Still an awesome card, but the Baneslayer is just... incredible.
Rainyday2012
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(7 votes)
Still awesome in limited. In constructed she hasn't been used in a long time, it's not Baneslayer Angel's fault. Funny though, she's an uncommon and I haven't pulled her, even though I've pulled three Liliana Vess, three Elvish Archdruid and three Silence. Shortprinted?
woodsgirl
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Dwarfed by the new Baneslayer angel; however a 4/4 flyer with vigilance is still a big advantage and still a major force in white. A solid 4.
Lestat13
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.9/5.0)(4 votes)
Filler card for our new demi-god five drop.
LordTaco
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(3 votes)
this card and serra avocate are my favorite cards of all, if serra avocate was legal i would be playing an angel deck with those as one of the many main cards, because serra angel has vigilance, and avocate gives aid, those two can always make a 6/6 flyer every time i atk or if i don't atk and i block i still have a sick winged creature, but well otherwise this card is one that i tend to want so badly and now i have it, and i can use it, i am going to try to make a deck for it, all i need is a few more cards to go with it
ratchet1215
★★★☆☆ (3.3/5.0)(3 votes)
This card hasn't been made obsolete by Miss Baneslayer, for two reasons: One, you will have a heart attack of joy whether you pull Baneslayer or Serra in Limited, where either one will dominate; Two, Vigilance is and always has been an imperative factor in Serra Angel's power level, allowing her to put your opponent on a clock without sacrificing your own defensive force. If you're at 3 life and your opponent's at 6 with two creatures, don't tell me you'd rather have a Baneslayer who taps when she attacks, doesn't force your opponent to act (since you'll die next turn if you attack with no tricks), and gives him plenty of time to pull a Doom Blade or Terminate.
Bauble
★☆☆☆☆ (1.8/5.0)(6 votes)
@ratchet1215 If you're at 3 life, and you're opponent's at 6 with 2 creatures, doesn't it make it pointless for Serra to attack anyway? Not only do you risk her dying, but even if her attack goes through, landing your opponent with 2 life, isn't it pointless even if she blocks? One creature would still get through. If you want to bring Doom Blade or Terminate into the picture, isn't it the same for Serra? They are, after all, instants. With Baneslayer Angel, if you attack, you gain 5 life. If you block, you gain 5 life. (Lifelink) Doesn't it make sense to NOT attack with Baneslayer on your turn and just block when your opponent attacks, possibly killing one of the creatures, and gaining 5 life in the process? Baneslayer also has protection from Demons and Dragons, which comes in very helpful against bigger flyers such as Xathrid Demon. There's a reason why Serra's an Uncommon while Baneslayer's a Mythic Rare.
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It's only right that Serra Angel is back to an uncommon. I absolutely love the artwork of this card, but I feel that the 5 CMC isn't a good trade for a 4/4 creature with flying and vigilance. Without even needing to compare to Baneslayer Angel, Serra's still easily replaced with Battlegrace Angel, which costs the same, only with better abilities. A 4/4 flyer as well, but with Exalted, and she gives lifelink to any creature attacking alone.
All in all, too high a manacost for too measly an ability.
The artwork is fantastic though. I keep this card just for the artwork. ((: 3.5/5
Dingo777
★★★★☆ (4.4/5.0)(4 votes)
ok, so there is a lot of comparison between this and baneslayer, so lets look at them side by side
Serra: 5 cmc, 3WW 4/4, flying, vigilance
Baneslayer: 5 cmc, 3WW, 5/5, lifelink, flying, first strike, prot dragons and demons
and because it won me a game today, I am gonna include it, it is after all a decent contender
Shepard of the lost: 5 cmc, 4W, 3/3, flying, first strike, vigilance
so lets check mana cost; shepard is slightly less white needy, but all cost 5 power/toughness; Baneslayer is obviously most powerful at 5/5, and shepard is weakest at 3/3, falling to lightning bolt abilities: all have flying, bane and shepard have FS, serra and shepard have vigilance, bane has lifelink and prot from demon and dragon
alright, so far baneslayer is superior, a 5/5 liflinker is always gonna win out, especially with FS, but none of these guys can stop a doomblade, I think doomblade even pictures baneslayer's death, and serra and shepard have vigilance, and shepard also has FS
shepard is also a common, much more cost effective compared to baneslayer, and serra is uncommon
in all, yeah, baneslayer is probally best, BUT serra and shepard are insanely useful and should not be forgotten when making an angel tribal
flzooman
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
A really solid card. has no downfalls except you need 2 plains to play. if you are working on black/white deck sometimes you dont get to play her. but still a good card!
