I've had it around for a bit. I've tested it on a few videos. Not sure if I want to use it full time, but it fits more of the feel for this type of video. I'm always planning for the future. :)
Awesome breakdown. It’s a great point that these are cards that see play and the process leading up to why and how these cards will be made are so important. The flavour text really sold it to me and it is the first secret lair I’ve genuinely been interested in. Thanks for the video
I dont understand why people get so up in arms over some lairs. If they dont like it dont buy it its really that simple. I think its awesome if these cards make even 1 person interested in mtg. Its great that wotc got new art for these cards & that some are quite competitive as you mentioned. Its 2021, I am hoping for more positivity from the mtg community
I feel you. I can say I've spoken to at least a handful of folks that are more interesting in playing again, as former players, because they saw this product.
You have to think, the times today most peoples morals align with one side or another where its a battle of Intolerance, hate and protecting the status quo vs acceptance, love, progression and change. I have a strong guess that those same people in the community that HATE people of color being featured on magic cards, wear certain red hats.
You're always going to have an issue when you're a large scale business claiming things like representation. Secret lairs has had a few issues, the frequency and fomo are predatory. The walking dead had multiple issues including bringing a universe into Magic (possibly) and selling format legal cards directly. The card quality has also been abysmal lately. We as the consumer have the right to hold WOTC to a high standard, as they claim they meet it.
I really love the art, especially on that Teferi reprint and Sol Ring! This definitely feels like what Secret Lairs should be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I like the art and flavor of the cards. The way this product was handled lets me know that wotc can push for representation in a positive and proper way. They are far from perfect, but I believe they are taking the correct steps.
2021 for wizards is already looking better. For example: kaldheim print quality was so good that I wouldn't be worried about buying a collectors booster. Knocking on wood, wotc doesn't eff this up lol
It's cool that Brian talked to you about it. When he gave it an A, I was surprised, given how little he enjoys Secret Lair, but I imagine you both had a dialogue before he came to that conclusion.
Definitely getting one. The arts are gorgeous, I have every single one of these cards in at least one deck, sometimes more and I'm glad to know it doezn't just seem good, it actually gets the approval of the community it claimed to want to celebrate. Really torn on risking foil vs getting non-foil however. I think some of those arts would look so good in foil that it might be worth having to put it the extra work of crushing them between heavy books for a while.
My one miniscule complaint is that Path of Ancestry doesn't look like a land? (It's understandable, given the theme, but my brain still gets hung up on it.) Now I'm trying to decide if I should pick up *two* or *three* copies of the drop, though.
I am fully on board with this one. I don't play paper magic anymore, but I don't think I can pass on this one. The art is great, the cause is great, and the cards are relevant to formats. I'll be gifting them out and keeping Tef for me. Awesome video.
I really appreciate this video. One thing I'm curious about is what WOTC's problems have been in this area, since you seemed to be alluding to things they've done wrong in the (relatively recent?) past but I can't remember having heard of anything.
Hope this isn't rude, but please feel free to join my Discord to talk about it or check out my podcast. Hard to communicate things clearly and succinctly in TH-cam comments.
Not rude at all! I was worried that *I* was being rude by asking you to explain something that's certainly already been explained once somewhere. Thank you for the reply!
I love the art on these. If I had to pick one Cultivate is my favorite but Teferi is a close second. I'm still on the fence about the idea of direct to consumer Secret Lairs at all, but this one seems like one of the best and may be the first one I buy because of the charity aspect.
Ive only played mtg a couple of times in my life, and don't buy mtg cards in the first place, but I really like the art on these ones and am debating buying them just to have.
I’m normally suspicious of a lot of diversity things because too many of them seem shallow (just ticking boxes, kind of clunky or just cynical making money) but these seem like legit works of art which show appreciation of a different culture, and I like that a lot.
