The eagerly anticipated Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond expansion featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has generated considerable excitement among enthusiasts. This collection showcases a diverse range of artistic interpretations from the beloved franchise, drawing inspiration from comic books, animated series, films, and even vintage action figures. While many fans are seasoned Magic players, a significant portion, including the author, are long-time TMNT devotees who are new to the card game. This list delves into the top ten cards from this crossover, selected purely for their nostalgic value and visual appeal, offering a unique perspective on the set's most captivating designs.
Among the standout cards is "Path to Exile," which features an early depiction of April O'Neil from the original comic series, a design that predates her well-known yellow jumpsuit appearance. This card serves as a testament to the character's evolutionary visual journey. Another noteworthy inclusion is "Shellshock," directly referencing the classic Ninja Turtles arcade game. This card captures the humorous visual of the turtles being electrocuted by Roadkill Rodney, a scene that has become an iconic inside joke within the TMNT universe, even inspiring an action figure years later.
The set also pays homage to deeper cuts from the franchise, such as "Tempestra, Dame of Games." This card resurrects a relatively obscure one-off villain from a 1990 animated series episode, showcasing the developers' dedication to exploring the expansive TMNT lore. Similarly, "Fast Forward" celebrates the classic 1991 video game "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time," specifically referencing the fan-favorite Neon Night-Riders level. This detail resonates with players who remember the game's innovative perspective shifts and memorable boss battles.
Further emphasizing the breadth of TMNT's history, "The Neutrinos" card immortalizes the cool, greaser-inspired aliens from Dimension X, who were first introduced in the animated series episode "Hot Rodding Teenagers from Dimension X." Their distinctive squeaky voices, flying hot rod, and penchant for chaos are perfectly encapsulated in this single card. An unexpected but cherished addition is the "Leonardo, Sewer Samurai Art Card," which draws its inspiration from a 1990 action figure. This choice highlights elements of the franchise that existed primarily as toys, granting them a new form of recognition within the Magic universe.
The "Tainted Treats" card offers a nod to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze," specifically depicting the neutralization of Tokka and Rahzar with ooze-retardant doughnuts. This card captures a pivotal, albeit comedic, moment in the film. For those who appreciate the darker side of the turtles' saga, "The Last Ronin's Technique" powerfully conveys the anguish and devastation of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin" comic series, where only one turtle remains to fight for a ravaged New York City. The deeply emotional narrative of loss and resilience is vividly represented.
Finally, "Turtles Forever" serves as a heartwarming tribute to the interconnectedness of various TMNT iterations, bringing together multiple versions of the Ninja Turtles, including the live-action Donatello from the movies, in a single image inspired by the 2009 animated film. The top card, "Teleportation Circle," evokes a mix of nostalgia and challenge. It features the cover art from the 1989 NES game, a title known for its unforgiving difficulty but also for fostering a deep sense of perseverance among fans who, like the author, spent countless hours attempting to conquer its notoriously tough levels.
This collection offers a delightful journey through the diverse history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, carefully curated for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Each card serves as a miniature homage, celebrating moments and characters that have defined the franchise across various media. From the classic comics and cartoons to video games and action figures, the set manages to encapsulate the rich tapestry of the turtles' world. The emotional and artistic depth of these cards ensures that they are not merely game pieces but cherished collectibles that resonate deeply with the enduring legacy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
