The Angel Avacyn

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A golden helix streaked skyward from the Helvault. A thunderous explosion shattered the silver monolith and Avacyn emerged, free from her prison at last.

Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

If you completey missed the hysteria of yesterday's first Magic the Gathering spoile for Avacyn Restored, then we suggest you back up one post and read what went on yesterday leading up to the Avacyn, Angel of Hope preview by Wizards of the Coast on their Magic the Gathering Facebook page.

If you are up to speed, then let's have a brief recap.  A promise was given to reveal the first card after the initial post to the MTG facebook was shared 10,000 times.  Fans of the game went overboard crashing the FB app until WoTC relented and posted the preview just before 8:30 p.m. last evening.  After the dust settled, there were approximately 7,864 Likes, 3,329 Shares, and 3,064 Comments.   

From a flavour point of view, fans of the story-line (Vorthos) will be eating this up and asking for second helpings.  The legendary angel has returned, the remaining angels will flock (?) to her and all may be put back as it was.  There still is the issue of the demon Griselbrand, her former Helvault cell-mate to contend with but that makes for a nicely balanced game and story.  One thing for sure - the denizens of Innistrad should be rather happy with this - and who knows - perhaps the Thraben tourist industry will return to normal as well.  Check out this awesome tee by Griffen Valentine.
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Righto - now let's look at the game card . . .Avacyn, Angel of Hope - 5
Legendary Creature - Angel, Mythic Rare
Flying, Vigilance
Avacyn, Angel of Hope and other permanents you control are indestructible.
8/8
A golden helix streaked skyward from the Helvault. A thunderous explosion shattered the silver monolith and Avacyn emerged, free from her prison at last.

 First of all - artist / illustrator Jason Chan rocks out any Angel art - remember Luminous Angel?  As for the card, at a cmc of 8 mana, this is expensive to cast without ramp (Primeval Titan) or a trick to sneak it into play - perhaps from the 'Yard  with Unburial Rites.  In EDH / Commander, this is less of an issue of course but some players will groan if they pull it in a draft / limited game.  As to how to kill it if happen to be unfortantely looking at the business end of it across the game table, it will be a bit tricky as well as it, and every other permanent that player has will be indestructible. 

There may be help with the Legend rule - Playing a Phantasmal Image or Phyrexian Metamorph, copying the Angel will blow both up.  One could bounce her with Vapor Snag or Disperse.  You could also exile her feathered butt with a Dispatch (for artifact decks), Fiend Hunder or Oblivion Ring - and if Path to Exile were to return to standard (we have a suspicion it will in M13), this would also be a good choice.  In black, Avacyn could always have a Tragic Slip, Tribute to Hunger, Geth’s Verdict, and / or Liliana of the Veil.  
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Lastly,Preorder assorted Avacyn card lots at MTG Mint Card - This is the last chance for the early bird discount for the Avacyn Restored uncommon & common card sets.

For as low as $39.99, you can save a bundle.
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