2017 was a pretty wild year for the Magic storyline. We began the year with the Gatewatch holded up in a Ghirapuran courtyard, and ended it at the base of a waterfall just yards away from the mythical city of Orazca. We had bonds tested, strengthened, and broken, battles fought, won and lost, minds shattered, and even a couple of feel good moments.
So here it is- all thirty-two MTG storylines (we’re not counting the Unstable classroom as that was more of a world guide than an actual story), ordered from the worst story to the absolute best. Obviously this is just my opinion, so feel free to share yours.
(Oh, and SPOILER WARNING)
#32- THE SKIES OVER GHIRAPUR (AER #6) – Kari Zev was an interesting enough character, but the overall story was kind of boring, a bit away from the main action of the Aether Revolt line, and just trying to grasp the physics of the climactic moment utterly headache inducing
#31- PUPPETS (AER #8) – What should have been an epic battle between Tezzeret and Lilliana turned out to be pretty lame, thanks to a clunky style that seemed to focus on everything but the actual drama
#30- THE HAND THAT MOVES (AKH #5)- This one was just too weird, and whatever development Nissa was supposed to gain from it never really carried over into other stories.
#29- IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT (AER #1) – Started off just fine, with the climactic ending of Yahenni’s life, but got a little draggy on in pushing the plot forward.
#28- REVOLUTION BEGINS (AER #4)- Not a bad set-up story, depicting the overtaking of the Aether Hub, with a fun little bit showing Chandra’s complete lack of leadership qualities
#27- TRESSPASS (AKH #7)- Chilling story, if a bit dull in the opening. Even though we already knew the truth about the God-Pharaoh, it was still interesting to watch Samut figure it all out.
#26- JACE, ALONE (XLN #1)- If you like Jace being alone with nothing but his own thoughts for an entire story (again), then boy do we have the right one for you!
#25- BREAKING POINTS (AER #7)- The Heart of Kiran goes into action as the Renegades prepare to take down Tezzeret and the bridge. Of course, the sense of buildup gets diminished once you remember the total lemon that follows.
#24- SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY (XLN #5)- Jace is somewhat likeable in this- and he actually manages to accomplish something! Of course, the moment he does the ship sinks, so there’s that.
#23- IMPACT (AKH #1)- The Gatewatch vs. Sandwurm Convergence. The Chain Veil wins.
#22- JUDGMENT (AKH #8)- Great opening, with Samut doing everything she can to save her friend-including going up to Mommy Hazoret herself. It gets a bit awkwardly written once the story moves into the final trial, however. Bonus points for a good depiction of the coming doom at the end, though.
#21- THE SHAPERS (XLN #4)- Wanna look like a total dick? Punch an old lady in the face right after she bailed you out with her magics!
#20- FEAST (HOU #2)- Just to remind us all that the kinder, gentler Lilliana we’d gotten since Eldritch Moon was still very much a very sadistic person.
#19- QUIET MOMENTS (AER #2)- If I’m overrating a story, it’s probably this one, but I did enjoy the relationship interactions between various members of the Gatewatch.
#18- ENDURE (HOU #7)- The true ending to the Amonkhet block, as far as the plane’s concern. Certainly a bittersweet one, as the survivors attempt to live on, and Samut finally gets her reward.
#17- TRUST (AKH #2)- A good introduction to Naktamun. A great tone contrasting Gideon’s newfound optimism with the overall sense that something just ain’t right about the place.
#16- THE THIRD ASPECT OF THE SUN (XLN #2)- As good an introduction as it was for Huatli, it was Angrath who steals the show here.
#15- THE HOUR OF REVELATION (HOU #1)- Of all the opening stories, this one set the tone the best for the upcoming set. Glimpse the horrific power of Bolas, and then finally see what’s on the other side of the Gate to the Afterlife. Nothing. Worse than nothing.
#14- SERVANTS (AKH #4) – The prototypical Lilliana story- Chain Veil, annoying Jace, the Raven Man, undead minions, and finding out some secrets that you’d honestly rather not, with the whole package ending up in a genuine “uh oh” moment.
#13- THE RACE, PART 1 (XLN #6)- And this is the point where the Ixalan story turns into the most hardcore episode of Legends of the Hidden Temple ever. And no, that’s not a bad thing.
#12- THE HOUR OF ETERNITY (HOU #6)- The last thing you need in a zombie apocalypse is for the zombies to be better fighters than you are. Easily the most depressing story of the year.
#11- THE WRITING ON THE WALL (AKH #3)- Nissa finds out more about Amonkhet in three hours than Jace did Innistrad in three months. Why is blue the color of smart people again?
