However, due to a lack of availability and some less the savory issues with the game at the moment, it's realistically out of ones price range, which means one must come with an alternative, mainly for the Mono-black. Well I'm here to solve this for you!
Grading the cards:
Each card will start with a score of 5. I will then add a +1 for each advantage that card offers (evasion, cheaper or same CMC, durability), then reduce a point for it's weaknesses, for instance a card will lose a point for each mana it costs more then Juzam, each point weaker then then power (-.5) for each toughness, ect.
Sweden:
Limited/Unlimited:
Sengir Vampire
Sengir is the most often said replacement for Juzam, both because it's iconic, and because it's powerful in its own right. With evasion, and a ability that discourages Alpha Strikes/Chump Blocks, it's understanble why it's cited so much.
- Evasion. +1
- Bonus! Pumpable +1
- Immune to Bolt +1
- Power/toughness (4/4) -1.5
- Converted Mana Cost 5 -1
- Dies to blast -1
At 4.5/5, this is a pretty good score, however, the additional point in no mana, and the reduction in p/t makes the difference. Plus, many could argue, while not strictly inferior, he plays different then Juzam.
Juggernaut
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| "Beep Beep MF!" |
Like many card, Juggernaut is a card that saw much fanfare in the early years of the game, but has since fallen out of popularity. Still a modestly powerful card in it's own right, even if it's weaknesses show.
- Minor Evasion +.5
- Colorless +.5
- Immunity to The Abyss +2
- Major Drawback -2
- Converted Mana Cost (4) +0
- Power/Toughness (5/3) -1
- Dies to bolt -1
- Dies to blast -1
At 3/5, on the score, Juggernaut is a lack luster alternative, but it's cheap, both in CMC and in dollars (even in Swiss if you go for white border).
Clockwork Beast
Another popular creature from the 'good ol' days', Clockwork Beast only fits into this slot due to the fact it's colorless, realistically able to come out as soon turn 2-3 (about the same as Juzam).
In reality, it's drawback is minor, due to it swings for 11 before being even w/ Juzam. However, it does get progressively weaker, and it's ability can be very costly in the late game, however, I'm judging it as a minor drawback.
In reality, this guy does hit hard, and with the ability to resist Abyss is just bonus points. However, it's 6 CMC, it's dewinding drawback, and it's lack of evasion keeps it from being amazing, but at 4/5, certainly an interesting proposal.
Antiquities
Fallen Angel isn't a straight replacement to the big J, but she's solid when built around. Unfortunately when not built around, she's rather lack luster, though being able to pump her up to swing lethal is nice.
Final Score: 3/5
In reality, it's drawback is minor, due to it swings for 11 before being even w/ Juzam. However, it does get progressively weaker, and it's ability can be very costly in the late game, however, I'm judging it as a minor drawback.
- CMC (6) -2
- Colorless .5
- Bolt Proof +1
- Abyss Proof +2
- Power (X/4) 0
- Minor Drawback -1
- Dies to blast -1
In reality, this guy does hit hard, and with the ability to resist Abyss is just bonus points. However, it's 6 CMC, it's dewinding drawback, and it's lack of evasion keeps it from being amazing, but at 4/5, certainly an interesting proposal.
Antiquities
Clockwork Avian
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| This is some awesome art! |
Clockwork Beast was so popular that it got a spiritual sequel in Antiquities, called Clockwork Avian. A flying 4/4 for 5 (then weaker).
- CMC (5) -1
- Power/toughness (x/4) -2.5
- Bolt Proof +1
- Dies to Blast -1
- Abyss Proof +2
- Colorless +.5
- Evasion (flying) +1
- Minor Drawback -.5 (due to rewind being cheaper)
At 4/5, it's on par w/ the Beast, and while swinging for less, it's evasion makes it a bit more consistent then it's older brother.
Su-Chi
Often the replacement to Juggernaut in the modern time, due to it's little drawback that isn't relevant in this time period.
- CMC (4) 0
- Power/Toughness(4/4) -1.5
- Immunity to Bolt +1
- Dies to Blast -1
- Immunity to the Abyss +2
- Minor Drawback (in certain formats) -.5
- Colorless .5
6/5, it's an amazing contender. While not Juzam, it makes a good contender for second place (with Sengir)
Fallen Angel
The black sheep of this family, Fallen Angel is often better when built around, but it does have benefits.
- CMC (5) -1
- Power Toughness (3/3) -2
- Bonus! Pumpable +1
- Dies to Bolt -1
- Dies to Blast -1
- Bonus! Immunity to Control Magic +1
- Evasion (Flying) +1
Fallen Angel isn't a straight replacement to the big J, but she's solid when built around. Unfortunately when not built around, she's rather lack luster, though being able to pump her up to swing lethal is nice.
Final Score: 3/5
Nameless Race
| Looks like a certain cartoon character. |
One of the few rarities that in theory it can come out bigger then Juzam, even if unlikely. It also has the draw back of paying life upon cast, which can be more disasterous then losing life on upkeep. However, if being used in the board against mono-white, can ultimately be very powerful indeed. Plus Trample is always nice.
Fun Fact: This creature currently has no creature type.
No Score (due to variance)
Non-Swiss Formats
Derelor
| Wagh |
Probably the weakest on this list, Derelor unlike some of these guys actually saw major tournament play in 96 in a deck called 5 color sligh (where a set of twins of this saw play as the only black card in the deck).
- CMC (4) +0
- Power/Toughness (4/4) -1.5
- Dies to Blast -1
- Immunity to Bolt +1
- Severe Drawback -2
- Bonus: Tribal Relevant (Thrull) +1
At 3.5, he's the weakest choice on the list, but also one of the most cheapest to actually own. Again, his draw back is severe (as someone who's actually run him in decks), but at a 4/4 for 4, he's not all that bad. I can understand why he'd see play in a 5 color deck.
Ihsan's Shade
The last creature on my list (sorry Dread Wight), Ihsan's the quintessential 95 black legend in my mind. With a combination of durability, strength, and awesome flavor, who doesn't like Magic's own fallen Paladin.
- CMC (6) -2
- 3 black -1
- Power/Toughness (5/5) +0
- Minor Drawback: Legend -.5
- Immunity to Bolt +1
- Immunity to Blast +1
- Bonus! Immunity to StP +1
- Minor Evasion (Protection from White) +.5
According to my math, Ihsan gets a 'perfect' score of 5/5. However, I feel, he's not perfect, and as such, I decided to save the best for last using the "5/5" system.
Juzam Djinn
| "Hey" |
A card that needs no introduction, Big J himself.
- CMC (4) +0
- Power/Toughness (5/5) +0
- Immunity to Bolt +1
- Immunity to Blast +1
- Minor Drawback (Upkeep) -1
In reality Juzam got 7/5, which means this grading system isn't amazing, is it?
Well, that it, and it took me way to long to type this out, but if you have a request of something I accidently (or deliberately) missed, send me a message on here, write on the inevitable twitter thread, or send me a message, and I'll add it in the sequel article. I also hope, this inspires you not to spend a few grand on a set of this badass.
