Serra Angel Avatar MTG Card
2003-01-01 - Number 2
2003-01-01 - Number 1
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Vanguard |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a spell, you gain 2 life.
Cards like Serra Angel Avatar
The Serra Angel Avatar card holds a nostalgic presence in Magic: The Gathering, reminisce to classic creatures like Serra Angel itself. Both cards present flying and vigilance, giving them the freedom to attack without tapping, thus remaining ready to defend. The Serra Angel Avatar takes it a step further being an emblematic representation of this mechanic in a token form, which can be a significant tactic within token-generating decks.
Looking to Lyra Dawnbringer, a similar Legendary Creature, we find it imbues other Angels you control with +1/+1 and lifelink, broadening the scale of potential strategies. Serra Angel Avatar, while not providing these buffs, stands out with its token identity, enabling it to synergize with MTG effects that leverage token production or benefits from creature deaths. Baneslayer Angel is another comparable card—boasting protection from Demons and Dragons in addition to flying and lifelink offers a tactical edge in specific matchups; however, it lacks the flexible application of the Avatar’s token form in wider deck themes.
In essence, the Serra Angel Avatar finds its unique place in MTG by combining key traits of iconic creatures, enabling diverse deck-building strategies centered around tokens and vigilance mechanics. This multifaceted role cements its value within the pantheon of Angel cards.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Serra Angel Avatar is known for offering enduring presence on the battlefield. This card’s ability to be a steadfast blocker while avoiding the usual detriments of tapping can help maintain your defenses and assert pressure, thus indirectly contributing to card advantage as it stands to outlast many other threats.
Resource Acceleration: Though not primarily designed for resource acceleration, the Serra Angel Avatar represents a solid board presence which means resources can be allocated elsewhere. The consistent strength it brings to the table allows you to focus your mana and other resources on furthering your game plan without the need to regularly cast more creatures for defense.
Instant Speed: While Serra Angel Avatar itself may not be an instant, its vigilant nature enables you to keep up mana for actual instant-speed interactions, knowing your offensive and defensive postures are secured. This leaves opponents guessing whether you have countermagic, removal, or other interactions ready, thereby increasing the tactical advantage and psychological pressure you hold over them.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Serra Angel Avatar card comes with a drawback that necessitates the discarding of another card from your hand. This requirement can put you at a significant disadvantage, particularly at moments when your hand size is minimal, and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation is bound to a defined combination of mana colors. Demanding both white mana and additional colorless mana, it restricts flexibility and may not seamlessly fit into a multi-color deck that does not heavily favor white.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The requirement of a sizeable mana investment to bring the Serra Angel Avatar into play can be a deterrent. In a game where pace matters, its mana cost might prove to be too steep when compared to other creatures or spells that provide beneficial effects at a lower mana threshold.
Reasons to Include Serra Angel Avatar in Your Collection
Versatility: The Serra Angel Avatar can be a key player in a variety of deck archetypes. Its flying ability allows it to be a formidable force in both offensive and defensive strategies, fitting seamlessly into control, midrange, and even some aggro decks.
Combo Potential: With the Avatar’s ability to dodge sorcery-speed removal thanks to vigilance, it works well in combinations that keep the board controlled while steadily chipping away at the opponent’s life. Its synergies with life-gain and angel-centric strategies also contribute to its combo-friendly nature.
Meta-Relevance: This card’s staying power in games makes it a relevant choice in many metas. It can dominate aerial combat and provide a consistent threat that must be answered. As the game’s landscape evolves with new sets and strategies, a classic like the Serra Angel Avatar remains a reliable choice that can adapt and stay impactful.
How to beat
Serra Angel is a staple in the world of MTG, revered for its ability to attack without tapping. This flying vigilance creature can be a thorn in an opponent’s side, dominating the battlefield with its presence. To counter this iconic card, understanding the right strategies and card choices is crucial.
Spot removal spells are your first line of defense. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch Serra Angel efficiently, shifting the balance back to your favor. Another technique is to outpace the Angel with faster, aggressive decks that can reduce an opponent’s life total before Serra Angel even comes into play. Ensnaring the Angel with enchantments that negate its abilities, such as Pacifism, can also turn the tide by rendering the creature harmless.
Furthermore, leveraging control decks that limit creature plays and focus on win conditions detached from combat will minimize the Angel’s impact. Lastly, engaging in combat with creatures that benefit from blocking or dying can deter attacks from Serra Angel. So, while Serra Angel may seem daunting, a well-conceived plan leveraging the multitude of available strategies can assure victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Serra Angel Avatar MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Avatars and 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 Serra Angel Avatar 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 Serra Angel Avatar Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2003-01-01 and 2003-01-01. Illustrated by UDON.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-01-01 | Magic Online Avatars | PMOA | 2 | 2015 | Vanguard | Black | UDON | |
| 2 | 2003-01-01 | Magic Online Avatars | PMOA | 1 | 2015 | Vanguard | Black | UDON |