Magic: The Gathering’s new Marvel set is a love letter to the super hero genre | new cards revealed
Magic: The Gathering is launching a Marvel Super Heroes crossover set on June 26. Head designer Mark Rosewater spent four years developing the project under the Universes Beyond initiative, integrating iconic Avengers characters and “deep cut” heroes into the game’s mechanics to appeal to both gamers and comic fans.
How was the Marvel Super Heroes set designed?
The project began when Mark Rosewater learned about the Universes Beyond third-party IP licensing initiative during a meeting with Aaron Forsythe, Wizards of the Coast’s vice president of Magic design. Rosewater immediately claimed “dibs on Marvel,” combining his passion for the superhero genre with his role as head designer.
According to Rosewater, the team spent four years developing the set. While Disney provided freedom to use various characters and locations, the set focuses heavily on the Avengers and utilizes specific “Hero” and “Villain” creature types.
Which characters are included in the crossover?
The set features prominent figures like Iron Man and Captain America. However, Rosewater intentionally included “deep cuts” to add variety, such as Squirrel Girl and Reptil, a dinosaur-themed hero from “The Super Hero Squad” animated series.
Some characters appear as common-rarity cards through art and flavor text rather than their names. An example is the villain Volcana, who appears on a card titled “Volcanic Villain.”
Other revealed common-rarity cards include Ant Man’s Army, S.H.I.E.L.D. Spy Kit, Vibranium Energy Daggers, Super Suit, Raft Security Officer, Stark Industries Executive, and Decoy Ploy.
How does the set impact gameplay?
Wizards of the Coast designed the set with the Commander format in mind. Every creature with a rarity of uncommon or higher is legendary, making them legal for use as commanders.
Rosewater stated that this was an intentional choice to let players build decks around their favorite characters. He also emphasized that players do not need deep knowledge of the Marvel universe to enjoy the cards.
What happens next for Magic: The Gathering?
Rosewater confirmed that his team is already working on additional Marvel expansions. This suggests that characters who didn’t make the first cut, such as Rocket Raccoon, could appear in future releases.
There is also a possibility of other superhero crossovers. Rosewater mentioned he is a huge DC fan and expressed a desire to claim “dibs on DC” for future projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Marvel Super Heroes set released?
The set is scheduled for release on June 26.
Which characters are legal for the Commander format?
Every creature in the set with a rarity of uncommon or higher is legendary and legal for the Commander format.
Will there be more Marvel cards in the future?
Yes, Rosewater and his team are currently working on additional Marvel expansions.
Which Marvel character would you most want to see as a legendary commander in your deck?