Odyssey Card Preview: Wild Mongrel

Brian Kibler

One of the arguments Invasion Block instigated, with its multiple cycles of 2/2 creatures for two mana - "Bears", as they're affectionately called in the business, after the original Grizzly Bear - is just what is the best bear in Magic? There are so many contenders nowadays that it truly is a difficult question. Gary Wise once declared Goblin Legionnaire the champ, while I'm sure Chris Senhouse has a soft spot in his heart for Muscle Sliver, or perhaps his Hibernation and Crystalline cousins, and no one's going to convince Chris Pikula that his very own Meddling Mage isn't the king of the mountain. No time is better than now to declare a king, it would seem, as IBC has been a battlefield of bears from start to finish, clearly showcasing their power for all to see. To crown the King of the Bears just yet would be premature, however - his majesty just may await us in Odyssey.

At first glance, Wild Mongel doesn't have the look of royalty. In fact, he doesn't look like much of anything at all. A 2/2 creature for with a special ability that requires a discard isn't exactly the image of greatness. We're used to Blastoderms and Shivan Wurms clogging up the Red Zone - how can a measly hound compare to beasts the likes of them? He may not seem like much, but Wild Mongel is quietly one of the most powerful cards in Odyssey.

Take a second to sit back and think about it. A two power creature for two mana is a fine early threat, particularly given the rotation of Nether Spirit, the bane of bears everywhere. On top of this, Wild Mongrel can be quite a bit larger threat than that, with his pumping ability giving him the potential to serve as an excellent finisher. Got a bunch of excess land? Throw your surplus real estate to the hounds, and watch them tear your opponent to shreds.

Wild Mongrel's special ability is far more useful than simply finishing your opponent off, however. Early in the game, the Mongrel has free reign of the table, as no creature near his mana cost can dare to brawl with him. Picture this scenario - you're playing first, and drop a Mongrel on turn two. Your opponent plays a Grizzly Bear of his own (not unlikely, given what we've seen in IBC), and on your turn, you attack. He doesn't block, not wanting to trade his creature and board position for a card of your choice in your hand, and you play another Mongrel. What can he do on his turn but frown and say go again? Perhaps he plays another bear and looks to double block one of your hounds. A Shock and an excess land later, and the board is again clear but for your trusty doggies.

Speaking of Shock, this is one pup that doesn't have to worry about a little jolt of electricity. Fighting back for Jackal Pups everywhere, Wild Mongrel just shrugs off the few points of damage and charges on in, at the cost of nothing more than an excess land. The same holds true for all damage-based removal spells - the only question is just how much you're willing to pay to keep your faithful hound by your side. And if your opponents are foolish enough to Shock him during your attack, your little pet dog will make them pay.

This is only looking at one of the aspects of Wild Mongrel's special ability. Imagine those bears on your opponent's side of the table in our last example were Vodalian Zombies. Not a problem - Wild Mongrel is 3/3 and black. Slay him? Nope, pitch a land. Circle of Protection: Green? These sneaky little pups will find all the holes. With an entire block full of color interactions behind us, the number of color interactions that could come up in the new Standard are endless.

While the color block is behind us, the graveyard block is right at hand - discarding cards never had it this good. With the new flashback and threshold mechanics just waiting to be abused, Wild Mongrel serves as the tool to do just that. Your threshold creatures can become enormous mid-combat while you pump up your Mongrel as well, or your overcosted spells with undercosted flashbacks may make a remarkably early appearance. When your opponent Shocks your Mongrel, he may think he's trading one for one when you save it, but when the card you discard is Call of the Herd or Beast Attack, it's not quite as good for him as he may have thought.

And to think - this is only the beginning. With two full expansions to go in the Odyssey block, Wild Mongrel's graveyard interactions are sure to start piling up. Even now he's at least in the running for the title of Prince of the Bears, and it may not be long before we've all unanimously declared Wild Mongrel their king. Bow down, Goblin Legionnaire, Muscle Sliver, and yes, even you Meddling Mage. His Royal Majesty the Wild Mongrel has arrived.