Gagaga Magician (GENF-EN001)

Card:  GENF-EN001
Card Name:  Gagaga Magician
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Spellcaster/Effect
ATK:  1500
DEF:  1000

Card Text:
Once per turn, during your Main Phase: You can declare a Level from 1 to 8; this card becomes that Level until the End Phase.  You can only control 1 face-up "Gagaga Magician".  This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster.

Personal Comment:

Go out and get this card...now!  If you are dueling and intend to use Xyz Monsters this card is absolutely essential.  It was made to easily bring out Xyz Monsters or meet level requirements for Ritual Monsters.  There are only a few cards out there that have the ability to change levels (one of my favorite is Fabled Raven) and be as versatile as this monster.  The restriction of only controlling 1 face-up "Gagaga Magician" won't be a problem once Gagaga Girl is released in the Order Of Chaos Booster Pack which is due out in January.  Her ability to match the level of Gagaga Magician will essentially make Xyz Summoning a snap (especially for Xyz Monsters that require 3 monsters).  So lets say you want to summon Number 83: Galaxy Queen (which requires 3 Level 1 monsters).  Play a level 1 monster, have Gagaga Magician copy that level, then have Gagaga Girl copy Gagaga Magician.  Wham!!!  3 level 1 monsters.  Just think if they ever make an Xyz Monster that requires 3 Level 8 monsters.  The summoning would be just as easy.  Now you know why you need to go out and get this card.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 7/10 (his stats aren't as important as his effect)
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7/10

Vennominaga The Deity Of Poisonous Snakes (TAEV-EN013)

Card:  TAEV-EN013
Card Name:  Vennominaga The Deity Of Poisonous Snakes
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Reptile/Effect
ATK:  0
DEF:  0

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except with its own effect or with "Rise of the Snake Deity".  This card gains 500 ATK for each Reptile-Type monster in your Graveyard.  This card cannot be targeted and is unaffected by the effects of other Monsters, Spells, and Traps.  When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can remove from play 1 other Reptile-Type monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon this card.  When this card inflicts Battle Damage to your opponent, place 1 Hyper-Venom Counter on it.  When 3 Hyper-Venom Counters are on this card, you win the Duel.

Personal Comment:

This is my 50th post so I wanted to feature a card that truly is one of the best in the game and rarest to own.  With the release of Legendary Collection 2 everybody can now afford to run this card (LCGX-EN191) but having the 1st Edition (TAEV-EN013) makes it that much more special to my collection.  This post is going to be longer than most because it is one of my favorite card to duel with.

Deck Type:

Vennominaga The Deity Of Poisonous Snakes needs to be ran in a Reptile-Type deck specifically built around her.  In order to maximize the deck's potential it has to accomplish two key objectives: (1) the deck needs to be able to easily summon her and (2) it needs to get large amounts of Reptile-Type Monsters into the Graveyard quickly.  If you are successful at doing both it will be one of the most competitive decks you can bring into a duel.

Archetypes That Are Reptile specific:
- Alien
- Reptillianne
- Worm

Summoning:

To bring Vennominaga into play (initially) you need to set the Trap card "Rise of the Snake Deity" and have "Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes" destroyed for it to active.  This isn't a very hard summoning requirement and the fact that she can be summoned from your hand or deck makes a significant difference (no need to search your deck for this card).  The text for the Trap card "Rise of the Snake Deity" is the following...

Active only when a face-up "Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes" you control is destroyed.  Special Summon 1 "Vennominaga the Deity of Poisonous Snakes" from your hand or deck.

Here are two (of many) ways to accomplish this Special Summon...

- Use "Damage = Reptile" to get Vennominon onto the field.  Active "Offering To The Snake Deity" to destroy Vennominon which then activates "Rise of the Snake Deity".

- Use "Snake Rain" to get Vennominon into the Graveyard.  Special Summon Vennominon from the Graveyard with "Viper's Rebirth" which automatically destroys it during the End Phase.  Activate "Rise of the Snake Deity".

