Released in May 2019, War of the Spark is the 81st Magic: The Gathering expansion and serves as the dramatic conclusion to the long-running Bolas Arc. The set is set on the plane of Ravnica, but the focus is on the epic confrontation between the Gatewatch and the Elder Dragon planeswalker, Nicol Bolas. This 'event set' structure, as described by head designer Mark Rosewater, prioritizes a major storyline event over the exploration of a particular plane, a departure from many previous Magic sets.
The most defining feature of War of the Spark is its heavy emphasis on planeswalkers. The set boasts a total of 36 unique planeswalker cards, an unprecedented number for a single expansion. To ensure that players experience this central theme, each booster pack is guaranteed to contain at least one planeswalker card. This design choice not only makes for an exciting pack-opening experience but also significantly impacts gameplay, introducing a high density of powerful and versatile threats into the Standard format of the time. The set also introduced the 'amass' mechanic, which creates a Zombie Army token that grows in size, and brought back the popular 'proliferate' mechanic, which synergizes well with the abundance of planeswalkers and their loyalty counters.
For collectors, War of the Spark offers a number of exciting chase elements. The most notable of these are the Japanese alternate-art planeswalker cards. These cards feature unique, anime-inspired artwork and were included in Japanese-language booster packs, with a 50% chance of replacing the standard art. These alternate-art cards have become highly sought-after by collectors worldwide for their distinct aesthetic. In addition to the Japanese variants, the set also includes premium foil versions of all cards, with foil planeswalkers being particularly desirable. The combination of a compelling storyline, a unique set structure, and a variety of chase cards has cemented War of the Spark's place as a memorable and collectible Magic: The Gathering expansion.
The market for War of the Spark remains active, with sealed booster boxes holding their value well due to the guaranteed planeswalker in every pack. The Japanese alternate-art planeswalkers, especially key characters like Liliana and Teferi, continue to be the most valuable and sought-after cards from the set, often commanding a significant premium over their standard-art counterparts.
- Focus on collecting the 36 unique planeswalkers, as they are the centerpiece of the set.
- Seek out the Japanese alternate-art planeswalker cards, which are highly sought after for their unique anime-style artwork.
- Consider purchasing sealed booster boxes, as each pack guarantees a planeswalker card, increasing the chances of pulling a valuable card.
- Pay attention to the foil versions of cards, especially the rare and mythic rare planeswalkers, as they command a premium on the secondary market.
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The most valuable cards in MTG War of the Spark 2019 are typically the rookie cards of Liliana, Dreadhorde General, Teferi, Time Raveler, Nissa, Who Shakes the World, Karn, the Great Creator. Rare parallels and numbered cards command the highest premiums.
The MTG War of the Spark 2019 base set contains 264 cards, with parallels including Japanese Alternate Art Planeswalkers, Premium Foil Versions.
A MTG War of the Spark 2019 hobby box typically retails for around $150-170. Each box contains 36 packs per box, 15 cards per pack. Prices may vary based on availability and demand.