Maelstrom Archangel Avatar MTG Card

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	2003-01-01
Set symbol
Set name	Magic Online Avatars
Set code	PMOA
Number	91
Frame	2015
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	UDON

Key Takeaways

Maelstrom Archangel grants game-changing advantage by casting spells on combat damage.
The Archangel’s unique ability enables early play of high-cost, impactful spells.
While powerful, it demands a diverse hand and precise mana for optimal use.

Text of card

At end of combat, for each creature you controlled at the time it dealt combat damage to a player this turn, copy a random card with the same mana cost as that creature. You may pay . If you do, choose one of those copies. If a copy of a permanent card is chosen, you may put a token onto the battlefield that's a copy of that card. If a copy of an instant or sorcery card is chosen, you may cast the copy without paying its mana cost.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Maelstrom Archangel grants you the potential to cheat into play any spell from your hand without paying its mana cost upon dealing combat damage, catapulting you ahead by generating significant card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While the Archangel itself doesn’t directly create resources, the ability it provides can effectively accelerate your resource deployment by allowing you to play costly spells far earlier than you normally could, bypassing traditional mana requirements.

Instant Speed: Even though the Archangel operates at sorcery speed, the advantage of playing spells for free upon its combat damage trigger can include instant-speed spells, thus expanding your options during the combat phase and keeping opponents on their toes.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Maelstrom Archangel’s grandeur can be slightly eclipsed by the necessity for a diverse hand. The card you cast for free from your hand upon connecting with an opponent might deplete a needed resource, which may not always align with your strategic milestones.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this avatar requires a precise blend of one mana from each color. Decks that are not built around a five-color strategy might find it challenging to reach the kaleidoscopic mana base needed to harness its full potential, thus limiting its integration into more color-specific or dual-color concoctions.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that demands one of each color, it’s undeniable that for such an investment, a player may be left pondering if alternative creatures or spells might offer a better cost-to-impact ratio. In competitive play, where efficiency is king, the avatar’s majestic entry could be too slow against more agile adversaries.

Reasons to Include Maelstrom Archangel in Your Collection

Versatility: The Maelstrom Archangel offers a dynamic range of play possibilities, able to fit snugly into multicolor or “Rainbow” decks. With the capability to cast any spell for free upon dealing combat damage, she can adapt to various in-game situations and enable a variety of strategies.

Combo Potential: Given her unique ability to cheat spells into play, the Archangel propels countless combo opportunities. Enabling a player to cast high-cost cards without paying their mana cost can be a game-changer, especially in decks built around big, game-ending spells or intricate spell synergies.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift, having a card that can adapt to changes is crucial. Maelstrom Archangel’s flexibility and ability to quickly turn the tide can give players an edge in a landscape that values fast and impactful plays, making it a prudent addition to collections aiming for competitive advantage.

How to beat Maelstrom Archangel

Maelstrom Archangel stands out in the world of MTG as a powerhouse, offering you a free spell every time it deals combat damage to a player. But formidable as it may be, the card is not unbeatable. Countering this Avatar requires a strategic approach focused on prevention and control. Removal spells are key here; instant-speed answers like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can eliminate the Archangel before its ability triggers. Additionally, countermagic like Negate can be pivotal for stopping the Archangel as it’s cast, halting its game-changing ability in its tracks.

Moreover, board control tactics are equally effective. Utilizing sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the way before Maelstrom Archangel can make an impactful entrance. In metagames where this Avatar thrives, packing your deck with similar concise answers can provide the upper hand. It’s essential to remember that timing is crucial – respond to Maelstrom Archangel swiftly, and the angel’s potential to sway the match in your opponent’s favor diminishes significantly.

Ultimately, while Maelstrom Archangel presents a daunting challenge on the battlefield, the right combination of reactive cards and preemptive strategy can ensure your victory against this imposing adversary.

Cards like Maelstrom Archangel Avatar

In the majestic pantheon of multicolored creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Maelstrom Archangel stands as a paragon of power and versatility. This Avatar, similar to cards such as Chromanticore, boasts a requirement of one mana from each color. Yet, Maelstrom Archangel uniquely grants the ability to cast a spell for free upon dealing combat damage to a player. Contrast this with Chromanticore, which offers a valuable suite of abilities but lacks the spell-casting capability.

Delving into the realm of Avatars, one cannot ignore Progenitus. Sporting a similar five-color mana cost, Progenitus is shielded by protection from everything, though it doesn’t offer the direct game-shifting advantage of casting cards gratis. Then, we have Fusion Elemental, a simple and raw expression of multi-colored might with a substantial power and toughness but without any additional effects.

Ultimately, while there are numerous multi-colored creatures with diverse abilities, Maelstrom Archangel’s unique blend of aerial dominance and cost-free spell casting carves a singular niche for it within Magic: The Gathering’s rich tapestry of creatures, making it a card that can swing the tide of battle in a heartbeat.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Maelstrom Archangel Avatar MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Avatars, 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 Maelstrom Archangel Avatar and other MTG cards: