Marvel is about to crash-land into Magic: The Gathering, and Wizards of the Coast wants to make sure everyone is ready for it. Free Avengers Academy events will run at WPN game stores across the US and Canada from June 12-18, giving new and lapsed players a hands-on introduction to the game before the full Marvel Super Heroes set drops on June 26.
The format is relaxed and beginner-friendly. Each player receives a free 30-card Welcome Deck themed around one of five Marvel characters: Black Panther, Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man, or the Hulk. Each character pairs with a Magic colour. Players team up in Two-Headed Giant matches with an experienced mentor, and after the event they can combine two half-decks into a full 60-card deck to keep. There are no rounds, no standings, and no pressure.
The Universes Beyond crossover has divided opinion among long-time Magic players, but for anyone who has been curious about the game without finding the right on-ramp, a free Marvel-themed intro night is a strong pitch. The set itself features Play Boosters, Collector Boosters, four Commander decks, a Jumpstart set, and two Scene Boxes. Commander precons come in two flavours: standard ($69.99) and a premium Surge Foil edition ($149.99). The set introduces a new Power-up keyword that represents characters going full strength.
Prerelease events follow on June 19, a week before the full launch. Stores that register for Avengers Academy by May 1 receive extra rewards to distribute, including themed drawstring bags and Hero/Villain tokens for players who sign up for both events.
If your game group includes a Marvel fan who has never shuffled a deck of Magic, mark June 12 on the calendar.
Sources: Wizards of the Coast | Marvel | MTG Rocks
