The Raven Man MTG Card


The Raven Man provides card advantage, accelerating resources and actions at instant speed for strategic depth. Costs of using The Raven Man include mandatory discards and a specific, sometimes high mana cost. As a versatile card with combo potential and meta-relevance, it’s a worthy addition to varied decks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Wizard
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

At the beginning of each end step, if a player discarded a card this turn, create a 1/1 black Bird creature token with flying and "This creature can't block." , : Each opponent discards a card. Activate only as a sorcery.


Cards like The Raven Man

The Raven Man enters the scene as a tantalizing card within the realm of legendary planeswalker cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest counterpart can be seen in Tamiyo, Field Researcher, with both offering a suite of abilities that can sway the course of a match. The Raven Man distinguishes itself with a focus on generating advantage through illusions, a subtle nod to the character’s lore.

Likewise, Jace, Mirror Mage shares the essence of card advantage and flexibility. Though, unlike The Raven Man, Jace lets players scry and draw cards directly, without relying on creature tokens. Furthermore, Liliana of the Veil is another eminent planeswalker that functions as an efficient removal and discard engine, though she offers less creature-based synergy than The Raven Man’s illusion-focus.

In assessing these characters, The Raven Man’s unique flare in creating illusion tokens to confound opponents carves a special niche for itself in the pantheon of planeswalker cards. With a distinct blend of disruption and board presence, it offers MTG players an intriguing strategic choice.

Tamiyo, Field Researcher - MTG Card versions
Jace, Mirror Mage - MTG Card versions
Liliana of the Veil - MTG Card versions
Tamiyo, Field Researcher - MTG Card versions
Jace, Mirror Mage - MTG Card versions
Liliana of the Veil - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to The Raven Man by color, type and mana cost

Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
Nezumi Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Stromgald Crusader - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
Nezumi Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Stromgald Crusader - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using The Raven Man. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Esper LegendsEsper Legends StandardEsper Legends2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Grixis CyclingGrixis Cycling PioneerReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-02-04
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir MidrangeCommunity Turnier 4/2023
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black DiscardPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Raven Man often allows a player to access additional cards during gameplay. This benefit can be a significant strategic angle, as having more options than your opponent usually translates into a stronger position on the battlefield. Whether it’s through drawing cards or manipulating the top of the library, The Raven Man can make sure you’re not falling behind in the vital resource of information and options.

Resource Acceleration: In MTG, being able to perform actions swiftly can be the difference between victory and defeat. The Raven Man might provide various forms of resource acceleration, ensuring that your mana pool grows rapidly or unlocks new resources to use. Especially for decks that want to ramp up to their more powerful spells quickly, The Raven Man could be crucial.

Instant Speed: The capacity to act at instant speed can’t be overstated in MTG. It affords a tactical depth that sorcery-speed cards cannot match. Cards like The Raven Man can potentially offer abilities to be activated at instant speed, allowing players to adapt to an ever-changing game state, disrupt opponents’ strategies, or simply make key moves unexpectedly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with The Raven Man is not cost-free. To tap into the dark lore of this character, players must discard another card, potentially depleting their hand of valuable resources. This can be a risky move, especially when behind or in need of specific answers.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this enigmatic figure to your side isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. The spell demands a particular combination of mana, which could restrict your strategic options. Decks not aligned with the necessary color scheme may find The Raven Man an unwelcome draw.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to resources, efficiency is key in the world of MTG. The Raven Man enters the fray at a mana total that could be considered on the higher side. In the intricate dance of spellcasting, there are alternatives that may achieve similar results without the same investment, giving players pause before committing to this card.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Raven Man boasts a flexible role in various deck archetypes due to its ability to interact with both players’ graveyards. This allows it to fit seamlessly into strategies centered around recursion or disruption.

Combo Potential: With The Raven Man’s unique graveyard interaction, it unlocks potential for combos that capitalize on casting or reanimating spells from graveyards, setting up powerful turns that can swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame shifts and graveyard-based decks either rise or remain a staple, The Raven Man becomes an increasingly significant asset. It keeps your deck current and competitive by addressing a common element of many popular strategies.


How to Beat

The Raven Man is an enigmatic character in the MTG landscape, with a reputation for manipulating not just the game’s lore but also the actual gameplay. Unlike direct card draw spells or creatures that have a tangible presence on the battlefield, The Raven Man operates in a subtler strategic layer, posing a unique challenge to players aiming to neutralize its influence.

To effectively counter the intrigue that The Raven Man brings to your MTG match, it’s crucial to disrupt his machinations early on. Strategies involve using spells that limit hand interaction or deploying creatures equipped with abilities to negate the advantage your opponent might gain. Since The Raven Man often features in decks focused on leveraging the graveyard or manipulating one’s own hand, grave-hate and discard-punishing cards become invaluable assets. Cards like Leyline of the Void or Rest in Peace can shut down graveyard-centric play, while Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek disrupt your opponent’s hand, giving you an edge against the cryptic schemes of The Raven Man.

Preserving a strategic balance while maintaining pressure on your opponent’s resources can transform The Raven Man from a daunting figure to an obstacle you’re well-equipped to overcome in your pursuit of victory in the dynamic world of MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Raven Man is a complex character both in MTG lore and on the battlefield, presenting both challenges and opportunities for players. Understanding its strengths and possible drawbacks enhances your strategy, ensuring you make the most informed choices for your deck. For those looking to harness the full potential of The Raven Man or seeking strategies to outmaneuver opponents using this card, delving deeper into this mysterious figure is essential. Curious to learn more about incorporating or countering this intriguing planeswalker in your gameplay? Explore further with us and elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Raven Man MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United and Dominaria United Promos, 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 The Raven Man and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The The Raven Man Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 2892015NormalBlackDavid Curtis
22022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 103s2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
32022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 103p2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
42022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 3302015NormalBlackDavid Curtis
52022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 1032015NormalBlackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where The Raven Man has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-09-09 The Raven Man’s first ability triggers at the beginning of each player’s end step as long as at least one player has discarded a card this turn. It only triggers once, not once for each card discarded or once for each player that discarded a card. It will trigger even if its controller is the one that discarded a card this turn.