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!
AuthorJohn Dale Beety
John Dale Beety is the Copy Editor for Star City Games.
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?
The Language Is Leaving Me
The Ixalan previews have given JDB plenty to think about! While he waits for the full set to write his flavor review, enjoy his meditation on how language and sounds shape perceptions of the plane and its elements!
Commander 2017 Flavor Gems And Unique Art For $100
It’s a flavorful double feature from JDB! He shares his favorite Commander 2017 cards ahead of its Friday release before revealing the unique art experiences you can enjoy on a small budget!
Rooting For The Villain
The Gatewatch were meant to be the main characters and mascots of Magic for years to come. Why, then, have two separate villains gotten cheers for defeating them? JDB breaks down why a creative work can leave audiences rooting for the villain!
Atmosphere And Plot: The Creative Pendulum Swings
Magic’s approach to worldbuilding on cards has ranged from plot-heavy storytelling to pure atmosphere. JDB illustrates how that pendulum has swung!