Aether Revolt Set Review - Black
Aether Revolt Set Review - Black
The beginning of 2017 ushers in one of the most powerful and dynamic Magic: The Gathering sets in recent memory. Aether Revolt is filled with fascinating interactions bound to make waves in limited and constructed play. Next up on our list to review are all of the black cards.
I will be reviewing each card on it's applications in both limited and constructed with a score out of ten. Here are examples of cards that have been scored on each level from Kaladesh:
Limited:
10 - First Pick, Monster Bomb - Angel of Invention, Saheeli's Artistry
9 - Excellent, Cream of the Crop - Aetherstorm Roc, Skyship Stalker
8 - Powerful but Specific Cards - Marionette Master, Cultivator of Blades
7 - Great but Not Worth Switching Colors For - Insidious Will, Architect of the Untamed
6 - Strong Cards on Curve for the Backbone of your Deck -Thriving Rhino, Thriving Grubs
5 - Always Playable Cards to Fill Out - Aether Theorist, Riparian Tiger
4 - Decent Cards that Might Serve a Purpose - Wayward Giant, Sage of Shalia's Claim
3 - Unexciting Picks You Don't Want to Play - Nimble Innovator, Ghirapur Guide
2 - Bad Cards You Want to Avoid - Terror of the Fairgrounds, Curio Vendor
1 - Stone Cold Unplayable - Demolition Stomper, Perpetual Timepiece.
Constructed:
10 - Multi-Format Staple, Instant Classic - Smuggler's Copter
9 - Extremely Powerful, Create Standard Archetype - Aetherworks Marvel
8 - Will See Play in Multiple Decks and Archetypes - Harnessed Lightning
7 - Strong Roleplayer in Certain Decks - Nissa, Vital Force
6 - Decent Chance to See Play - Noxious Gearhulk
5 - Might See Play, Likely Sideboard - Cloudblazer
4 - Probably Not But Just Might Squeak In - Filigree Familiar
3 - Almost Certainly Not Going to Make It - Aethersquall Ancient
2 - Never - Ghirapur Orrery
1 - So Bad That People Will Challenge Themselves to Make a Deck Where it Works - Madcap Experiment
Click here for other Aether Revolt Reviews: Blue, Red, White, Green, Multi, Artifacts
So let's get on with it. Here's the limited and constructed review of every black card in Aether Revolt. Enjoy!
Aether Poisoner
We're kicking off the black set review with a solid if not exciting card. A 1/1 deathtouch for two mana will always be playable in limited as it halts ground assaults almost immediately. The fact that it comes into play with two energy is just a bonus and you'll almost never trigger the Servo ability which is fine. A great card for limited that you'll want to snap up if your in a control shell.
Limited: 6.0
Constructed: 2.0
Alley Strangler
It seems like they're throwing menace on any old creature nowadays and that's perfectly fine. This card is fine. It avoids getting killed by Shock and fits in a curve. It won't be powering through too many boards or dealing an overwhelming amount of damage but whatever. It's a slight improvement over a vanilla creature but... that's about it.
Limited: 4.0
Constructed: 2.0
Battle at the Bridge
This flavor of this card feels like a larger part of the Kaladesh story and I appreciate that. For limited, it's a great removal spell that you'll always play and has the ability to win the race by gaining you a ton of life. As for constructed, I'm not sure this can actually get there at sorcery speed despite it's ability to ramp up in power. It could be that I'm missing an important facet of this card but I'm not currently convinced this will ever make it out of limited. Hilariously, this can hit Emrakul if you manage to get 13 artifacts and mana.
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 4.0
Cruel Finality
It's an instant! Yay! Scry kind of seem like a random addition to this but who cares? It kills things that are small at instant speed and that's what matters. This is a run-of-the-mill removal spell so don't pick it too highly but also don't let too many get past you.
Limited: 5.0
Constructed: 2.0
Daring Demolition
This card lets you destroy anything that can deal damage to you in combat. Do they have a big flying angel? No problem. Is a vehicle running you over? Taken care of. You'll always want these and you always play it. Honestly, this is probably the best black common because of its simplicity. All you have to do is point it at something at that something dies. I'd love it it was instant speed but with this much flexibility, it doesn't really matter that much.
