ArchaeomancerArchaeomancer, but three mana is a pretty good deal for a variant of it. The only issue is making sure as a Spellslinger deck, you have a creature card in your yard. It could also be decent in Self Mill too, but those lists usually run green and have access to Eternal WitnessEternal Witness.
• Unending WhisperUnending Whisper is small but solid. This is a great enabler for Spellslinger lists, triggering Flurry effects, and making sure that you have a little something to do later in the game. A good workhorse card.
• Wingblade DiscipleWingblade Disciple isn't as good as something like Young PyromancerYoung Pyromancer or Monastery MentorMonastery Mentor, but it is still a decent way to produce tokens every turn, provided you have the spells available. You have to cast two spells in order to get a token, but making fliers is really nice.

Jeskai

Mythics and Rares

Shiko, Paragon of the WayShiko, Paragon of the Way

Finally! Wedge dragons on Tarkir! I never thought I'd see the day!

Shiko, Paragon of the WayShiko, Paragon of the Way is best at home helming Blink decks. There are ways to combo, storm off, and win the game by near-endlessly blinking Shiko with CloudshiftCloudshift or ScrollshiftScrollshift alongside something like Displacer KittenDisplacer Kitten and Purphoros, God of the ForgePurphoros, God of the Forge. While I don't know that is necessarily the most fun way to build a Shiko deck, it will probably be the most common.

Just getting solid value from recurring 3 MV nonland cards is good enough to make a Shiko deck tick. No need for endless blinking or loops, just lots of value, and maybe an Impact TremorsImpact Tremors to close out a game. Nice, fair Magic.

Regardless of how you build Shiko, Paragon of the WayShiko, Paragon of the Way, the point is that there are multiple viable builds for it. This isn't a legend that will sit in the bulk bin. Expect to see it at tables.

Flamehold GrapplerFlamehold Grappler

I think this card is absolutely cracked.

Being able to copy any spell, and not just noncreature ones is absurd, especially for three mana. I think this is best at home in Blink decks where you can use this ability multiple times.

Being able to double spells after a DisplaceDisplace or a CloudshiftCloudshift is just added value on top of added value. It might be a bit "win more", but with the all of the ways you can take advantage of this to pull ahead in a game, I think it is well worth it.

I've only scratched the surface of this card. Imagine investing an extra three mana to copy something like Crackle with PowerCrackle with Power or Call Forth the TempestCall Forth the Tempest. That can end a game in a hurry. I think Grappler is an include into almost any Jeskai deck.

Jeskai RevelationJeskai Revelation

Jeskai RevelationJeskai Revelation looks like a spell I would like, but I don't know if five small effects is worth seven mana in your average Jeskai deck.

Most Jeskai lists are looking to cast multiple smaller spells in a turn, as opposed to a single, larger one. Look at decks like Elsha of the InfiniteElsha of the Infinite, Kykar, Wind's FuryKykar, Wind's Fury, Narset, Jeskai WaymasterNarset, Jeskai Waymaster or Shiko and Narset, UnifiedShiko and Narset, Unified.

All of these lists want to play more than a single spell in a turn in order to either accrue value or progress their game plan. There is just no room for Jeskai RevelationJeskai Revelation here.

It isn't all gloom and doom though, Plenty of decks play things like Inspired UltimatumInspired Ultimatum, and these are the lists I think that will want Jeskai RevelationJeskai Revelation. Narset, Enlightened MasterNarset, Enlightened Master, Gandalf of the Secret FireGandalf of the Secret Fire, and Ramos, Dragon EngineRamos, Dragon Engine are all decks that can easily support a big, splashy spell like this.

That said, I do have a soft spot for Jeskai RevelationJeskai Revelation. I'm a sucker for massive spells, especially when they do a bunch of things, and this fits the bill. I don't think its inclusion rate in decks will be as high as some of the other cards I've talked about here, but I do think it is a very fun spell to cast.

Narset, Jeskai WaymasterNarset, Jeskai Waymaster

Ever try to storm off and just miss by thiiiiiiiiis much? Well luckily, for those situations, Narset, Jeskai WaymasterNarset, Jeskai Waymaster has you covered.

Whether you are a Storm deck, a Spellslinger deck, or even an Eggs deck, this iteration of Narset can helm them all without issue. Playing a bunch of spells is the name of the game here, and she will handsomely reward you for doing so. I am sure there are more "fair" applications for Narset, Jeskai WaymasterNarset, Jeskai Waymaster, like Plot, Flashback, or Foretell, but by and large, when you see this kind of Narset deck, be prepared for a combo of some sort.

She is simple and straightforward. She knows what she wants to do, and does it exceedingly well. I don't think WotC has missed with a Narset card yet. They're all excellent.

New Way ForwardNew Way Forward

I love Deflecting PalmDeflecting Palm and I love drawing cards, but five mana for this effect is a bit much.

This isn't a pure FogFog, as you can only choose a single source of damage to prevent and I think hurts its stock a lot. Five whole mana is a ton to leave up, especially when a reactive spell like this can't protect you from an alpha strike. Drawing cards is nice, but I don't think that an addition 3 mana tax on a Deflecting PalmDeflecting Palm is worth it.

Thumbs down on New Way ForwardNew Way Forward. Too much mana for too little gain.

Rediscover the WayRediscover the Way

Finally, some three color sagas! Are they worth the color requirements though? Eh.

In particular, Rediscover the WayRediscover the Way is a bit weak. Three mana for two AnticipateAnticipates and a conditional way to provide double strike doesn't excite me. I think the biggest issue is having to to set up the third chapter. You opponents see that it's coming, and they have plenty of time to try and counter act your strategy. It's different than being able to surprise them with something like a Temur Battle RageTemur Battle Rage or Bulk UpBulk Up.

