Giving Thanks for Magic: The Gathering in 2023
Hello everyone! It's Thanksgiving, and what better time to give a nod to all the awesome moments Magic the Gathering has gifted us in 2023? Let's dive a bit deeper into these magical highlights.
1) Lord of the Rings Mashup: Taking a Walk in Middle-earth
Alright, let's talk about the LOTR crossover. For those of us who practically grew up in the Shire, seeing Frodo, Gandalf, and the gang in Magic cards was like reliving our nerdiest dreams. The Riders of Rohan deck? Pure genius. It's become my ride-or-die precon, and I haven't changed a single card. Talk about a perfect match made in nerd heaven! I was even a fan of the Golden Ticket that was The ONE Ring. I had friends that have no interest in Magic asking me about it once the announcement came out and the Post Malone purchase. This brought a light to the game from a prospective that anyone that doesn't play could understand, and overall I think it is good for the health of the game.
2) MTG Cons: Where Magic Becomes a Family Reunion
Magic conventions, people! If you haven't been to one, you're missing out. SCG Con in Charlotte was my debut, and it was a wild ride. Meeting the Professor from Tolarian Community College? Check. Commander showdown with Sheldon Menery? Double check. These cons aren't just about cards; they're about the people. When we went to MTG con Las Vegas, getting a chance to meet the artists of MTG as well as the Command Zone, it was definitely a major highlight of mine and I'll be counting down the days until the next one.
3) Eldraine and Ixalan Returns: Back to Our Favorite Hangouts
Eldraine and Ixalan making a comeback? I loved the nod to King Arthur lore and fairy tales in Eldraine, as well as the wild exploration feel of Ixalan. It's like revisiting your favorite spots in town. More stories, more characters, and more reasons to get lost in the lore. Wizards, keep 'em coming—this nostalgia trip is a ride we never want to end!
4) Backup Mechanic: Shaking Up the Magic Mix
Enter the Backup mechanic. March of the Machine hit us with something fresh, and it's been a game-changer. Creatures dropping on the board, slapping +1/+1 counters like candy, and borrowing abilities? It's like Magic turned into a superhero crossover event. Playing with flicker effects and counter synergy has never been so ridiculously fun. Props to the genius behind this one!
5) Limited Edition Releases: Chasing the Shiny
Can we talk about the limited edition releases this year? Wizards dropped some seriously shiny cards, and the chase was real. From alternate art promos to special foil editions, it felt like a treasure hunt every time a new set dropped. Sure, my wallet might be a bit lighter, but the joy of cracking open a pack and finding that elusive, gleaming card? Totally worth it.
1) Lord of the Rings Mashup: Taking a Walk in Middle-earth
Alright, let's talk about the LOTR crossover. For those of us who practically grew up in the Shire, seeing Frodo, Gandalf, and the gang in Magic cards was like reliving our nerdiest dreams. The Riders of Rohan deck? Pure genius. It's become my ride-or-die precon, and I haven't changed a single card. Talk about a perfect match made in nerd heaven! I was even a fan of the Golden Ticket that was The ONE Ring. I had friends that have no interest in Magic asking me about it once the announcement came out and the Post Malone purchase. This brought a light to the game from a prospective that anyone that doesn't play could understand, and overall I think it is good for the health of the game.
2) MTG Cons: Where Magic Becomes a Family Reunion
Magic conventions, people! If you haven't been to one, you're missing out. SCG Con in Charlotte was my debut, and it was a wild ride. Meeting the Professor from Tolarian Community College? Check. Commander showdown with Sheldon Menery? Double check. These cons aren't just about cards; they're about the people. When we went to MTG con Las Vegas, getting a chance to meet the artists of MTG as well as the Command Zone, it was definitely a major highlight of mine and I'll be counting down the days until the next one.
3) Eldraine and Ixalan Returns: Back to Our Favorite Hangouts
Eldraine and Ixalan making a comeback? I loved the nod to King Arthur lore and fairy tales in Eldraine, as well as the wild exploration feel of Ixalan. It's like revisiting your favorite spots in town. More stories, more characters, and more reasons to get lost in the lore. Wizards, keep 'em coming—this nostalgia trip is a ride we never want to end!
4) Backup Mechanic: Shaking Up the Magic Mix
Enter the Backup mechanic. March of the Machine hit us with something fresh, and it's been a game-changer. Creatures dropping on the board, slapping +1/+1 counters like candy, and borrowing abilities? It's like Magic turned into a superhero crossover event. Playing with flicker effects and counter synergy has never been so ridiculously fun. Props to the genius behind this one!
5) Limited Edition Releases: Chasing the Shiny
Can we talk about the limited edition releases this year? Wizards dropped some seriously shiny cards, and the chase was real. From alternate art promos to special foil editions, it felt like a treasure hunt every time a new set dropped. Sure, my wallet might be a bit lighter, but the joy of cracking open a pack and finding that elusive, gleaming card? Totally worth it.
6) The Thought Vessel Show and Blog: Our Magic Hangout Spot
Big love for The Thought Vessel Show and Blog. Writing these articles and shooting the breeze on the podcast with Jacoby and Joe—it's been a wild ride, and we're just getting started. Here's to more content, more laughs, and more deep dives into the world of Magic in 2024. You all make this community what it is, and we're here for the long haul.
As we wind down 2023, let's keep the gratitude flowing. Magic has given us some seriously awesome moments, and the next year promises even more epic plays, spicy decks, and unforgettable memories. From our decks to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, and may your draws always be as amazing as a turn one sol ring!
Big love for The Thought Vessel Show and Blog. Writing these articles and shooting the breeze on the podcast with Jacoby and Joe—it's been a wild ride, and we're just getting started. Here's to more content, more laughs, and more deep dives into the world of Magic in 2024. You all make this community what it is, and we're here for the long haul.
As we wind down 2023, let's keep the gratitude flowing. Magic has given us some seriously awesome moments, and the next year promises even more epic plays, spicy decks, and unforgettable memories. From our decks to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, and may your draws always be as amazing as a turn one sol ring!
If you have a topic you would like to see covered in an article or on the podcast, send us an email at thoughtvesselshow@gmail.com.
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