Single-Color Stories And The Flat Character Trap
Magic has pushed characters as part of their new storytelling strategies, but not everything is perfect. JDB stops in to talk about what Jace and friends sacrifice by being who they are to the game!
AuthorJohn Dale Beety
John Dale Beety is the Copy Editor for Star City Games.
Birthstone Magic
Magic is a game with huge monsters, world-ending spells, and…rocks? JDB has provided an absolute gem of a guide to the Magic jewels that matter most to us! Which Mox would you be?
The Kaladesh Flavor Review
A new set means it’s time for a flavor review! JDB takes a deep dive into Kaladesh, exploring the contradictions of its setting, flavor text favorites, and a storytelling trend he hopes ends sooner rather than later!
Fifteen Years Of Magic And The Return Of Myr Enforcer
Myr Enforcer isn’t part of Affinity anymore…is it? JDB explores an unusual build that pairs the seven-mana robot with Sanctum of Ugin and takes a moment to reflect on his fifteen years playing Magic.
Conspiracy: Take The Crown Flavor Review!
Behind every great Magic set is a lot of artwork, world-building, and flavor text! JDB breaks down the best and worst of Conspiracy: Take the Crown’s creative side!
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.
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!