Verix Bladewing – MTG Card of the Day Review

David
Fanany
Player
since
1995

I didn’t quite realize that the Bladewing clan, first introduced in Onslaught, was quite so prominent. It’s been a long time and a lot of expansions, and they’re still producing constructed-worthy creatures. A 4/4 flying dragon for four is not a mythic-level threat, although it’s worth noting that it’s one of the cheaper dragons and a decent early play. If that were all Verix did, he’d be okay; adding the potential of getting a second such dragon when enough mana is available makes him actively good. We talked recently about Stangg and the advantages of providing two creatures – in a sense, Verix with kicker is eight power and eight toughness, but harder to block and needing two spells to bounce or Ultimate Price. He’s going places!

Constructed: 4/5
Casual: 4/5
Limited: 5/5
Multiplayer: 4/5
EDH/Commander: 4/5

On his own, Verix Bladewing is unimpressive; while legendary is usually more upside in this set, a 4/4 for 4, even with flying, is decidedly mediocre. Kicked Verix Bladewing is far more menacing: he brings a friend, another legendary 4/4 Dragon with flying, if you can pay 7 mana up front. 7 mana for 8/8, even with flying as the sole relevant ability, is pretty legit.

Verix Bladewing’s value mostly lies in that it’s both a 4/4 for 4, if you need to resolve him early, or two 4/4 Dragons for 7. The flexibility afforded by kicker will mean Verix Bladewing is a solid 4-drop in a red deck that has the ability to turn into a late-game bomb if needed. It’s not the most powerful red bomb creature in Standard right now, but it should make some noise after Amonkhet‘s rotation.

Constructed: 3.75
Casual: 4.25
Limited: 4.75
Multiplayer: 3.5
Commander: 4