Alright, top 10 time!
#10- HOUR OF GLORY (HOU #3)- This was the point where we realized the Hour of Devastation story was gonna be BAAAAD. Could you imagine standing on the banks of the Luxa, watching one of your beloved gods fight a monster, just like he’s always done, only to suddenly be killed? Yikes.
#9- THE TALENTED CAPTAIN VRASKA (XLN #3)- In one story, Vraska goes from pitiable villain, to relateable, even likeable, anti-hero. Who knew a Gorgon could be so friendly when she wanted to be?
#8- BREAKTHROUGH (AER #3)- Not only is it fascinating to see what happens to the “winners” of the Inventor’s Fair, its captivating to watch as Rashmi figures everything out. Only knock against this one is that there’s really never any follow-up to her learning what Saheeli really is.
#7- FAVOR (HOU #5)- The spoiler for the card Bontu’s Last Reckoning suggested that the Croc God might have a bit more to her, but the realization that she WILLINGLY went along with Bolas’ plans was a shock, indeed. Add in a very dramatic fight between her and Hazoret, and the tragic ending, and you get a fine story worthy of the Top 10.
#6- RENEWAL (AER #9)- The climax of Aether Revolt may have been the biggest letdown of the year, but the epilogue salvaged things rather well. Pia’s promotion and reconciliation with Chandra, Baral’s fate, Ajani’s joining yet refusing to blindly follow the Gatewatch to Amonkhet, and the beloved Yahenni’s final night were all very poignant moments, with the touching final scene truly making things right, for just one moment, before the horrors of the Amonkhet block.
#5- THE RACE, PART 2 (XLN #7)- A fun, freewheeling adventure, as everyone makes a mad dash for a city they’re not all that sure where it lies. Everyone attempts to screw everyone else over, and it all ends with one of the best cliffhangers (almost literally!) we’ve ever had in Magic story. Oh, and Angrath returns! Have I mentioned how awesome Angrath is yes?
#4- THE HOUR OF PROMISE (HOU #4)- Between Vraska and Hapatra, Magic Made Golgari Cool Again in 2017. Showing the locust swarm, and its horrific consequences, from the perspective of the surprisingly affable Vizier of Poisons made for a great story, as well as really hitting home the death’s of Kefnet and Oketra. Can you blame the poor woman for hating Planeswalkers by the time this is over.
#3- BRAZEN (AKH #6)- Such a lighthearted opening turns dark so quickly as Gideon realizes the truth about the Trial of Ambition, and the real purpose of Amonkhet. The chilling thing about the story is how WILLINGLY everyone just went along with it- and then you realize that the Tah crop was one of the best crops ever and had a true bond of solidarity. Imagine this trial with some less coherent crops that were unwilling to make sacrifices…
#2- THE HOUR OF DEVASTATION (HOU #8)- The complete and utter Gatewatch ass whuppin that the Magic community waited nearly three years for.
#1- BURN (AER #5)- Anytime you see the name Chris L’Etoile attached to a story, you know it’s going to be top-caliber (which makes it a shame that he’s only done three of them), filled with just the right amounts of humor, drama, angst, and action. Burn was his arguably best piece, highlighting the long-awaited showdown between Chandra and Baral- a contest that ended in about the most unexpectedly satisfying fashion. Add in a side-story with Gideon vs. the Gearhulks, and the return of Shadowblayde (WITH A Y THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH), and you get the best Magic Story of 2017.
I'm going to put my top 10 since it would be for me personally to hard to sort them all out. In general I found the stories that focused on more characert development more are what i enjoyed.
10-THE WRITING ON THE WALL (AKH #3)- I've enjoyed the Chandra and Nissa relationship and happy that they aren't just going to end up becoming a couple right off the bat with how they going with Nissa's character. Rest the story was okay but this was this part that I really enjoyed.
9-THE HOUR OF DEVASTATION (HOU #8)- While I'm a bigger fan of the gatewatch then more of the vocal people on here, I did think they had gotten prideful and this owe things with Bolas was very foolish on there part. I'm glad they got some of their flaws shown to them so that (I hope) they can start working on them. Also cool to see Bolas after all this time and remind us why he the big bad of magic.
8-HOUR OF GLORY (HOU #3)- I ended up really feeling for the gods and the people of Amonkhet and this story really hit me with that. See Rhonas finding out the working of Bolas on the plane and the sadness that his own brother who loved his siblings was the one who was killing them. Then the sting of his final act of summoning the snake being all for not.
