Elspeth, Sun’s Champion - Magic the Gathering Mythic Rare Card Review

by ElspethFTW, Old School Duelist

There is a reason why Elspeth Tirel is my favorite Planeswalker in Magic: the Gathering. Elspeth, Knight-Errant and Elspeth Tirel are two of my favorite cards in the game, and I was ecstatic  to hear that there would be a new Elspeth planeswalker in Theros. At first, she seemed a bit underwhelming to many players, and at six mana, people weren’t sure how Constructed playable she would be.

But it’s been proven that she’s a game changer, especially in the Winter 2013 Standard version of Esper Control. Let’s take a look at this beauty.

Elspeth, Sun’s Champion begins in play with 4 loyalty counters with the standard three abilities. Her first ability allows you to add one loyalty counter to put three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens onto the battlefield. This is the same ability as Elspeth Tirel‘s -2 ability. Right off the bat, Elspeth, Sun’s Champion gives you instant value.

The next ability is also very interesting. Her -3 destroys all creatures with power 4 or greater. This is a pretty valuable weapon if you’re running a white weenie deck or any other deck that focuses on creatures with power 3 or lower. It’s also extremely valuable in Commander, making her a very valuable casual card, as well.

Her -7, if you manage to reach it, though, is pretty ridiculous. You get an emblem which gives your creatures +2/+2 and flying for the remainder of the game. That’s a ridiculous proposition in ANY format. If you happen to have a  Doubling Season  and this lady in your Commander deck, she goes ultimate immediately.

Overall, this version of Elspeth, while not quite as valuable as Elspeth, Knight-Errant, is going to be a very important card throughout her remaining time in the Standard environment. With her reprinting in the Elspeth vs. Kiora Duel Decks, Elspeth, Sun’s Champion will continue to have value in Commander and Modern for years to come.

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