Once In Play:

Vennominaga can't be targeted and is immune to the effects of other Monsters, Spells, and Traps.  This makes it nearly impossible for your opponent to remove her from the field using other methods besides ATK brute force.  Because of this, ideally you want Vennominaga to hit the field when your Graveyard has about 6 (or more) Reptile-Type monsters to boost her ATK to 3000 (at a minimum you want her ATK to be greater than any of your opponent's monster currently in play).  That should be enough to hold off your opponent a few rounds so you can keep dumping Reptile-Type monsters in your Graveyard to keep powering her up.  Also activate the Trap card "Imperial Iron Wall" to prevent these cards from being removed from play which would weaken her ATK.  Even if your opponent is successful at destroying her in battle, her effect lets you remove a Reptile-Type monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon her back onto the field (this won't work if you still have Imperial Iron Wall activated).  But if you use this effect she will come back 500 ATK weaker than before because a Reptile-Type monster was removed from the Graveyard.

The final part of Vennominaga's effect is so powerful that very few cards in the Yugioh dueling world can match its might (besides Exodia The Forbidden One).  The ability to automatically win a duel gives you a chance at victory no matter what kind of deck your opponent is using.  On top of that, this is a lot easier than gathering the 5 pieces of Exodia.  When you inflict Battle Damage to your opponent, place 1 Hyper-Venom Counter on Vennominaga.  When she has 3 Hyper-Venom Counters you win the duel.  Done!

Cards Essential For A Vennominaga Deck:

- Rise Of The Snake Deity
- Viper's Rebirth
- Snake Rain
- Damage = Reptile
- Offering To The Snake Deity
- Snake Deity's Command
- Snake Whistle
- Venom Shot
- Card Destruction
- Imperial Iron Wall

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 10/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 10/10
Overall Score - 9.25/10

Dark Armed Dragon (PTDN-EN019)

Card:  PTDN-EN019
Card Name:  Dark Armed Dragon
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  7
Type:  Dragon/Effect
ATK:  2800
DEF:  1000

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except by having exactly 3 DARK monsters in your Graveyard.  You can remove from play 1 DARK monster from your Graveyard to destroy 1 card on the field.

Personal Comment:

Dark Armed Dragon has been a destructive force the moment he was released and one of the most sought after in the Yugioh card game.  For many duelists, Dark Armed Dragon is the weapon of choice for two specific reasons...easy to summon and the effect is one of the best available.  For all the damage this card dishes out, it is a relatively easy monster to play.  The summoning requirement of "exactly 3 DARK monsters in your Graveyard" will be more manageable if you have cards like Plaguespreader Zombie or Prometheus, King Of The Shadows that can manipulate the number of Dark Monsters in your Graveyard.  It only becomes difficult if you draw Dark Armed Dragon late in the game when the Graveyard might be full of Dark Monsters.  In such a situation, having a monster like Rainbow Dark Dragon in your hand will greatly increase your chance of winning and flushing out your Graveyard for a reset.  Once summoned, you can remove from play 1 Dark Monster (which you have 3 in your Graveyard) to activate his effect.  Why is this effect more useful than most?  It is because you can activate the effect multiple times during the same turn.  That is the epitome of destruction.  In addition, you can select ANY card on the field to destroy.  Your opponent's monster, trap, spell, or even one of your own card are all at your disposal.  This kind of flexibility lets you dictate the pace of the game on both sides of the field and allows a possible direct attack to their life points.  A definite Top 10 monster on anybody's list.  It is on mine.

Rulings For This Card:
- This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.
- This card cannot be Special Summoned from the Graveyard.
- Removing from play 1 DARK monster is a cost to activate the effect which destroys a card on the field.
- The effect targets 1 card on the field.
- You can activate the effect which destroys a card on the field multiple times during the same turn.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 9/10
Overall Score - 8.75/10

Number 83: Galaxy Queen (PHSW-EN039)

Card:  PHSW-EN039
Card Name:  Number 83: Galaxy Queen
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  1
Type:  Spellcaster/Xyz/Effect
ATK:  500
DEF:  500

Card Text:
3 Level 1 monsters
Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; until the opponent's next End Phase, the monsters you currently control cannot be destroyed by battle, and if they attack a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing Battle Damage to your opponent.

Personal Comment:

For being a Rank 1 card, Galaxy Queen has two very impressive effects that assists all your monsters on the field.  The summoning requirement of 3 Level 1 monsters isn't difficult but it will take some time to gather (unless your running a deck filled with Level 1 monsters which isn't likely).  However, there are plently of great Level 1 monsters to choose from: Effect Veiler, Glow-Up Bulb, Battle Fader, Copycat, D.D. Crow, Turbo Synchron, and Kuriboh...just to name a few.

