The Brothers' War Review for Commander - Part One

What’s up, friends? Welcome back to Cardsphere for some more Commander nonsense. The Brothers’ War is here! Well, the card previews are here, anyway. We’ve seen the whole set, we know what’s in it, and now it’s time to talk about what’s gonna get played. We’re starting today with creatures that can lead your decks. We won’t be talking about all the legends, because there are a lot of them, and neither of us have time for all that. Instead we’re just gonna talk about a handful of them, specifically the ones I think are going to get the most love in Commander. Without further ado, let’s review.
Meld Commanders
Let’s start with the Meld commanders. There are 3 mythic legends in the set that Meld with another card to form a super-mega-ultra-fancy commander. They are: Titania, Voice of Gaea; Mishra, Claimed by Gix; and Urza, Lord Protector. Each of these 3 have an unmistakably large amount of power once Melded, but pulling off the Meld can be tricky, and only gets harder if the melded creature/planeswalker dies and the non-commander card goes to the graveyard. The question Commander players will be asking is: Is it worth it? I think a lot of people are going to try, enough that these will shoot up in popularity when the set first releases. But the hype will probably taper off once people see how herculean a task it is to not only pull off the meld, but to also keep the melded entity on the field. Regardless, these are all very strong, and very fun.
Add: lots of tutors and graveyard recursion. You’ll need them to get the Meld going.
We’ve seen plenty of legendary mana-makers before. Just this year alone we’ve had Magus Lucea Kane, Cormela, Glamour Thief
Goes in: Ruric Thar, the Unbowed
Remember my last article about variability, and how one of the best ways to get a different experience from your decks every game is to play with your opponents’ stuff? Well, Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor is here with perfect timing to give you another option. In fact, from a variability standpoint, this might be one of my favorite commanders. Not only do you get to play with your opponents’ things, you’re also incentivizing people to swing elsewhere by giving them that card draw option. I mean, what’s one life in the grand scheme of things? But there’s a real struggle inherent with this commander that we need to address, and that’s keeping your hand filled enough for the activated ability to be meaningful. That’s not impossible to do in mono-black, but also not as easy as if he were blue. Also, the activated ability’s cost is staggering, and will certainly deter a lot of players looking for easy value. So maybe this is more of a personal favorite than a “gonna be big” commander, but it’s worth talking about either way. I love this card, and will definitely build the deck.
Add: Archfiend of Ifnir
As with Gix, I may be putting a little too much of my personal taste into this pick. Because if there’s something I love in Commander more than variability, it’s freaking artifacts. I love them, I love playing with all my shiny toys. And the only thing better than having a shiny new toy is having two of them (no, I won’t share). So many mana rocks! The only question is, what direction do you take this deck? How does it win? Could be giant artifact beaters, like Blightsteel Colossus
Add: Artificer Class
Like Gwenna, Myrel is on this list because they're going to be a hot item in the 99 far more than the command zone. Although I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who’ve always dreamt of having Grand Abolisher
But let’s not overlook the soldier bit. Mono-white soldier kindred isn’t exactly a powerful, or popular, archetype, and I think if that’s your plan you’re better off going with Harbin, Vanguard Aviator
Goes in: Really any white deck that’s looking to combo off or make tokens.
colorlessLike Gix, this guy suffers from a high-cost activation. But it’s oh-so worth it.
Add: Esper Sentinel
It’s always refreshing when we get a Boros (white/red) commander that does something unique. Queen Kayla is definitely that, and she has a lot of people hyped. What’s really exciting about her, aside from the value, is that she’s clearly a challenging build. You need to really sculpt your hand, and your deck, well in order to get the most value out of her, and there’s no easy-mode way to do that, outside of maybe Scroll Rack
Add: Zirda, the Dawnwaker
Let’s just start this one off with another combo, shall we? Chromatic Orrery
There’s plenty of other fun stuff to do with this commander, and that’s why he makes the list. Also, he’s the leader of one of the new Commander decks, so go pick up that deck if you want to see what all he’s capable of (or if you’re just really stoked about all the retro border reprints).
Add: Stalking Vengeance
The leader of the other precon for the set, this version of Urza adds black to his identity and churns out a huge construct every turn to wreck your opponents. The menace ability is far stronger than it may seem at first glance, especially when you drop other large artifact creatures on the board with evasion abilities like flying or trample. The casting cost looks pretty rough, but the affinity discount should be easy if you’re running plenty of mana rocks, which you should be.
Add: Anointed Procession
Yes, another mono-green legend has made the list. And yes, it’s another Titania that cares about lands. It’s her whole schtick, apparently (although “stick” seems the more appropriate word here). What sets this one apart and gets her on my radar is the ridiculous amount of value you get for just 6 mana. Also, she’s the only one on the list that I believe will be popular as both a commander and as an addition to the 99, finding a home in almost every Green+ self-mill or lands matter decks. The Gitrog Monster
Add: Ancient Greenwarden
Final Parting
Alright friends, those are my picks for the new legends to watch out for from The Brothers’ War. What do you think? Any I missed? Any on this list you think are a putrid pile of garbage? Hit me up on Twitter and let me know. You can also catch me making budget content with the Scrap Trawlers over on YouTube and Twitch.
Be sure to check back soon for my full review of the new set, when we’ll pick out all the best cards to put in the 99 for your Commander decks, and discuss the set as a whole. Until next time, take care. And play lots of games!