Makeshift Mannequin MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 124
2010-06-18 - Number 20
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Return target creature card from your graveyard to play with a mannequin counter on it. As long as that creature has a mannequin counter on it, it has "When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it."
"This vulgar mimicry will end now." —Desmera, perfect of Wren's Run
Cards like Makeshift Mannequin
Makeshift Mannequin is an intriguing reanimation spell in Magic: The Gathering that allows for the return of a creature card from the graveyard to the battlefield. Its uniqueness lies in the instant speed and the conditional shield provided to the resurrected creature in the form of a -1/-1 counter that destroys the creature if it would be the target of a spell or ability. In comparison, Zombify serves a similar purpose in the reanimation landscape but operates at sorcery speed, lacking the protection and instantaneity that Makeshift Mannequin offers.
Exhume is another resuscitation spell that can be cast for less mana, yet it comes with a potential downside; each player gets to return a creature card from their graveyard to the battlefield, which could be risky if your opponent also has a valuable target. Animate Dead, while it permanently brings back a creature with a slight debuff and for even less mana, doesn’t have the advantage of being an instant. This makes Makeshift Mannequin uniquely positioned in games that require fast responses and protective measures for key creatures.
In analyzing reanimation options, Makeshift Mannequin holds a significant place for players looking to surprise opponents and shield important creatures, despite the slight vulnerability that accompanies its usage.
Cards similar to Makeshift Mannequin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Makeshift Mannequin ensures you get more out of your resources by reanimating a creature from your graveyard directly onto the battlefield. This kind of utility not only brings back a powerful asset but also effectively draws you a card that’s immediately playable, keeping you ahead in the card economy.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing traditional acceleration, Makeshift Mannequin can be considered a form of resource acceleration by bypassing the higher mana costs of large creatures. Paying four mana to bring back a potentially high-cost creature can radically shift the pace of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The ability to reanimate at instant speed gives you significant strategic flexibility. You can choose the perfect moment during your opponent’s turn to surprise them with a blocker or to bring back a creature with a powerful enter-the-battlefield effect, disrupting their plans and maintaining the initiative.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the notable downsides of Makeshift Mannequin is that it comes with the necessity for discarding a card as part of its reanimation process. This can pose a challenge, especially when your hand is running low on cards, and every card in hand is vital to maintaining your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Makeshift Mannequin requires both colorless and black mana to cast. This specific mana requirement can sometimes impede your deck’s fluidity, particularly if you are running a multi-color deck and you find yourself short on black mana sources at the crucial moment when you need to play it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three colorless and one black mana, Makeshift Mannequin is on the higher end of the mana spectrum for reanimation effects. Considering the variety of cards in MTG that can bring creatures back from the graveyard for less, or offer additional benefits, the cost of Makeshift Mannequin might deter players from including it in their deck.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Makeshift Mannequin is a multifaceted card capable of bringing back a wide array of creatures from your graveyard, making it a valuable addition to various deck archetypes that rely on creature synergies.
Combo Potential: With the ability to reanimate key combo pieces at instant speed, Makeshift Mannequin can be the linchpin in executing surprise wins or turning the tide of a match unexpectedly in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, the reactive nature of Makeshift Mannequin ensures it remains a pertinent choice for decks looking to exploit the dynamics of the current meta.
How to beat
Makeshift Mannequin is a unique reanimation spell in Magic: The Gathering, letting players return a creature card from their graveyard to the battlefield with a new lease on life. However, unlike some other resurrection spells, Makeshift Mannequin comes with a leash – the creature is returned with an attached aura that makes it vulnerable to instant downfall if targeted by a spell or ability.
This particular vulnerability is the key to overcoming the temporarily revived threats posed by Makeshift Mannequin. By keeping removal spells or abilities in hand, you can respond to the reanimation by targeting the creature and thereby triggering the destruction clause of Makeshift Mannequin’s aura. Instant-speed interaction is crucial here; hence, including such spells in your deck is wise. Additionally, exiling graveyard cards before your opponent gets the chance to use Makeshift Mannequin can nullify its effectiveness altogether. Counterspells are also effective, as they can prevent Makeshift Mannequin from resolving in the first place, ensuring the creature never makes it to the battlefield.
By preparing for what Makeshift Mannequin brings to a duel and incorporating suitable countermeasures, you can ensure that opponent’s attempts at cheating death are but a momentary hiccup in your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Makeshift Mannequin MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Archenemy, 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 Makeshift Mannequin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Makeshift Mannequin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2010-06-18. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Makeshift Mannequin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |