Sunblade Angel MTG Card
Text of card
Flying, first strike, vigilance, lifelink
At Feather's command, squadrons of battle angels swarmed out of the *Parhelion II*, unsheathing blades made of molten dawn.
Cards like Sunblade Angel
Sunblade Angel holds a unique position within the realm of flying creatures in MTG. It parallels the utilities of creatures like Baneslayer Angel, which also offers flying and lifelink capabilities, making them formidable in the air. However, Sunblade Angel comes with the additional benefits of vigilance, first strike, and a shield of hexproof until the end of turn when it enters the battlefield for a slightly higher mana cost.
Comparatively, Serra Angel is another classic flyer that shares the vigilance trait with Sunblade Angel. While Serra Angel comes with a lower casting cost, it lacks the first strike, hexproof, and lifelink, which give Sunblade Angel a considerable edge in combat versatility. On another note, Lyra Dawnbringer not only flies and has lifelink but also boosts other Angels—a luxury that Sunblade Angel doesn’t share.
To sum up, Sunblade Angel’s kaleidoscope of abilities positions it strongly amongst MTG’s aerial defenders. Its constellation of defensive and offensive traits enables it to excel in various tactical scenarios, making it a favorable choice for players who prioritize a blend of resilience and combat prowess in their flying creatures.
Cards similar to Sunblade Angel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sunblade Angel gives players a formidable presence on the battlefield with multiple abilities, effectively bringing several cards’ worth of value into one. This card’s broad utility makes it a considerable advantage, especially when you’re able to deploy it at the right moment to take control of the game.
Resource Acceleration: Although Sunblade Angel doesn’t directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, it offers a variety of innate abilities that can save players the need to cast multiple spells to achieve the same effects, thereby indirectly conserving resources for other strategic plays.
Instant Speed: While the Sunblade Angel itself isn’t cast at instant speed, its keyword abilities like flying and vigilance allow players to remain reactive during the opponent’s turn. With first strike and lifelink, it serves as a deterrent, threatening to deal damage and bolster your life total immediately in any combat scenarios.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sunblade Angel does not inherently require a discard, but its high mana value may force players to discard other cards from their hand due to the pressure to maintain board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Sunblade Angel demands a specific mana investment of three white mana, which can be challenging to accommodate in multicolor decks requiring a stable white mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of six, Sunblade Angel is on the expensive side, particularly when alternative creatures may bring similar or better abilities at a lower cost, potentially straining your curve in more aggressive or tempo-oriented decks.
Reasons to Include Sunblade Angel in Your Collection
Versatility: Sunblade Angel provides a suite of abilities that can enhance any deck aiming for high impact plays. With flying, first strike, vigilance, lifelink, and a respectable power and toughness combination, this creature can adapt to both offensive and defensive strategies seamlessly.
Combo Potential: Given its arsenal of keywords, Sunblade Angel pairs well with cards that capitalize on creatures with multiple abilities. Whether it’s growing stronger with each attack or boosting your life total significantly, it complements a variety of synergies within the game.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment heavy with combat-focused decks, Sunblade Angel stands out as a formidable blocker and an imposing threat. Its versatility can tip scales in matches, as opponents must often expend multiple resources to handle it, making it a valuable asset in several metagame scenarios.
How to beat
The Sunblade Angel poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its arsenal of abilities, providing considerable individual value. This flying virtuoso comes equipped with first strike, vigilance, lifelink, and it’s also bolstered by a decent power and toughness. To tackle this celestial threat, one must strategize beyond straightforward combat.
Removal spells serve as the most effective tool to take down the Sunblade Angel. Cards like Murder, which can destroy any creature at instant speed for three mana, or Doom Blade, targeting nonblack creatures, bypass the angel’s combative prowess entirely. Counterspells also provide a preemptive solution, preventing the angel from entering the battlefield in the first place. Lastly, board wipes such as Wrath of God can clear the field, taking Sunblade Angel along with other threats, neutralizing its multiple advantages and paving your way to victory.
While it may seem daunting at first, understanding your deck’s answers to powerful creatures like Sunblade Angel is key. By prioritizing your removals, counters, and sweepers, you can ensure that your opponent’s angelic aspirations descend from the skies, plummeting back to earth, and maintaining equality on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sunblade Angel MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and Commander Masters, 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 Sunblade 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 Sunblade Angel Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Johannes Voss.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss | |
| 2 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sunblade Angel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | 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.