Welcome all and welcome back to Preview Season. A new Draft Box is upon us and thus a new set, all with entirely new cards. Today we start with the Red Cards. We’ll see how they mesh together as a Limited Strategy and how they affect Constructed. Will anything incredibly busted come this time around? Let’s find out.

A Foreword

I just wanted to take some time out before the previews to address this as a whole. Idk if Bandai reads this or not but I want to vent out a little. Bandai, after the disaster that was Dragon Brawl I certainly hope you have learned your lesson about how to treat the Draft Box. It is to the point of absurdity that we as players have to spend such an insane amount of money on a multitude of cards from Dragon Brawl in order to compete. If you want to make a Draft Product that also carries over into the game proper you must, I repeat, MUST make the actual set within far easier to obtain. If Divine Multiverse ends up distributed in the same exact way as Dragon Brawl I fear the closing end of the game, especially with the new Multicolor Lands you’re adding to the set. Way too many decks are gonna be upwards of $300 just to START building them.

I truly love and enjoy the game, as do many others but this is a massive sticking point in continuing to play it or getting anyone else into the game. Make Divine Multiverse widely distributed and have Draft Box 5 be a specialty product. Everyone wins and I promise people will buy in droves. Do as you did last time with Draft Box 4 while learning absolutely nothing in the time since and expect a mass exodus as player confidence will be shaken. You do not want decks to reach MTG Modern status in price point. Do not let it get to that point. Now onto the previews.

Ganos : Caway

Normally this would be a skip however Red’s theme in Divine Multiverse revolves around 1 Drop 10K Vanilla cards so these are actually quite relevant. Two are given within the set at Common to make it far easier to build in a Limited format. In Constructed, even if the 10K Vanilla Theme takes off these likely won’t be used as Kid Goku has his own 10K Vanilla that has its own support. None of the support in this set requires Universe 4 Cards and there’s basically no support for Universe 4 cards anyway whereas Goku has his own on top of being a Red Saiyan. Maybe I could see a couple being played just to bolster the numbers but that’s it.

Tien Shinhan, Unwavering Anchor

We’re gonna go down all the 10K Vanilla support. Tien is an outright untap for 10K Vanillas which has the potential to be incredibly powerful. It’s also not Once Per Turn. If you can pump your 10Ks consistently this can bring the pain REALLY fast. This is a tightrope of an effect. If the theme really takes off in either format, this will push it forward to potential absurdity.

Android 17, Rebel Reinforcements

This card technically isn’t outright support for the Vanilla 10K theme as this gets back any 1 Drop, but it’s close enough so it goes here. It’s interesting, counter an attack and get a free 1 Drop. It might be good enough value to see play for Limited. In Constructed…yeah, Red has enough absurd 2 Drop Negates. This doesn’t come close.

Worthy Warrior Kefla

Obviously this card gets better the more Vanilla 10Ks you have in your deck. If she hits two cards she’s great value even if nothing more than for card advantage and combo power. If you have enough she’s great and an easy add in Limited. In Constructed if you want to be that guy and run ALL the Vanilla 10Ks she should pretty much always “Draw 2”. She’s probably not good enough in a tighter decklist.

Kuru, Proud Supremacy

This is basically the reverse of Kefla, retrieving two Vanilla 10Ks from the Drop. This is more guaranteed and generally better even at low numbers. You don’t want too many of these though as it isn’t very good in the early game. Solid filler choice for both Limited and Constructed.

Feral Strike Shosa

There’s a few ways to compare this card but I think it’s fine just to rate it on its own merit. Two bodies for the price of one and also makes itself a Crit attacker. For Limited this should be a pretty solid card. For Constructed it’s probably a bit weak as 2 Drop 15K Crit is nowhere near special anymore and there are better ways to bring back the 10Ks.

Monna, the Confidence Booster

Okay this card I initially overlooked but this actually has fantastic potential. Pumping two 10Ks for 5K for both your turn and your opponent’s turn can be very powerful, especially in tandem with the above Tien. If she stays on board that’s a lot of value that accrues. Obviously pretty bad in Constructed but not a bad Limited pick at all.

Burly Brawler Nink

This is less support for the archetype and more something where the archetype gives it a little extra bonus. The ability to 15K Active Attack isn’t too bad for 2 and if the opponent KOs it he potentially gets back some more value. I think it’s a fringe pick though for Limited. We’ll have to see how many value 15K and Below Battle Cards there are in the format. Constructed, no. Just no.

Majora, Unseeing Aid

This card I feel is legitimately good. With Deflect he has a high chance of getting on board and getting his effect off. If he isn’t answered he is absolutely crazy value over time, flooding the board with ease. Limited if you’re in the archetype you pick him up. In Constructed it’s much tougher thanks to the pseudo-Counters that don’t give a care in the world towards Deflect but he might still be good enough with smart, careful play.

Mirage Maker Shantza

Now this card has power to it, no shocker it’s a Rare. The ability to untap all of your 1 Drops has absurd potential to it. It’ll mainly be limited to the Vanillas in Limited which is fine as more attacks is great. In Constructed I refuse to overlook this card. We have quite a few good 1 Drops so there’s hilarity that this can get up to. To have potentially 3-4 1 Drops out and then untapping them all after a swing or effect, whew. Probably a meme, but a fun meme.

Stealth Silhouette Gamisaras

Yeah sure, this is great for the 10K Archetype. A consistent source of burying while also gaining relevant effects. The more 10Ks you have the better this card is. Limited, easy play. Constructed…honestly still could see play there as well. I’m high on this card.

Damon, Might of Many

This card is hilarious. The goal obviously is to have him be a 15K 1 Drop. That’s relevant regardless of format. If the opponent KOs him you also get more value which is great. If you’re in the archetype this should be a fantastic Limited play, might be Constructed playable as well. If the opponent isn’t on Power Reduction as removal this is quite annoying to deal with.

Pride Collective Kettol

Probably one of the best cards for the archetype. Cantrip, combo him off and then sets up your Drop Area for the future. Also Universe 11 which I don’t think is that relevant, but it’s something to keep in mind. Great for Limited, good enough for Constructed in the archetype. We like free effects.

Universe 4, Assemble!

The last non-SR card for the archetype. This is pretty plainly the reason to actually play it. 1 Drop, 2 Bodies. Having enough bodies means this just immediately floods the board and it’s hard to interact with. Definitely think it’s good enough for both formats.

Piccolo, Namekian Fortification

Onto the more generic fare. Piccolo is a new addition to the ole 1 Drop Take Life 15K Attack Family. This one is kind of a weird version of Pan, in the sense that it’s just a straight 15K Swing and then has an effect to bring it to “safety”. Instead of bouncing he stays on board but goes to Active without the ability to attack. In Limited he’ll be fantastic as I don’t foresee a ton of interaction to deal with 1 Drops so he becomes a better Pan since you don’t have to reestablish him every turn. Play as many as you can. In Constructed he’ll have competition, but again it really comes down to how much interaction we have to deal with 1 Drops. I think there’s a meta where he’s very good, and I also think there’s a meta where he’s garbage. I personally lean towards good though, just has the potential for a lot of value over time. Having the Traits he does is pretty good too.

Majin Buu, Cheerful Demon

Oh, you don’t want to play 30Ks outside of VanillaKu do you? We’re going to 35K damn it! Despite the meme, being forced into Rest Mode when coming out really hurts. Fringe playable in Limited. The bulk is probably good enough for the turn skip, 30Ks have been consistently solid in the format as it is. Constructed, absolutely not. This would have to hit 40K to even consider it.

Frieza, Double-Edged Sword

A 5 Drop only in name, Frieza is interesting. He basically sacrifices one of your Battle Cards in order to get rid of one of the opponent’s, and due to how his effect works his removal effectively ignores Counters which makes it rough to deal with. On top of that you can reclaim him from the Drop at any time so it’s an easy pitch or combo early in the game and late you get have access to him whenever needed. Fantastic in Limited and I do think it’s absolutely Constructed playable due to the versatility and general ease of use.

Anato, Gentle Supremacy

This card is kind of weird. So basically you can choose any number of Battle Cards that up to 4 on the opponent’s board and KO them. The 20K Power restriction is generally negligible except against something like VanillaKu, most things at 4 or less will come in at 20K or less. It costs you two Red cards though which is a big cost, though you do refund at least one card if you hit 2+ Battle Cards with it. I think you have to get that refund effect for him to even come close to worthwhile, using up 3 Cards to kill one 4 Drop sounds horrible. Probably good enough for Limited though you have to be basically Mono-Red and even then it’ll be rough as there won’t be nearly as many draw effects to catch your hand back up so you have to make the effect count. Constructed…maybe. Like if they try to support Low Hand Red again this is a good enabler, could be an okay Side Board choice otherwise. But it’s very fringe.

Dercori, the Unstoppable Shadow

Well here’s a 1 Drop answer. Not much to say about it, probably good in Limited as a tech choice. Having outs to 1 Drops can be very valuable. In Constructed it’s a Side Board tech in the right format but generally will be consigned to the bulk.

Jiren, the All-Seeing

This card I just love. He gets to give something -10K when the opponent plays his first Battle Card, but he also gives every non-Barrier CARD -10K when they swing. It’s not Once Per Turn or even Once Per Card. He annihilates Dual/Triple Attack cards and is just incredibly annoying while being a solid 20K Double Strike body himself. I think it’s absolutely fantastic for Limited. I could actually maybe see him getting Constructed play. If he sticks he’s immensely disruptive, but being a 4 Drop 20K makes it difficult especially since he generally doesn’t impact the board on the turn he’s played. I think he would’ve been a staple as a 3 Drop, 4 might just be a smidge too much but the effect is powerful enough that it wouldn’t shock me to see him in Control oriented lists if you can get him on board.

Kunshi, Threaded Manipulation

Well…this kills some 1 Drops at the very least. Still good enough for Limited as a 1 Drop Cantrip. Constructed…well if you’re on Red/Yellow Jiren it’s an okay 1 Drop U11 option. Or if we have a broken 4K then we have the answer.

Bear Hug Tupper

This actually has potential. 1 Drop way to kill something at 15K and leaves a body. I can see this in Limited for sure. In Constructed…uh again maybe a R/Y U11 Deck can play this if that exists. Otherwise not happening.

Pride Collective Zoiray

Probably the first outright bad card on this list. This is a Vanilla Blocker, a weaker one than average at that, unless the opponent decides for whatever reason to waste resources on killing this. This would’ve barely been playable if it left the field by skills or battle getting the draw, but limiting it to skills makes it incredibly bad. Forget Constructed playable, this isn’t even Limited playable unless you are absolutely desperate.

Pride Collective Cocotte

So this is a slightly worse Kahersal but with stronger stats and the ability to use with any Leader. I don’t think this is good enough in Limited just because the U11 cards of choice aren’t good enough to merit playing this. In Constructed maybe Kahersal 5-8 is actually good enough.

Ultrasonic Exchange

So just like how Preemptive Strike had Hidden Power of the Saiyans, Denial of Hope gets this. A less restrictive version of the card but needing an extra hoop to jump through. Hidden Power was absolutely garbage and not worth it. This…is a little better. Forcing the opponent to give up a Battle Card on board to protect their play can work. Also if the opponent’s board is empty or only has Barrier, they cannot subvert this. In Limited…this is still a bit tricky to use as Limited will often have a bunch of cards on board so this card generally trends bad. This is actually better in Constructed for non-Red Leaders so they can have some Denial access and it’s far easier to manipulate the board state where this actually works. I still won’t go as far as saying it’s really good or anything, but I could actually see this getting a modicum of play in non-Red Leaders.

Mystic Talismans

This card is sneaky. If you can get the pump on something you feel will survive it’s just extra value on the crackback. Limited, it’s likely good enough just being a Negate in general. Constructed, hahahaha no.

Meditation

The last non-SR. This is weird, like honestly weird. The goal is basically to put this on something and send it at a Battle Card you really want dead. Uh, in Limited it’s a cute 1 Card Removal option in most cases. In Constructed I don’t see this getting play….EXCEPT in Yamcha who now has an extra way to get his key cards swinging at Battle Cards. One of his biggest issues were that he didn’t get the ability until Post-Awaken and this helps greatly. Nothing like Miraculous Comeback Ultimate Gohan swinging for 40K and no Negates.

SSB Kaio-Ken Son Goku, Concentrated Destruction

Okay…onto the SRs. Let’s hope for no Vegeta level car…oh. Yeah… Okay, let’s not go overboard and think about this calmly. He thankfully isn’t “instant speed” so you have to commit on your own turn and doesn’t end the opponent’s turn. It also KOs instead of going straight -20K so there are certain things it doesn’t kill and it doesn’t affect anything at above 20K for potential two piece kills. Now I will say the loss of “instant speed” is big. That was pretty much the most powerful part of Vegeta. 3 Energy up meant your turn could end and in the mirror it was just ugly. So on that merit I don’t think it’s outright format defining as Vegeta currently is.

HOWEVER…whew, he takes a mile everywhere else he can. He has Deflect which…why? That’s just unnecessary. That’s what we wanted, a 3 Drop Board Wipe that can’t be interacted with. The Board Wipe effect also doesn’t require a Red Leader which…I mean for U7 Decks is great but otherwise actually isn’t a huge deal as you’d generally want to be in Red anyway. But I guess for non-Red Leaders that wanted Vegeta, because of course you did, this is a very serviceable replacement.

But for those Red Leaders that…for some reason feel left out don’t worry, you get an extra effect. A 2 Energy Barrier ignoring kill spell. Gee, thanks. I would argue this almost outright invalidates Cease to Exist outside of Prison Frieza. One less Energy but this is searchable and acts as a complete board wipe when you don’t need the targeted anti-Barrier removal. Cease to Exist is only better against double Zamasu boards, which are particularly difficult to form against removal heavy Red Decks to begin with. Yeah, I felt SS Vegeta was a probably mistake. I think while this isn’t on the level of Vegeta because it isn’t as versatile (yes it has two modes but I feel being playable on either turn is far more potent) it still is a likely staple. Wallet Red continues to grow…

Ultra Instinct Son Goku, Monumental Presence

So here is a payoff for the Vanilla 10K deck. A 2 Drop 20K Vanilla that also acts as removal. In archetype it’s obviously fantastic, not much to say. Outside, not good enough for Constructed however still quite good for Limited. 4 Drop 20K Crit that kills something. Nothing wrong with that. Yeah, I like this card. Not overbearing at all, just a good value card.

Frieza, Imperial Inspiration

The madmen did it…they actually did it. A day I was always dreading. They made a Champa for Critical instead of Double Strike, and they made it a SR because they hate us even more. Now there are a few things to note. Being a Frieza and a U7 means far more synergies and searchability which is big. He also only gives 5K Combo instead of 10K which does matter. Also just the general applicability of Critical compared to Double Strike. With Champa you could always play just 1-2 and you would hold it for a final push. Critical is the opposite, you want to push it much earlier.

Despite me always dreading this…I’ll actually say it, I don’t think the card sees that much play currently. The game has adjusted to the point that I don’t think this type of card is insane. If this was printed say a year ago, this would be a 4-of staple everywhere but now I don’t think many decks go out of their way to play this. The most likely deck that would want something like this (Gohan) has a better version of this in Feet Kamehameha. Like maybe they play a couple copies just to have extra copies since all you need really is one Crit Triple Strike to get through with Gohan and making that more likely might be worthwhile. But yeah I think we’re actually at the point where this isn’t all that great and man it seems weird to underestimate such a powerful effect.

Ganos, Bird of Prey

Now if the above Goku was a nice small payoff to playing the 10K Archetype, this is THE Payoff. The Win Condition, the Goal. It’s incredibly reminiscent of Goku Instinct Surpassed. Obviously it’s less damage overall, 5K Less Power, Double Strike instead of Triple Strike, you need to send stuff from the Drop instead of both the Drop and the Hand. Sounds meh right? But coming down on Turn 5 instead of 6 is a massive difference from the start. Also using Vanillas, ANY Vanillas is huge as it’s much easier to load the Drop with them especially with the above support. And lastly he actually has another effect if you aren’t able to get the job done on your turn, acting as at least 1 Negate per turn. 2 if you’re willing to essentially kill him off (or if you have a way to pump him for a bit…like that fringe Negate we just looked at).

This card is insane, legitimately insane. If you have enough Vanillas in Limited, you play him and proceed to win the game. In Constructed he’s actually more absurd because, as mentioned, you can use him with any Vanillas. So Red VanillaKu gets even more of a Win Condition. I could easily see him attacking 5, 6 times in a turn and just winning. Probably the second best SR for Red if only because SSB Goku is so above the kale.

Flight of the Grand Eagle

EDIT: For those who saw this before the edit I’m not very good at counting zeros. This card is a lot better than I originally thought. This is basically a souped up Afterimage Technique. Giving something 100K on defense is a guaranteed save and being able to do it for free is absolutely insane. You don’t need to lose life, you don’t need to be at Sparking, just have to have 2 Battle Cards on board. This probably outright replaces Afterimage Technique for every deck outside of Cooler.

Final Thoughts:

Well the cards today were something. A brand new archetype that should be fun, some good SRs and one…very concerning one. Should be a fun Limited format if the rest of the colors match up.