Predaplant Squid Drosera

Predaplant Squid Drosera is easily the best of the bunch out of the three Predaplant monsters released in Invasion: Vengeance. And the reason is because this monster does two things that help the main goals along. Predaplants are out to do three things: hand out counters, use those counters to steal or destroy opponent resources, and then efficiently fusion summon dark monsters. Well, Squid does two of those things. His first effect allows for the capitalization of previously handed-out counters, and his second effect allows for the handing out of possibly many counters.

Now I’m sure that some of you reading this are thinking (or shouting) that I previously gave yesterday’s card of the day, Moray Nepenthes, a bad review when Squid could be used to combo with Moray. But then I would ask, “In what world?” Moray is still super deficient in ATK. And Squid has far better monsters it could target with its first effect, mainly Spino Dionaea and Chimera Rafflesia, which can get their battle effects as many times per turn as you want. The only problem is that the TCG doesn’t yet have these monsters. But of course not. We’re reviewing these cards in anticipation of those future cards coming soon. As of now they are only 3 cards from the entire archetype.

The main reason I love Drosera for the future is because he gets his second effect when he leaves the field, regardless of how it happens. If he’s used as fusion material, he sets up a board that can instantly provide those necessary counters for Venom and Rafflesia. And considering extra normal summons can be gained in certain variants of Predaplant (Brilliant Fusion via Darling Cobra or Rafflesia), I can quite easily see Squid being normal summoned often to gain those magnificent effects. This monster has potential, but not outside the archetype. And since the Arc V anime has come to an end, Predaplants might already have seen the last of its intended support in the OCG. His potential is good, but not great.

Advanced: 2.5/5

Future Potential: 3/5

Predaplant Squid Drosera is a Level 2 Dark Plant-type monster with 800 Atk and 400 Def. Don't look at the stats too long because they are small and largely irrelevant. The first of 2 effects that Squid Drosera has is to discard itself from the hand to target your face-up monster to be able to attack all monsters with Predator Counters. The best part of this effect is that it does not need to target a Predaplant, although Monday's card would be ideal since that would effectively field wipe the opponent. 
 
The second effect is what puts Squid Drosera above yesterday's card. That being a way to add Predator Counters on its own. It does this simply by leaving the field to then place Predator Counters on all face-up opponent's Special Summoned monsters. This effect does not target and any monster with a Predator Counter drops to Level 1. Again, XYZ Monsters are immune, but leaving the field by any means sounds like utility for Plant Synchro Decks. If it ends up in the hand later, the boss monster summoned can then hit all the monsters with counters. This might be a difficult play, but it doesn't require many cards and works with or without other Predaplant Monsters. I like it, give it a try. 
 
Score: 3.5/5
Art: 4/5
 
-WarlockBlitz