Haunted Angel MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Angel |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2001-06-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Apocalypse |
| Set code | APC |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 12 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Arnie Swekel |
Text of card
Flying When Haunted Angel is put into a graveyard from play, remove Haunted Angel from the game and each other player puts a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying into play.
Cards like Haunted Angel
Haunted Angel stands out within the realm of creatures that carry a double-edged sword effect in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Abyssal Gatekeeper, where its death triggers an event that affects both players. However, while Abyssal Gatekeeper forces each player to sacrifice a creature, Haunted Angel’s demise grants an opponent a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying – a high-risk endgame gamble.
Another card worth mentioning in this context is Forbidden Orchard. This land gives opponents creature tokens, akin to Haunted Angel’s token-granting clause, in exchange for mana fixing benefits. The difference lies in the player’s control over the timing with Forbidden Orchard, unlike the Angel’s automatic trigger upon its departure. Additionally, Selfless Spirit offers a protective sacrifice triggering creature indestructibility, contrasting with Haunted Angel’s trigger which can potentially benefit the opponent.
As players evaluate the strategic advantages and drawbacks these cards present, Haunted Angel provides a nuanced choice where leveraging its angelic power comes with a significant cost. Its place in MTG strategies is therefore both unique and situational, pushing players to think critically about the repercussions of its use.
Cards similar to Haunted Angel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Haunted Angel provides a unique form of card advantage as it can affect the board state significantly when it dies. The card lets you put a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying onto the battlefield under an opponent’s control. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the token can be leveraged in certain decks that benefit from opponents having creatures, such as those running cards like “Trespasser’s Curse” or “Blood Seeker”.
Resource Acceleration: While Haunted Angel itself does not directly offer resource acceleration, it can be a strategic inclusion in decks that capitalize on death triggers or sacrificing creatures. For example, pairing it with cards like “Phyrexian Altar” can provide a mana boost, while “Pitiless Plunderer” gives you a Treasure token when a creature you control dies, including the Angel token you’ve handed to an opponent.
Instant Speed: Haunted Angel’s ability may not function at instant speed, but it can disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn. If you have a way to sacrifice Haunted Angel at instant speed, you can force an opponent to gain control of the Angel token at a possibly inconvenient time for them, potentially messing up their combat strategy or board plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The card Haunted Angel stipulates that when it dies, an opponent gains control of a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying. This can be a significant drawback since you are providing resources to your opponent. Handling Haunted Angel can become a subtle balancing act, especially if you’re without a strategy to capitalize on its death-trigger effect.
Specific Mana Cost: Haunted Angel’s casting cost demands one white and two other mana, which can sometimes prove restrictive, particularly in multi-colored decks that could struggle with mana stability. This requirement might deter players from including it in decks with a broader mana base, potentially limiting its inclusivity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a 3/3 flyer, Haunted Angel may seem reasonable at first glance. However, when considering its detrimental death ability, its cost efficiency comes into question. In Magic the Gathering, players often seek creatures with high impact and minimal drawback for a similar mana investment, making Haunted Angel a less attractive option when players evaluate cards for competitive play.
Reasons to Include Haunted Angel in Your Collection
Versatility: Haunted Angel offers unique gameplay options that can complement various deck strategies. Its ability to generate a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying when it dies adds to its flexibility, allowing it to fit well in both aggressive and defensive decks.
Combo Potential: This card’s death-triggered ability can be leveraged in combination with sacrifice outlets and other effects that benefit from creatures dying. This sets the stage for interesting synergies and clever plays that can catch opponents off guard.
Meta-Relevance: With the right build around, Haunted Angel can shine in a meta that prizes strategic creature removal and token generation. Especially in a format where the 3/3 black Angel token can be a game-changer, including Haunted Angel in your MTG collection could pay dividends.
How to beat
Haunted Angel is an interesting creature card in Magic: The Gathering, possessing both a unique ability and a significant drawback. When it’s time to face this card in play, it’s crucial to account for its downside – when Haunted Angel dies, your opponent creates a 3/3 black Angel creature token with flying. To minimize the advantage given to your adversary, it’s best to employ strategies that can negate or bypass the token’s impact.
Strategic use of exile effects can be quite effective. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can remove Haunted Angel from the game, circumventing its death trigger. Another approach involves taking control of your opponent’s creatures. Through enchantments like Control Magic, you can turn the angel’s disadvantage into your gain, and should it perish, the resultant token would be yours. Additionally, deck builds with graveyard manipulation can stifle the downside of the Haunted Angel, as cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void prevent death triggers from happening altogether.
Understanding the synergies and playing smartly around Haunted Angel’s seemingly detrimental effect are key. With careful planning and card selection, the setback of giving your opponent a 3/3 token becomes a minor hurdle, allowing you to maintain control of the game’s tempo and outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Haunted Angel MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse, 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 Haunted Angel 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 Haunted Angel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |