Outlaws of Thunder Junction: A Frontier Fantasy

Welcome, cowpokes and card slingers, to the untamed frontier of Thunder Junction, where magic and mayhem collide in a showdown of epic proportions. Outlaws of Thunder Junction marks Magic: The Gathering's first foray into the Wild West genre, bringing with it a tale of villainy, treachery, and high-stakes showdowns. As the 100th expansion in Magic's illustrious history, this set promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for players old and new.

In the heart of Thunder Junction, a convergence of outlaws from across the Multiverse sets the stage for a clash of titanic proportions. Led by the nefarious Oko, Radkos, Tinybones, and Vraska, these villains have come to stake their claim and seize their fortunes amidst the dusty streets and rocky mesas of this mystical frontier. But beware, for alliances are fleeting and betrayal lurks around every corner in this lawless land.

Outlaws of Thunder Junction introduces a host of new mechanics and themes inspired by the rugged landscapes and larger-than-life characters of the Wild West. From duels at high noon to daring train heists, players will immerse themselves in a world where every card tells a story of cunning, courage, and chaos.

In this blog post, we delve into the exciting possibilities of reprints from Magic's rich history that could make their way into the Outlaws of Thunder Junction set. From iconic cards that fit perfectly with the American Wild West theme to hidden gems that could add a new twist to gameplay, we explore the potential reprints that players can look forward to in this highly anticipated expansion.

By examining the existing MTG card pool, we can identify cards that align thematically with the Wild West setting. For example, a card like "Lightning Bolt" could be reimagined as a "Six-Shooter Showdown," where a cowboy takes aim at an opponent. Similarly, "Wrath of God" could become "Dust Storm Devastation," depicting a tornado tearing through the frontier town.

To truly capture the essence of Outlaws of Thunder Junction, new illustrations and flavor text are crucial. Talented artists can bring the Wild West to life, showcasing the rugged landscapes, dusty towns, and iconic characters of the plane. Flavor text can further enhance the immersive experience, providing snippets of dialogue or narratives that transport players into the heart of Thunder Junction.

Trading Post

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, certain cards hold a special place in the hearts of players. One such card is Trading Post, an artifact that has been absent from Standard-legal sets for quite some time. However, with the upcoming release of Outlaws of Thunder Junction, there is a glimmer of hope that this flavorful artifact might make a comeback. 

A versatile artifact, Trading Post fits well in Outlaws of Thunder Junction thematically as it facilitates shady deals and gruesome transactions, reflecting the villainous nature of the set. Its ability to sacrifice creatures aligns with potential sacrifice or creature death effects expected in the expansion, making it a suitable inclusion for the frontier towns of Thunder Junction.

Getaway Car

With its thematic ties to villainy and its appearance in a set focused on nefarious activities (Streets of New Capenna), Getaway Car is a suitable candidate for reprinting in Outlaws of Thunder Junction. In a desert setting where traditional transport like horses may not suffice, the mechanical transport offered by vehicles like Getaway Car could be essential for maneuvering through hostile terrain.

Within the dusty, sun-scorched landscape of Thunder Junction, where every shadow harbors a threat and every oasis holds a secret, the Getaway Car emerges as a beacon of both opportunity and danger. With its sleek frame and silent wheels, this artifact whispers promises of escape and untold riches to those bold enough to grasp its reins. Originally unveiled amidst the nefarious alleys of Streets of New Capenna, the Getaway Car finds itself a natural fit within Thunder Junction's lawless domain.

In a land where traditional steeds may falter beneath the merciless desert sun, the mechanical prowess of the Getaway Car becomes an essential tool for maneuvering through treacherous terrain and outwitting rival desperados. Yet, behind its gleaming facade lies a darker truth—a past veiled in shadows, a history stained with blood. For those willing to seize its wheel, the Getaway Car offers both salvation and peril, a chance to outrun fate or succumb to its relentless pursuit.

Revel in Riches

Reflecting themes of plunder and treasure acquisition inherent in the Wild West setting, Revel in Riches could make a flavorful return in Outlaws of Thunder Junction. Its potential to introduce a subtheme of Treasure tokens aligns well with the lawless environment of Thunder Junction, offering players an alternate win condition while capturing the essence of train robbers and gold hunters.

Amidst the dust-choked streets and ramshackle saloons of Thunder Junction, the promise of wealth hangs heavy in the air, a siren's call to fortune-seekers and outlaws alike. In the heart of this lawless frontier, the Revel In Riches artifact stands as a testament to the insatiable hunger for plunder that drives the souls of men. Originally forged in the crucible of Ixalan's pirate-infested shores, Revel In Riches finds new purpose amidst Thunder Junction's untamed expanse. Its golden gleam reflects the harsh light of a sun-scorched horizon, promising riches beyond measure to those cunning enough to claim them.

Rivals' Duel

Evoking the classic Wild West trope of high noon duels between rivals, Rivals' Duel adds both flavor and gameplay mechanics suitable for Outlaws of Thunder Junction. Its long absence from Standard-legal sets makes it a compelling option for reprinting, providing players with a thematic removal spell that fits the diverse creature types expected in the set.

In the blistering heat of Thunder Junction's high noon sun, two figures stand poised at opposite ends of a dusty street, their hands hovering above their holstered weapons, eyes locked in a deadly dance of anticipation. This is no mere confrontation—it is a Rivals' Duel, a showdown as old as the frontier itself, where honor is measured in iron and victory is won or lost in a single breath. Originally forged in the crucible of Morningtide's ancient legends, Rivals' Duel finds new purpose amidst Thunder Junction's lawless expanse. Its whispered incantations evoke memories of a bygone era, where heroes and outlaws clashed beneath the unforgiving sun, their fates bound by the pull of destiny and the sting of betrayal.

Crested Sunmare

As horses play a significant role in Wild West imagery, Crested Sunmare could be a fitting reprint for Outlaws of Thunder Junction, potentially serving as a game-winning bomb while synergizing with new and returning horse-themed cards. Its ability to enhance other creatures when under the player's control offers flexibility without resorting to outdated mechanics like Horsemanship.

Across the sun-scorched plains of Thunder Junction, the pounding hooves of a mighty steed herald the arrival of a new dawn—a dawn born of fire and blood, where heroes and villains alike tread the razor's edge between glory and oblivion. Amidst this lawless frontier, the Crested Sunmare emerges as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, its mane ablaze with the fury of a thousand suns, its eyes alight with the fire of untamed freedom. Originally bred in the crucible of Amonkhet's sun-scorched sands, the Crested Sunmare finds new purpose amidst Thunder Junction's untamed expanse. Its resplendent form embodies the spirit of the Wild West, where courage and cunning reign supreme, and the bonds of loyalty run deeper than blood.

Big Score

Despite its recent appearance in Streets of New Capenna, Big Score remains a flavorful choice for Outlaws of Thunder Junction, emphasizing themes of theft and ill-gotten gains inherent in the Wild West. Its graveyard-fueling effect could support potential graveyard themes in the set, contributing to the narrative of rival villains vying for control over valuable treasures.

In the heart of Thunder Junction's lawless frontier, where every shadow hides a secret and every whisper carries the promise of treachery, the Big Score looms large—a tantalizing prize that beckons to those bold enough to claim it. Originally unveiled amidst the twisted alleyways of Streets of New Capenna, the Big Score finds new purpose amidst Thunder Junction's untamed expanse. Its whispered name evokes memories of a bygone era, where heroes and villains clashed beneath the unforgiving sun, their fates bound by the pull of destiny and the sting of betrayal.

Vault Robber

Perfectly suited for a setting centered on legendary villains and stolen treasure, Vault Robber encapsulates themes of robbery and illicit activities in Thunder Junction. While potentially lacking in power for Standard decks, it offers strategic value in Limited formats, enhancing the mechanical identity of the set and evoking imagery of Wild West bank heists.

In the desolate expanse of Thunder Junction's lawless frontier, where shadows dance to the tune of whispered secrets and every glint of gold promises untold riches, the Vault Robber emerges as a shadowy figure, a master of deception and cunning. Perfectly attuned to the clandestine dealings and nefarious schemes that define Thunder Junction's twisted landscape, the Vault Robber embodies the essence of lawlessness and greed that pervades the Wild West setting.

Originally conceived amidst the gritty streets of Kaldheim, Vault Robber finds new purpose amidst Thunder Junction's untamed expanse. Its whispered name evokes images of midnight heists and daring escapades, where legends are born and fortunes are made in the blink of an eye. Within Thunder Junction's lawless domain, where treachery is currency and deceit is king, the Vault Robber offers a chance for fortune amidst the chaos—a fleeting moment of clarity in a world consumed by violence and ambition.