Once per turn, you can activate the first part of the effect by detaching 1 Xyz Material from this card.  By doing this, all your monsters on the field can't be destroyed by battle until your opponent's next End Phase (including Galaxy Queen so her low stats of 500 ATK and 500 DEF isn't much of a hinderance).  This is one of the best stall options available to buy you time if your opponent has an ATK beat stick on the field.  Just keep in mind that this is restricted to battles so Spell and Trap cards can still put a hurting on you.  Be sure you're prepared to deal with this if it should arise.

The second part is an added bonus that basically gives all the monsters you control an additional effect (until your opponent's next End Phase).  The ability to inflict piercing Battle Damage means if you attack a defense position monster, and you have higher ATK than the DEF of that monster, then the difference directly hits your opponent's life points.  Here's an example...

Blue-Eyes White Dragon (3000 ATK) attacks a defense position Cosmo Queen (2450 DEF).
Calculation = 3000 - 2450 = 550 piercing Battle Damage
So: Cosmo Queen gets destroyed and your opponent's life points will decrease by 550.

Simply by detaching an Xyz Material, Galaxy Queen makes all the monsters you control harder to destroy and more powerful when they attack.  One of the best support monster card out today.  If you have it, run it.  If you don't have it, go get it.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 5/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7/10

Plaguespreader Zombie (CSOC-EN031)

Card:  CSOC-EN031
Card Name:  Plaguespreader Zombie
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  2
Type:  Zombie/Tuner
ATK:  400
DEF:  200

Card Text:
You can return 1 card from your hand to the top of the Deck to Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.  If you do, remove this card from play when it is removed from the field.

Personal Comment:

Tuners are used specifically to Synchro Summon monsters.  So for a Tuner to be effective and useful in this respect, it has to have the ability to be easily brought onto the playing field when needed.  Plaguespreader Zombie is one of the best option there is.  Getting him into the Graveyard is fairly easy with all the cards available to specifically accomplish this task (such as Foolish Burial or Dark Grepher).  Having Plaguespreader Zombie in the Graveyard is also a bonus since this monster's stats won't offer him much protection on the playing field.  Once there, bringing him out is as simple as returning 1 card from your hand to the top of your deck.  The fact that you don't need to destroy/remove a card to get him in play is a huge bonus.  The stipulation that this card needs to be removed from play if Special Summoned this way is not a very big problem.  Since you will only be bringing this monster out for the sole purpose of a Synchro Summon, having him removed from play to get a Synchro Monster on the field is more than a fair trade-off.  Even so, there are plenty of cards that can bring him back into play.  In addition, Plaguespreader Zombie can be splashed into any Synchro Deck and still be effective.  Easily one of the best Tuner available, he's a Synchro Monster's lifeline in any duel.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 5/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 9/10
Overall Score - 7/10

Darklord Superbia (LC02-EN005)

Card:  LC02-EN005
Card Name:  Darklord Superbia
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Fairy/Effect
ATK:  2900
DEF:  2400

Card Text:
When this card is Special Summoned from the Graveyard: You can target 1 Fairy-Type monster in your Graveyard, except "Darklord Superbia"; Special Summon that target.

Personal Comment:

With the recent release of “Legendary Collection 2: The Duel Academy Years”, duelist are now able to afford some of the more expensive cards out there as these reprints are as good as the originals in a dueling match (which is great for the game).  In addition, 3 new “Darklord” cards were added into the mix: Darklord Asmodeus, Darklord Superbia, and Darklord Edeh Arae.  Of the three, Darklord Superbia is the best of the bunch.  The 2900 ATK and 2400 DEF are well balanced and can handle most battles on its own.  But its Darklord Superbia’s effect that gives you a huge card advantage on the field.  Use Darklord Asmodeus’ effect to search your deck and easily send this monster to the Graveyard.  Once Darklord Superbia is Special Summoned from the Graveyard, you can Special Summon another Fairy-Type monster from your Graveyard (except another Darklord Superbia) giving you a two-for-one Special Summon.  So not only do you have Darklord Superbia on the playing field, but if the right card is in your Graveyard you could bring out some of the most powerful Effect Monster cards in the game (generally, Fairy-Type monsters lack the stats but more than make up for it with their effects).  In addition, if you’re running a Synchro deck, Darklord Superbia's effect makes gathering the needed material for a Synchro Summon that much easier.  The options and versatility that Darklord Superbia brings to a duel makes it an essential part in any Fairy-Type deck.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 6/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 6/10
Overall Score - 6.5/10

Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms (SOI-EN003)

Card:  SOI-EN003
Card Name:  Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  4000
DEF:  4000

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Tributing 3 Fiend-Type monsters.  Each time your opponent Normal Summons a monster(s), Special Summon 1 "Phantasm Token" (Fiend-Type/Dark/Level 1/ATK 1000/DEF 1000).  This token cannot declare an attack.  Once per turn, by Tributing 1 monster, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's original ATK, until the End Phase.