7-JACE, ALONE (XLN #1)- I liked this look into Jace mind and as I say later on, love how they are doing a soft reboot of the character. I loved all the psychological aspect of Jace fragments memories showing how he feels about the rest of the characters.
6 -ENDURE (HOU #7)- As I said above I feel for the Amonkhet characters as a whole and glad to see a seed of hope left with Hazoret and the survivors. It was also nice seeing a planes walker spark from trauma but from a positive emotional feelings in Samut (as well as being a key for them to surviving in the desert). As someone who's from a Jewish background it also gave me passover feels about refugees wandering into the desert to an uncertain but hope filled future.
4/5 THE RACE, PART 1 and 2 (XLN #6)- As Pollaski said I like the adventure tone of all the faction racing to the golden city, the hinting that Angrath was more then a rage murder monster and a look at the vampires of Ixalan. But its Jace and Vraska that pull this into the top 5 slots (see below). One of the best finals to a magic blocks story.
3-BURN (AER #5)- This look into Chandra was beautiful and it was nice seeing her healing up from the self-hate she has for herself and her finally defeating Baral. I also liked see Dovin finding out the illegal means Baral had done to arrest people and arresting him right off. Bonus points for it tying in the Purifying Fire info somewhat.
2- THE TALENTED CAPTAIN VRASKA (XLN #3)/SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY (XLN #5)- I was very hesindent with Ixalan featuring Vraska as one of the main characters but these stories really devoople her into an anti-hero character I could get behind. Her friendship (and I hope it says that) with Jace was beautiful and I hope this keeps up in Rivals. I liked these stories for the same reasons so they both tied here.
1- RENEWAL (AER #9)- I thought this nicely tied up Kaladesh story. Ajani joining up was well done, Chandra and her mother saying goodbye was cute, but most of all I love Yahenni's parts and in real life made a happy noise at this line;
You...you have...they tilted their head, trying to shake loose a thought. You have gorgeous eyes...sweetheart.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
#11- THE WRITING ON THE WALL (AKH #3)- Nissa finds out more about Amonkhet in three hours than Jace did Innistrad in three months. Why is blue the color of smart people again?
While I don't mind the list, this part bothered me. Blue isn't the color of "smart people", but rather the color of perfectionism, knowledge-seeking, artifice and/or control (none of which are exclusive to blue, but which it excels in). Every color alignment has its geniuses and idiots. Nissa isn't stupid (or at least not as much as when she released the Eldrazi Titans).
Furthermore, this is the same block Nissa adopted blue as one of her colors.
It's also probably worth mentioning that Jace has more than proven that he's a very smart, capable individual when he's thrust into a situation like Useless Island, so I wouldn't say that it was his intelligence that was his limiting factor on Amonkhet.
So here it is- all thirty-two MTG storylines (we’re not counting the Unstable classroom as that was more of a world guide than an actual story), ordered from the worst story to the absolute best. Obviously this is just my opinion, so feel free to share yours.
(Oh, and SPOILER WARNING)
#32- THE SKIES OVER GHIRAPUR (AER #6) – Kari Zev was an interesting enough character, but the overall story was kind of boring, a bit away from the main action of the Aether Revolt line, and just trying to grasp the physics of the climactic moment utterly headache inducing
#31- PUPPETS (AER #8) – What should have been an epic battle between Tezzeret and Lilliana turned out to be pretty lame, thanks to a clunky style that seemed to focus on everything but the actual drama
#30- THE HAND THAT MOVES (AKH #5)- This one was just too weird, and whatever development Nissa was supposed to gain from it never really carried over into other stories.
#29- IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT (AER #1) – Started off just fine, with the climactic ending of Yahenni’s life, but got a little draggy on in pushing the plot forward.
#28- REVOLUTION BEGINS (AER #4)- Not a bad set-up story, depicting the overtaking of the Aether Hub, with a fun little bit showing Chandra’s complete lack of leadership qualities
#27- TRESSPASS (AKH #7)- Chilling story, if a bit dull in the opening. Even though we already knew the truth about the God-Pharaoh, it was still interesting to watch Samut figure it all out.
#26- JACE, ALONE (XLN #1)- If you like Jace being alone with nothing but his own thoughts for an entire story (again), then boy do we have the right one for you!
#25- BREAKING POINTS (AER #7)- The Heart of Kiran goes into action as the Renegades prepare to take down Tezzeret and the bridge. Of course, the sense of buildup gets diminished once you remember the total lemon that follows.
#24- SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY (XLN #5)- Jace is somewhat likeable in this- and he actually manages to accomplish something! Of course, the moment he does the ship sinks, so there’s that.
