Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion

Much like the Dark Magician, whenever I see a new iteration of Gaia, I get a little sad, because I know it’s probably going to suck. Gaia has had so many version of himself, and the only two that have seen even remote playtime are Thunder Charger (during Hieratic’s heyday) and Force of Earth during the earliest days of Synchros.

Segue to this fusion which was obviously meant to be used in conjunction with tomorrow’s card, Curse of Dragonfire. And it’s just as bad. The only way I see this card getting any use is if Gaia gets the unifying support that Buster Blader got that allows for specific profitable plays and removes the devastating cost of having so many level 7 monsters with horrible attack and lackluster effects, and I don’t see that happening. Based on the upgrade Black Luster Soldier received recently, it’s apparent that Gaia is perceived as more of a Yugi-symbol rather than a monster deserving of his own support. But you never know. And if that day comes, Spiral Spear Strike is no joke. Not to mention possible support cards like Ghost Charon, just to throw one out there. I’ve seen a build that used Curse of Dragonfire and a machine to fusion summon Panzer Dragon and then used Ghost later to bring out Gaia. Ridiculous play, but it’s out there.

Advanced: 1/5

Future Potential: 2/5

This is a fun card. Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion is a Level 7 Wind Dragon-type Fusion monster with 2600 Atk and 2100 Def. I'm not sure why, but I have always liked Fusion Monsters. This one requires any Gaia the Fierce Knight monster and any Dragon-type monster to Fusion Summon. But there are no other restrictions, so I always hope for Metamorphosis to come back. Level 7 is good and 2600 Atk is ok. Wind doesn't hurt or help with the Gaia/BLS Deck that this card will squeeze into. Dragon is great because it opens up the use of Dragon's Mirror and many other Dragon support cards. I was fully expecting this card to have no effect, but I was pleasantly surprised. 
 
Sky Galloping Gaia the Dragon Champion is renamed Gaia the Dragon Champion while it is on the field. Then if it is Special Summoned, from anywhere, you can add 1 Spiral Spear Strike from your Deck or grave to your hand. Replenishing resources is good. Spiral Spear Strike lets you draw 2 cards and discard 1 (as an effect, nice) after Gaia the Dragon Champion inflicts piercing battle damage. Fortunately, this card's last effect lets it change the battle position of any monster it declares an attack on. All of these effects work to let you summon and utilize this card to its full potential. But the deck will never be more than casual, and in that capacity, this card does help with offense and card advantage. Try this with Fusion Tag when it comes out. 
 
Score: 3/5
Art: 4/5
 
-WarlockBlitz