Personal Comment:
One of the three Sacred Beasts specifically created to go up against the 3 Egyptian God Cards (the counter to Obelisk The Tormentor), Raviel is an absolute powerhouse.  Tributing the 3 Fiend-Type monsters to get him on the playing field can be challenging but not impossible.  However, the effort is well worth it.  He comes stacked with 4000 ATK and 4000 DEF.  In addition, whenever your opponent Normal Summons a monster you get to Special Summon a "Phantasm Token" on your side.  This in turn can be Tributed to increase Raviel's ATK to 5000 ATK until the End Phase.  Why so much power in one card?  It's because you will need all of it to challenge a monster like Obelisk The Tormentor.  Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms is the epitome of power in a monster card.  If you can get him on the playing field you can expect a quick victory to follow.  Lets compare Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms versus Obelisk The Tormentor...

Summoning:
Raviel - Tribute 3 Fiend-Type monsters
Obelisk - Tribute 3 monsters (no specification on type)
Winner - Obelisk

Stats:
Raviel - 4000 ATK, 4000 DEF
Obelisk - 4000 ATK, 4000 DEF
Winner - Push

Effect:
Raviel - Tribute a monster to increase ATK
Obelisk - Tribute 2 monsters to destroy all monsters your opponent controls
Winner - Push (whoever activates the effect first will win)

Misc:
Obelisk can be Normal Summoned (it can't be negated) or Special Summoned.  Also, Obelisk cannot be targeted by Spells, Traps, Spell/Trap effects, or Effect Monster effects.  Huge advantage over Raviel.

Overall Winner: Obelisk

Rulings For This Card:
- You can tribute face-down Fiend monsters to summon Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms.
- Tributing 1 monster is a cost to activate this card's Ignition Effect.
- You cannot tribute this card to activate its own effect.
- A "Phantasm Token" cannot be forced to attack with a card effect.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10

Doomcaliber Knight (TU01-EN001)

Card:  TU01-EN001
Card Name:  Doomcaliber Knight
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  1900
DEF:  1800

Card Text:
This card cannot be Special Summoned.  When an Effect Monster's effect is activated, you must Tribute this card.  Negate that effect's activation, and destroy the monster.

Personal Comment:
There are a lot of great qualities to this card and there are some not so great qualities.  In order to play this card properly you have to know how to utilize its full potential.  Doomcaliber Knight isn't a card that you can play without a strategy in place.  Being a level 4 monster you can easily Normal Summon this card once it is in your hand.  However, the first restriction on this card is that he can't be Special Summoned.  So once he is destroyed on the field it's not an easy task to revive him.  Also, once in play when a monster activates its effect you must tribute this card, nullify the activation, and destroy that monster.  Take note that it doesn't matter who activates an effect (you or your opponent) and the tribute is mandatory.  So how do you use this card to your advantage?  First, when Doomcaliber Knight is in your hand make sure you wait until your opponent has an Effect Monster worth destroying in play.  Or even better yet, if you have a Yubel card on the field to bring out its other incarnation.  Putting him in play without a target would be waste.  Second, be sure you don't have any moster with an effect that might get destroyed once Doomcaliber Knight hits the field (unless it's a card that you want destroyed...again, like Yubel).  If used properly, this card has the ability to destroy nearly all top tier monster cards out there (since most top tier monsters are effect cards).  An added bonus is that Doomcaliber Knight can be splashed into any deck.  For a level 4 monster that has this kind of power, there is no reason what-so-ever to not have this card as part of your dueling deck.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 9/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

T.G. Hyper Librarian (JUMP-EN051)

Card:  JUMP-EN051
Card Name:  T.G. Hyper Librarian
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  5
Type:  Spellcaster/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  2400
DEF:  1800

Card Text:
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
While this card is face-up on the field, each time a Synchro Monster(s) is Synchro Summoned, draw 1 card for each.

