Killer Whale MTG Card

Killer Whale’s flexibility in combat makes it a persistent threat, forcing opponents to respond or lose ground. Works well with untap synergies, enabling efficient mana use and seamless board development. Instant speed activation allows for dynamic play, adapting to the changing battlefield on the fly.

Exodus (EXO)
1998-06-15 - Number 37

Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
2000-10-01 - Number 11

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 76

Tempest Remastered (TPR)
2015-05-06 - Number 55

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Whale
Power	3
Toughness	5

Text of card

oo U Killer Whale gains flying until end of turn.

Hunger is like the sea: deep, endless, and unforgiving.

Cards like Killer Whale

The Killer Whale card brings a unique twist to creature dynamics in Magic: The Gathering. This blue creature card can be likened to Air Elemental, as both are flying creatures that can be formidable in the air. However, Killer Whale offers the additional ability to gain control over its power of flying until end of turn, giving it an edge in versatility compared to the Air Elemental that permanently has flying.

Stormbound Geist is another card that resonates with the Killer Whale’s theme, mainly due to its flying capability and resilience provided by undying. While the Killer Whale lacks undying, it compensates with increased control over when it takes to the skies. Moreover, Killer Whale demands a separate mana investment to activate its flying ability, which can be seen as both a strategic tool and a potential limitation, certainly a consideration for deck builders assessing their aerial assault options.

Ultimately, in comparison to its counterparts, Killer Whale offers a distinct blend of control and power. This card can adapt to varied game situations, making it a tactical choice for players looking to command the skies at their discretion.

Cards similar to Killer Whale by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Killer Whale card offers a unique form of card advantage by providing a persistent threat that demands an answer. While it doesn’t draw cards directly, its ability to repeatedly become unblockable ensures you continually pressure your opponent, forcing them to deal with it or face consistent damage.

Resource Acceleration: While the Killer Whale itself doesn’t ramp your mana, it does synergize well with cards that untap lands or creatures, thus indirectly contributing to resource acceleration by allowing you to use mana more efficiently and keep applying pressure without falling behind on board development.

Instant Speed: Although the Killer Whale operates at sorcery speed, its ability to become unblockable can be activated at instant speed. This gives you the flexibility to make last-minute decisions based on your opponent’s actions, keeping them guessing and making it harder for them to plan their blocks and attacks.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Having to surrender a card from your hand just to deploy Killer Whale can put you at a significant card disadvantage, especially against decks that rely on card economy.

Specific Mana Cost: Killer Whale dictates a strict mana arrangement which includes blue mana. This specificity narrows deck inclusion to blue-centric or multicolor decks that can accommodate such a cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that leans towards the pricier end, you may find yourself lagging behind opponents using creatures with lower casting costs yet similar impact levels on the game state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Killer Whale card offers the flexibility to be played in various blue-based decks. It excels in strategies that need evasive threats and the ability to control the board with flying creatures.

Combo Potential: As a creature with the power to gain flying until end of turn, it works well with cards and mechanics that reward creatures being tapped or becoming untapped, weaving seamlessly into established combos and potential new ones.

Meta-Relevance: With the evolving game dynamics, having a dependable creature that can adapt its combat role is crucial. Killer Whale stands firm as a meta-relevant choice when dealing with opponents’ strategies that are weak to flyers or require constant board presence to maintain pressure.

How to beat

Killer Whale holds a unique place in the blue creature roster. This card grants a level of aerial dominance thanks to its built-in ability to grant itself flying until end of turn. Players commonly use it to switch between offense and defense seamlessly. But like every card in Magic: The Gathering, there are strategies to effectively counter it.

One straightforward strategy is to employ creature removal spells, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, which deal with the Killer Whale before it becomes a threat in the air. Another approach is using counter magic – having a Negate or Counterspell at the ready prevents the Whale from ever hitting the board. Additionally, anticipate the timing of its flying ability. Employ instant-speed interaction during your opponent’s turn to minimize its effectiveness.

Tapping into control tactics also works well. Cards like Pacifism neutralize its offensive capacity, making its flying ability moot. Alternatively, bypassing the Killer Whale with unblockable creatures or those with protection from blue can swing the game in your favor. Understanding these strategies can help any player prepare against high-flying threats such as the Killer Whale.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Killer Whale MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and Beatdown Box Set, 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 Killer Whale and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Killer Whale Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Stephen Daniele.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-06-15	Exodus	EXO	37	1997	Normal	Black	Stephen Daniele
2	2000-10-01	Beatdown Box Set	BTD	11	1997	Normal	White	Stephen Daniele
3	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA	76	2015	Normal	Black	Stephen Daniele
4	2015-05-06	Tempest Remastered	TPR	55	2015	Normal	Black	Stephen Daniele

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Killer Whale has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal