Hold onto your spellbooks, Magic: The Gathering fans, because Wizards of the Coast just dropped a bombshell with their latest Secret Lair release, and it’s causing a stir in the community. Dubbed 'An Encyclopedia of Magic,' this $200 Countdown Kit is packed with 26 reprints, each representing a different letter of the alphabet—but here’s where it gets controversial: is this drop a dream come true or a scalper’s paradise? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Good News: Value Galore
From the moment the spoilers started rolling out, it was clear this wasn’t your average Secret Lair drop. Cards like Phyrexian Altar ($58), Urza’s Saga ($32), and Wasteland ($21) are just the tip of the iceberg, offering over $111 in value alone. But that’s not all—Field of the Dead ($40), Isochron Scepter ($15), and Myrel, Shield of Argive ($19) join the party, adding another $74 to the mix. Toss in Demonic Consultation ($10) and Zo-Zu the Punisher ($10), and you’ve already hit the $200 mark. And this is the part most people miss: with these eight cards alone, you’re essentially getting 18 additional cards for free. Some of these, like Krark-Clan Ironworks ($20) and Altar of the Brood ($9), are no slouches either. All told, this drop boasts a staggering $270.85 in value—a no-brainer for collectors and players alike.
The Bad News: Scalpers Are Drooling
Here’s where things get messy. Wizards didn’t just open the floodgates—they ripped them off the hinges. Players can buy not one, but two copies of the Countdown Kit, plus a bundle that includes two kits for $300 (a $100 discount). Do the math, and a single player can snag up to six kits. Bold prediction: unless Wizards printed an absurd number of these, scalpers are going to have a field day. With chase foil variants like Traditional Foil and Holo Foil cards randomly included, it’s in everyone’s best interest to buy as many as possible. But is this fair to the average player? That’s up for debate.
The Ugly Truth: Missed Opportunities
Wizards had a golden chance to print to demand and avoid the chaos, but they didn’t take it. Instead, we’re left with a system that rewards bulk buying and punishes casual fans. Controversial take: could this have been a win-win if handled differently? Absolutely. With such high demand, Wizards could have made a killing while keeping the community happy. Instead, we’re left with a drop that’s as frustrating as it is exciting.
The Full List: What’s Inside?
For those who just want the details, here’s the breakdown of every reprint in An Encyclopedia of Magic, along with their approximate values. Keep in mind, Secret Lair variants will likely sell for much more:
- Altar of the Brood | $9
- Brain Freeze | $8
- Crop Rotation | $5
- Demonic Consultation | $10
- Eerie Ultimatum | $4
- Field of the Dead | $40
- Gray Merchant of Asphodel | $1
- Hymn to Tourach | $0.50
- Isochron Scepter | $15
- Junji, the Midnight Sky | $0.50
- Krark-Clan Ironworks | $20
- Llanowar Elves | $0.25
- Myrel, Shield of Argive | $19
- Narset’s Reversal | $2
- Ob Nixilis, the Fallen | $4
- Phyrexian Altar | $58
- Questing Beast | $3
- Retrofitter Foundry | $0.50
- Sol Ring | $1
- Temple of the False God | $0.10
- Urza’s Saga | $32
- Vesuva | $2
- Wasteland | $21
- Xantcha, Sleeper Agent | $2
- Yarok, the Desecrated | $3
- Zo-Zu the Punisher | $10
Final Thoughts: A Double-Edged Sword
This Secret Lair drop is a masterpiece of value, but it’s also a cautionary tale about supply and demand. While it’s hard to pass up, the lack of purchase limits and potential for scalping leave a sour taste. Here’s the question we’re left with: Is this drop a celebration of Magic’s diversity, or a missed opportunity to prioritize the community over profits? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
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