This is a great initiative and I don’t want to take away from it but the fact of the matter is that Secret Lairs are not available for purchase in a single African country. Eg. I think most South Africans would support this Secret Lairs but the sad fact is that if you are in Africa then WOTC doesn’t see you as a customer but rather a charity case. Thank you for the great content.
I don't think it's about being a charity case as much as it is about logistics, timelines, etc. That's my guess. They only recently got them available in South America, after getting them available in Europe. They say they are still looking at other regions and options though, for whatever that's worth. Since they are gradually adding other areas, it'll be interesting to see if they have it expanded out through this year. After all, it's not about anything but them being able to get more money. Access to more people is more cash. So, we can't play the narrative of "they only want to do things to get more money" alongside "they are purposely ignoring us and not making more money". Though to your point, I do understand how it feels awfully bad when you can't get a cool item like this. They should be working more actively to get it to as many people as possible.
I'm glad to hear it's an overwhelming positive response and not particularly contentious. Your point about them being highly playable cards is a big deal as well. Buying 4 for sure, thanks for the review.
I'll be buying this one. Nice art, it's for a good cause, and (with the exception of Path of Ancestry) these are all cards I will use in my EDH decks. And Path of Ancestry is fine -- I just don't like tap lands.
Positives: It supports a great charity. The art is amazing (seriously love that Sol Ring). You can get it in non-foil. Negatives: The art for Shalai feels more WR than WG, to me. Final Grade: A I don't need one for myself, but will probably pick one up to support Black Girls CODE. Might use it for a giveaway or something
I love the art work. Amazing. It is good that they have new artists of different backgrounds a chance to make these cards. It would be great if they keep using these artists in the future
I’m genuinely surprised how much I like the art and the flavour text on these. I came in thinking this was going to be pure ‘muh diversity,’ but these are not only tasteful, but objectively beautiful looking cards. And not to mention good cards at that.
So glad they didnt make US donate on their behalf and tax write off this time around. Cards are beautiful and you are right, playable. I cant wait to slam these in my decks
Love the intro!! Could you please provide a link to your podcast and cohost of your podcast? Might be a good idea to put that link in description. If I want to find it, others might too. Maybe it's there but I missed it...sorry if I did. Love ya Dragn
This makes me sad, I literally just copy and pasted this chunk from my description that's in every one of my videos with ALL my social links: :( ----------------------------------- MY SOCIAL LINKS: Facebook: facebook.com/powrdragn Twitch: www.twitch.tv/powrdragn Twitter: twitter.com/powrdragn My podcast: colorofmagic.podbean.com/ Instagram: www.instragam.com/powrdragn Patreon: www.patreon.com/colorofmagic Discord: discord.gg/nDUNShu ------------------------------------- My co-host is DLCeasar here on TH-cam.
I also loved the content. The way you elucidated your opinion hit home. Just good way to look at life in general to acknowledge the good if you're going to call out the bad. Also glad they're donating all proceeds to charity. A good charity too. Idk what else to say other than I respect you a lot and appreciate you doing this video.
@@savagesnadgaming7252 thanks. I'm sure I'll get the typical knuckleheads chiming it, but it comes with the territory. Most people seem good with the product though. :)
Doh! I did miss it. I scanned it twice too haha. Thank you for posting it anyways. There's so many links and it was in the middle. Hard to see the tree in a forest? Or is that saying the other way around....lol
You're doing something for charity to support a black cause. Historically Blacks get depicted as dark, angry, and violent in a lot of media. Since black and red are the colors that tend to do this, you'd have to be really careful to not lean into that for an effort such as this. With the lighter feel of the product, it's likely best to just stay away from tempting fate on that one.
In the future you can always hop into my discord if you ever want to discuss things or have questions. That increases the odds I'll actually see it and can do into better detail.
I only really have 2 things to say (but I do very much agree this is a good product) 1. I wish they didn't release Black is Magic right before/after the Valentine's Day Superdrop, because people will mostly likely want to buy that product as well, and people might not have enough money for both. 2. I hope this is very much a means and not an end, because if this is all WOTC does for diversity sake, then that reflects really badly on them internally.
