Invading Manticore MTG Card


Generates a 4/4 Zombie token for immediate pressure and strategic flexibility in aggressive red decks. Has potential for combos and synergy with creature-based strategies, enhancing its utility. Demands specific answers to its threat, such as board clears or targeted removal, due to its power.
Invading Manticore - War of the Spark
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Zombie Manticore
Abilities Amass
Released2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set nameWar of the Spark
Set codeWAR
Power 4
Toughness 5
Number134
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJehan Choo

Text of card

When Invading Manticore enters the battlefield, amass Zombies 2. (Put two +1/+1 counters on an Army you control. It's also a Zombie. If you don't control an Army, create a 0/0 black Zombie Army creature token first.)

"Fall back! You are no match for this." —Samut


Cards like Invading Manticore

Invading Manticore stands as a notable creature within the Magic: The Gathering pantheon, joining the ranks of imposing six-mana red creatures. When looked at through the lens of card similarities, one can’t help but draw parallels to Flamerush Rider. While the Rider also creates token copies, it focuses on duplicating another attacking creature instead of bringing forth a standalone 4/4 Zombie token like the Manticore. This gives Invading Manticore a slight edge in that it doesn’t require another creature on the battlefield to be impactful.

Examining Embermaw Hellion reveals another close relative in terms of mana cost and the propensity to deal damage. The Hellion though, instead of adding creatures to the board, amplifies red sources’ damage output, offering a different but equally valuable strategic approach. Moreover, Siege-Gang Commander, which also costs five mana and produces additional Goblin tokens, provides a different form of board presence. Yet, it lacks the Manticore’s immediate attack-ready token, crucial for an aggressive strategy.

As one delves into the creature comparisons, Invading Manticore holds its ground with its ability to immediately affect the board, presenting a strong case for inclusion in decks that aim to capitalize on creature tokens and aggressive plays.

Flamerush Rider - MTG Card versions
Embermaw Hellion - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Flamerush Rider - MTG Card versions
Embermaw Hellion - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

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Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Invading Manticore has the potential to deliver card advantage by creating additional creature tokens. Each token represents not just extra damage potential but also an additional resource that opponents must deal with, further pressuring their resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to mana ramp, the creature tokens provided by Invading Manticore can indirectly support resource acceleration. These tokens can be sacrificed or combined with other cards to streamline your strategy and bring your game-ending spells to the battlefield sooner.

Instant Speed: Despite being a creature, the primary way to capitalize on Invading Manticore’s benefit is through its “as it enters the battlefield” ability. Although not at instant speed, this ability can be maximized when used in conjunction with spells or abilities that allow you to flash in creatures, giving you a similar strategic edge to that provided by instant-speed interactions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Invading Manticore doesn’t ask you to discard directly, it imposes a 6 mana cost, which can compete with your plans to hold onto crucial late-game spells. This can inadvertently pressure players into using resources they would prefer to save for reacting to an opponent’s moves or for crafting a strategic final push.

Specific Mana Cost: Invading Manticore requires a specific mix of mana to cast — 4 generic and 2 red. This requirement can be restricting for multi-color decks that may struggle to generate the necessary red mana consistently, making it a less flexible choice in a deck’s six-drop slot.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of 6 mana, Invading Manticore competes with numerous other impactful creatures and spells. In a game where efficiency is key, there are alternative options that provide more immediate board presence or game-ending capabilities. This can make the manticore a tough sell when optimizing your deck’s curve and overall strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Invading Manticore is a flexible addition to many red-based decks, particularly those that capitalize on creature tokens and aggressive strategies. Its ability to create an additional creature upon entering the battlefield allows it to serve multiple roles, from attacker to defender, right out of the gate.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with effects that care about creatures entering the battlefield or sacrificing creatures for value. It pairs nicely with sacrifice outlets and effects that capitalize on creature deaths, providing a strategic edge in various combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that favors larger creatures and token strategies, Invading Manticore fits right in. With its ability to impact the board immediately, it can be a key player against control decks that might struggle to remove multiple threats at once, making it a card to consider for your red decks in such a meta.


How to Beat Invading Manticore

Invading Manticore presents a challenge with its impactful arrival on the battlefield, especially considering its ability to create a 4/4 Zombie token with haste. It’s a threatening card that demands an immediate answer in any MTG game. To counteract this, players should look towards efficient removal spells. Cards like Murderous Rider or Bedevil offer a clean solution to the Manticore itself, nullifying the immediate threat.

Having counter magic such as Negate or Counterspell at the ready can prevent the Manticore from entering the play in the first place. Furthermore, board clears like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the field, eliminating not only the Manticore but its generated token as well. It is also wise to maintain board presence with creatures that can block or creatures with the reach attribute to mitigate the damage from the hasty Zombie token. Having an adaptive game strategy that incorporates these elements is key when facing off against such menacing cards as Invading Manticore.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Invading Manticore MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Invading Manticore and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Invading Manticore has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Invading Manticore card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-05-03 Army is a new creature type. It’s possible to control a nontoken Army (perhaps a creature with the changeling ability) and, through combinations of other cards, it’s possible to control multiple Army tokens. When instructed to amass, you may put +1/+1 counters on any of your Army creatures, and you may choose a different one each time.
2019-05-03 If you don’t control an Army, the Zombie Army token that you create enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature. Any abilities that trigger when a creature with a certain power enters the battlefield, such as that of Mentor of the Meek, will see the token enter as a 0/0 creature before it gets +1/+1 counters.