The card selection is definitely nice, it helps with double spell-ing in lists that want that, but ultimately I'm not terribly impressed. They all can't be winners.

Uncommons and Commons

• Monastery MessengerMonastery Messenger isn't as good as ArchaeomancerArchaeomancer in theory, but being able to ReclaimReclaim a noncreature, nonland card for only three mana is a pretty good deal. I don't think this will see much play, but it can fit into decks like Elsha of the InfiniteElsha of the Infinite or Flying decks as a better Bloodwater EntityBloodwater Entity.
• Jeskai ShrinekeeperJeskai Shrinekeeper is a little pricey for its stats, but having a creature that can immediately replace itself is nice. I doubt it will see play outside of Jeskai Dragon decks, or Flying decks, but it is a nice flier to have access to.

Commander Cards

• Adaptive Training PostAdaptive Training Post is quite interesting. It's a 3 mana do-nothing artifact, which would usually make me dislike it, but having a way to freely copy spells without any extra mana investment is quite enticing. Yes it needs three counters on it, but in Spellslinger lists, that isn't a hard ask. It also has the potential to go infinite with ForkFork effects, which is a nice little bonus if you have a card like Professor OnyxProfessor Onyx lying around.
• Deceptive FrostkiteDeceptive Frostkite is an excellent little CloneClone. It can only copy big things, but most of the time, those are the things you'll want to copy anyway. Of course, it is a slam dunk in Gyruda, Doom of DepthsGyruda, Doom of Depths decks, but it can fit in any blue deck without issue.
• Diviner of MistDiviner of Mist is a pricier [/el]Dreadhorde Arcanist[/el] that can help fuel itself. It can fit into Self Mill decks and Spellslinger decks alike, but its high mana cost may hold it back. I don't hate it, but it won't be found at higher power tables.
• Hammerhead TyrantHammerhead Tyrant is a more balanced Tidespout TyrantTidespout Tyrant, but that doesn't mean it's worse. This will likely just find a home in Dragon decks, and since they are usually MV five or more, you'll be able to bounce most pesky nonland permanents without issue. The problem comes when you need to bounce larger things that may threaten to block your fliers. I'm a bit lukewarm on HammerheadHammerhead personally, but it is a massive flier with conditional removal which is a good combination. It can't be that bad.

• Transcendent DragonTranscendent Dragon reminds me of Draining WhelkDraining Whelk, but it doesn't work with Blink effects which is sad. Regardless, getting a big dragon, stealing, and exiling a spell is a pretty good deal. Six mana is a ton to keep up though, so I don't know how feasible it will be in practice.
• Voracious BibliophileVoracious Bibliophile is incredibly strong. It replaces any targeted spell, works fantastically with any that have multiple targets, and is a solid body for a good rate. Hinata, Dawn-CrownedHinata, Dawn-Crowned, any Fight list that includes blue, and any style of Aura or Heroic decks will be excellent homes for the BibliophileBibliophile. However good you think Voracious BibliophileVoracious Bibliophile will be, I think it will be better.
• Will of the TemurWill of the Temur is big and splashy, and I like it a lot. Being a six mana sorcery is a little rough, but I think being able to utilize both modes with your commander out will end up making it worth it. Creating a dragon that's a copy of anything, and then drawing a handful of cards sounds like an excellent deal for six mana. I know I would play a creature that did that.
• Elsha, Threefold MasterElsha, Threefold Master is a little small for three mana, but Prowess can certainly stack up quick. She will always be a must-block threat, and even then, she'll be able to trample over most speedbumps without issue. She is excellent inside The ArchimandriteThe Archimandrite and other Spellslinger lists, but really shines at the head of her own deck. Make sure you have plenty of PonderPonder, tokentoken doublersdoublers, and pumppump spells, and go to town! She can easily swap in for a commander like Shu Yun, the Silent TempestShu Yun, the Silent Tempest, and exceed in his place. I expect her to be quite popular.
• Shiko and Narset, UnifiedShiko and Narset, Unified have been getting compared to Stella Lee, Wild CardStella Lee, Wild Card a lot during preview season, but I think they are quite different. While they both want to cast a handful of spells, StellaStella LeeLee leans into cantripping, comboing, and untapping way more than Shiko and Narset, UnifiedShiko and Narset, Unified does. While Shiko and Narset, UnifiedShiko and Narset, Unified can chain some targeted extraextra turnturn spells together, more likely than not, the goal here will to beat your opponent down in some way with doubled combatcombat trickstricks, All That GlittersAll That Glitters, or something similar. All you have to do is keep your hand full, keep copying your spells, and you should be able to outpace the table in no time.

A Monastic Menagerie

And there we have it! All the blue and Jeskai cards from Tarkir: Dragonstorm!

This set is excellent, and potentially the best of the year in my opinion. I was excited for this set since WotC announced it, and I am incredibly pleased with the final product.

It takes everything we loved about Khans of Tarkir and Dragons of Tarkir and mashed them all together into a package that I think everyone loves. It wasn't an easy job, but they did it!

Some of my favorite cards from this set are DragonologistDragonologist, Flamehold GrapplerFlamehold Grappler, and Voracious BibliophileVoracious Bibliophile. All of these are super powerful with plenty of homes. Great designs overall!

What about you though? What Blue or Jeskai cards stood out to you during the set review? Any that you agree or disagree with? Make sure you let me know down in the comments below!

Until next time, represent your clan with pride!

You can reach me on Twitter and Bluesky (@thejesguy), where you can always hit me up for Magic- or Jeskai-related shenanigans 24/7. Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns? Please don’t hesitate to leave them below or get in touch!

Stay safe, wash your hands, and keep fighting the good fight. Stay safe in these wild times. I support you. No justice, no peace.