I tend to love Portal art. I have the Portal Second Age Armageddon in my cube, which I also love.
My question is about City of Brass. I have an ugly one at the moment, and I'm trying to decide what the idea version is. The only reasonable choices are Arabian Nights, and the foil promo that has the Arabian Nights art and an old border. It's clear that no other version is even close, but which of those two is the best?
The Arabian Nights City and the foil version both run about the same price, so it really just comes down to personal preference. I like foils, so I'm a fan of the promo. If you're ok with new borders the Modern Masters artwork is pretty sweet as well.
Which is funny, because it was the second printing of the card. Wildfire was originally from Portal Second Age.
Absolutely true, but I think of Kai Budde et. al. playing Wildfire decks in PTs and Worlds in like 1999, and it was always the Urza's one.
RE: City of Brass... that's the one Chronicles card I'd ever play, since I love the original art but don't mind saving $40 with an ugly white-border version
Anyway, I'd also easily pick Arabian Nights. 7th Foil also cool. MMA art is good, but it's such an "old"-feeling Magic card that it feels weird to have such a modern frame/style on it (same reason I'd never play JVC Counterspell, FTV Hymn/Ritual, et cetera).
Considering upgrading my duals from Revised to Unlimited. I don't much care for FBB, but I really like the idea of having duals without all that extra text, and I'm not going to shell out for Beta duals. I'm curious if others like/dislike the text difference.
Text difference is less of a benefit than brighter colors and better frame, IMO. Wouldn't be a big priority for me, but UNL definitely does look better.
So I'm in a position to acquire some very nice artist proof proxies (specifically, the Moxen, Lotus, and Time Walk). As much as I'd like some CE ones, it's gotten to the point where even those are getting awfully spendy (for proxies). These provide form and function, at a fraction of the cost.
Another cube owner I know said he likes them, but would never add them to his cube, as they don't feel authentic enough. Obviously, all proxies are not created equal, but I like how unique they are, sort of indicative of their power. It got me curious, what are the other opinions out there? Are these cool enough for your cube? Or do they just feel a little too fake?
I really like the art on the FTV version, but am considering swapping it for the judge because I like the idea of having a higher density of judge foils in the cube.
Judge definitely, the art on it is just great. The FTV version art is fine, too, but it has the infamous FTV foiling, which I try to run as little of as possible. I think the last one I'm down to is Rolling Earthquake, for obvious reasons
EDIT: Ok, just kidding, also Tinker and Form of the Dragon, just because the original art on those two is horrendous.
Balance -- easy Beta, or CE or FBB if you want to save 100 bucks If you insist on foil, I'll continue the trend and say Judge over FTV.
Tinker, though... you can get the original foil for like nine bucks, and it is miles ahead of the FTV version! I'll cede the point on Form of the Dragon, though, man the original is yucky.
I really like the art on the FTV version, but am considering swapping it for the judge because I like the idea of having a higher density of judge foils in the cube.
I think both are close aesthetically - I like both in terms of art and I personally don't mind the FTV foiling so much. If you already have the FTV one I'd consider pimping another piece first (the price for the Judge Foil has been pretty stable over time anyway).
I really like the art on the FTV version, but am considering swapping it for the judge because I like the idea of having a higher density of judge foils in the cube.
I think both are close aesthetically - I like both in terms of art and I personally don't mind the FTV foiling so much. If you already have the FTV one I'd consider pimping another piece first (the price for the Judge Foil has been pretty stable over time anyway).
That's because it is banned in all relevant formats. Imagine if it got unbanned in Legacy. Best have one sitting there just in case!
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I like the portal one as well if you can do without foiling.
Modern: Jund Legacy: RUG Delver EDH: Captain Sisay
Portal also sweet
7th foils are rad, but this time Ron Spencer doesn't really do it for me
My question is about City of Brass. I have an ugly one at the moment, and I'm trying to decide what the idea version is. The only reasonable choices are Arabian Nights, and the foil promo that has the Arabian Nights art and an old border. It's clear that no other version is even close, but which of those two is the best?
Legacy: UBRG Czech Pile, WWW Death & Taxes, many other things
Modern: UBR Grixis, RWG Burn, UR UR Storm, BBB 8 Rack, whatever other control deck I can force
Multiplayer EDH: RR Norin the Wary, UU Barrin, Master Wizard, UB Wrexial, the Risen Deep, GR Borborygmos, Enraged
Which is funny, because it was the second printing of the card. Wildfire was originally from Portal Second Age.
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Absolutely true, but I think of Kai Budde et. al. playing Wildfire decks in PTs and Worlds in like 1999, and it was always the Urza's one.
RE: City of Brass... that's the one Chronicles card I'd ever play, since I love the original art but don't mind saving $40 with an ugly white-border version
DCI foil *is* super dark: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-City-Of-Brass-Arabian-Nights-NM-M-1x-DCI-Foil-City-Of-Brass-NM-M-/151470713889?nma=true&si=9XYA5pOYTiU44UTYyfe1kwtk26k%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Anyway, I'd also easily pick Arabian Nights. 7th Foil also cool. MMA art is good, but it's such an "old"-feeling Magic card that it feels weird to have such a modern frame/style on it (same reason I'd never play JVC Counterspell, FTV Hymn/Ritual, et cetera).
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Another cube owner I know said he likes them, but would never add them to his cube, as they don't feel authentic enough. Obviously, all proxies are not created equal, but I like how unique they are, sort of indicative of their power. It got me curious, what are the other opinions out there? Are these cool enough for your cube? Or do they just feel a little too fake?
Scroll up, both of those are discussed.
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I really like the art on the FTV version, but am considering swapping it for the judge because I like the idea of having a higher density of judge foils in the cube.
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EDIT: Ok, just kidding, also Tinker and Form of the Dragon, just because the original art on those two is horrendous.
Those are his answers.
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Tinker, though... you can get the original foil for like nine bucks, and it is miles ahead of the FTV version! I'll cede the point on Form of the Dragon, though, man the original is yucky.
Anyway.
Urza's or 7th Thieving Magpie (both foil)?
Tinker - Urza's foil all the way.
Form of the Dragon - FTV just because the art is so much better.
Thieving Magpie - I like the Urza's better.
This.
And this.
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I'd go with the Urza's one because I'm a sucker for that flavor text.
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I think both are close aesthetically - I like both in terms of art and I personally don't mind the FTV foiling so much. If you already have the FTV one I'd consider pimping another piece first (the price for the Judge Foil has been pretty stable over time anyway).
That's because it is banned in all relevant formats. Imagine if it got unbanned in Legacy. Best have one sitting there just in case!
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