Cloud Manta MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fish |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2015-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Battle for Zendikar |
| Set code | BFZ |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 71 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mike Bierek |
Text of card
Flying
When Emeria's worshippers learned that she was no more than a twisted memory of Emrakul, they abandoned their temples to the god. The deserted shrines now serve as breeding grounds for the mantas.
Cards like Cloud Manta
Cloud Manta finds its niche in the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This creature card offers a dependable presence in the skies with its straightforward stats that make it a reliable choice for many blue decks. A comparable card is Welkin Tern, which also features flying but at a lower mana cost and with the limitation of only being able to block creatures with flying.
Drake of the Highlands is another card akin to Cloud Manta in aspects of flight and cost. The Highlands Drake sacrifices one toughness for one extra power, offering a slightly more aggressive approach in the air. Snapping Drake, meanwhile, aligns closely with Cloud Manta in terms of mana cost and stats but lacks the Leviathan creature type, which may be relevant in certain deck synergies.
Assessing these cards, Cloud Manta stands out in decks that benefit from type-specific buffs or synergies, even if there are more cost-efficient options for achieving aerial superiority. Its balanced power and toughness make it a solid choice in many limited formats and casual play, particularly in strategies that capitalize on its creature type.
Cards similar to Cloud Manta by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the realm of MTG, Cloud Manta offers indirect card advantage by being a reliable aerial presence that can recurringly apply pressure on the opponent, often demanding a card from them to handle the threat.
Resource Acceleration: While Cloud Manta itself doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration, having a consistent flyer allows you more freedom to allocate resources elsewhere, knowing you have a stable board presence in the skies to rely on.
Instant Speed: Though Cloud Manta is a creature, its strength lies in its synergy with decks that operate at instant speed. Deploying other instant-speed interactions during your opponent’s turn can clear the way for the smooth sailing of this airborne threat, maximizing its impact during your assault phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Cloud Manta doesn’t force a discard itself, it can become a liability if the game state requires you to discard for another effect; having a creature with no immediate board impact can seem burdensome.
Specific Mana Cost: Cloud Manta needs a specific mana composition to hit the field. With two Islands required in its casting cost, it might be less desirable in multicolored decks that need flexibility in their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a card with a 3/2 body and flying, the cost of four mana can seem steep compared to other creatures in the MTG universe that brings additional abilities or have higher stats for a similar or even lower cost, making Cloud Manta’s efficiency questionable in a competitive setting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cloud Manta fits comfortably into blue-based flying decks or any strategy that seeks to control the skies. Its ability to seamlessly become a staple in air assault formations makes it a must-have for those who prefer aerial domination.
Combo Potential: This creature can synergize well with other cards that benefit from having a flying creature in play, such as Favorable Winds or Gravitational Shift, enhancing its impact on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right environment where flyers are key to breaking stalemates, Cloud Manta may prove advantageous against grounded defenses, making it a practical choice in certain metagame scenarios.
How to beat
When standing against a card like Cloud Manta in Magic: The Gathering, understanding the battlefield dynamics is key. This flying creature presents a moderate threat in the skies with its straightforward game plan. Cloud Manta’s strength lies in its evasion ability, in this case, flying, which allows it to avoid most ground blockers and swing in for consistent damage.
To effectively counter Cloud Manta, consider adding cards to your deck that can handle flying creatures. A well-timed removal spell can deal with the Manta easily. Spells like “Murder” or “Doom Blade” that can target creatures regardless of their abilities are perfect answers. Alternatively, cards with reach can block flying creatures, providing a practical and often reusable solution to the evasive threat.
Additionally, taking a proactive approach with aggressive strategies that outpace Cloud Manta’s influence in the game is effective. Since Cloud Manta doesn’t boast high toughness, applying pressure on the opponent and reducing their life total quickly can often render the Manta less relevant. A strategic balance of control and aggression can safeguard your game from being overshadowed by this aerial creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cloud Manta MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar, 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 Cloud Manta 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cloud Manta has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |