Convicted Killer // Branded Howler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Werewolf |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Released | 2016-04-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadows over Innistrad |
| Set code | SOI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 149 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Deruchenko Alexander |
Text of card
At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Convicted Killer.
None are more dangerous than those who have already been sentenced to death.
Cards like Convicted Killer // Branded Howler
Convicted Killer // Branded Howler finds its niche in the realm of werewolf transformations within Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the duality of werewolf cards like Reckless Waif // Merciless Predator, sharing the daybound and nightbound transformation mechanic. Reckless Waif transforms into a more robust creature when flipped, much like Convicted Killer. However, Convicted Killer stands out with its higher toughness, providing increased resilience on the battlefield.
Another similar transformation card is Lambholt Pacifist // Lambholt Butcher. Despite its initial inability to attack, upon transformation, it becomes a formidable force, akin to how Branded Howler ramps up the card’s offense. Both cards benefit from the dynamic shifting between night and day, allowing for strategic timing and surprise tactics in-game.
To sum up, Convicted Killer // Branded Howler excels among transformation creatures thanks to its solid stats and the classic werewolf surprise element that can shift the tide of a game, making it a valuable addition to Magic: The Gathering decks focused on adaptability and change.
Cards similar to Convicted Killer // Branded Howler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Convicted Killer // Branded Howler offers a unique dynamic by essentially housing two cards in one. This werewolf transforms under specific conditions, allowing you to adapt to the game’s flow and utilize whichever side is more beneficial at the time. Whether it’s the human or werewolf aspect, each has its utility, ensuring you have the right tool for different phases in the game.
Resource Acceleration: The Branded Howler side of the card, thanks to its formidable stature, often accelerates your board presence by applying pressure and demanding answers. This, in turn, could indirectly lead to resource acceleration by forcing resource-depleting responses from your opponent or by maintaining board dominance that enables further development of your own resources unhindered.
Instant Speed: While Convicted Killer itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the transformation trigger—based on players not casting spells—jobs elegantly with the strategic passing of turns. It allows you to exploit windows at the end of your opponent’s turn where they may be hesitant to cast spells, thereby enabling your werewolf to transform and attack with increased power on your next turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the transformation from Convicted Killer to Branded Howler doesn’t necessitate a discard, managing the day-night cycle to trigger the transformation could indirectly pressure your hand resources, akin to a discard requirement.
Specific Mana Cost: Allocating three mana, including one red, specifically for Convicted Killer in your early game can be restrictive, particularly when deck-building for a smooth mana curve and considering the inclusion of other efficient creatures or spells in those slots.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a cost of three mana for a baseline 2/2 creature, Convicted Killer may not be as mana-efficient compared to other card options with immediate impact or better stats, making it a potentially slower addition to your game play.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Convicted Killer // Branded Howler thrives in a multitude of red deck strategies. Its transformative ability means it can adapt to various phases of the game, providing raw power when you’re ahead and a fallback option when you’re behind.
Combo Potential: With its flip mechanic, this card offers synergy in decks that manipulate or take advantage of werewolves’ transformation. Its nightbound and daybound traits add depth to decks built around these unique mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where games can stall and turns pass without a flurry of spells, Convicted Killer // Branded Howler can become a substantial threat. As the meta shifts between fast-paced and more controlling, the dynamic nature of this card ensures it remains a pertinent choice.
How to beat Convicted Killer // Branded Howler
Understanding the duality of Convicted Killer // Branded Howler is key to mastering encounters with this transformative creature on the battlefield. Originally printed in the Shadows over Innistrad set, this card exemplifies the game’s werewolf mechanic that plays with day and night conditions. As a 2/2 creature, Convicted Killer requires strategic play as it transforms into Branded Howler, a more formidable 4/4 creature with the same casting cost under specific conditions.
Defeating this card hinges on your ability to control the transformation triggers. The Convicted Killer flips into Branded Howler if no spells were cast during the last turn, and vice versa. Therefore, maintain the initiative by playing at least one spell each turn to prevent the more aggressive Howler side from emerging. Removal spells are efficient tools here since they serve the dual purpose of disrupting the opponent’s board while keeping Convicted Killer from transforming. Cards like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile can get the job done before you have to deal with a Branded Howler. Alternatively, playing creature spells that can block and eliminate the werewolf, regardless of its form, will prove invaluable as a defensive strategy.
The tactical advantage lies in proactive management of your spells and creatures. Recognize when to keep pressure and when to eliminate threats directly, and Convicted Killer // Branded Howler will have a tough time gaining the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Convicted Killer // Branded Howler MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Convicted Killer // Branded Howler and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Convicted Killer // Branded Howler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Convicted Killer // Branded Howler card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-04-08 | The abilities that transform a Werewolf back and forth look at the entire previous turn, even if the Werewolf with that ability wasn’t on the battlefield for some or all of that turn. |
| 2016-04-08 | To trigger the Werewolf’s back face’s transform ability, a single player must have cast two or more spells during the previous turn. If multiple players each cast just one spell during the previous turn, the ability won’t trigger. |
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |