Outlaws Of Thunder Junction: Magic Art And Story Perspectives
Donny Caltrider and John Dale Beety team up to analyze upcoming MTG set Outlaws of Thunder Junction through the lenses of art and story.
Five Surprising Real-World Inspirations Behind Popular Magic Cards
From an iconic photograph to modern architecture, MTG art borrows from the real world in many ways. Donny Caltrider takes you through a flavorful journey of great art and surprising inspirations.
On Swamps
Need a moment to break from the tournament hype today? JDB is always there to lend academic expertise on Magic’s deep history! This week, he’s talking something very basic…and yet not at all! Put your waders on…
Flavor Digest: Magic’s Most Expensive Basic Lands
Flavor is all about self-expression. If the message you want to send is “My basic lands cost more than your car,” JDB has the top picks for the spend-happy show-off!
Flavor Digest: Magic’s Pirates Before Ixalan
While Pirates really came into their own on Ixalan, their history in Magic stretches all the way back to the first printing of the game! Join JDB as he sails the Flavor Seas in search of Vorthos treasure!
A History Of Magic Flavor In Ten Cards
Can the history of Magic’s flavor really be shown through just ten cards? The task seems impossible, but it won’t stop JDB from trying!
Flavor Digest: Last Words
“Ach! Hans, run! It’s the Lhurgoyf!” Saffi Eriksdotter’s last words made Magic history. JDB takes a look at the iconic and irony-soaked subgenre of flavor text.
Flavor Digest: The Universal Translator
While Ryan Saxe is taking a well-earned week off, JDB is stepping in with a two-pack of Flavor Digests! Today he discusses a weird puzzle of the Multiverse: how do all these characters from different worlds talk to each other?
Worlds, Planes, Places: The Size Of A Setting
How big is a plane, anyway? JDB explores that question and recent trends as he looks beyond Ixalan block to the return of Dominaria.
The Artists Of The Invitational
Long after JDB scrubs out of the SCG Season Two Invitational, you’ll find him haunting the artists’ booths! Get his takes on the seven Magical illustrators who’ll be selling and signing December 1-3 in Roanoke!
The Intriguing Possibilities Of Planeswalker Angrath
The Minotaur planeswalker Angrath has lots of storytelling potential! JDB covers the intriguing possibilities and makes a pitch for his U.S. readers to join him in serving their local communities!
Dear Spike, I’m Sorry. Love, Vorthos
Magic’s player profiles are like siblings scrambling for Wizards of the Coast’s parental attention. As Vorthos comes off two years of being treated as the golden child, JDB breaks down how Spike and his pet Gideons and Jaces went horribly wrong.
Magic’s Reboots
As Magic approaches its 25th anniversary, it’s staggering how many creative details have accumulated over the years. JDB examines the ways Wizards of the Coast has jettisoned the worst of its storyline past.
American Tropes: If The USA Were Made A Magic Setting
Wizards of the Coast frequently takes parts of non-U.S. cultures for use in Magic’s settings. But what if the shoe were on the other foot? As conspiracy theorists battle robber barons, JDB uses his nation’s past to explore worldbuilding’s potential pitfalls.
The Ixalan Flavor Review
New set, new setting: it’s time for Ixalan’s flavor review! Which debuting artist likely got his break because of a Dinosaur banner? Why are the coins anachronistic? And what creative choice has JDB genuinely furious?