1. Every product will come out before or after something else. 2. I also addressed this in the video that WotC is making other efforts in this space already.
New Intro! I like it!
I've had it around for a bit. I've tested it on a few videos. Not sure if I want to use it full time, but it fits more of the feel for this type of video.
I'm always planning for the future. :)
I really like the art on those cards, glad so many people reacted positivley to this. And getting people to code is allways good.
I agree. Art is really cool and the charity is worth while.
Ugliest Magic cards that have ever been produced!
Abysmally fucking disgusting!
Awesome breakdown. It’s a great point that these are cards that see play and the process leading up to why and how these cards will be made are so important. The flavour text really sold it to me and it is the first secret lair I’ve genuinely been interested in. Thanks for the video
You're welcome. Don't forget you only have two days left to order!
I dont understand why people get so up in arms over some lairs. If they dont like it dont buy it its really that simple. I think its awesome if these cards make even 1 person interested in mtg. Its great that wotc got new art for these cards & that some are quite competitive as you mentioned.
Its 2021, I am hoping for more positivity from the mtg community
I feel you. I can say I've spoken to at least a handful of folks that are more interesting in playing again, as former players, because they saw this product.
You have to think, the times today most peoples morals align with one side or another where its a battle of Intolerance, hate and protecting the status quo vs acceptance, love, progression and change. I have a strong guess that those same people in the community that HATE people of color being featured on magic cards, wear certain red hats.
You're always going to have an issue when you're a large scale business claiming things like representation. Secret lairs has had a few issues, the frequency and fomo are predatory. The walking dead had multiple issues including bringing a universe into Magic (possibly) and selling format legal cards directly. The card quality has also been abysmal lately. We as the consumer have the right to hold WOTC to a high standard, as they claim they meet it.
Man this stuff is sick. Really proud of my hobby showing up and doing something good. That cultivate flavor texts hits hard.
Yeah, this product hits all the right buttons.
I really love the art, especially on that Teferi reprint and Sol Ring! This definitely feels like what Secret Lairs should be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I totally agree!
I like the art and flavor of the cards. The way this product was handled lets me know that wotc can push for representation in a positive and proper way. They are far from perfect, but I believe they are taking the correct steps.
Exactly. They still have issues. But they are at least showing proper effort and consideration that should be acknowledged.
Ugliest Magic cards that have ever been produced!
Abysmally fucking disgusting!
That shalai is awesome. Def going to pick one up for my commander deck.
Yeah it's neat.
2021 for wizards is already looking better. For example: kaldheim print quality was so good that I wouldn't be worried about buying a collectors booster. Knocking on wood, wotc doesn't eff this up lol
We'll see. Small steps lead to big steps.
It's cool that Brian talked to you about it. When he gave it an A, I was surprised, given how little he enjoys Secret Lair, but I imagine you both had a dialogue before he came to that conclusion.
Actually we talked *after* that. He came to that conclusion on it's own. The product is really that good.
Definitely getting one. The arts are gorgeous, I have every single one of these cards in at least one deck, sometimes more and I'm glad to know it doezn't just seem good, it actually gets the approval of the community it claimed to want to celebrate.
Really torn on risking foil vs getting non-foil however. I think some of those arts would look so good in foil that it might be worth having to put it the extra work of crushing them between heavy books for a while.
That's totally understandable. I'm more of a non-foil person anyway, but some people have some rough luck with the foils these days.
My one miniscule complaint is that Path of Ancestry doesn't look like a land? (It's understandable, given the theme, but my brain still gets hung up on it.)
Now I'm trying to decide if I should pick up *two* or *three* copies of the drop, though.
Dude, same. I don't even know how many I want.
I am fully on board with this one. I don't play paper magic anymore, but I don't think I can pass on this one. The art is great, the cause is great, and the cards are relevant to formats. I'll be gifting them out and keeping Tef for me. Awesome video.
