Bomber Corps MTG Card
2013-02-01 - Number 86
2018-11-02 - Number 80
2019-11-07 - Number 868
2024-01-12 - Number 102
2020-09-26 - Number GK1-80
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Battalion |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Bomber Corps provides extra damage and strategic depth in red aggro decks.
- Mandatory discards and red mana needs may limit deck flexibility.
- Despite its flaws, Bomber Corps can boost creature-based strategies.
Text of card
Battalion — Whenever Bomber Corps and at least two other creatures attack, Bomber Corps deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
"Subtlety is for lawmages and spies."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Bomber Corps itself doesn’t provide direct card draw, its battalion ability can tip the scales by providing extra damage each turn. This repetitive advantage can pressure opponents by threatening to clear their board or shorten the game’s duration.
Resource Acceleration: Bomber Corps may not directly accelerate resources, but being a low-cost creature, it enables a faster deployment of your strategy. Its modest mana cost allows for a rapid development of your board presence, which can be critical in aggressive decks that aim to overwhelm opponents quickly.
Instant Speed: Bomber Corps’ battalion trigger isn’t at instant speed, but its presence can affect how you play instants in your hand. By committing a threatening attacker that must be answered, you can force your opponent to act first, paving the way for you to respond with instant speed removal or combat tricks to maintain a superior board position.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In gameplay, Bomber Corps sometimes requires a card to be discarded to unleash its full potential. This discard requirement can set players back, especially when hand size is crucial to maintain a strategic advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card mandates a specific combination of red mana to play. While this aligns with its Boros allegiance, it ultimately restricts deck flexibility and utility in multi-colored decks not centered around red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The activation cost for Bomber Corps’ ability can be considered high when placed in comparison with other creatures in the game that can deliver similar or greater impact on the board for a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Bomber Corps in Your Collection
Versatility: Bomber Corps can be a flexible component in any red-based aggro deck. Its ability to dish out extra damage when battalion is activated makes it a favorable option for players seeking a low-cost creature that can still impact the board significantly.
Combo Potential: Within decks that emphasize the battalion mechanic or creature synergy strategies, Bomber Corps has potential. This card shines when combined with ways to ensure it can attack safely and trigger its ability, setting up for powerful combo plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based aggro decks strive, Bomber Corps holds its ground. As the battlefield becomes congested with creatures, having a reliable source of additional damage that can circumvent blockers can be a game-changer.
How to Beat
Bomber Corps is an intriguing card in MTG known for its battalion ability, which activates when at least two other creatures attack alongside it. Upon activation, it allows the player to deal 1 damage to a target creature or player. This feature can be leverage strategically during gameplay, but it’s also something that can be mitigated or outright countered by opponents.
To effectively play against Bomber Corps, it’s essential to control the battlefield. Since its ability is dependent on the number of creatures attacking, keeping the opponent’s creature count low is key. This can be done through removal spells, sweepers, or anything that can discourage or prevent your opponent from amassing a sizable attack force. Additionally, instant speed removal or damage prevention can prove invaluable when your opponent declares attackers, disrupting the battalion trigger and nullifying the extra damage from Bomber Corps.
Overall, the key to besting Bomber Corps lies in maintaining fewer targets for its ability and having responses ready for when the battalion mechanic is on the verge of activation. By understanding the mechanics and staying one step ahead, you can minimize the impact of Bomber Corps and maintain the upper hand in your matches.
Cards like Bomber Corps
Bomber Corps is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, falling into the battalion mechanic category. It has a kinship with Wojek Halberdiers, which similarly activates an ability when you attack with it and at least two other creatures. Although the Halberdiers gain first strike instead of the direct damage ability of Bomber Corps, both cards encourage a swarm strategy.
Firefist Striker also carries the battalion flag, rewarding a player’s commitment to a wide battlefield. While Bomber Corps pings any target for 1 damage when its battalion triggers, Firefist Striker instead locks down a potential blocker, shifting the dynamics of combat. Both cards play a role in aggressive red decks, but the Striker requires a more tactical approach to combat.
The direct damage from Bomber Corps can be pivotal in matches, chipping away at an opponent’s life or clearing a path by dealing with small creatures. Comparatively, Wojek Halberdiers can become a more formidable blocker, and Firefist Striker can impact the board by preventing an unfavorable block. Each offers unique advantages in the battalion centered mechanics, making Bomber Corps a solid choice in MTG decks focused on combative synergy.
Cards similar to Bomber Corps by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bomber Corps MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and GRN Guild Kit, 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 Bomber Corps and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Bomber Corps Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Chase Stone.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 86 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 2 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 80 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 868 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | GK1-80 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | ||
| 5 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bomber Corps 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 Bomber Corps card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | Once a battalion ability has triggered, it doesn’t matter how many creatures are still attacking when that ability resolves. |
| 2013-04-15 | The effects of battalion abilities vary from card to card. Read each card carefully. |
| 2013-04-15 | The three attacking creatures don’t have to be attacking the same player or planeswalker. |