Personal Comment:
This is one of the best (if not the best) support card for any Synchro deck...PERIOD.  I'm using the term "support" very loosely because he can stand on his own in most head-to-head battles.  The 2400 ATK is very nice for a level 5 monster but it's the "simple" effect that is devastating (don't let the simplicity of this card's effect fool you though).  T.G. Hyper Librarian has changed the landscape of dueling across all formats the moment he was released.  The ability to be +1 for every monster that is Synchro Summoned has made it possible to bring out some of the most dangerous Synchro Monsters quickly and consistently.  Not only do you gain a +1 card advantage when you Synchro Summon a monster, but also when your opponent Synchro Summons a monster.  This makes it a priority for your opponent to try and remove this card before they do any Synchro Summoning of their own.  In addition, T.G. Hyper Librarian isn't relegated to the "T.G." archetype.  He can be splashed into any Synchro Deck out there and flourish just the same.  To say this card should be used in a Synchro deck is an understatement...it should be mandatory.  Unfortunately, T.G. Hyper Librarian is quite expensive right now because he is sought after by every duelist and collector.  Hopefully they will release another card version soon so everybody can afford it.  An absolutely fantastic card.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 8/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 9/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10

Doomsday Horror (PTDN-EN022)

Card:  PTDN-EN022
Card Name:  Doomsday Horror
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  ?
DEF:  ?

Card Text:
The ATK and DEF of this card are each equal to the number of removed from play DARK monsters x 300.  When this card is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, return all removed from play DARK monsters to their owners' Graveyards.

Personal Comment:
A gentleman by the name of MONTYTHEMAESTRO asked for my opinion of this card.  So I went and added the card to my collection in order to post it on this blog.  First let me say that I've never used this card before so my opinion isn't very relevant.  However, a friend of mine who specializes in Fiend and Zombie decks was gracious enough to give his take on it.  So here's his review...

Doomsday Horror is a very situational card.  The fact that his (or it could be a her but anything that looks that ugly I just assume it's a male:-) ATK and DEF depends on the number of DARK monsters removed from play dictates how useful he is.  If he comes out early in the game he won't be on the playing field for long.  If he comes out late in the game there is great potental for some very powerful stats.  But realistically, at that point in the game it's likely that your opponent will have a beat stick in attack position ready to dance with Doomsday Horror.  Obviously, this card should be used in a DARK deck with the ability to remove large amounts of DARK monsters quickly with milling and swarming capabilities.  But even in that perfect situation Doomsday Horror is just a "good" card at best. 

However, there is one more deck type that makes this card absolutely devastating.  Any deck that is built around Rainbow Dark Dragon.  Think about it.  If Doomsday Horror comes out early and is destroyed he becomes one of the cards needed to summon Rainbow Dark Dragon.  If he comes out AFTER Rainbow Dark Dragon has been summoned, Doomsday Horror's ATK and DEF is 2100 minimum!!!  And here's the most important part.  If he is destroyed all the removed from play DARK monsters are returned to the Graveyard.  That gives you the ability to bring out Rainbow Dark Dragon again with more ATK than the first time (remember Rainbow Dark Dragon already starts at a whopping 4000 ATK before the additional power up!!!).  You literally can end the duel right there with a one-turn-kill.

Summary - Use this card in a DARK macro deck (milling and swarming capabilities) for some good uses.  Use it in a Rainbow Dark Dragon deck to take it to another level.  Overall, a very good card to have.

- OnePotatoTwo

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 6/10
Power - 7/10 (very situational but has great potential)
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 6/10
Overall Score - 6.5/10

Grapha, Dragon Lord Of Dark World (SDGU-EN001)

Card:  SDGU-EN001
Card Name:  Grapha, Dragon Lord Of Dark World
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  2700
DEF:  1800

Card Text:
You can Special Summon this card (from your Graveyard) by returning 1 face-up "Dark World" monster you control to the hand, except "Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World".  If this card is discarded to the Graveyard by a card effect: Target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy that target, then, if this card was discarded from your hand to your Graveyard by an opponent's card effect, look at 1 random card in your opponent's hand, then, if it was a monster, you can Special Summon it to your side of the field.