Yeah, these are good and might even end up being good collectibles as popular as it as potential to be.
I think this Secret Lair is a win all around. Great cause, great cards, great art and nice variety of art styles. Love the Teferi art in particular👍
I think so too!
I really appreciate this video. One thing I'm curious about is what WOTC's problems have been in this area, since you seemed to be alluding to things they've done wrong in the (relatively recent?) past but I can't remember having heard of anything.
Hope this isn't rude, but please feel free to join my Discord to talk about it or check out my podcast.
Hard to communicate things clearly and succinctly in TH-cam comments.
Not rude at all! I was worried that *I* was being rude by asking you to explain something that's certainly already been explained once somewhere. Thank you for the reply!
@@JL-fz7cl You're welcome.
I love the art on these. If I had to pick one Cultivate is my favorite but Teferi is a close second. I'm still on the fence about the idea of direct to consumer Secret Lairs at all, but this one seems like one of the best and may be the first one I buy because of the charity aspect.
I have no problem with them being available for direct purchase. And products like this are great.
Ive only played mtg a couple of times in my life, and don't buy mtg cards in the first place, but I really like the art on these ones and am debating buying them just to have.
That's makes sense. They are really cool.
I’m normally suspicious of a lot of diversity things because too many of them seem shallow (just ticking boxes, kind of clunky or just cynical making money) but these seem like legit works of art which show appreciation of a different culture, and I like that a lot.
I hear ya. And yeah, these are really nice.
This is a great initiative and I don’t want to take away from it but the fact of the matter is that Secret Lairs are not available for purchase in a single African country. Eg. I think most South Africans would support this Secret Lairs but the sad fact is that if you are in Africa then WOTC doesn’t see you as a customer but rather a charity case.
Thank you for the great content.
I don't think it's about being a charity case as much as it is about logistics, timelines, etc. That's my guess. They only recently got them available in South America, after getting them available in Europe. They say they are still looking at other regions and options though, for whatever that's worth. Since they are gradually adding other areas, it'll be interesting to see if they have it expanded out through this year.
After all, it's not about anything but them being able to get more money. Access to more people is more cash. So, we can't play the narrative of "they only want to do things to get more money" alongside "they are purposely ignoring us and not making more money".
Though to your point, I do understand how it feels awfully bad when you can't get a cool item like this. They should be working more actively to get it to as many people as possible.
I'm glad to hear it's an overwhelming positive response and not particularly contentious. Your point about them being highly playable cards is a big deal as well. Buying 4 for sure, thanks for the review.
Cool. I'm trying to figure out how many I want to buy.
Thanks so much for discussing this Secret Lair! I'm excited to buy one and play these cards.
Me too!
I'll be buying this one. Nice art, it's for a good cause, and (with the exception of Path of Ancestry) these are all cards I will use in my EDH decks. And Path of Ancestry is fine -- I just don't like tap lands.
Completely understandable. I hope this product does well in general to encourage this type of thing in the future.
Positives: It supports a great charity. The art is amazing (seriously love that Sol Ring). You can get it in non-foil.
Negatives: The art for Shalai feels more WR than WG, to me.
Final Grade: A
I don't need one for myself, but will probably pick one up to support Black Girls CODE. Might use it for a giveaway or something
Totally reasonable. This will be a good prize/giveaway product down the road for sure.
I love the art work. Amazing.
It is good that they have new artists of different backgrounds a chance to make these cards. It would be great if they keep using these artists in the future
Yeah, it would be cool to see some of these art styles on other cards for sure.
I’m genuinely surprised how much I like the art and the flavour text on these. I came in thinking this was going to be pure ‘muh diversity,’ but these are not only tasteful, but objectively beautiful looking cards. And not to mention good cards at that.
Exactly. It doesn't feel like a courtesy effort. It feels legit and really cool.
