Today we look at a card that’s been somewhat unpopular since the release of the Shockwaves set.  Of course people have found it useful in Meltdown decks, but is there something more to it.  Let’s see what we can find…

 

Benzo, the Hidden Fury

 

Cost: 4

Race: Pandora’s Box

Civilization: Darkness

Type: Creature

Rules Text:

·         When you put this creature into the battle zone, choose one of your shields and put it into your hand. (You can use the "shield trigger" ability of that shield.)

Power: 2000
 

The Darkness Civilization is notorious for giving us creatures that are low in power, despite the higher mana costs.  Benzo, the Hidden Fury is a perfect example of this.  At 4 mana we get a creature with a meager 2000 power.  This is certainly below average but somewhat expected from the Darkness Civilization.  Unfortunately to make matters worse, Benzo also comes with a dreadful effect in that once you summon it you have to pick up a shield.  Of course you can use the shield trigger ability but you’re advancing your potential defeat.  Is this really wise?

 

Like I said before an effect like this will prove useful in a Miraculous Meltdown deck, since the main purpose is to whittle down your shields.  However, aside from this obvious example, there are several other ways to take advantage of this card.  You will find times when a shield trigger effect will win you the game, which is why Benzo might prove to be useful after all.  Just imagine a perfectly-timed Holy Awe or Terror Pit and having paid only 4 mana to cast those (and get a creature at the same time)!  The only drawback is that Benzo can only be effective when combined with Emeral.  This pretty much narrows down the civilizations required, although they do go together rather well and have a great assortment of shield trigger effects.

 

Even though this card can prove to be useful I would only recommend it to advanced duelists or very aggressive duelists that storm the fields with no regard for their shields.  It’ll be really frustrating until you can get the hang of it.

 

The Good:  Great combo potential.

 

The Bad:  This is not the best card to be topdecking.

 

The Ugly:  Just think of what would happen if you summoned Benzo while topdecking and it gets Coriled.  If you re-summon it then you just surrendered 2 shields. :(

 

Constructed Rating: 2.5/5 – For advanced players only…  Sure you surrender a shield but a well-timed holy awe would seal the deal.  You can also think of Benzo as a Terror Pit on a stick.  Get creative and dazzle your opponent. :D

 

Limited Rating: 2/5 – Benzo might not be a good idea, although the extra card might help.  Make sure that you have enough blockers before considering this card.

 

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