Katsumasa, the Animator MTG Card


Katsumasa the Animator revives artifact creatures, potentially increasing your battlefield control and presenting repeated threats. Animating artifacts at instant speed with Katsumasa provides strategic flexibility and unexpected combat prowess. Katsumasa’s animation ability is restricted by specific mana and a high activation cost, potentially hindering momentum.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Moonfolk Artificer
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying : Until end of turn, target noncreature artifact you control becomes an artifact creature and gains flying. If it's not a Vehicle, it has base power and toughness 1/1 until end of turn. At the beginning of your upkeep, put a +1/+1 counter on each of up to three target noncreature artifacts.


Cards like Katsumasa, the Animator

Katsumasa the Animator introduces an inventive dynamic to the array of creature animating cards in Magic: The Gathering. This potent card bears resemblance to Karn, Scion of Urza, which is recognized for its ability to turn non-creature artifacts into creature tokens. However, Katsumasa brings the unique capability to target any nonland permanent, offering more flexibility than Karn’s more narrow scope.

Aligning with this style, we find Tezzeret, Artifice Master, wielding a similar power to transform inanimate artifacts into formidable creature tokens. Yet, even Tezzeret is limited to artifacts alone, while Katsumasa does not hold such restrictions, thus widening the potential strategies for players. March of the Machines is another noteworthy parallel, imbuing artifacts with life, yet it comes with an enduring field effect, unlike Katsumasa’s targeted, controlled animation.

Ultimately, when we compare and contrast the strategic advantages of each, Katsumasa the Animator stands out within its category in Magic: The Gathering. Its versatile animation capability and ability to potentially animate enchantments, vehicles, and even equipment give it a distinct edge in gameplay.

Karn, Scion of Urza - MTG Card versions
Tezzeret, Artifice Master - MTG Card versions
March of the Machines - MTG Card versions
Karn, Scion of Urza - MTG Card versions
Tezzeret, Artifice Master - MTG Card versions
March of the Machines - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Katsumasa, the Animator by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Katsumasa the Animator offers the strategic upper hand by bringing back artifact creatures from your graveyard. This recurring mechanism not only increases the number of actionable cards in your control but also poses a consistent threat to your opponents through potential board presence.

Resource Acceleration: The ability to animate noncreature artifacts with Katsumasa can quickly turn your mana rocks or utility artifacts into aggressive creatures. This interaction efficiently converts static resources on your battlefield into dynamic threats, essentially accelerating your resource impact during the game.

Instant Speed: Katsumasa’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This element of surprise can drastically shift the tide of a match, especially when transforming an inconspicuous artifact into a creature ready for unexpected combat or blocking.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Katsumasa the Animator demands players to discard a card, which can be a strategic setback, especially when your hand is running thin and each card becomes a valuable asset for your gameplay strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for blue and red mana, Katsumasa’s activation is limited to decks that can produce both. This necessity can potentially restrict deck-building options and make the card less flexible when you are trying to craft a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The activation cost for Katsumasa the Animator is quite steep, making it less appealing when compared to other options available in the card pool. In fast-paced games, the high cost can slow down your momentum and give opponents the opportunity to seize the lead.


Reasons to Include Katsumasa the Animator in Your Collection

Versatility: Katsumasa the Animator can seamlessly slot into a myriad of deck archetypes, particularly ones that take advantage of artifact synergy and creature-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to turn noncreature artifacts into potent creatures not only brings new dynamics to the battlefield but also opens up avenues for combination plays that can swiftly turn the tides in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving competitive scene, Katsumasa the Animator can be a game-changer, challenging opponents by transforming overlooked artifacts into unexpected threats, keeping your deck adaptive and fierce within the current meta.


How to beat

Katsumasa the Animator enters the battlefield as a formidable challenge for players to face in Magic: The Gathering. Inherently, it transforms noncreature artifacts you control into artifact creatures with strength and toughness each equal to their mana value until end of turn. To tackle this adaptability, players need to focus on controlling the board and limiting the number of artifacts their opponent can exploit. Disruption tactics such as artifact removal spells or abilities that restrict or negate the activation of abilities can be crucial in diminishing Katsumasa’s potential.

Counterplay strategies often include keeping up removal spells to handle the animated artifacts as they come to life or even preemptively dealing with Katsumasa as soon as it hits the board. Well-timed removal spells like Path to Exile or Shatterstorm can be your best friends, ensuring that the animator doesn’t get a chance to flex its muscle. Moreover, by restricting your opponent’s ability to establish a wide presence of artifacts, Katsumasa becomes considerably less threatening.

Ultimately, staying ahead requires keen anticipation and readiness to counter your opponent’s moves effectively. By undermining the synergy that Katsumasa strives to create, players can navigate towards victory against this powerful force on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Katsumasa the Animator is crucial as you look to dominate the MTG battlefield. Harnessing its power to revolutionize your deck with artifact resurrection and adaptable threats can be a game-changer. Keeping its limitations in mind ensures you play to its strengths rather than stumble on its costs. Looking to expand your collection and gameplay strategies with Katsumasa the Animator? Dive deeper with us, and we’ll show you how to integrate this dynamic card into your arsenal, crafting a deck that not only surprises your opponents but also secures your status as a skilled strategist in the world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Katsumasa, the Animator MTG card by a specific set like Neon Dynasty Commander and Neon Dynasty Commander, 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 Katsumasa, the Animator and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Katsumasa, the Animator Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Heonhwa Choe.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 512015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
22022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 152015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Katsumasa, the Animator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal