Afterburner Expert: A Goblin Artificer's Potential

TL;DR Summary

Afterburner Expert is a goblin artificer creature with an exhaust ability that allows it to gain +1/+1 counters and return itself to the battlefield. Its unique mechanism makes it a popular choice for aggressive decks looking to swarm the board quickly.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

The core of Afterburner Expert's design is its exhaust ability, which costs {2}{G}{G}. When activated, this ability puts two +1/+1 counters on the creature, representing a significant increase in power and toughness. The ability also returns the card from the graveyard back to the battlefield after activation.

This mechanic provides several strategic options for deckbuilders. On one hand, it allows Afterburner Expert to quickly gain an advantage over opponents by putting +1/+1 counters on itself. On the other hand, it requires careful management of mana resources, as the ability can only be activated when exactly four mana are available.

Mana Curve and Deckbuilding

Afterburner Expert's combined cost means that its activation is often limited to later turns. However, this also creates opportunities for deckbuilders to optimize their mana curve and create a seamless transition from early-game play to more aggressive strategies.

One common approach is to include cards that provide additional mana or card draw, allowing the player to generate enough resources to activate Afterburner Expert's ability. For example, including cards like Mox Opal or Simian Spirit Guide can help create a stable mana base and enable the player to maintain pressure throughout the game.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Afterburner Expert is often used in aggressive decks that aim to swarm the board with small creatures. Its ability allows it to gain +1/+1 counters quickly, making it an ideal choice for decks with a strong early-game presence.

One popular combo involves pairing Afterburner Expert with creatures that provide additional power or toughness boosts. For example, including cards like Swords to Plowshares or Fatal Push can help remove opponents' creatures and create opportunities for the player's own Afterburner Expert to activate its ability.

Infinite Loop Potential

Afterburner Expert also provides an opportunity for "death-and-resurrection" loops. By activating its exhaust ability, the creature returns itself from the graveyard back to the battlefield, where it can be activated again. This creates a potential infinite loop that can be difficult for opponents to interrupt.

To achieve this effect, deckbuilders often include cards like Phantasmal Image or Reanimate to generate and recycle tokens. By combining these cards with Afterburner Expert's ability, players can create an almost endless cycle of activation and resurrection.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Afterburner Expert is well-suited for a variety of deck archetypes. In aggressive decks, it provides a powerful way to gain an advantage in the early game. In control-oriented decks, it can be used to create a "wall" of small creatures that absorb damage and then return to the battlefield.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Afterburner Expert has seen significant play in recent formats, particularly in Standard and Modern. Its ability makes it a popular choice for combo decks and aggressive strategies, but its potential uses extend far beyond these contexts.

In competitive play, Afterburner Expert is often paired with cards that provide additional resources or card draw. By combining these cards with Afterburner Expert's ability, players can create a formidable board presence and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Afterburner Expert's exhaust ability is considered an "exhaust" ability, which means it can be activated only once per turn. This limitation can make its use in certain deck contexts more challenging.

It's also worth noting that Afterburner Expert's ability returns it from the graveyard back to the battlefield after activation. If a player chooses to exile or destroy the card before the end of turn, they must do so before the end of turn. If they choose to return it to the graveyard and then activate its ability again on the next turn, it will be considered a "new" activation.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Afterburner Expert is an example of the classic goblin artificer design found in Magic: The Gathering. Its image depicts a small, wiry creature with a large pack of explosive rockets strapped to its back, representing its ability to generate powerful explosions.

The flavor text on Afterburner Expert reads "I may not be pretty, but I'm always going fast!" This reflects the goblin's mischievous and unpredictable personality, as well as their love of speed and destruction.

Conclusion Summary

Afterburner Expert is a versatile creature with an exhaust ability that allows it to gain +1/+1 counters and return itself from the graveyard. Its unique mechanism makes it a popular choice for aggressive decks looking to swarm the board quickly.

While its ability can be difficult to activate on turn one, it provides a significant advantage once activated. Decks that include Afterburner Expert often require careful deckbuilding to make sure they have enough mana available to keep it on the battlefield for as long as possible.

Overall, Afterburner Expert is an exciting and dynamic creature that continues to see play in competitive Magic: The Gathering.