Limited: 8.0
Constructed: 2.0
Defiant Salvager
Before I being, let me say that I love the totally bizarre artwork on this card. Volkan Baga continues to be one of the finest artists that MtG has. Moving on, Defiant Salvager requires a fair amount of synergy before he becomes a playable card. The biggest downsize to this card is the 'Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery' clause that prevent you from using this card as value in combat. Regardless, with one activation from an artifact that is meant to be sacrificed or a creature that is locked down, you not only get a +1/+1 counter but you also trigger any incoming Revolt abilities for no mana cost.
Limited: 5.0
Constructed: 2.0
Fatal Push
What is there to say about the most pushed removal spell to see print since Abrupt Decay? Yes, it's really that good. No, there's not too much hype around this card. Yes, you should always play it in limited. Fatal Push will undoubtedly see play in a plethora of formats including Standard, Modern and Legacy because it kills almost everything that matters in those formats for one mana at instant speed. Here's a quick list of things Fatal Push kills without triggering Revolt: Tarmagoyf, Delver of Secrets, Monastery Swiftspear, Arcbound Ravager, Smuggler's Copter, and Death's Shadow. And what about triggering Revolt? All you have to do is crack a fetch land to kill nearly anything in any format with the two notable exceptions being reanimator and Tron. This card is bonkers everywhere and deserves the incoming grade.
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 10.0
Fen Hauler
If you're going to have more than a few artifacts in your deck, incidentally or otherwise, then Fen Hauler is a great top-end, providing a cheap slab of beef to beat face with. Otherwise, there's really no reason to play this giant insect. Interestingly, I actually think this card could see some constructed play much in the same way that Gurmag Angler did. If you get enough synergy with this card, he literally is a one mana 5/5 and you can't discount that. I'm not going to bet the bank on Fen Hauler but you never know if he might show up randomly at a Standard or Modern event.
Limited: 5.0
Constructed: 4.0
Foundry Hornet
Starting off as a four mana 2/3 flyer is already a great start so Foundry Hornet has very little to do in order impress me. Fortunately, it does so with flying colors (get it? FLYING colors? I'm sorry). Giving your opponents entire team -1/-1 for a turn is incredibly powerful, especially in a format dedicated to creating as many Servos as possible. In order to trigger this, Foundry Hornet needs to come in on board where a creature you control has a +1/+1 counter on it and therefore, it seems to want to be in the G/B archetype. While it's not necessary to get value out of the hornet, it certainly becomes more powerful.
Limited: 6.0
Constructed: 2.0
Fourth Bridge Prowler
I don't like this card. Yeah, not at all. I'm trying to come up with situations that I like this card and I'm coming up blank. I liked Night Market Lookout from Kaladesh in a hyper aggressive deck because, with vehicles, they had reach in the long game. But even if Fourth Bridge Prowler comes down and kills a Servo... you're still left with a worthless 1/1. I recommend never playing this card.
Limited: 1.0
Constructed: 2.0
Gifted Aetherborn
Vampire Nighthawk? What happened to your wings? While Gifted Aetherborn is truly a great limited card, flying is what brought the original nighthawk over the top in terms of power level. Regardless, a two man 2/3 with lifelink and deathtouch will not only generate a fair amount of life advantage in the early turns but will also hold the ground during the long game. This should be a high priority card for any primary black deck. With such efficient stats, Gifted Aetherborn does have the chance of hitting a constructed format, however implausible it may seem, especially with its creature type being relevant as a vampire.
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 4.0
Glint-Sleeve Siphoner
Not only is this an aggressive two drop, capable of getting a few attacks in before your opponent can respond, but also she'll be generating both energy and card advantage. With enough energy production, she can become a Phyrexian Arena on a stick. If you only use her card advantage ability twice, she's already more than paid for her worth. Certainly, that deserves a first pick status and should be highly sought after in any black deck, particularly those with energy. Her power level is high enough that seeing her in Standard isn't that much of a stretch. If an aggressive B/W deck exists, she'll be a part of it. Actually, thinking about it now, a B/W control deck with this guy, dynavolt tower and something else seems powerful.
