Magic: The Gathering’s Next Marvel Set Already Puts One Spider-Man Controversy to Rest

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Magic: The Gathering is finishing a very successful year, marked by popular and profitable sets, particularly its Universes Beyond collaborations. Following the huge success of the Final Fantasy set, the Edge of Eternities expansion was also well-received. Players can look forward to the upcoming Marvel’s Spider-Man set, launching on September 26th, and then the Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover on November 21st, which will be the last major release for the year.

Both *Spider-Man* and *Avatar: The Last Airbender* are hugely popular franchises, and fans were thrilled to see them added to *Magic: The Gathering*’s Universes Beyond. However, both sets broke with a long-standing *Magic: The Gathering* tradition: neither included preconstructed Commander decks. This came as a surprise and disappointment to many players. Fortunately, Mark Rosewater, a representative and head designer for *MTG*, has indicated that future Marvel-themed sets might include them.

After Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man Crossover Lacked Commander Decks, the Next Marvel Set Will Definitely Include Them

Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man, Avatar Crossovers Lacking Commander Decks is a Major Sore Point

When Wizards of the Coast revealed the upcoming Magic: The Gathering and Spider-Man collaboration, many expected it to follow the pattern of previous crossovers like Fallout and Final Fantasy, and include four preconstructed Commander decks. Given the number of Spider-Man characters – including heroes and villains like Green Goblin, Venom, and Dr. Octopus – it seemed natural for them to lead those decks. Unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened, disappointing many fans.

According to the designers, this set was originally planned to be smaller in scope to allow for bigger team-ups later, like collaborations with Avengers and X-Men characters. While the set looks great, the lack of preconstructed Commander decks is disappointing. This was made worse by the fact that the recent Avatar: The Last Airbender set also didn’t include them, as the four nations in that universe would have been a perfect fit for preconstructed Commander decks.

The *Spider-Man* set had a unique release. Wizards of the Coast created *Through the Omenpaths*, a digital-only version for *Arena* and *MTG Online*. This version featured all-new artwork and story details that fit within the game’s established world.

Predicting Magic: The Gathering’s Future Marvel Collab Commander Decks

The Commander format of *Magic: The Gathering* has become the game’s most popular way to play since it was officially launched in 2011. With almost every new set of cards, including those based on popular stories and franchises like Universes Beyond, comes a set of preconstructed Commander decks. That’s why it’s surprising that sets based on *Avatar: The Last Airbender* and *Spider-Man* didn’t receive the same treatment.

After players worried that future Magic: The Gathering sets featuring Marvel characters might stop including Commander decks, Mark Rosewater clarified on social media that they *will* continue to release them. This should ease fans’ concerns and confirm that Marvel Commander decks aren’t going anywhere.

Wizards of the Coast hasn’t announced the next Marvel and Magic: The Gathering set, or when it will come out. However, based on what we know and statements from Mark Rosewater, many believe it will focus on the Avengers. If that’s the case, there are several characters who would make excellent Commanders for the set.

  • Nick Fury/SHIELD
  • Iron Man/Captain America
  • Thanos
  • Dr. Strange

While it’s still just a prediction, the confirmation of Commander decks for the next *Magic: The Gathering* Marvel collaboration is great news, and it’s building excitement about what the set will include.

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2025-09-23 01:36