Ornithopter: The Unlikely hero

"Our condolences to everyone who's ever died to an Ornithopter"-Ice Age rulebook.

Who would have thought in 1994, that a free creature with 0 power would become one of the most enduring, most iconic creatures in all of Magic?

Antiquities seems to have many iconic cards, and many tournament staples per volume compared to a lot of it's contemporaries. However Ornithopter stands out on its own, from the early days of tournament play to now, Ornithopter still sees play. From Academy decks, to Affinity, to Ninja's, and even now with Hammer time. 

There's not a lot of cards that can say that. Even in EDH, Orni isn't an uncommon sight. Its had a consistent history of promo and standard reprints, and even appears in the illustrious gold border.

How does this lovable 0 drop fit in Old School though? Where the various tricks aren't present. Was Ornithopter as big a presence in 1994, or was it simply a oddity and a fascicious joke?

Playability: Ornithopter is one of 4 free creatures in 94/95, the other three being kobolds. In premodern that number is still less then 5. They say the best price is free, and Ornithopter is exactly that. However what sets Ornithopter apart from many of its competitors, is Ornithopter can attack, and has flying. This alone sets it above the three kobolds. While an argument could be made that them being red makes them compatible with Gauntlets, and that their tribal support makes them better then the colorless, tribeless Ornithopter. I disagree, versatility is a cards ultimate strength. In the context of Old School, Kolbolds are limited to a weaker version of Goblins, while Ornithopter, thanks to its artifact typing can fit in a myriad of strategies. They work as a 0 drop creature for Ashnod's Alter, a sac outlet for the likes of Transmute Artifact, Sage of Lat-Nam and of course Orcish Mechanics. However, you can also use it with combat tricks, including the likes of Blood Lust, Giant Growth and Berserk. It can also, be enchanted. One old trick is giving it a Firebreathing while Flare or Gauntlet is out, allowing for a huge surprise hit. Now naturally these tactics aren't at the most competitive, but if you were looking for that, you wouldn't be reading this blog, would you. Tactics in 95 and Premodern include the infamous Enduring Renewal, and you can even use it with Goblin Bombardment in premodern. I say, as far as creatures are concerned, Ornithopter is definitely on the upper half of the scale, and dare I even say, great. Playability 4/5.

Art: This is probably Weber's best piece in the game. Where as her art has been criticized for having to much going on, or being very simple, this is a perfect balance of both. Front and center is the Ornithopter, in clear view. However its the whole piece that sells this. The faded artist stamp, the old parchment paper, the various sketches, scribbles, and writing, faded just enough to be illegible. It looks like something out of Da Vinci's notebook. It sells the card, and makes you feel like you're holding something truly ancient in your hand, especially if you are holding a Antiquities one. 5/5 art.

Flavor: Unfortunately there isn't much to say on the flavor of this. It may be invented by Urza, but later printings suggest no artificer has failed to invent the Ornithopter. In fact, the 5th flavor text says Urza simply improved upon a much earlier design invented by the Thran. However, the flavor of the card functions as it is, and that is more to say then most. 3/5.

A rather humble Urza

Conclusion: 12/15=4/5. Ornithopter is the type of card every good card game needs. A deceptively good card that might look bad, or even useless at first glance. However, behind it, to those who think, lacks a world of potential and opportunity. Its almost thirty years of various tournament success is a testament to that.