Every card in Time Spiral was a throwback to at least one previously printed card.
This card references Cursed Scroll and is part of the "Magus" super cycle of rare creatures. The cycle in Time Spiral all reference one of the most powerful artifacts ever; the others are Magus of the Candelabra, Magus of the Mirror, Magus of the Jar, and Magus of the Disk.
The Planar Chaos part of the cycle focuses on powerful lands: Magus of the Tabernacle, Magus of the Bazaar, Magus of the Coffers, Magus of the Arena, and Magus of the Library. The Future Sight part of the cycle focuses on powerful enchantments: Magus of the Moat, Magus of the Future, Magus of the Abyss, Magus of the Moo... (see all)
Posted By:
Missile_Penguin
(7/9/2013 6:05:00 PM)
While being colored and a creature make is marginally worse than it's Cursed predecessor, I'm truly surprised this isn't played more.
Posted By:
HairlessThoctar
(12/28/2009 12:29:51 PM)
SavageBrain, if that was the case, they'd've had to change the original. This is a flavor card; its ability may not be top notch, but it's a throwback to a very, very powerful card. Don't understimate, simply because it looks weak. The entire 15-card cycle was created for flavor reasons. Don't go assuming they can just change this or any of its counterparts willy nilly.
Posted By:
Lateralis0ne
(7/6/2010 12:17:15 PM)
Certainly, not as good as Cursed Scroll. Mainly for summoning sickness, inability to deal colorless damage, and poor body of 1/1 that dies to mass burn such as Earthquake and Pyroclasm.
This card, however, avoids artifact removals, has ability to deal one damage when mana is not available (of course, not the safest option), and can be combined with Training Ground.
Posted By:
Hoonster
(3/4/2011 4:50:12 PM)
I love using this card in my RDW deck.
We can discuss on and on about what's better and what's not. But as a casual magic player, I play with the cards I have and make the best out of it. And this card does it's job well :)
Posted By:
Dabok
(7/27/2012 5:13:55 AM)
Just to revisit with some recent sets, there's little reason nobody plays this guy. He misses the colorless damage of his cursed paper, he makes up for it with synergy.
+ Training Grounds makes very efficient payments. Throw in untapping capability for lot's of fun.
+ Ranger of Eos can tutor this guy in. (For whatever reason you may want).
+ Sure is susceptible to removal, but so what? Everything is, and with the Scars block released, artifacts are no longer safe either. But there's plenty of ways around removal. But the bonus is that it can be pumped/protected by conventional means.
He seems fun. Definitely budget Scroll, and nothing wrong with that. I'd run it.
Posted By:
Jaz.
(3/3/2011 10:12:55 AM)
Why doesn't anyone use him? He is a creature, can be killed, summoning sickness, useless early game when you have a full hand. late game, might as well be a prodigal pyromancer
better off just attacking for one.
Posted By:
Tommy9898
(2/22/2010 10:09:58 PM)
Lowest rated Magus, it looks like. Not bad, not bad. Just not 'WOW!'
Posted By:
DarthParallax
(8/10/2011 6:35:49 PM)
This card will probly be used in burn decks. And, as we all know, burn deck usually run top deck after a few turns. Ergo: no gambling involved if you wait a while.
Posted By:
Snaxme
(12/9/2009 7:45:23 AM)
The poor man's Cursed Scroll. Very good alternative for budget players.
Posted By:
Bulhakas
(11/10/2009 10:08:10 AM)