Lightning Angel MTG Card
2001-06-04 - Number 108
2006-10-06 - Number 94
2014-09-05 - Number 56
2015-08-21 - Number 12
2020-09-26 - Number TSB-94
Text of card
Flying; haste (This creature may attack and oc T the turn it comes under your control.) Attacking doesn't cause Lightning Angel to tap.
Cards like Lightning Angel
The Lightning Angel card stands out in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse with its dynamic blend of abilities and reasonable casting cost. With vigilance, flying, and haste, Lightning Angel offers immediate impact on the game, similar to the adept Skyknight Legionnaire. However, where Skyknight Legionnaire is smaller in both power and toughness, our Angel brings a heftier presence to the battlefield with one additional point in both statistics.
Another card worth comparing is the Mantis Rider. Both creatures share the same keyword trifecta, yet Mantis Rider comes with a lower mana cost. While this makes Mantis Rider easier to cast, it doesn’t have the same staying power as Lightning Angel, which boasts an extra toughness point, giving it an edge in survivability. Then there’s the ever-impressive Aurelia, the Warleader, whose ability to grant a second combat phase can be game-changing. Though Aurelia commands a higher cost and lacks haste, her double-strike ability compensates, making her a potential game-ender under the right circumstances.
In the larger context, Lightning Angel holds its own with a balanced mix of attributes and a mid-range mana cost, carving out its niche within Magic: The Gathering’s array of flying powerhouses.
Cards similar to Lightning Angel by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lightning Angel. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jeskai Tempo | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am | |
 | Decklist | Free form | 80#CS |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Lightning Angel offers a multifaceted playstyle by providing a flying threat that can apply pressure while also being a robust blocker. This card effectively dictates the pace of the battlefield, positioning you to capitalize on any weaknesses of your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Lightning Angel itself doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense, its presence on the board applies pressure that can force your opponent into unfavorable trades or resource expenditure in an attempt to deal with it.
Instant Speed: With vigilance alongside its flying ability, the Lightning Angel allows players to remain both offensive and defensive without having to commit the card to only one state. This flexibility in deck strategies opens up numerous possibilities for responding to an ever-changing game state without losing momentum.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Lightning Angel does not have a discard requirement, players should remain mindful of card advantage. Discarding for other spells in the same deck could reduce the effectiveness of playing this card at the right moment.
Specific Mana Cost: Lightning Angel demands a diverse mana base with its {1}{W}{U}{R} cost. This restricts deck-building flexibility and requires a carefully constructed mana base to cast it consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of four mana, Lightning Angel’s efficiency is up for debate. As the game evolves, there may be alternate four-mana creatures or spells that offer more impactful board presence or abilities in relation to mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightning Angel presents a remarkable flexibility on the battlefield, adept at fitting into numerous deck archetypes due to its solid combination of flying, vigilance, and haste. This angel provides both aggressive and defensive options, making it adaptable to shifting game situations.
Combo Potential: Beyond its standalone prowess, Lightning Angel finds synergy in decks that capitalize on its creature type or abilities, enhancing strategies that focus on angelic themes or those that benefit each time you cast a creature with haste.
Meta-Relevance: When considering the current landscape of games, Lightning Angel’s ability to engage immediately on the board makes it a potent match against decks that are unprepared to handle threats at both early and mid-game stages, thereby securing its place in a variety of competitive scenes.
How to beat Lightning Angel
Lightning Angel carves out its own niche as an aggressive flyer in Magic: The Gathering, boasting a combination of haste, vigilance, and a robust power and toughness. As a player facing off against it, it’s crucial to disrupt the tempo it can provide. Neutralizing creatures through spells such as Path to Exile, which exiles a target creature and offers a land in return, can prove effective in managing the threat it poses.
Control strategies might focus more on countering it before it hits the battlefield. Counterspells like Mana Leak or Negate can deal with the Angel efficiently, preventing it from ever impacting the board. When dealing with a resolved Lightning Angel, tapping into the utility of board wipes like Wrath of God can clear it away without focusing on individual targeting.
Ultimately, consistent removal, be it through pinpoint spells or more sweeping board clears, alongside strategic counterspells, forms the cornerstone of a strong defense against Lightning Angel. Prioritizing these spells in your deck can help preserve your life total and maintain a level playing field against this swift and powerful creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightning Angel MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse and Time Spiral Timeshifted, 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 Lightning 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
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Printings
The Lightning Angel Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2001-06-04 and 2015-08-21. Illustrated by rk post.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-06-04 | Apocalypse | APC | 108 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 2 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 94 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 3 | 2014-09-05 | Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning | DDN | 56 | 2015 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 4 | 2015-08-21 | From the Vault: Angels | V15 | 12 | 2015 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | TSB-94 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightning Angel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.