FieryBalrogs
★☆☆☆☆ (1.2/5.0)(3 votes)
Serra Angel hasn't been good in years. White is supposed to have the 2nd best fliers, and it got this crap while even Red and Black got Demigod of Revenge, Bogardan Hellkite and any number of other awesome demons and dragons.
kowrip
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(5 votes)
I don't agree that Baneslayer Angel dominates this card. Vigilance + flying is what makes it hard to defend against the Serra. BA is certainly an impressive creature, especially for the cost. However, there are definitely situations where you'd want the Serra in play over BA.
AbyssalManZero
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Can't believe Serra has been demoted to 'uncommon'... Always thought she was the best 5 drop in white! Heck, the card that made any white deck! XD
Though, I like Battle Grace Angel better, but using both together is also cool :D
But the two with Magebane Slayer would be even better... She's just too pricy for my taste lol.
NecroArTeest
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
baneslayer's lifelink, first strike and +1+1 combined > than serra's vigilance. i dont care if baneslayer "dies to doom blade"(and not every player will have a doom blade in their deck obviously) its power creep and everyone knows it. facepalm.
nammertime
★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)(3 votes)
@Bauble: It's not Serra Angel that has a measly ability, it's Baneslayer Angel that is completely unbalanced. Serra Angel has always been the measuring stick to which big white creatures have been designed, and the newer Shepherd of the Lost, a totally underrated card, is an example of how a balanced white angel should look. I agree with ratchet1215 in that having a Serra out still has its uses, even at 5cmc, though I would also say that having a Baneslayer out would mean just about the same thing, and probably better in most cases.
Eved
★★★★☆ (4.7/5.0)(6 votes)
I have a Baneslayer Angel in my deck and I still use two Serra Angels. there is nothing wrong with this card. Compare it to any card other then Baneslayer and it doesn't look bad at all. And does anybody notice the rarity difference between the two? Ones Mythic, the other is Uncommon. Does that make up for some of the diference for anybody?
sarroth
★★★★☆ (4.8/5.0)(5 votes)
Serra Angel is a very worthy card for any white deck, and amazing for an Angel deck. While it is true that this angel has since been outclassed by Baneslayer Angel, I feel comparing the now-uncommon Serra Angel to a $40 mythic rare is a little unfair. Many players, especially newer ones such as myself, might recognize how great Baneslayer Angel is (is it a coincidence that the initials are BA?) and yet still be unable to afford such a card. Serra Angel is much more obtainable, particularly with its rarity that allows it to be picked up quite easily. With her abilities, she should have at least a 4 easily, but I'd say even a 5/5.
SarahCovenant
★☆☆☆☆ (1.5/5.0)(4 votes)
Baneslayer do have "pseudo-vigilance" : Lifelink.
You tap to attack for 5. You gain 5 life. This 5 life allows you to "neutralize" the an attack totaling up to 5 power without blocking. (whatever damage those unblocked attackers do to you is neutralized by the 5 life gained)
Not the same thing however. Thats why I call it "pseudo".
thezanet
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(9 votes)
One of the best power white drops out there. Always has been and always will be.
NeoSin
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@AbyssalManZero Serra was an uncommon from Alpha to fourth, I dont exactly get how she was "Demoted"
KnockK
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(2 votes)
poor man's baneslayer
EnV
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(6 votes)
Yes of course we can all spend hard earned 200$ and spend it on a playset of Baneslayer Angels. I don't think playing magic is a profession. Just get the Serra Angels dear god, people. If you come across a Baneslayer in a pack well good for you, I can just grind it's dust with a Malikir Bloodwitch.
Laguz
★★★★☆ (4.7/5.0)(13 votes)
This was the best creature in magic when I started playing. Now it seems almost below average. Sad!
Still, i'd be much more happy losing with Serra than winning with Baneslayer, because only a complete and utter moron would pay 50 bucks for a magic card.
It is unfortunate that such an iconic card has been so overshadowed by Baneslayer. I'm confused as to why they didn't go with the Rebecca Guay art that was created for the oversized 6x9 Serra Angel. Why commission more art when you still have unused art for a card?
Poor Serra Angel, stupid Baneslayer Angel. How could wizards do this to one of the greatest white creatures ever? She was such a staple as the finish in so many deck archtypes. The White Weenie, the U/W control, and of coarse "The Deck."