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 5.0
Gonti's Machinations
Hmmm, I'm hoping that this plays better than it looks. Generating one energy a turn, as long as you lose life, seems mediocre, and then paying three energy to drain for three also seems mediocre. No, I'm not convinced. I would not take this unless it's wheeling late in the draft and you have an absolute ton of synergy with it. Even then, I'd have to be totally out of other playables to consider casting this. My advice? Say no to Gonti. And drugs.
Limited: 2.0
Constructed: 2.0
Herald of Anguish
If you first pick Herald of Anguish in a draft, you'll be asking yourself two questions: how many artifacts can I possibly draft? And which one of these other players is most likely to return my high-five? Herald of Anguish is an absolute beast, constantly pressuring your opponent's life total, creature base, and hand size. Basically, if this demon survives for one turn, you'll be so far ahead, that the game is basically yours. As for constructed, I'm not ruling Herald of Anguish out yet. Being able to cast him on turn four in a dedicated artifact deck is serious business. With all the synergy in this set around artifacts, I would be surprise if there wasn't at least one black artifact deck to break into Standard.
Limited: 10.0
Constructed: 5.0
Ironclad Revolutionary
At six mana and an uncommon, I almost expected this to do more than it does. Basically, it necessitates that you sacrifice an artifact, hits the opponent for two, and comes down as a 6/6, all of which is fine. Certainly a fine pick up if you need some late game in your black artifacts deck. I wouldn't consider this card a must play pick up though as basically any large monster is replaceable. It's the random synergies with +1/+1 counters and artifacts that Ironclad Revolutionary enables that should decide whether you play this monster.
Limited: 5.0
Constructed: 2.0
Midnight Entourage
I'm always a sucker for tribal cards and this one is no exception with Midnight Entourage an exciting first pick. Being able to prioritize Aetherborn cards from the beginning of a draft is important however and this card loses a lot of value if you get this in your second pack. On his own, he's a 3/3 for four that draws you a card when he dies which is fine. The power level certainly rises quickly when you've got 4+ other Aetherborn ready to become card advantage machines. Only the highest quality bombs and most premium of removal could sway me from not picking this guy up first pick.
Limited: 7.0 (Pack One, Pick One), 6.0 Otherwise
Constructed: 2.0
Night Market Aeronaut
If you have enough reliable ways to trigger Revolt, then Night Market Aeronaut is a Phantom Monster which makes it great in limited. If not, he's an expensive Wind Drake, which is not great in limited. Basically, the power different between a 2/2 flyer and a 3/3 flyer is actually huge, especially in a format with Shock, so make sure that you trigger Revolt before resolves. I would start picking this guy around pack 5 in a draft and I would keep my eye out for some cheap ways to trigger Revolt.
Limited: 5.0
Constructed: 2.0
Perilous Predicament
That flavor tho! What a beautiful concept with stunning art bringing it to life. Well done, Ryan Alexander Lee for tugging on my heartstrings with a robot willing to die to help his friend. As a card, Perilous Predicament is actually quite strong, particularly at instant speed, allowing you to cast this when an opponent crews a vehicle. If you do manage to take down relevant artifact or non artifact creature, then this card is an absolute blowout. The worry with all sacrifice removal is that it will only hit some dorky 1/1 instead of a threat. Therefore Perilous Predicament will vary wildly in its effectiveness. It will be more at home in a deck with a high concentration of other removal that can help sculpt an opportune moment to use it. Either way, a highly powerful card that should be taken very early no matter what deck you're in.
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 3.0
Renegade's Getaway
A decent combat trick that usually saves a creature and creates a random dude. Not a high priority by any means but Renegade's Getaway deserves a modicum of respect for being reliable and for fueling the Improvise mechanic. I'd like a better suite of tricks and removal in my black deck but I wouldn't hate myself if this made my deck, particularly if I have some way to use the Servo token that drops out of it. Don't pick this highly, let it come to you but also don't dismiss it out of hand as it can provide real value.