Desert's Hold

Reflecting the harsh, arid terrain of the Wild West, Desert's Hold could find a thematic home in Outlaws of Thunder Junction, despite its origins in the Amonkhet block. Downshifted to common, it could serve as flavorful removal in Limited formats, contributing to the subtheme of desert landscapes expected in the set.

Within the unforgiving expanse of Thunder Junction's lawless frontier, where the scorching sun beats down upon parched earth and every gust of wind carries the promise of sand and dust, Desert's Hold emerges as a beacon of respite amidst the harsh terrain. Originally conceived amidst the sun-baked sands of Amonkhet, this spell finds renewed purpose within Thunder Junction's untamed expanse.

Reflecting the arid desolation of the Wild West, Desert's Hold offers a thematic resonance that resonates deeply with the lawless landscape of Thunder Junction. As players navigate the treacherous terrain of the frontier, where danger lurks behind every crumbling facade and every shadow holds the promise of betrayal, Desert's Hold serves as a potent reminder of the harsh realities of life amidst the dust and the blood.

Grafdigger's Cage

 While not inherently tied to Wild West tropes, Grafdigger's Cage could find relevance in Outlaws of Thunder Junction both for its flavor potential, referencing iconic Western films, and its gameplay utility if the set features a strong graveyard theme. Its inclusion would add depth to the narrative and strategic possibilities of the expansion.

In the lawless expanse of Thunder Junction's untamed frontier, where legends are born and outlaws roam free beneath the unforgiving sun, Grafdigger's Cage emerges as a silent sentinel against the encroaching darkness. While its origins may not be inherently tied to Wild West tropes, this artifact finds unexpected relevance amidst the chaotic landscape of Thunder Junction.

Grafdigger's Cage offers a unique blend of flavor potential and gameplay utility that transcends its original purpose. Referencing iconic Western films and their themes of death, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice, Grafdigger's Cage adds depth to the narrative of Outlaws of Thunder Junction. As players delve into the heart of the lawless frontier, where the line between life and death is blurred and the echoes of the past haunt every shadow, Grafdigger's Cage becomes a symbol of the struggle against the encroaching darkness.

Moreover, Grafdigger's Cage holds significant gameplay utility if Thunder Junction features a strong graveyard theme. In a setting where death is a constant companion and the graves of fallen heroes and villains alike litter the landscape, Grafdigger's Cage becomes a potent tool for those who seek to control the forces of life and death. Its inclusion in the expansion adds strategic depth and complexity to gameplay, opening up new avenues for exploration and innovation.

Raiders' Wake 

Drawing parallels with the treasure-seeking adventures of Ixalan, Raiders' Wake offers thematic and gameplay synergy for Outlaws of Thunder Junction. Its flavor of lawless plundering and aggression aligns with the villainous setting, making it a strong contender for reprinting in the expansion.

In the lawless expanse of Thunder Junction's untamed frontier, where treachery is currency and deceit is king, Raiders' Wake emerges as a harbinger of chaos and strife. Drawing parallels with the treasure-seeking adventures of Ixalan, this spell offers thematic and gameplay synergy that resonates deeply with the dark heart of Thunder Junction.

Raiders' Wake embodies the essence of lawless plundering and aggression that defines the villainous setting of Thunder Junction. As players navigate the treacherous waters of the frontier, where every shadow hides a secret and every whisper carries the promise of betrayal, Raiders' Wake becomes a potent tool for those who seek to carve their name into the annals of infamy.

With each cast of Raiders' Wake, players are drawn deeper into the heart of Thunder Junction's untamed frontier, where the only law is the law of the gun and every day is a struggle for survival. In this land of eternal twilight, where heroes and villains alike vie for supremacy amidst the dust and the blood, Raiders' Wake stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to defy fate and seize their destiny.

Mark your calendars, partners, for the showdown begins on April 12 with Prerelease events at participating Wizards Play Network stores. The official release follows on April 19, when players can saddle up and dive into the action-packed world of Thunder Junction. Pre-release events will offer players the opportunity to get their hands on the new cards, test out the mechanics, and compete for glory in a series of exciting tournaments.

As the sun sets on the horizon of Thunder Junction, a new chapter in Magic: The Gathering history begins. With its captivating theme, innovative mechanics, and legendary characters, Outlaws of Thunder Junction promises to be an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Wild West. So gather your posse, sharpen your spurs, and prepare for adventure, for the outlaws are coming, and Thunder Junction will never be the same again.