Personal Comment:
Grapha, Dragon Lord Of Dark World is the leader of the pack in the new Gates Of The Underworld structure deck.  In order to maximize this card's full potential, it needs to be used in a "Dark World" theme deck.  Its card effect has several components to it so you really need to break it down and understand each one individually...

Special Summon:
If you're running a "Dark World" theme deck this summoning requirement is fairly easy.  All you need to do is return 1 face-up "Dark World" monster you control (except Grapha) back to your hand.  The important thing to note here is that the card you're returning is not destroyed so there is no cost to you.  Basically, Grapha can keep coming back from the Graveyard and cards that return to your hand can be used over and over again.  A very good added bonus for an easy summoning.

This card is discarded to the Graveyard by a card effect:
You can then target 1 card your opponent controls and destroy it.  Notice how it doesn't specify who discards Grapha to the Graveyard.  So if your opponent isn't willing to do the dirty work, you can use your own card effects and send him to the Graveyard to destroy an opponent's card.  Then return a "Dark World" face-up monster back to your hand, Special Summon Grapha, and repeat the destruction.  It's a never ending nightmare for an opponent who can't stop this.

If Grapha is sent from your hand to the Graveyard by an opponent's card effect:
You then get to randomly look at 1 card in your opponent's hand.  If it's a monster card you can Special Summon it to your side of the field.  There are actually two benefits to this.  One, Grapha gets sent to the Graveyard, which is where you want him.  This will then give you the chance to Special Summon him.  Two, there's a chance to steal an opponent's monster.  There is no downside to this what-so-ever.

Simply put, this is a great card and is mandatory in every Dark World deck.  While the 2700 ATK and 1800 DEF isn't anything to brag about, Grapha's ability to revive, destroy, and steal makes him difficult for any opponent to go up against.  Oh, and the artwork is sinister.  Everything you'd expect from a Dragon Lord Of Dark World.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

Il Blud (TAEV-EN088)

Card:  TAEV-EN088
Card Name:  Il Blud
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  6
Type:  Zombie/Gemini
ATK:  2100
DEF:  800

Card Text:
This card is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the Graveyard.  While this card is face-up on the field, you can Normal Summon it to have it be treated as an Effect Monster with this effect:
* Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster from your hand or from either player's Graveyard.  When this card is removed from the field, destroy all Zombie-Type monsters Special Summoned by this effect.

Personal Comment:
This is one of the tougher cards to successfully duel with and isn't for a beginner.  The negatives need to be listed in order to fully understand how difficult Il Blud is.

1.  He needs to be run in a Zombie deck (and it also helps if your opponent has some Zombie cards).
2.  He's a Gemini monster which means he needs to be double summoned for his effect to kick in.
3.  He's a level 6 monster so on your first summon you have to tribute a monster to Normal Summon him.
4.  After your first Normal/Tribute Summon you have to hope your opponent isn't able to remove him (2100 ATK and 800 DEF isn't very spectacular).
5.  If he survives and your are able to perform the second summon then the effect will finally activate.

*** The difficulty of a double summon is true for all Gemini monsters.  To make it easier use the Trap card "Ultimate Offering".  This lets you summon and active the Gemini monster's effect in the same turn.

So why go through all the trouble?  It's because Il Blud's card effect is sinister.  Once per turn you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster from your hand, Graveyard, or your opponent's Graveyard.  That is a game changer.  On top of that, all cards Special Summoned by this effect is destroyed once Il Blud is removed from the field.  Some duelist will use this as a way to fill the Graveyard with Dark Monsters to bring out a card like Rainbow Dark Dragon.  If that happens victory is sure to follow.  So if you're looking for a fun little challenge try running Il Blud and see how successful you are with him.

One more thing.  I highly recommend holding the card and admiring the artwork in person.  It is one of the coolest looking cards.  A picture on a computer screen just isn't the same.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 7/10 (all depends on if you can get his effect to kick in...then it's 9/10)
Easy To Play - 5/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 7.25/10

Loki, Lord Of The Aesir (STOR-EN039)

Card:  STOR-EN039
Card Name:  Loki, Lord Of The Aesir
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Spellcaster/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  3300
DEF:  3000

Card Text:
1 "Nordic Alfar" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, when your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card during your Battle Phase, you can negate its activation and destroy it.  During the End Phase, if this face-up card on the field was destroyed by your opponent's card (either by battle or by card effect) and sent to the Graveyard this turn, you can remove from play 1 "Nordic Alfar" Tuner monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.  When it is Special Summoned by this effect, you can select 1 Trap Card in your Graveyard, and add it to your hand.

