Well, today I take a look at a card that has been long-awaited and overrated 
ever since people first learned of its existence:  Axe of Despair.

Ok, let’s analyze this for a moment.  An Ultra Rare equip magic card that 
gives you +1000 ATK… if we stop there, then the card is pretty darn peachy.  
There is more however, you can Tribute a monster on the field away (at the 
time of its destruction I’m sure) to bring it to the top of your deck ala 
Sword of Deep-Seated.  THIS part is what makes the card overrated.  Most 
people are so overjoyed at the fact that they can get their precious card 
back that they ignore the fact that they have to sacrifice one of their 
monsters on the field to get it.

People don’t think things through, chances are it got to the Graveyard via a 
monster getting destroyed, so that’s 1 monster down.  Sacrificing another is 
insane unless you’re facing a very weak and inexperienced player.  The other 
way it can get to the Graveyard is by being discarded somehow, which means 
you can’t even get it back so that makes it a waste of space or as I call 
them ‘Fuel for Card Destruction’ because their only purpose in life is to 
help you draw an extra card.

For anyone who even THINKS about using a Magician of Faith to bring this 
piece of crap back should be shot on sight, you’re better off with any of a 
HIGH number of other Magic cards that are FAR more useful than this.

So…

Pros:
   +1000 ATK to any monster.
   Can be revived if sent from Field=>Graveyard.
   Could Tribute a Sangan/Witch for this card’s effect.
   Biggest Pro:  It’s Shiny(and yes that IS its biggest pro, literally).

Cons:
   It’s an equip card.
   Monster removal is massive in the current environment, so it dies fast.
   Tribute a monster on the field just to get it to the top of your deck, 
not even in your hand.
   Magic/Trap removal for the Field is increasing and becoming more popular, 
so it dies even faster than monsters do.
   Only revivable from the Field.
   Ultra Rare.

Rating: 2.75

It can do stuff, not much in the way of Good Stuff, but it can do stuff.  
It’s a good card to trade off for something infinitely more useful like a 
Mystical Space Typhoon, Snatch Steal, Megamorph, and other stuff.  Or you 
could use this card to decorate your binder.  Shiny cards are very 
decorative and draw a lot of popularity.

THE BOTTOM LINE:  Use Malevolent Nuzzler.  It’s a Common.  Only 300 ATK 
short of the Axe.  It’s Sexy ;)  The important thing is, it has the same 
effect except you pay 500 LP instead of Tributing a monster.  Seeing as how 
having 1 monster less to guard your life with tends to result in you taking 
1000, 1800, or 2500 damage, the 500 LP is more than worth it.  If you’re 
worried, use Nimble Momonga to make up the difference.

If you can’t live without something Shiny, go for Megamorph.

Comments or questions send them my way:  MajinUltima@hotmail.com


_________________________________________________________________
Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. 
http://www.hotmail.com