Earlier this week, fans of Magic: The Gathering got an in-depth look at the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set. This new collection of cards draws inspiration from the beloved Nickelodeon series, following Aang’s incredible journey from a boy frozen in an iceberg to the formidable Avatar, who wields all four elements to maintain global peace. It’s a huge responsibility for the young monk, but fortunately, he gathers many eager allies throughout his adventures.
Among these allies, however misguided, is Jet, the charismatic leader of the Freedom Fighters. While this tragic vigilante was absent from the initial reveals, we’re excited to offer an exclusive preview of four new cards that focus on Jet and his band of revolutionaries.
First up is the Legendary Creature – Human Rebel Ally, Jet, Freedom Fighter. When Jet enters the battlefield, he deals damage equal to the number of creatures you control to a target creature an opponent controls. Should Jet fall in battle, you can then distribute a +1/+1 counter to up to two other target creatures. With a converted mana cost (CMC) of five, Jet isn’t the cheapest to summon, but powerful effects can help get him out faster. True to his ambush-style tactics, Jet, Freedom Fighter is a red-white card perfect for swift, impactful plays.
Next, we have Jet’s Brainwashing. This Sorcery card costs just one mana and prevents a target creature from blocking during the current turn. It also features a ‘kick’ cost of three; if you choose to pay this extra cost, you gain control of the target creature until the end of the turn. The creature then untaps and gains haste until the end of turn. As an added bonus, Jet’s Brainwashing creates a Clue token, a familiar artifact that can be sacrificed to draw a card.
Then there’s Price of Freedom, a ‘Lesson’ Sorcery spell. This subtype, first seen in Strixhaven: School of Mages, makes a significant comeback in the Avatar: The Last Airbender set. When played, Price of Freedom lets you destroy an opponent’s target artifact or land. The controller of the destroyed permanent can then search their library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, and shuffle. Following this, you get to draw a card. With a CMC of just two, Price of Freedom offers immense value for its modest cost.
Rounding out the reveals is Treetop Freedom Fighters, a Creature – Human Rebel Ally costing three mana. Despite being a 2/1, its low cost, Haste ability, and capacity to create a 1/1 Ally creature token upon entering the battlefield make it a remarkably effective early-game addition.
Overall, I’m genuinely impressed by the power and thematic depth of these cards. It’s a poignant irony that Jet, despite his fervent opposition to the Fire Nation, employs tactics and a fiery spirit that echo those he despises, both philosophically and in gameplay mechanics. This synergy with many Fire Benders we’ve seen only heightens my anticipation to discover how the entire set will beautifully intertwine with Avatar: The Last Airbender’s rich themes and narrative.
The Magic: The Gathering – Avatar: The Last Airbender collaboration is scheduled for release on November 21st.