Personal Comment:
Here's the specific order for the three Nordic God cards in terms of dueling capabilities...Odin, Loki, then Thor.  Like the other two, Loki is a great card.  But if you're going to build a deck around one card you should go with Odin.  Loki's ability to destroy a Spell/Trap card once per turn is fantastic.  The 3300 ATK and 3000 DEF will stand up against most monsters.  But he still falls short of power compared to Odin (which also has an impressive card effect that negates Spell/Trap cards).

So here's the quick recap for the three Nordic God cards I've written about...
- Odin is the most powerful and should be the card you build a deck around
- Loki should be used only if you don't have Odin
- Thor is a great card but there are a lot better cards you can build a deck around***
- Get all three cards...they're a great addition to any collection and the artwork is the best there is.

***Refer to my updated comment section on Thor, Lord Of The Aesir.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10 (the ultimate rarity version doesn't do it justice)
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10

Rainbow Dark Dragon (PTDN-EN003)

Card:  PTDN-EN003
Card Name:  Rainbow Dark Dragon
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Dragon/Effect
ATK:  4000
DEF:  0

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except by removing from play 7 DARK monsters with different names from your Graveyard.  You can remove from play all other DARK monsters you control and from your Graveyard to have this card gain 500 ATK for each card removed.

Personal Comment:
Rainbow Dark Dragon is an absolute powerhouse.  The initial 4000 ATK is already at "God Card" levels but it also gains 500 more ATK for each DARK monster you remove.  So when it hits the playing field you have a chance to end a duel with an OTK (one turn kill).  But all this power comes at a very steep price.  Realistically, when you are able to meet the requirement to Special Summon Rainbow Dark Dragon it will be pretty late into the duel.  Getting the 7 unique DARK monsters into your Graveyard will take some time.  On top of that, once the 7 cards are removed along with any other DARK monsters used to gain the additional ATK (if you choose to), it will leave your Graveyard and playing field depleted of monster cards.  So if you're not able to end the duel or your opponent is able to destroy Rainbow Dark Dragon, you will be at a huge disadvantage.  This card is an offensive power punch.  If you connect you'll knock your opponent out.  If you miss be prepared to get countered and be knocked out.

Some DARK monsters to consider in this deck:
- Doomsday Horror is a card that goes perfect with the strategy.
- Helpoemer thrives in the Graveyard making it difficult for your opponent.
- Dark Necrofear can be easily summoned in a DARK deck with the ability to hold off your opponent.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10

Garlandolf, King Of Destruction (ABPF-EN039)

Card:  ABPF-EN039
Card Name:  Garlandolf, King Of Destruction
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  7
Type:  Fiend/Ritual/Effect
ATK:  2500
DEF:  1400

Card Text:
This card can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, "Ritual of Destruction".  When this card is Ritual Summoned, destroy all other face-up monsters on the field with DEF less than or equal to this card's ATK.  This card gains 100 ATK for each monster destroyed by this effect.

Personal Comment:
Right now one of the toughest decks to duel against are the ones with swarming capabilities.  They bring out lots of monsters onto the playing field and try to overwhelm you.  The weakness is that most of these swarming monsters are middle to lower tier (not very strong stats).  This is when Garlandolf is at his most destructive.  When played against a swarming deck the 2500 ATK will pretty much guarantee that you will destroy most (if not all) the swarming cards.  Not only do you have a chance to clear the field, but in doing so you can gain more ATK for a direct attack at your opponent's Lifepoints.  A fantastic card to have in any dueling deck.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 8.25/10

Barrel Dragon (MC1-EN002)

Card:  MC1-EN002
Card Name:  Barrel Dragon
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  7
Type:  Machine/Effect
ATK:  2600
DEF:  2200

Card Text:
Toss a coin 3 times.  If 2 out of 3 results are Heads, destroy 1 monster on your opponent's side of the field.  This effect can only be used once per turn during your Main Phase.

