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Aaron, you're right that Uncle Istvan makes zero sense from a modern design or color pie perspective. But please don't discount the joy of oddballs like this guy, provided they can be made to fit the current MTG standards. Let's see more "Uncles", Norritts, Phelddagrifs, etc. pop up from time to time, they're memorable as hell, especially if you have a certain sense of humor. I started playing MTG w/Ice Age & 4th Edition, and "Summon Uncle Istvan" never failed to crack me up. I'd play him in decks even though he sorta sucked as an actual creature. Props for including him on the timeshifted sheet, btw.
Posted By:
CardboardElemental
(10/28/2010 10:30:55 AM)
Personally, I loved squirrels back during Odyssey block, when they were everywhere. I think they're just fun!
This guy, though. Fun flavor, kinda boring card.
Posted By:
ChibiUnunnilium
(10/29/2010 12:11:11 AM)
First, @theScion - crazy uncle, love it. =)
Second, theScion, CardboardElemental - I don't think you guys are reading Aaron's comments closely enough. He's not discounting the joy of oddballs like Istvan. He does understand why people like them. He even says he himself has liked this card. And he chose to include it on the timeshifted sheet, after all.
He's certainly not saying that he doesn't want any outliers, that he'll be squelching any oddballs in future sets. (He's also not saying he won't do that...but it's incorrect to read his comments as saying that's what he's going to do.)
His point is that in spite of the joy of oddballs, this guy isn't good for the game. It misrepresents the game in ways he thinks don't need to be misrepresented. Oddballs like, for instance, Norin the Wary are probably - and I'm making an assumption here, and apologize to Mr. Forsythe if I'm misrepresenting him - Norin is probably okay with him, ... (see all)
Posted By:
Magnor_Criol
(11/30/2010 12:34:41 AM)
It makes me sad to hear the innovator of the current Core set thrust (bringing the "magic" back to Magic) doesn't like cards like Uncle Istvan. No, that's not what makes me sad. What makes me sad is that Aaron doesn't like him therefore does not learn why people *still* like Uncle. If he did, I call him out to prove it by making a card that does what Uncle does better. Not power-wise, or ability-wise, but instead captures the essence of 'outliers' and gives us a card that's memorable for being wacky in 15 years. It hasn't happened since maybe Time Spiral (I'm looking at you, Norin) so what makes me sad is that this lesson has yet to be learned fully and utilized.
There are a lot of things wrong with this card. There are a lot of things wrong with cards from The Dark in general (and Legends, for that matter), but these oddballs are highly sought after and make great stories. I understand the logic of the criticisms of this card, but honestly I'd learn *why* people latch onto this card ... (see all)
Posted By:
theScion
(10/29/2010 9:25:44 AM)
actually, I LOVE this guy... well... doesn't sound right...lol.
Not Constructed material, but fun casual card for sure. Oddball, that's what he is!
Posted By:
Snoopfrogg
(6/5/2011 12:11:42 AM)
lol @ "Summon Uncle Istvan"
poor old guy...
Posted By:
DlCK
(6/19/2011 8:36:23 PM)
Aaron's Random Card Comment of the Day #23, 10/27/10
I included Uncle Istvan on the Time Spiral “timeshifted” sheet because he’s so off-kilter, out of the color pie, and abnormal creatively that he’s memorable--a reminder of how odd some cards were all those years ago. The people that put him in Fourth Edition, I believe, did so because they thought he was a good, representative card that should be an ongoing part of Magic. Sheesh.
Things that are wrong with this card:
1) He’s named like a unique character but isn’t legendary. That sin is forgivable in pre-Legends sets, like with Arabian Nights’ Ali Baba and King Suleiman, but not here. The Dark came after Legends, yet pretends it doesn’t exist.
2) He’s named like a unique character but isn’t rare.
3) He’s an insane dude holding a bloody axe and he’s 1/3.
4) He’s a very black creature with a very white ability. That ability ... (see all)
Posted By:
Aaron_Forsythe
(10/27/2010 10:29:04 PM)
This is one of my FAVORITE cards ever
Uncle Istvan for the win!!!
Posted By:
spacechaser0001
(11/9/2009 1:15:52 PM)
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Please reprint in Avacyn Restored.
Pleasepleasepleaseplease!
Posted By:
The_Stray
(2/18/2012 10:47:04 PM)
Man, reading that really made me dislike Aaron Forsythe. More than I already did, I mean.
No one cares about Sarkhan the Mad. This ain't Dragon Ball Z.
Posted By:
Kirbster
(7/10/2012 9:01:06 PM)