Among Avatar's most beloved episodes receives an exclusive MTG special card drop.
Usually, recap episodes are disliked by fans as a needless time filler, or at best viewed as a necessity for shows during the period of episodic releases. This wasn't always the situation, but Avatar: The Last Airbender proved it with "The Ember Island Players," a popular installment during its concluding run now being receiving a special Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair collection.
Information about the special release
The full Secret Lair superdrop for the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender set was unveiled earlier this month. Containing five separate collections, and while one titled "My Cabbages!" is an admittedly amusing nod to the series' beloved recurring figure, the additional releases appear slightly less imaginative, with one notable exception: "The Ember Island Players."
Inspired by episode 17 of the third season of the beloved series, this Secret Lair includes these particular cards:
- 1x Phantasmal Image portrayed as "Absolutely Accurate Actor"
- 1x Braid of Fire
- 1x Cursed Mirror
- 1x Mask of Memory
- 1x Thespian's Stage
What makes this episode is special
Viewers of the show fondly remember this episode, which functioned as a summary of the protagonist Aang and the group's quest leading up to the conclusion. Unlike other recap episodes, or "clip shows," "The Ember Island Players" did not stem by budget restrictions or creative challenges. The creators specifically aimed to offer viewers an opportunity to reflect on the series' story, however, they opted to approach it inventively.
Throughout the segment, the crew observe a theatrical performance inspired by their exploits in a theater located on Ember Island, named The Boy in the Iceberg. The play itself is inaccurate, cheesy, and completely amusing. It works since it plays with the characters' perception regarding their own identities, setting them against with how the world (and notably the Fire Nation citizens) views them. It possesses the right amount of self-awareness, and it results in possibly the top rendition of Avatar we have had.
Value and pricing
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, this is a great Secret Lair for one simple reason: Braid of Fire. This specific card sells between $20 and $40 on online marketplaces currently, while for $29.99 you can acquire the complete collection, or $39.99 for the premium foil treatment.
Magic's Avatar: The Last Airbender set will be available during early access events beginning November 14 and releases worldwide on Nov. 21.