Really liked that they didn't hike up the price like the Children's Day secret lair. Makes the charity aspect seem a lot more genuine.
Agreed.
Excited for these! Great cause, great cards, stunning artwork! Definitely buying non-foil though 😅
I'm just trying to figure out how many I want.
So glad they didnt make US donate on their behalf and tax write off this time around. Cards are beautiful and you are right, playable. I cant wait to slam these in my decks
They charged me for them just a couple days ago, so should be shipping out soon.
@@PowrDragn do you ever get tracking info on your secret lairs? Mine was charged a week ago and I still have nothing
Great, joyful cards. Great charity. I am glad they chose to do it tastefully and with respect.
Same here. There were several ways they could've tripped in productive of this. They managed to navigate this well and hit a home run.
Ugliest Magic cards that have ever been produced!
Abysmally fucking disgusting!
Great take and neat product imo. All for the cause!
I think so too!
Love the intro!! Could you please provide a link to your podcast and cohost of your podcast? Might be a good idea to put that link in description. If I want to find it, others might too. Maybe it's there but I missed it...sorry if I did. Love ya Dragn
This makes me sad, I literally just copy and pasted this chunk from my description that's in every one of my videos with ALL my social links: :(
-----------------------------------
MY SOCIAL LINKS:
Facebook: facebook.com/powrdragn
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/powrdragn
Twitter: twitter.com/powrdragn
My podcast: colorofmagic.podbean.com/
Instagram: www.instragam.com/powrdragn
Patreon: www.patreon.com/colorofmagic
Discord: discord.gg/nDUNShu
-------------------------------------
My co-host is DLCeasar here on TH-cam.
I also loved the content. The way you elucidated your opinion hit home. Just good way to look at life in general to acknowledge the good if you're going to call out the bad. Also glad they're donating all proceeds to charity. A good charity too. Idk what else to say other than I respect you a lot and appreciate you doing this video.
@@savagesnadgaming7252 thanks. I'm sure I'll get the typical knuckleheads chiming it, but it comes with the territory. Most people seem good with the product though. :)
Doh! I did miss it. I scanned it twice too haha. Thank you for posting it anyways. There's so many links and it was in the middle. Hard to see the tree in a forest? Or is that saying the other way around....lol
@@savagesnadgaming7252 No worries. Hope it's everything you need.
YOOO THAT INTRO 🔥🔥🔥
Yeah, I've toyed with it before on a couple of things. It's a more recent update to the previous version I used. Might roll it out permanently soon.
I didn't understand about the red and black cards. What did you mean?
You're doing something for charity to support a black cause. Historically Blacks get depicted as dark, angry, and violent in a lot of media. Since black and red are the colors that tend to do this, you'd have to be really careful to not lean into that for an effort such as this. With the lighter feel of the product, it's likely best to just stay away from tempting fate on that one.
In the future you can always hop into my discord if you ever want to discuss things or have questions. That increases the odds I'll actually see it and can do into better detail.
I have a quick question. If I buy this Secret Lair will I get a copy of each of those cards, or just one?
You get all of them.
@@PowrDragn Lovely! I think this will be my first Secret Lair purchase. Thank you!
Digging the new intro!
It's something I've used before. Just updated it. Might start rolling it out permanently for the next phase of my TH-cam stuff.
First Secrete Lair I have "wanted" even got permission from my wife to get 2
I've heard this sentiment a lot.
I only really have 2 things to say (but I do very much agree this is a good product)
1. I wish they didn't release Black is Magic right before/after the Valentine's Day Superdrop, because people will mostly likely want to buy that product as well, and people might not have enough money for both.
2. I hope this is very much a means and not an end, because if this is all WOTC does for diversity sake, then that reflects really badly on them internally.
1. Every product will come out before or after something else.
2. I also addressed this in the video that WotC is making other efforts in this space already.
why would it reflect on them if they pander to different ethic groups? please do explain.