I would still recommend considering Serra Angel in your deck designs over Baneslayer Angel because Serra can actually be purchased at a reasonable price. The only time you would need 4 Baneslayer's is for cash-prize tournements.
Duskdale_Wurm
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Three cheers for Serra, none for Baneslayer!
ion1000
★★★★☆ (4.8/5.0)(4 votes)
There should be rule to limit the amount of mythic rares in a deck. Give this great card some meaning
TheSwarm
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.8/5.0)(2 votes)
Hmmmm. If it had first strike, lifelink, and protection from Demons and Dragons, it miiight just be playable.
Kirbster
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(4 votes)
Baneslayer Angel is okay, but try running her in the Stasis decks in which Serra was the only win condition. Not strictly better.
By the way, we want the old art for Serra Angel.
Azuredrake89
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
My favorite angel with great artwork. And yes I like it more than baneslayer angel. Why do I like it more? Because Serra is now uncommon while baneslayer is mythic. I rather spend 5 bucks on a playset of these other than hundreds on an overpowered set of mythics. Serra has never been a bad card and its still a force to be reckoned with.
ohcrazyone
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(1 vote)
In my opinion this angel is harder to kill than Baneslayer Angel because this has vigilance just like Shepherd of the Lost, it means that these 4/4 or 3/3 with first strike can also be used defensively when attacked. Even if bankslayer has lifelink it can't be played both to attack and defend and frankly you'r a fool if you pay $50 for a Baneslayer Angel when the shepherd and serra are bountiful in the 50 cent boxes. There is nothng I love more than whipping out a combo of Royal Assassin followed by Burst Of Speed to send someone's $50 coaster straight to the graveyard
divine_exodus
★★☆☆☆ (2.8/5.0)(2 votes)
Can everyone shut up about Baneslayer???? We know, it's broken! Does every person who comments feel they have to compare this with Baneslayer?? NO! They're both good cards, one is not strictly better or worse than the other! "I still prefer Serra Angel over BA", "In this situation Serra is better", "this is so much more iconic than baneslayer" OK, we get it! One's a mythic, one's uncommon! They're both good angels, just shut up about the two!! Sheesh!
TheDonMega
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(3 votes)
Poor Serra angel...at least you and sengir vampire have things to talk about now...such as being outclassed
Killerkraut
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(1 vote)
I just recently started to play magic again. I quit about the time lorwyn came up and now that I have returned, it is jus sad to see, that such an epic creature(and white is my least favourite colour btw) has been degraded to an uncommon... Seriously, all people can hope for these times is opening up a Planeswalker or another "broken" Mythic rare. True, there have been some insanly strong sets before(Mirrodin?!) but it did not break Magic, I think the addition of Mythic rares was Wizards worst decision since the introduction of "Ante" cards which have been dropped a long time ago (luckily). Have you had a look at recent rare cards? Most of them are just not playable compared to other insane cards. The only competetive format these days I can have fun at is boosterdraft...cheers! Ahhh, I will be playing in the future but it looks like I will be staying casual...
Zylo-
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
You can pickup Baneslayer Angels for $5 - $7 these days... Seems no one realizes they're pretty cheap now.
Regarding Serra Angel. One of the best angels ever printed. A very iconic card. The new artwork is beautiful... A powerful angel for the cost, vigilance with flying is fantastic. This is always a good card to pit into a white deck, you can't go wrong choosing this card.
Sometimes Baneslayer would be better, sometimes Serra w/ vigilance would be better. They are both cheap so I suggest running both!
Serra Angel is one of my favorite Magic Cards ever.
niallcmurray86
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I think this is the best art for a classic I card that goes way back to my early days, Im glad we all agree its uncommon again though!
CogMonocle
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@Laguz
There are many worse things to spend $50 on. I think people need to realize spending money on magic cards is NOT a waste of money when they'll retain their value. I spent $200 finishing up a standard deck with 3-4 months until rotation. Why? Because all of that money went into snapcaster mages and shocklands, which I can easily sell once they rotate due to their popularity in modern.
Comments (41)
Still an awesome card, but the Baneslayer is just... incredible.
If you're at 3 life, and you're opponent's at 6 with 2 creatures, doesn't it make it pointless for Serra to attack anyway? Not only do you risk her dying, but even if her attack goes through, landing your opponent with 2 life, isn't it pointless even if she blocks? One creature would still get through. If you want to bring Doom Blade or Terminate into the picture, isn't it the same for Serra? They are, after all, instants. With Baneslayer Angel, if you attack, you gain 5 life. If you block, you gain 5 life. (Lifelink) Doesn't it make sense to NOT attack with Baneslayer on your turn and just block when your opponent attacks, possibly killing one of the creatures, and gaining 5 life in the process? Baneslayer also has protection from Demons and Dragons, which comes in very helpful against bigger flyers such as Xathrid Demon. There's a reason why Serra's an Uncommon while Baneslayer's a Mythic Rare.
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It's only right that Serra Angel is back to an uncommon. I absolutely love the artwork of this card, but I feel that the 5 CMC isn't a good trade for a 4/4 creature with flying and vigilance. Without even needing to compare to Baneslayer Angel, Serra's still easily replaced with Battlegrace Angel, which costs the same, only with better abilities. A 4/4 flyer as well, but with Exalted, and she gives lifelink to any creature attacking alone.
All in all, too high a manacost for too measly an ability.
The artwork is fantastic though. I keep this card just for the artwork. ((: 3.5/5
Serra: 5 cmc, 3WW 4/4, flying, vigilance
Baneslayer: 5 cmc, 3WW, 5/5, lifelink, flying, first strike, prot dragons and demons
and because it won me a game today, I am gonna include it, it is after all a decent contender
Shepard of the lost: 5 cmc, 4W, 3/3, flying, first strike, vigilance
so lets check mana cost; shepard is slightly less white needy, but all cost 5
power/toughness; Baneslayer is obviously most powerful at 5/5, and shepard is weakest at 3/3, falling to lightning bolt
abilities: all have flying, bane and shepard have FS, serra and shepard have vigilance, bane has lifelink and prot from demon and dragon
alright, so far baneslayer is superior, a 5/5 liflinker is always gonna win out, especially with FS, but none of these guys can stop a doomblade, I think doomblade even pictures baneslayer's death, and serra and shepard have vigilance, and shepard also has FS
shepard is also a common, much more cost effective compared to baneslayer, and serra is uncommon
in all, yeah, baneslayer is probally best, BUT serra and shepard are insanely useful and should not be forgotten when making an angel tribal
Though, I like Battle Grace Angel better, but using both together is also cool :D
But the two with Magebane Slayer would be even better... She's just too pricy for my taste lol.
You tap to attack for 5. You gain 5 life. This 5 life allows you to "neutralize" the an attack totaling up to 5 power without blocking. (whatever damage those unblocked attackers do to you is neutralized by the 5 life gained)
Not the same thing however. Thats why I call it "pseudo".
If you come across a Baneslayer in a pack well good for you, I can just grind it's dust with a Malikir Bloodwitch.
Still, i'd be much more happy losing with Serra than winning with Baneslayer, because only a complete and utter moron would pay 50 bucks for a magic card.
Poor Serra Angel, stupid Baneslayer Angel. How could wizards do this to one of the greatest white creatures ever? She was such a staple as the finish in so many deck archtypes. The White Weenie, the U/W control, and of coarse "The Deck."
I would still recommend considering Serra Angel in your deck designs over Baneslayer Angel because Serra can actually be purchased at a reasonable price. The only time you would need 4 Baneslayer's is for cash-prize tournements.
By the way, we want the old art for Serra Angel.
I quit about the time lorwyn came up and now that I have returned, it is jus sad to see, that such an epic creature(and white is my least favourite colour btw) has been degraded to an uncommon...
Seriously, all people can hope for these times is opening up a Planeswalker or another "broken" Mythic rare.
True, there have been some insanly strong sets before(Mirrodin?!) but it did not break Magic, I think the addition of Mythic rares was Wizards worst decision since the introduction of "Ante" cards which have been dropped a long time ago (luckily). Have you had a look at recent rare cards? Most of them are just not playable compared to other insane cards. The only competetive format these days I can have fun at is boosterdraft...cheers! Ahhh, I will be playing in the future but it looks like I will be staying casual...
Regarding Serra Angel. One of the best angels ever printed. A very iconic card. The new artwork is beautiful... A powerful angel for the cost, vigilance with flying is fantastic. This is always a good card to pit into a white deck, you can't go wrong choosing this card.
Sometimes Baneslayer would be better, sometimes Serra w/ vigilance would be better. They are both cheap so I suggest running both!
Serra Angel is one of my favorite Magic Cards ever.
There are many worse things to spend $50 on. I think people need to realize spending money on magic cards is NOT a waste of money when they'll retain their value. I spent $200 finishing up a standard deck with 3-4 months until rotation. Why? Because all of that money went into snapcaster mages and shocklands, which I can easily sell once they rotate due to their popularity in modern.