Limited: 4.0
Constructed: 2.0
Resourceful Return
As far as Gravedigger effects go, this one is not terrible. It gets you back a powerful creature and draws you an additional card which is all you can really ask from a card like this. If I drafted a couple of serious creature threats, then I would consider putting this in my library to ensure that I either get a second chance with them or I get a higher chance of cycling through my deck to find them. Remember though, this card is by no means an early pick in draft and only a one-of ever.
Limited: 4.0
Constructed: 2.0
Secret Salvage
Well here's an effect I haven't seen before. Let's break it down. One, you need to have whatever card you want in your graveyard. Two, you do not get the card in your graveyard back. Three, at most, you'll be getting three cards with it. Four, at five mana, you'll essentially be giving up a full turn to use this ability. Five, (this is the real killer in my opinion) it's only sorcery speed. With all of this being taken into account, I don't like it. It's conditional (card must be in your graveyard), it's slow, and it's expensive. In limited, it's completely unplayable so never, ever touch it and in constructed I think it's just too restrictive to be useful. However, this is also one of those cards that some crazy deck builder is going to try and break so good luck to them.
Limited: 1.0
Constructed: 1.0 (Good luck to you, daring deck builder)
Sly Requisitioner
Sly Requisitioner is clearly designed to complement and combo with any artifact sacrifice outlets, ensuring maximum value on their demise. If you're drafting the deck with all the artifacts, then you'll certainly want this artificer. Outside of that archetype, go ahead and let this card pass you by. Cards like this are notoriously difficult to rate because in one deck, this may be the absolute nut card where in others it's literally terrible. Assuming that you have some ways to benefit from the abilities, Sly Requisition is a great addition and a huge part of the build around me black artifact deck.
Limited: 6.0 (in an artifact strategy), 3.0 Otherwise
Constructed: 2.0
Vengeful Rebel
If you hadn't noticed yet, Revolt is an ability that you'll want to trigger whenever you can and Vengeful Rebel is one of the pay offs for that. Having a 3/2 body attached to a removal spell is fantastic and this guy should always be drafted early and aggressively. This card is so good that you'll be running your Servos into certain death to get the Revolt trigger. Three power is relevant as well and gives Vengeful Rebel the ability to crew most Vehicles. I definitely think that this guy is better than the white variant that kills a tapped creature. Pick this guy highly and enjoy!
Limited: 7.0
Constructed: 3.0
Yahenni, Undying Partisan
As the third of the flavorful, legendary creature cycle in Aether Revolt, Yahenni has a lot to live up to. While powerful, Yahenni seems to be the least flavorful of the bunch so far. Both abilities don't really mesh well together, despite being strong on their own, and you can't use Yahenni's Expertise to drop in Yahenni himself to get the +1/+1 counters. His creature type is relevant though and being a vampire gives him a little more reach in constructed. With such an amalgam of powerful abilities, one that saves him from removal, one that lets him get bigger, and the last to attack immediately, Yahenni has enough to see constructed play if there's a deck that wants him. In limited, he's fantastic because he's a resilient threat that continues to get bigger for the rest of the game.
Limited: 8.0
Constructed: 5.0
Yahenni's Expertise
Wow, this card is amazing. An instant classic in every sideboard to combat aggressive decks not only because it kills everything but also because it allows you to play another spell afterwards for free and keep up your momentum. Basically, all of the expertise spells are completely nuts in limited and constructed because they give you free mana and, as it turns out, casting things for free is super powerful. This one has the clearest path in constructed as it's efficient and powerful with a clear destination in mind. In limited, you'll totally destroy your opponents with this card. Just let them build up their board while you play random, dorky 4 toughness walls and then unleash this. I'd be surprised if they don't just scoop then and there.
Limited: 9.0
Constructed: 8.0
Best Black Cards for Limited: Herald of Anguish, Yahenni's Expertise, and Daring Demolition.
Best Black Cards for Constructed: Fatal Drop, Yahenni's Expertise, and Glint-Sleeve Siphoner.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
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