Honestly, I think this card is really quite good. Compare it to Viridian Zealot, which got a lot of play in its day:
Viridian Zealot costs 1 less CMC (albeit it requires double green), has a 2/1 body and has an activation cost that requires you to sacrifice it.
Nantuko Vigilante costs 1 CMC more (assuming you paid the morph cost, of course), has the same activation cost, but instead of sacrificing it you gain a nice 3/2 body. Maybe I'm crazy here, but I'd rather take the Vigilante.
Of course, tribal types complicate things, but I still think the advantage is significant.
Posted By:
Ichorix
(2/11/2010 5:50:33 PM)
Ichorix's point is well taken. This is one of four green creatures with this kind of instant-speed removal without self-sacrifice. The other three are Nullmage Advocate, Nullmage Shepherd, and Wickerbough Elder. Wickerbough Elder is probably better overall, but you could cast Nantuko on T2 pretty easily in green.
Posted By:
james2c19v
(1/6/2013 5:33:13 PM)
What ichorix is noting is the difference between a control and an aggro mindset.
Aggro sees Viridian as a means to a T3 arty/enchant hate if necessary, but a beater if not. Control sees this as card advantage and taking card of an artifact T4+. The turn difference is also a problem for things like AEther Vial, not that this sees legacy play.
Also, except in the case where you morph T3 or T4, then go on the payment plan, you'll usually want Acidic Slime since it's a better defender, a comparable attacker, and is guaranteed card advantage.
Posted By:
blurrymadness
(7/12/2013 11:08:53 AM)
Completely agree with "Ichorix" , i found one in my crap box that i check sometimes always with more magic's knowledge and i stop on it thinking it was great !
Posted By:
MojoVince
(10/14/2012 11:36:56 AM)
Insect Druid Mutant. Okay
Posted By:
QAZAZ
(7/5/2011 4:11:18 PM)
Utilized this creature for a while in one of my early decks, as my friend commonly abused artifacts and enchantments. I later switched to Naturalize, as it didn't have to go through the morph stage. I wonder to this day if that was the right decision, oh well.
Posted By:
Lord_Ascapelion
(6/6/2012 9:52:41 AM)
Always wondered what business a Nantuko had in that expansion.
Posted By:
garbagegatherer
(11/5/2009 2:08:23 AM)
He's a vigilante? IT'S BATMAN!
Posted By:
zeyette
(11/18/2009 9:40:10 PM)