Hidden Gems for Captain America, First Avenger

10 Dec
by Adam Berg

Even though copies of the Marvel Secret Lair legendary creatures aren’t yet readily available, they’re already proving to be quite popular as commanders. Over at EDHREC, the most popular commander of the past month is Storm, Force of Nature - which we covered last time. After her, Captain America, First Avenger has thousands of people brewing.

Strategies diverge down different paths, from equipment to voltron to aggro to combo. As you consider your own brew and reevaluate after playtesting, there are bound to be cards to go in and out of your build. Here are five recommendations that might get overlooked or underappreciated - at least when it comes to maximizing the fun and not necessarily the win rate.

#1. Bludgeon Brawl

Flinging random equipment can already create entertaining images, like using Hot Soup or Chariot of Victory. Picture them bouncing off of enemies’ noggins and you’re already having more fun than your opponents. If we want to expand the hilarity and open up Captain America’s arsenal to any artifact, Bludgeon Brawl promises the world. Use a Darksteel Forge to protect your equipment and deal nine damage between three targets. Who knew a forge could be so bouncy?

Bludgeon Brawl

#2. Akki Battle Squad

Whenever you build a deck around Auras, Equipment, or artifacts, don’t forget to search for cards that care about modified creatures. This little battle squad works great with Captain America, since his second ability triggers at the beginning of combat and will most likely be modified. It’s like doubling up on his leadership skills! Plus, why wouldn’t he want to lead a battalion of Goblin Samurai? It just makes sense. 

Akki Battle Squad
Akki Battle Squad (Extended Art)

#3. Rohirrim Chargers (Borderless)

While we’re venturing into the world of Universes Beyond, let’s add a little Lord of the Rings to the mix. This Human Knight fetches up Equipment whenever it attacks, but only if it exerts, meaning it probably won’t be attacking every turn. That is, unless you find ways to untap it, like the aforementioned Akki Battle Squad. At four mana, it starts with a decent body of 4/4, plus whatever Equipment you happen to fetch and attach to it right away. It’s a great way to keep up the pressure while also gaining card advantage. For Rohan!

Rohirrim Chargers (Borderless)

#4. Karn, Legacy Reforged

Karn does it all! Since we’re already loading up on Equipment, his power and toughness scales upwards as whatever Equipment you find comes into play. Hello Excalibur, Sword of Eden! But he also contributes mana to cast artifact spells and pay for abilities - including the Captain’s first ability that allows all the “shield” tossing that he’s become famous for. With a mana hungry ability like that, the Captain is gonna want to ramp up. But unfortunately for him, America’s colors don’t include green; here’s where Karn shines. It never really comes up in the movies, but Steve Rogers' best friend is actually Karn. Surprising, I know.

Karn, Legacy Reforged
Karn, Legacy Reforged (Foil Etched)
Karn, Legacy Reforged (Retro Frame)
Karn, Legacy Reforged (Extended Art)
Karn, Legacy Reforged (Future Sight)

#5. Copy Artifact

It’s not the most obvious copy ability for artifact synergies, since we have the likes of Phyrexian Metamorph, Sculpting Steel, and Masterwork of Ingenuity. But if we want to add more copying options to the mix, a two-mana enchantment is a great rate and a good way to impress the old fogey at the table who misses the good old days of 1994. It’s on the Reserved List though, making it only slightly more annoying to find than an actual copy of the Captain. At least for now.

Copy Artifact
Copy Artifact
Copy Artifact

That’s all for this week on Hidden Gems. Don’t forget to check out our Premium membership for more entertainment and Magic market insights!  Until next time, happy brewing!

Further Reading:

The Best Ways to Break "Once Each Turn" Cards in Commander

Adam Berg
Adam Berg

Adam started playing Magic on his 14th birthday, when Judgment just released and the game's first Gorgon was born (It's a girl!). Since then, he's delved deep into Commander, written for television and film, and learned how to drive. He's published two YA Fantasy novels, Rainbringer and The Broken Pantheon. His favorite card is Repay In Kind, which is really all you need to know.


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