#23- IMPACT (AKH #1)- The Gatewatch vs. Sandwurm Convergence. The Chain Veil wins.
#22- JUDGMENT (AKH #8)- Great opening, with Samut doing everything she can to save her friend-including going up to Mommy Hazoret herself. It gets a bit awkwardly written once the story moves into the final trial, however. Bonus points for a good depiction of the coming doom at the end, though.
#21- THE SHAPERS (XLN #4)- Wanna look like a total dick? Punch an old lady in the face right after she bailed you out with her magics!
#20- FEAST (HOU #2)- Just to remind us all that the kinder, gentler Lilliana we’d gotten since Eldritch Moon was still very much a very sadistic person.
#19- QUIET MOMENTS (AER #2)- If I’m overrating a story, it’s probably this one, but I did enjoy the relationship interactions between various members of the Gatewatch.
#18- ENDURE (HOU #7)- The true ending to the Amonkhet block, as far as the plane’s concern. Certainly a bittersweet one, as the survivors attempt to live on, and Samut finally gets her reward.
#17- TRUST (AKH #2)- A good introduction to Naktamun. A great tone contrasting Gideon’s newfound optimism with the overall sense that something just ain’t right about the place.
#16- THE THIRD ASPECT OF THE SUN (XLN #2)- As good an introduction as it was for Huatli, it was Angrath who steals the show here.
#15- THE HOUR OF REVELATION (HOU #1)- Of all the opening stories, this one set the tone the best for the upcoming set. Glimpse the horrific power of Bolas, and then finally see what’s on the other side of the Gate to the Afterlife. Nothing. Worse than nothing.
#14- SERVANTS (AKH #4) – The prototypical Lilliana story- Chain Veil, annoying Jace, the Raven Man, undead minions, and finding out some secrets that you’d honestly rather not, with the whole package ending up in a genuine “uh oh” moment.
#13- THE RACE, PART 1 (XLN #6)- And this is the point where the Ixalan story turns into the most hardcore episode of Legends of the Hidden Temple ever. And no, that’s not a bad thing.
#12- THE HOUR OF ETERNITY (HOU #6)- The last thing you need in a zombie apocalypse is for the zombies to be better fighters than you are. Easily the most depressing story of the year.
#11- THE WRITING ON THE WALL (AKH #3)- Nissa finds out more about Amonkhet in three hours than Jace did Innistrad in three months. Why is blue the color of smart people again?
Alright, top 10 time!
#10- HOUR OF GLORY (HOU #3)- This was the point where we realized the Hour of Devastation story was gonna be BAAAAD. Could you imagine standing on the banks of the Luxa, watching one of your beloved gods fight a monster, just like he’s always done, only to suddenly be killed? Yikes.
#9- THE TALENTED CAPTAIN VRASKA (XLN #3)- In one story, Vraska goes from pitiable villain, to relateable, even likeable, anti-hero. Who knew a Gorgon could be so friendly when she wanted to be?
#8- BREAKTHROUGH (AER #3)- Not only is it fascinating to see what happens to the “winners” of the Inventor’s Fair, its captivating to watch as Rashmi figures everything out. Only knock against this one is that there’s really never any follow-up to her learning what Saheeli really is.
#7- FAVOR (HOU #5)- The spoiler for the card Bontu’s Last Reckoning suggested that the Croc God might have a bit more to her, but the realization that she WILLINGLY went along with Bolas’ plans was a shock, indeed. Add in a very dramatic fight between her and Hazoret, and the tragic ending, and you get a fine story worthy of the Top 10.
#6- RENEWAL (AER #9)- The climax of Aether Revolt may have been the biggest letdown of the year, but the epilogue salvaged things rather well. Pia’s promotion and reconciliation with Chandra, Baral’s fate, Ajani’s joining yet refusing to blindly follow the Gatewatch to Amonkhet, and the beloved Yahenni’s final night were all very poignant moments, with the touching final scene truly making things right, for just one moment, before the horrors of the Amonkhet block.
#5- THE RACE, PART 2 (XLN #7)- A fun, freewheeling adventure, as everyone makes a mad dash for a city they’re not all that sure where it lies. Everyone attempts to screw everyone else over, and it all ends with one of the best cliffhangers (almost literally!) we’ve ever had in Magic story. Oh, and Angrath returns! Have I mentioned how awesome Angrath is yes?
#4- THE HOUR OF PROMISE (HOU #4)- Between Vraska and Hapatra, Magic Made Golgari Cool Again in 2017. Showing the locust swarm, and its horrific consequences, from the perspective of the surprisingly affable Vizier of Poisons made for a great story, as well as really hitting home the death’s of Kefnet and Oketra. Can you blame the poor woman for hating Planeswalkers by the time this is over.
