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Set Review – From the Vault: Transform

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From the Vault products haven't been particularly popular to finance junkies, because the foiling process for FTV releases is not popular among foil collectors. However, people are excited about From the Vaults: Transform because there are actually some very good cards in it, including new art for two fairly popular flip cards.

Let's go over the contents of From the Vault: Transform and analyze what makes it so appealing.

THE PLANESWALKERS FROM MAGIC ORIGINS

Jace, Vryn's Prodigy / Jace, Telepath Unbound

I talked about Jace, Vryn's Prodigy // Jace, Telepath Unbound in this edition of the Daily Stock Watch, and this should be the banner card of the set. I wish that there was new art for this card, though.

Chandra, Fire of Kaladesh / Chandra, Roaring Flame

Chandra, Fire of Kaladesh // Chandra, Roaring Flame isn't actually that popular prior to this reprint, so I don't think we'll see any positive movement here.

Liliana, Heretical Healer / Liliana, Defiant Necromancer

Liliana, Heretical Healer // Liliana, Defiant Necromancer had her time in the spotlight when it was in Standard. The card is still popular in Commander, so she should be a fine pick up from this set.

Kytheon, Hero of Akros / Gideon, Battle-Forged

Kytheon, Hero of Akros // Gideon, Battle-Forged used to be one of the beloved generals in Duel Commander. Grabbing a few copies of it isn't really a bad idea, all the more now that it's cheaper after the FTV release.

Nissa, Vastwood Seer / Nissa, Sage Animist

Nissa, Vastwood Seer // Nissa, Sage Animist was also a Standard staple back in the day, but that hasn't carried over into any older formats. Creatures that help you get lands are quite useful in Commander, so I think that there might be some upside in getting copies now.

THE CASUAL FAVORITES

Bloodline Keeper / Lord of Lineage

This creature is no lord, but it has maintained a high price tag because Vampires are popular in Commander – and it does have lord-like abilities. I'm not a fan of this card or its financial prospects, so I'd only recommend that you get copies now if you need them.

Archangel Avacyn / Avacyn, the Purifier

This card was also a Standard superstar last season. It wasn't able to maintain its price tag once it rotated out, but it's still one of the more popular Angels because of its art and Commander appeal. I don't mind picking up copies of this at its current price point.

Garruk Relentless / Garruk, the Veil-Cursed and Arlinn Kord / Arlinn, Embraced by the Moon

Planeswalkers will always have a special appeal to collectors, cube owners, and Commander players. These walkers are relatively cheap prior to this printing, so expect their prices to get even lower. Grab copies only if you need them.

THE FRINGE PLAYERS

Gisela, the Broken Blade + Bruna, the Fading Light = Brisela, Voice of Nightmares

Gisela, the Broken Blade isn't really that good in older formats, but Bruna, the Fading Light actually is. If shiny, melding Angels are your thing, grab a copy of each. Otherwise, stay away from them.

Elbrus, the Binding Blade / Withengar Unbound

I don't recall seeing this card in action, either in Standard or after its rotation. The flip side of the equipment is one nasty Demon for sure – but I wouldn't pay seven mana for an equipment that doesn't do anything special to your creature.

Arguel's Blood Fast / Temple of Aclazotz

Arguel's Blood Fast // Temple of Aclazotz is still in Standard, and I'm sure that a lot of players are wishing that this slot was given to Search for Azcanta // Azcanta, the Sunken Ruin instead. I'm not really sold on this card, but the price is quite low for a foil. Grab a few copies if you can find a good price.

OLD RELIABLES WITH NEW ART

Delver of Secrets / Insectile Aberration

People fell out of love with Delver of Secrets // Delver of Secrets because of Death's Shadow in Modern, but it is still well-loved in Legacy. Delver foils have sold for quite a fortune, and this new art is pretty badass. Grab your copies now while they're most easily available!

Huntmaster of the Fells / Ravager of the Fells

Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells still has some cameos in Modern Jund decks from time to time, so this reprint would do it more good than bad, in my opinion. I really love the new art of its human form, so I don't mind buying a playset of this card. I'm not counting out the possibility of seeing this card in Standard again someday.

THE VERDICT

From the Vault: Transform is definitely one of the better FTVs that Wizards has released, but I think that this is a fine pickup only if you can get it anywhere the original MSRP of $34.99. Sellers online are taking advantage of the hype, but remember that there are only a few key cards – JVP, Delver and Huntmaster – that most buyers are after. These three should be worth around $30, and I don't think that the other dozen cards could justify the $75 to $95 price tag that the whole set is currently being sold for. Let go of them now if you got it for its original price, or just buy the singles that you actually need.

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