Talking Story
Magic’s story is going places it’s never been! John Dale Beety breaks down two recent tales that set the Internet abuzz and what they mean for the future of Magic’s creative side.
AuthorJohn Dale Beety
John Dale Beety is the Copy Editor for Star City Games.
Worldbuilding, Or, Moby-Dick Is Magic
Magic’s worldbuilding is some of the best in gaming, but how does Wizards of the Coast adapt its inspirations? JDB explores the process using a classic of American literature, Moby-Dick!
Eldritch Moon Flavor Review
It’s that time again! When set reviews come you can count on tournament implications, metagame thoughts, and studies on new archetypes! But you can also count on JDB to talk story, art, and flavor text! If you’re a Vorthos, welcome home!
Turn 1 Fun: An All Spells Tournament Tale
Want the usual JDB flavor fare? Not this week! #SCGWOR is coming, and JDB broke out one of his old favorites at a recent IQ in order to help you plan for the big SCG Tour® Legacy weekend!
Grim Nemesis Presents: The Nahiri EP (Lyrics Inside!)
Gather around the stereo. The latest work of the best metal act in all the Multiverse just hit iTunes and Spotify! John Dale Beety provides a little bit of insight and a lot of headbanging!
Not Merely Fantasy: Genre Mixing In Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering is a fantasy game, but sometimes it takes cues from other genres. JDB looks into sci-fi, horror, and mystery before making an audacious pitch for the return of the Magic novel!
Shadows Over Innistrad Story Review
Innistrad is one of the most beloved settings in Magic. How has its latest set framed the narrative within? John Dale Beety gives you a recap of all of the goings on, as well as his take on the upcoming Eldritch Moon!
Disposable Characters
As Magic’s storyline becomes more and more important to the creative minds behind the game, a trend emerges: Some characters are never truly in danger. If Magic needs Jace and his friends, are the stakes ever really high? JDB studies the superhero problem in contemporary Magic storytelling.
Taxes, Bureaucracy, And More
Yesterday was Tax Day in the USA. JDB takes his mind off forms and refunds by examining the flavor of taxation in the Multiverse and the bureaucracy that comes with it.
Shadows Over Innistrad Flavor Review
There’s no denying that the plane of Innistrad is a flavor home run. It’s the kind of set and setting that gets John Dale Beety ready to write! Enjoy his analysis of Magic’s most beloved horror show!
I Wish I Could’ve Been There
Shadows over Innistrad has had viral videos and internet scavenger hunts, and we found our resident sleuth John Dale Beety asleep at his desk, unaware of any of them. With our retainer refunded and his detective hat back on straight, JDB catches up on Innistrad’s mysteries.
Hermits, Ascetics, Recluses, Monastics
From Monastery Mentor to Hermit Druid, Magic has a long history of eccentric creatures that stay just out of reach of society’s reach. JDB studies the creatures that have devoted their lives to studying. And hiding. And making friends with Squirrels.
Medic! The Top 10 Healers In Magic
We all need a little help from our friends. Planeswalkers and creatures are no different. JDB pays tribute to the supporting cast of the Magic world by laying out the greatest medical staff the Multiverse has ever known.
Testimonies On The Banning Of Summer Bloom
We all understand the practical purposes of bannings, but how does that work from a fantasy in-game storytelling perspective? JDB investigates the deep personal political conflict that arose from an overabundance of untapped Simic Growth Chambers.
Oath Of The Gatewatch Flavor Review
Oath of the Gatewatch is a Magic set, sure, but it’s also a gallery of arts, fantasy storytelling, and cultural mash-ups. John Dale Beety looks closer at the details you may have missed!