Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror
 
We haven't reviewed either of the Imprisoning Mirrors till now.  They were commons so some overlooked them, but they're quality cards, of course when the meta favors LIGHT and DARK monsters.  And it often does.  The previous format was full of Hands and Fire Fists, so this card makes a bit less sense in those kinds of formats. 
 
Today, our top threats are Shaddolls and Burning Abyss.  Unless you use DARK themed decks (in that case don't run this), you need to be siding 2 or 3 Shadow-Imprisoning.
 
One of the players who topped ARG Indianapolis was using a Geargia-Hands deck that MAINED 3 Shadow-Imprisoning's.  Shaddolls and Burning Abyss put together probably makes up half to 2/3 of your matchups in tournaments so this was a gutsy but really smart move.  Most people would want to side it though.
 
And a cool trick with SIM: Crazy Box is an unbridled 3000 ATK beater.
 
Ratings
 
Power -- 5
Versatility -- 2
Dependability -- 2
Advantage -- 4
Speed – 5
 
Traditional – 3
Advanced – 4

Today’s card screams Anti-Shaddoll as today we look at Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror a continuous Trap that first debuted in Gladiator's Assault way back in 2007.

This card negates the effects of all DARK monsters that activate on the field and the Graveyard. A simple and powerful effect,, especially since DARK monsters are probably the most common monsters around. As mentioned this screams Anti-Shaddoll, since all Shaddoll effects activate either on the field with their flip effects or in the graveyard due to their other effect. Of course it doesn’t just work against Shaddolls, Dark World, Blackwings, etc are also affected. Of course, bare in mind, this does affect your monsters and this is a Continuous Trap so it has all the weakness of one of those.
 
Overall, if you are playing in a DARK or Shaddoll heavy environment make sure you have this in your side deck.

Traditional: 3/5
Advanced: 3/5

Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror has been a consistent choice for duelists in their side deck for several formats. Simple to use, and a plus as a Continuous Trap Card, negating any DARK monster effect(s) from activating on the field and in the grave can completely wreck your opponents strategy.
 
Shaddolls, Gravekeepers, Blackwings, Destiny Heroes, Dark Worlds, Infernities, and Evilswarms are the popular archetypes that are locked down by this card. While on the field, these decks only have a series of high-ATK monsters in their hand that aren't going to get their effects until the shadowy mirror is off the field. Dark Armed Dragon and Chaos Sorcerer are two boss monsters that also get hit by this card. Wait to activate this card until after a cost for an effect is paid, then negate the effect. Even if you play several DARK monsters in your deck, if this card will be a hindrance more to your opponent than you, then you should play it.
 
It may be an easy target as a Continuous Trap, but its presence to stay for multiple turns and lock down the opponent is what makes it a great card.
 
Traditional-4/5
Advanced-4/5
Art-3/5
 
Until Next Time
KingofLullaby

Gladiator's Assault came out forever ago but it seems Konami knew even then what they were going to do in the future with the release of shadow imprisoning mirror. Back then you had Zombies to deal with, and in the very next set Dark Return, and TeleDAD a few months after that. Right now it hits Burning Abyss and Shaddolls the hardest. Now while Burning Abyss have stuff like Zenmaines to take care of Shadow Mirror, Shaddolls have to rely on stuff like Lyla, a teched Ryko or actually running Mystical Space Typhoon in order to play out of it. That, or just beat down with sticks like Squamata or Dragon.

Traditional 4/5 - Stops Emperor Dragon, Sangan, Cyber Jar, Magical Scientist, all those annoying cards that make playing the format a living hell
Advanced 4/5 - Equally stops annoying cards that make playing the format a living hell. No searches/free summons for Burning Abyss, no flip or graveyard effects for Shaddolls.