Slaying Mantis MTG Card
Text of card
Just a second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't move cards on the battlefield.) Slaying Mantis enters the battlefield by being thrown from a distance of at least three feet. When Slaying Mantis enters the battlefield, it fights each creature an opponent controls that it touched as it entered.
Cards like Slaying Mantis
Slaying Mantis is a unique creature card within Magic: The Gathering, bearing elements of surprise and interactivity. Similar in unpredictability to cards such as Goblin Game, where outcomes rely on decisions made by players during the match. Slaying Mantis, particularly with its “Just a Second” ability, adds an element of physical skill as it’s literally thrown into play, reminiscent of the playful dexterity required for Chaos Orb.
Another card with an unconventional entry into the battlefield is Norin the Wary. Norin instinctively flees at the first sign of danger, only to return to the battlefield at the next end step. While Slaying Mantis might not shift in and out of the battlefield, both cards bring an element of surprise and disrupt typical gameplay patterns. Comparably, the card Illicit Auction involves players in a bidding war, directly engaging them in the game’s outcome much like the active participation Slaying Mantis encourages.
To summarize, Slaying Mantis stands out among MTG creatures not just for its combat capabilities but for the whimsical and engaging experiences it brings to the table, akin to other interactive and game-altering cards in MTG’s vast library.
Cards similar to Slaying Mantis by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Slaying Mantis might not directly allow you to draw cards, but its unique casting method from the ‘just a second’ ability can potentially put multiple creatures onto the battlefield. This, in turn, can provide a considerable advantage in terms of board presence and available options during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t produce additional mana or tokens, the ability to drop multiple creatures onto the field can lead to a cumulation of resources. Certain creatures may have enter-the-battlefield effects that accelerate your resources or provide cost reduction for future plays, indirectly contributing to a more robust mana economy.
Instant Speed: Slaying Mantis may not have instant speed, yet it compensates with its surprise factor and the unconventional way it enters the battlefield. Your opponents won’t have the typical preparation time to respond to creatures cast during the main phases, resulting in a disruptive and unexpected shift in the game’s dynamics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Slaying Mantis necessitates a unique casting approach, wherein you must toss it into the playing area from a height of at least one foot, potentially requiring you to discard other cards accidentally if not done carefully.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card comes with a specific mana cost that involves two green mana, making it less versatile for multi-colored or colorless decks that might struggle with green mana resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two generic and two green mana, Slaying Mantis may be seen as a steep investment, especially considering that some strategies could neutralize its enter-the-battlefield effect, undercutting its value in certain game scenarios.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Slaying Mantis can be a unique addition to casual decks that enjoy a surprise element. Its “Just a Second” ability means it can twist the game’s dynamics by entering battles unexpectedly.
Combo Potential: As a creature with a quirky way to hit the board, it works well with setups that reward you for playing creatures or those that manipulate the ‘enters the battlefield’ mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment rich with utility creatures, Slaying Mantis thrives by potentially disrupting your opponent’s board presence, making it a suitable choice against decks reliant on small to medium-sized creatures.
How to Beat Slaying Mantis
Slaying Mantis, a creature card with an unconventional casting method, brings a unique twist to Magic: The Gathering games. It stands apart with its “Just a Second” ability that allows players to throw it onto the battlefield from a height of at least three feet. This card presents a challenge with its potential to instantly knock out multiple creatures upon entry. However, there are savvy strategies to tackle it successfully.
One effective approach to beating Slaying Mantis is using instant-speed removal spells. By keeping mana open, players can respond to its casting by removing it before it even affects the board state. Another solid tactic is countering it directly with counter spells, thus nullifying its entrance altogether. Players could also take advantage of its gimmick by positioning creatures strategically, minimizing the odds of Slaying Mantis hitting multiple targets. Lastly, decks filled with high toughness creatures can withstand its fight mechanic, keeping critical pieces safe on your side of the battlefield.
Understanding and anticipating Slaying Mantis’ distinctive playstyle can turn this imposing creature into a manageable challenge. Planned counters, strategic creature placement, and swift removal can assure that this novel addition to your opponent’s deck won’t disrupt your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Slaying Mantis MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and Unsanctioned, 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 Slaying Mantis and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
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Printings
The Slaying Mantis Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Ben Wootten.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 122 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Ben Wootten | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 69 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Ben Wootten |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Slaying Mantis card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-02-29 | If Slaying Mantis lands on multiple creatures, it fights each of them one-on-one. For example, Slaying Mantis lands on a 3/3, a 4/4, and a 5/5. Slaying Mantis deals 6 damage to each of them, destroying them all. At the same time, they deal a total of 12 damage to Slaying Mantis, destroying it. What a maneuver! |
| 2020-02-29 | If Slaying Mantis touches the object used to represent a creature token an opponent controls, it will fight that creature. |
| 2020-02-29 | If you create a token that’s a copy of Slaying Mantis, it also enters via flying elbow. However, you must use a Magic card-sized object to represent the token. As Slaying Mantis’s just a second ability won’t apply, players can move around their permanents at any time, including while Slaying Mantis is in flight. So that’s fun. |
| 2020-02-29 | Just a second is a variant of split second. Announcing Slaying Mantis instantly locks all permanents in place on the battlefield. As long as Slaying Mantis is on the stack, players can’t cast spells, activate abilities, or move their permanents. |
| 2020-02-29 | No player may interfere with the throwing of Slaying Mantis, including while it’s in flight. |
| 2020-02-29 | Slaying Mantis must be thrown onto the battlefield from at least three feet away. That is, three feet is a horizonal distance, not a vertical one. |
| 2020-02-29 | Slaying Mantis will fight any creature an opponent controls that it touched as it entered, even if it didn’t end up touching that creature when it stopped moving. |