Conquering Manticore MTG Card
2010-04-23 - Number 139
2013-09-06 - Number 55
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Manticore |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying When Conquering Manticore enters the battlefield, gain control of target creature an opponent controls until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn.
It speaks no commands but is always obeyed.
Cards like Conquering Manticore
Conquering Manticore marks its territory within the realm of creature control effects within Magic: The Gathering, standing alongside cards like Zealous Conscripts. Each card provides a temporary gain of control over an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield. However, Conquering Manticore stretches its might further with flying capability, granting it an edge in aerial control, although it comes with a higher mana cost in comparison to the more agile Zealous Conscripts.
Also inhabiting this space is the Act of Treason sorcery, which shares the theme of commandeering creatures without the permanency of creature subtype. At a significantly lower cost, Act of Treason affords early-game tactical advantages, despite lacking the additional creature benefit that Conquering Manticore presents. Molten Primordial is another creature that echoes this mechanic, but with the potential to seize control of multiple creatures at once, it offers a board-altering presence, albeit at an even steeper mana investment.
Evaluating these cards, Conquering Manticore holds its own, boasting a balance of power, tactical creature control, and evasion. Its unique blend of abilities provides players with a formidable tool for turning the tides of battle in their favor in Magic: The Gathering.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Conquering Manticore card features a powerful ability that enables card advantage. When this mighty creature enters the battlefield, it takes control of your opponent’s creature for a turn. This can swing the game in your favor by not only bolstering your side but also by temporarily depleting the enemy’s defenses or even using their abilities against them.
Resource Acceleration: As a formidable flying creature, the Conquering Manticore can apply pressure on the opponent, accelerating your path to victory. Although it doesn’t directly create mana or Treasure tokens, commandeering an opponent’s creature can effectively ramp up your resources, especially if that creature has abilities that further advance your board state.
Instant Speed: While the Conquering Manticore itself isn’t played at instant speed, its ability to hijack a creature can be likened to a sudden shift in momentum, similar to instant-speed interactions. It creates unexpected turns of event, disrupting opponent strategies and enabling you to capitalize on surprise tactics. Coupled with the ability to fly over defenders for direct damage, the Manticore embodies the essence of game-changing plays that can be executed at crucial moments, much like a well-timed instant.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Conquering Manticore requires the player to discard a card upon activation of its ability. This can become a strategic drawback for the controller, particularly if their hand is already depleted or if they are forced to discard a crucial component of their game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that necessitates both red and generic mana, Conquering Manticore can be challenging to play in a multi-colored deck that may not always have the right mana available at the crucial time. This limitation potentially restricts the card to primarily red-themed decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a total mana cost of six, this creature falls on the higher end of the mana curve. In some situations, players might find that there are other creatures or spells that provide similar or greater value at a lower cost, making it a less favorable choice in a fast-paced game.
Reasons to Include Conquering Manticore in Your Collection
Versatility: Conquering Manticore offers a blend of aggressive stats and disruptive abilities. With its power to temporarily seize control of enemy creatures, it can swing the tide of battle, making it a useful choice for a variety of red-centered strategies.
Combo Potential: The Manticore’s ability pairs well with sacrifice effects or any strategy that benefits from utilizing opponents’ creatures against them. This creates potential for powerful play combinations that can dismantle an opponent’s board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based decks are prevalent, Conquering Manticore can assert dominance by turning your opponent’s assets into liabilities. It’s a card that adapts well to changing environments, which makes it a clever pick for those looking to outmaneuver the competition.
How to beat
The Conquering Manticore presents a unique challenge on the battlefield as a utility creature in MTG. With its ability to exert control and capture an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield, players must strategize to edge past this formidable card. Unlike removal spells that permanently dispose of threats, Conquering Manticore’s impact is more transient, offering a window of opportunity for a clever counterplay.
One effective tactic is to wield instant-speed removal spells that can disrupt the Manticore’s grip on your creature before it can swing the tide of battle. Cards like Murder or Path to Exile, which offer clean and immediate solutions, are particularly useful in these scenarios. Alternatively, deploying flash creatures that can block the Manticore or capitalizing on enter-the-battlefield effects that neutralize the threat can also turn the tables.
In terms of defensive measures, utilizing hexproof or indestructible creatures can prevent Conquering Manticore from targeting your key players in the first place. This preemptive approach can mitigate the Manticore’s influence and safeguard your board presence. Thus, while the Conquering Manticore may initially seem like a daunting obstacle, with the right blend of instant-speed interaction and strategic foresight, it can be effectively tamed.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Conquering Manticore MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters, 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 Conquering Manticore 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
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Printings
The Conquering Manticore Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2013-09-06. Illustrated by Chris Rahn.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-04-23 | Rise of the Eldrazi | ROE | 139 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 2 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 55 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Conquering Manticore has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Conquering Manticore card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-06-15 | You may target a creature that’s already untapped. |
| 2010-06-15 | You retain control of the affected creature until end of turn, even if you lose control of Conquering Manticore before then. |