#3- BRAZEN (AKH #6)- Such a lighthearted opening turns dark so quickly as Gideon realizes the truth about the Trial of Ambition, and the real purpose of Amonkhet. The chilling thing about the story is how WILLINGLY everyone just went along with it- and then you realize that the Tah crop was one of the best crops ever and had a true bond of solidarity. Imagine this trial with some less coherent crops that were unwilling to make sacrifices…
#2- THE HOUR OF DEVASTATION (HOU #8)- The complete and utter Gatewatch ass whuppin that the Magic community waited nearly three years for.
#1- BURN (AER #5)- Anytime you see the name Chris L’Etoile attached to a story, you know it’s going to be top-caliber (which makes it a shame that he’s only done three of them), filled with just the right amounts of humor, drama, angst, and action. Burn was his arguably best piece, highlighting the long-awaited showdown between Chandra and Baral- a contest that ended in about the most unexpectedly satisfying fashion. Add in a side-story with Gideon vs. the Gearhulks, and the return of Shadowblayde (WITH A Y THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH), and you get the best Magic Story of 2017.
10-THE WRITING ON THE WALL (AKH #3)- I've enjoyed the Chandra and Nissa relationship and happy that they aren't just going to end up becoming a couple right off the bat with how they going with Nissa's character. Rest the story was okay but this was this part that I really enjoyed.
9-THE HOUR OF DEVASTATION (HOU #8)- While I'm a bigger fan of the gatewatch then more of the vocal people on here, I did think they had gotten prideful and this owe things with Bolas was very foolish on there part. I'm glad they got some of their flaws shown to them so that (I hope) they can start working on them. Also cool to see Bolas after all this time and remind us why he the big bad of magic.
8-HOUR OF GLORY (HOU #3)- I ended up really feeling for the gods and the people of Amonkhet and this story really hit me with that. See Rhonas finding out the working of Bolas on the plane and the sadness that his own brother who loved his siblings was the one who was killing them. Then the sting of his final act of summoning the snake being all for not.
7-JACE, ALONE (XLN #1)- I liked this look into Jace mind and as I say later on, love how they are doing a soft reboot of the character. I loved all the psychological aspect of Jace fragments memories showing how he feels about the rest of the characters.
6 -ENDURE (HOU #7)- As I said above I feel for the Amonkhet characters as a whole and glad to see a seed of hope left with Hazoret and the survivors. It was also nice seeing a planes walker spark from trauma but from a positive emotional feelings in Samut (as well as being a key for them to surviving in the desert). As someone who's from a Jewish background it also gave me passover feels about refugees wandering into the desert to an uncertain but hope filled future.
4/5 THE RACE, PART 1 and 2 (XLN #6)- As Pollaski said I like the adventure tone of all the faction racing to the golden city, the hinting that Angrath was more then a rage murder monster and a look at the vampires of Ixalan. But its Jace and Vraska that pull this into the top 5 slots (see below). One of the best finals to a magic blocks story.
3-BURN (AER #5)- This look into Chandra was beautiful and it was nice seeing her healing up from the self-hate she has for herself and her finally defeating Baral. I also liked see Dovin finding out the illegal means Baral had done to arrest people and arresting him right off. Bonus points for it tying in the Purifying Fire info somewhat.
2- THE TALENTED CAPTAIN VRASKA (XLN #3)/SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY (XLN #5)- I was very hesindent with Ixalan featuring Vraska as one of the main characters but these stories really devoople her into an anti-hero character I could get behind. Her friendship (and I hope it says that) with Jace was beautiful and I hope this keeps up in Rivals. I liked these stories for the same reasons so they both tied here.
1- RENEWAL (AER #9)- I thought this nicely tied up Kaladesh story. Ajani joining up was well done, Chandra and her mother saying goodbye was cute, but most of all I love Yahenni's parts and in real life made a happy noise at this line;
made this my favorite story this year.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
While I don't mind the list, this part bothered me. Blue isn't the color of "smart people", but rather the color of perfectionism, knowledge-seeking, artifice and/or control (none of which are exclusive to blue, but which it excels in). Every color alignment has its geniuses and idiots. Nissa isn't stupid (or at least not as much as when she released the Eldrazi Titans).
Furthermore, this is the same block Nissa adopted blue as one of her colors.
It's also probably worth mentioning that Jace has more than proven that he's a very smart, capable individual when he's thrust into a situation like Useless Island, so I wouldn't say that it was his intelligence that was his limiting factor on Amonkhet.