Leering Gargoyle MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 271 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dermot Power |
Text of card
Flying oc T: Leering Gargoyle gets -2/+2 and loses flying until end of turn.
"Only a gargoyle would take such delight in a thunderstorm." —Qhattib, Vizier of Amiqat
Cards like Leering Gargoyle
Leering Gargoyle stands as an intriguing fixture in the realm of versatile creatures in MTG. It shares some functionality with Aegis Automaton, both with abilities to switch from a defender mode to an attacker. However, Leering Gargoyle boasts a more robust base power and the utility to gain flying until end of turn, which Aegis Automaton lacks. This vertical mobility allows for more tactical shifts between defense and offense during gameplay.
Akin to Guardian of the Guildpact, Leering Gargoyle is resilient against monocolored spells, but it uniquely offers additional agility on the battlefield by not being locked down as a defender. Comparing it to another relative, Wall of Air, Leering Gargoyle sacrifices the constant flying and higher toughness for the potential to attack and a more expansive defensive color guard.
Through a lens of utility and adaptability, Leering Gargoyle is a card that fits smoothly into decks looking for defensive solidity with bursts of aerial offense. Its comparison to similar MTG cards highlights its distinct blend of protection and tactical offense, providing a unique edge in gameplay.
Cards similar to Leering Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Leering Gargoyle, players can activate its ability to transform it into a flying creature that can block enemy creatures, thereby potentially deterring attacks and maintaining board presence without sacrificing additional cards from hand.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Leering Gargoyle doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its affordable casting cost allows for a smooth curve in deckbuilding, enabling you to deploy threats or hold up mana for other spells swiftly.
Instant Speed: Leering Gargoyle’s versatility is enhanced by its ability to turn into a flying creature at instant speed, allowing for surprise blocks or evasive late-game attacks after assessing the state of the game throughout your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Activating Leering Gargoyle’s abilities might sometimes put a strain on your hand, as it requires you to forego other potential plays, possibly leaving you at a disadvantage in the long run.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes both blue and white mana, Leering Gargoyle demands a two-color commitment, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that can consistently provide both types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana for a 2/2 flyer, the Leering Gargoyle isn’t the most mana-efficient creature you could summon. In a game where tempo can be decisive, other creatures might provide more impact upon hitting the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Leering Gargoyle offers flexibility in gameplay as it can switch between a vigilant defender and an aggressive flyer. This adaptability makes it a suitable addition to various deck archetypes that value reactive strategies or require blockers that can also press opponents when the opportunity arises.
Combo Potential: With its ability to become a creature with flying, Leering Gargoyle can synergize with cards that capitalize on flying creatures or act as a surprise blocker when needed. Its unique toggling ability can also be paired with effects that care about creature type changes or tap and untap mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In metas that oscillate between aggressive and controlling decks, the Leering Gargoyle stands out by offering utility in both offensive and defensive situations. Its capacity to adapt to the board state makes it a worthwhile contender for sideboard slots or even main deck inclusion in formats where evasion and board presence are keys to success.
How to beat
Leering Gargoyle presents a versatile challenge on the battlefield with its ability to both fly and become a formidable ground blocker in Magic: The Gathering. This makes the card an asset for defense as well as offense. However, overcoming this dual-threat is not out of reach. The key lies in timing and the selective use of removal spells.
To effectively counter Leering Gargoyle, players should consider spells that can target creatures regardless of their position. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile dispenses with the Gargoyle before it can shift stances, ensuring it does not become an obstacle. Artifact removal spells such as Abrade or Disenchant also provide a means to dispose of the Gargoyle, as they can target the Gargoyle when it is in its artifact state.
Another strategy is to maintain pressure with creatures that either have flying or reach, to circumvent its defensive capabilities. By prioritizing threats that the Gargoyle can’t block or by using enchantments that restrict its ability to block, you can negate its defensive prowess. Planning your plays around the Gargoyle’s activation cost for changing forms can also give you an advantage in combat or when choosing your targets for removal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Leering Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Leering Gargoyle 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 Leering Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |