I didn't think it was possible to improve on his older artwork.
I was wrong.
Lash_of_Dragonbreath
★★☆☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(10 votes)
I disagree with ARandomMop. Old artwork was way better. Bolas looked bigger and more mysterious, what you'd expect from a godlike elder dragon. This looks... Meh. Just like some dragon.
Still, I'm glad to see everyone's favourite elder-dragon-planeswalking-evil-mastermind reprinted. It's been already 2 block since we last saw him.
pedrodyl
★★☆☆☆ (2.0/5.0)(3 votes)
not as good as the other art, but still not bad. also, what is up with the symbol for DD: A vs. NB? like what is it supposed to be?
htgtmd
★★★★☆ (4.3/5.0)(10 votes)
@ Lash_of_Dragonbreath
I like the older card, but this portrays him perfectly... Bolas is in the middle of battle with Ajani. In the actual artwork Ajani's facing him down but Bolas is towering over him.
MyrBattlecube
★★★☆☆ (3.3/5.0)(3 votes)
@pedrodyl It's Bolas's horns and one of the ends of Ajani's staff weapon thing.
NeoKoda
★★★☆☆ (3.7/5.0)(5 votes)
Awesome art. I like how the horn actually goes into the name, makes it look like it pops out.
Condor_96
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(9 votes)
Dear Darth Parallax: You have now won the internet. You may now claim your prize of the cutest lolcat in existence. Thank you for playing. -Nicol Bolas
Progle
★★☆☆☆ (2.3/5.0)(5 votes)
Great artwork
Tynansdtm
★★★☆☆ (3.3/5.0)(6 votes)
I'll second that. I prefer the original artwork.
Hancocky
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Jeah with his first ability he kills ajani... a little bit perplex, isn't it?^^ Despite that, I agree with Lash_of_Dragonbreath. But this art is amazing too!
DarthParallax
★★★☆☆ (3.7/5.0)(27 votes)
Alright, who's the wise guy that didn't give Mr. Bolas 5 stars? Pay mana, get win. Simple! Well, you asked for it.....if there were room, this would be his flavor text:
"I must admit, Your parlor tricks are amusing! I bet You've got a beeble under your hat! Now here's your chance to get the best of me,
Hope your hand is HOT!, C'mon clown, Let's see what You've Got!"
"You try to shock me with your hardest stuff but your Double Whammy isn't up to Snuff! I'll set the record straight--You're simply out of date You're only Second Rate!
You think your cat's a monster, but your tiger's tame; You've got a lot to learn About the Magic game So for your information, I'll Reiterate-
You're only Second Rate!"
"Men cower at the power in my pinky!!! My thumb is #1 on every list!
But if you're not convinced that I'M INVINCIBLE, Put me to the test! I'd love to lay this Rivalry to Rest!!!
Go ahead and Zap me with the 'big surprise', Snap me in a Trap, Cut me down to Size!
I'll make a Big Escape- it's just a piece of Cake!
You're only SECOND RATE!"
"You know, your hocus-pocus isn't tough enough- and your mumbo-jumbo doesn't measure up-
Let me Pontificate upon your Sorry State
You're only SECOND RATE!!!!!!
Alakazam-da-mus and this thing's bigger than the both of us!
So spare me your tremendous scare! You look horrendous in your underwear!
And I can hardly wait, to discombobulate!
I'll send ya back and packing in a shipping CRATE! You'll make a better living with a spinning PLATE!
You're only SECOND RATE!!!!!!"
Edit: found a pic I to share:
http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=Jafar+#/d23ltn6
Gcrudaplaneswalker
★☆☆☆☆ (1.7/5.0)(3 votes)
Great card if only he was less expensive...
Atali
★★★☆☆ (3.8/5.0)(5 votes)
Bolas' best artwork is still his first artwork from Legends. They should do an updated version of that with his new design, sitting in his library reading, you are so far beneath him he doesn't even glance up from his book.
axiobeta
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Bad ass
jetzine
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This is the most badass of the planeswalkers. Rivaled only by Karn Liberated.
PastProphet
★★☆☆☆ (2.2/5.0)(2 votes)
hm, yea... when I look at that expansion symbol (especially Mythic) all I see now is some sort of Pokemon guy with a smiling turtle face!
Tempted_Johnny
★★★★☆ (4.7/5.0)(10 votes)
Storyline thought: Bolas's recent interests have included the Eldrazi, Ugin, and Karn (see Wizards' comics featuring Bolas, Tezzeret, and Sarkhan). Does anybody else suspect Nicol Bolas is attempting to transcend color? It would be a plausible reason to print a second colorless 'walker if that's the case :D
drpvfx
★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)(4 votes)
Perhaps not the "best" Planeswalker overall, but very arguably the most powerful.
All three of his abilities, including his +3, are BRUTAL. Very few decks are safe from any of his powers.
His ultimate is... Ultimate. I'd say it's tied with Jace, the Mind Sculptor for most powerful Ultimate.
His casting cost is a hurdle, but do you really expect such power to come cheaply? If so, use with Eureka.
I fantasize about one day having Bolas, Conflux, Eureka, and plenty of mana at my disposal: Cast Conflux, draw Jace, Chandra, Lilliana, Garruk, and Elspeth. Cast Eureka, play the other five, then play this Master Schemer (mmm, flavor!) Proceed to make your opponent *very* unhappy, especially if you already have a Doubling Season or Gilder Bairn in play...
Mr.Freshness-Timmy
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
ajani vs bolas is hardly a fair fight when bolas' first ability outright destroys ajani.
I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over my sixth turn BOLAS.
pcballistix
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(3 votes)
@ DarthParallax
I can take him out with three mana even after the first ability is used, so no respect
TherealphatMatt
★★★★☆ (4.9/5.0)(8 votes)
I love that he becomes more loyal if you let him kill other planeswalkers, destabilize enchantments, rip apart artifacts, or obliterate lands.
Delicious flavor.
Althom
★★★★☆ (4.4/5.0)(8 votes)
"I'm not playing fair? Perhaps we haven't met! I'm Bolas, spirit of Chaos and Disharmony? HELLOU!"
dingophone
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(3 votes)
How can you not love Bolas? He wrecks games the second he hits the field. His ultimate should just say "Target player scoops". 5/5
adrian.malacoda
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(3 votes)
@KokoshoForPresident
His last ability deals 7 damage because his creature form is a 7/7, as are all the elder dragons. The -9 ability is supposed to resemble a souped up version of Bolas's attack, which explains the discard and sacrifice.
Anyone who's read Harry Potter knows that seven is the most magically powerful (or powerfully magical) number. That's why his last ability is all sevens. (@adrian.malacoda, I see you have noticed what four other people have so far. Can't anyone stand a little creativity around here?)
He's just so brutal it's not funny.
Here's our normal Nicol Bolas conversation: "I tap my eight mana and play... Nicol Bolas!" Everyone else: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Then it's: "Gang up on the dragon planeswalker!" Then it's: "Please not me... I've been nice to you... please... not me..."
I love this guy.
Kura-san
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
A play set of Nightscape Familiars get Bolas our embarrassingly quickly.
Chamale
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(2 votes)
Good news for Nicol Bolas fans! This card is confirmed for a reprint in Magic 2013.
VraGG_
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(2 votes)
I really hate this card. In all its aspects.
Totema
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Is it just me, or is the concept of rarity in duel sets kinda silly? That idea never really occurred to me until I noticed that this is mythic rare... in a unique preconstructed set.
Paleopaladin
★★★☆☆ (3.3/5.0)(5 votes)
"Pffft! Hey Nicol, did you know that that's a GIRL's name?"
Oh crap, he heard me! *runs away*
dlgn
★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Not Planeswalker-Nicol?
tarvofthemudhole
★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Combos well with dream halls. Plop him down and use his +3 to destroy it. Sure there's a chance that someone will respond with something while dream halls is out but it seems to work more often than not.
Pigfish99
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
... I notice that his horns invade the card name area... which would technically make this UNHINGED!
my god, this wasn't meant to be legal afterall. @_@
-is beaten up, and taken to the asylum-
Cloudeye
★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Hard as sin to cast but worth it.
Few ways to cheat him.... but what about "hard"casting? Actually Bolas deck prove a few solutions already. Obelisk of Grixis help in case of color screw. Nightscape Familiar gives a nice discount. And Morgue Toad can be sacced for needed U and R mana. But what makes it frightening is that Bolas can be playable in Mono B. Just throw some Dark Rituals to the mix.
heavyterror
★★☆☆☆ (2.0/5.0)(1 vote)
SPOILED IN M13!
How about a new three color plainswalker wizards?
Ali-Baba
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(1 vote)
Another storyline thought: There's 3 major evils running around in Magic right now: Bolas, Eldrazi, and Phyrexia. What makes Bolas stand out is he is keeping tabs on the other two, which both happen to be world-consuming evils.
Tezzeret is on New Phyrexia to "Prevent leadership from taking hold", While Sarkhan was sent to Zendikar to awaken the Eldrazi, all Bolas's plans.
Could it be that Nicol Bolas, being the manipulator of worlds that he is, is going to use the other superevils to carry out his own schemes? Or maybe he's going to pit them against each other, the Phyrexians vs the Eldrazi, to see which world-destroying evil is the most powerful...And therefore the most fitting for him to direct to his own purposes?
MechaKraken
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Thank goodness he was recently reprinted in Adjani vs Nicol Bolas set, keeping his price under relative control. Why would you pay $30-40.00 for a single copy of him when you could buy a single copy of him plus many other useful cards in the aforementioned set?
I think Stoneforge Mystic went through the same thing with the event deck that was released in New Phyrexia, and how it ***ed off a lot of players who paid $20.00 for a single copy of her.
kiseki
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
So far, my duel decks are pretty darn close to 50/50 in wins. However, 100% of the time that Bolas hits the field, his deck has won. These are good decks, and lots of fun so I am ok with that.
Zoah
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I have a friend that was so proud when he finally managed to play this card. Then I confiscateed him. The time after that I won the next turn, (and killed nico with some left over damage out of spite) The problem with Nico is that, by the time he shows up, your opponent will be very well armed.
TheWallinator74
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(3 votes)
All Planeswalkers shall kneel before the omnipotent Lord Bolas.
If you would so foolishly choose not to, then your very existence is hereby forfeit, as Lord Bolas has no need for those who would defy his insurmountable might.
@adrian.malacoda While Yawgmoth is certainly a terrifyingly evil being, Lord Bolas is leaps and bounds above the man who once ruled over Phyrexia. Having lived both before and after Yawggy is just one of many examples, though I will admit even Lord Bolas' powers would be tested if he were to be challenged by Urza. At any rate though, Lord Bolas is a superior villain.
DacenOctavio
★★★☆☆ (3.0/5.0)(1 vote)
So hard to keep alive against token decks.
LordRandomness
★★☆☆☆ (2.0/5.0)(1 vote)
@TherealphatMatt - Not to mention that he becomes LESS loyal if you make him give control of a creature to you.
Cyber_Squirrel
★★★☆☆ (3.8/5.0)(2 votes)
@Althom: Thanks. Now I need this card.
blurrymadness
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
T1 Deathrite Shaman T2 Morgue Toad T3 Dark Ritual -> Nicol Bolas.
I want to note something for y'all. Even if they beat him to death, he's a 2-for-1 by just using his -2. That's huge. His + is not only +3, but it's the best + on a walker. His ult not only doesn't kill him if you went straight for it; it tortures your opponent rather than usually finishing them off.
No no no. You get to die slowly.
OlvynChuru
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
It's kind of wierd for their to be a Planeswalker vs. Nicol Bolas set. It doesn't make sense for that planeswalker to be as powerful as Bolas, yet the decks have to be balanced anyway.
Comments (49)
I was wrong.
Still, I'm glad to see everyone's favourite elder-dragon-planeswalking-evil-mastermind reprinted. It's been already 2 block since we last saw him.
also, what is up with the symbol for DD: A vs. NB? like what is it supposed to be?
I like the older card, but this portrays him perfectly... Bolas is in the middle of battle with Ajani. In the actual artwork Ajani's facing him down but Bolas is towering over him.
You have now won the internet. You may now claim your prize of the cutest lolcat in existence. Thank you for playing.
-Nicol Bolas
Despite that, I agree with Lash_of_Dragonbreath. But this art is amazing too!
"I must admit, Your parlor tricks are amusing! I bet You've got a beeble under your hat! Now here's your chance to get the best of me,
Hope your hand is HOT!, C'mon clown, Let's see what You've Got!"
"You try to shock me with your hardest stuff but your Double Whammy isn't up to Snuff! I'll set the record straight--You're simply out of date
You're only Second Rate!
You think your cat's a monster, but your tiger's tame; You've got a lot to learn About the Magic game So for your information, I'll Reiterate-
You're only Second Rate!"
"Men cower at the power in my pinky!!! My thumb is #1 on every list!
But if you're not convinced that I'M INVINCIBLE, Put me to the test! I'd love to lay this Rivalry to Rest!!!
Go ahead and Zap me with the 'big surprise', Snap me in a Trap, Cut me down to Size!
I'll make a Big Escape- it's just a piece of Cake!
You're only SECOND RATE!"
"You know, your hocus-pocus isn't tough enough- and your mumbo-jumbo doesn't measure up-
Let me Pontificate upon your Sorry State
You're only SECOND RATE!!!!!!
Alakazam-da-mus and this thing's bigger than the both of us!
So spare me your tremendous scare! You look horrendous in your underwear!
And I can hardly wait, to discombobulate!
I'll send ya back and packing in a shipping CRATE! You'll make a better living with a spinning PLATE!
You're only SECOND RATE!!!!!!"
Other cards I wanted to auto-card into this, but don't know how to blend into the song :/
Pontificate->Ponder
Cat-> Ajani Vengeant
Tame-> Diminish
Invincible-> Indestructible
Mana Leak somewhere
Time Reversal somewhere
Discombobulate->Dismember
Zap-> Lightning Bolt
and the last 'Second Rate' to Glimpse the Unthinkable
Edit: found a pic I to share:
http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&q=Jafar+#/d23ltn6
ass
but very arguably the most powerful.
All three of his abilities, including his +3,
are BRUTAL.
Very few decks are safe from any of his powers.
His ultimate is... Ultimate. I'd say it's tied with Jace, the Mind Sculptor for most powerful Ultimate.
His casting cost is a hurdle, but do you really expect such power to come cheaply?
If so, use with Eureka.
I fantasize about one day having Bolas, Conflux, Eureka, and plenty of mana at my disposal:
Cast Conflux, draw Jace, Chandra, Lilliana, Garruk, and Elspeth.
Cast Eureka, play the other five, then play this Master Schemer (mmm, flavor!)
Proceed to make your opponent *very* unhappy,
especially if you already have a Doubling Season or Gilder Bairn in play...
The Ajani Vs. Nicol Bolas symbol is supposed to be a combination of Ajani's Axe-Sludgehammer hybrid (see in Ajani Vengeant's hand) and Nicol's horns.
Bolas Player: +3. goodbye Ajani
Ajani Player: rage quit
I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over my sixth turn BOLAS.
I can take him out with three mana even after the first ability is used, so no respect
Delicious flavor.
His last ability deals 7 damage because his creature form is a 7/7, as are all the elder dragons. The -9 ability is supposed to resemble a souped up version of Bolas's attack, which explains the discard and sacrifice.
@TheWallinator74
greatest evil? aren't you forgetting someone?
He's just so brutal it's not funny.
Here's our normal Nicol Bolas conversation:
"I tap my eight mana and play... Nicol Bolas!"
Everyone else: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!"
Then it's: "Gang up on the dragon planeswalker!"
Then it's: "Please not me... I've been nice to you... please... not me..."
I love this guy.
Oh crap, he heard me! *runs away*
my god, this wasn't meant to be legal afterall. @_@
-is beaten up, and taken to the asylum-
Few ways to cheat him.... but what about "hard"casting?
Actually Bolas deck prove a few solutions already.
Obelisk of Grixis help in case of color screw.
Nightscape Familiar gives a nice discount.
And Morgue Toad can be sacced for needed U and R mana.
But what makes it frightening is that Bolas can be playable in Mono B. Just throw some Dark Rituals to the mix.
How about a new three color plainswalker wizards?
There's 3 major evils running around in Magic right now: Bolas, Eldrazi, and Phyrexia. What makes Bolas stand out is he is keeping tabs on the other two, which both happen to be world-consuming evils.
Tezzeret is on New Phyrexia to "Prevent leadership from taking hold", While Sarkhan was sent to Zendikar to awaken the Eldrazi, all Bolas's plans.
Could it be that Nicol Bolas, being the manipulator of worlds that he is, is going to use the other superevils to carry out his own schemes? Or maybe he's going to pit them against each other, the Phyrexians vs the Eldrazi, to see which world-destroying evil is the most powerful...And therefore the most fitting for him to direct to his own purposes?
I think Stoneforge Mystic went through the same thing with the event deck that was released in New Phyrexia, and how it ***ed off a lot of players who paid $20.00 for a single copy of her.
The time after that I won the next turn, (and killed nico with some left over damage out of spite)
The problem with Nico is that, by the time he shows up, your opponent will be very well armed.
If you would so foolishly choose not to, then your very existence is hereby forfeit, as Lord Bolas has no need for those who would defy his insurmountable might.
So make like Sarkhan the Mad and Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas. Join the legions of Lord Bolas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@adrian.malacoda While Yawgmoth is certainly a terrifyingly evil being, Lord Bolas is leaps and bounds above the man who once ruled over Phyrexia. Having lived both before and after Yawggy is just one of many examples, though I will admit even Lord Bolas' powers would be tested if he were to be challenged by Urza. At any rate though, Lord Bolas is a superior villain.
Thanks. Now I need this card.
T2 Morgue Toad
T3 Dark Ritual -> Nicol Bolas.
I want to note something for y'all. Even if they beat him to death, he's a 2-for-1 by just using his -2.
That's huge.
His + is not only +3, but it's the best + on a walker.
His ult not only doesn't kill him if you went straight for it; it tortures your opponent rather than usually finishing them off.
No no no. You get to die slowly.