Personal Comment:
When this card first came out it was a menace to everybody.  Along with Blowback Dragon, they were destroying opponent monsters left and right.  Both are pretty much the same card.  Barrel Dragon has better ATK and DEF but Blowback Dragon gives you a better chance at destroying your opponent's monster card.  So if you are playing this card make sure you include Blowback Dragon.  Why?  Because it will then let you Fusion Summon Gatling Dragon.  That's another level of destruction.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 8/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

Earthbound Immortal Uru (SOVR-EN025)

Card:  SOVR-EN025
Card Name:  Earthbound Immortal Uru
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Insect/Effect
ATK:  3000
DEF:  3000

Card Text:
There can only be 1 face-up "Earthbound Immortal" monster on the field.  If there is no face-up Field Spell Card on the field, destroy this card.  Your opponent cannot select this card as an attack target.  This card can attack your opponent directly.  Once per turn, you can Tribute 1 monster, except this card, to select and take control of 1 face-up monster your opponent controls, until the End Phase.

Personal Comment:
-  Only one "Earthbound Immortal" on the field...eh, getting two would be silly hard.
-  Make sure there's a face-up Field Spell Card...ok, shouldn't be an issue.
-  Opponent can't attack this guy...hhhmmm, now we're cooking.
-  Attack my opponent directly with 3000 ATK...sweet, so sweet, oh so sweet.
-  Once per turn ditch a monster to control 1 of my opponent's monster...OMG, OMG!

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8/10

Dark Necrofear (DB2-EN004)

Card:  DB2-EN004
Card Name:  Dark Necrofear
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  2200
DEF:  2800

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card can only be Special Summoned by removing from play 3 Fiend-Type monsters in your Graveyard.  If this card is destroyed as a result of battle or by your opponent's card effect while it is a Monster Card, it is treated as an Equip Card during the End Phase of this turn, and equip 1 of your opponent's monsters with this card.  As long as it is equipped with this card, you control the equipped monster.

Personal Comment:
Obviously, if you are running Dark Necrofear you should be using a Fiend theme deck.  If that is the case, getting this card onto the playing field is fairly easy.  It is also a great stall card with the 2800 DEF and the "snatch steal" effect making it hard to remove her from play.  While it does have a very powerful effect, this card isn't that great as a deck leader.  Try including Dark Necrofear in a deck based around monsters like Raviel, Lord Of Phantasms (which has the same summoning requirement and more power) or Rainbow Dark Dragon.  The versatility of a Fiend deck makes it difficult for most people to duel against.  If your opponent isn't prepared for Dark Necrofear and can't remove her from play quickly (without activating the effect) the advantage will swing in your favor.  Great card.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 8/10 (if you're using a Fiend deck)
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

Yubel (PTDN-EN006)

Card:  PTDN-EN006
Card Name:  Yubel
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Fiend/Effect
ATK:  0
DEF:  0

Card Text:
This card cannot be destroyed by battle.  You take no Battle Damage from battles involving this card.  When this face-up Attack Position card is attacked by an opponent's monster, before damage calculation inflict damage to your opponent equal to that monster's ATK.  During your End Phase, Tribute 1 monster or destroy this card.  When this card is destroyed, except by its own effect, you can Special Summon 1 "Yubel - Terror Incarnate" from your hand, Deck, or Graveyard.

Personal Comment:
For those who don't know, this is the first of 3 Yubel cards: Yubel, Yubel - Terror Incarnate, and Yubel - The Ultimate Nightmare.  This card isn't powerful whatsoever with 0 ATK and 0 DEF.  How much damage your opponent sustains depends on the ATK of the monster they decide to attack with.  But realistically, they won't be attacking this card once they see it.  However, this card is a means to an end.  Once Yubel is on the playing field, it is only a matter of time before Yubel - Terror Incarnate comes out.  After that happens, Yubel - The Ultimate Nightmare will follow and victory is basically guaranteed.  This card is not something opponents want to see because they know what's coming.  It's also not an easy card to play.  Yubel (and the other two incarnation of him) need a specific deck and strategy built around them.  Try to include cards that have the ability to remove Yubel from play (such as Black Rose Dragon or Doomcaliber Knight).  If done properly this deck is one of the most powerful dueling options out there.  So don't let the low personal rating on this card fool you.  There's a reason Yubel is a level 10 monster card.

Rulings For This Card:
- Yubel's damage inflicting effect is a Trigger Effect that activates before damage calculation.
- Tributing 1 monster or destroying Yubel is a Trigger Effect that activates during your End Phase. You make your choice when the effect resolves.
- When Yubel is destroyed while in the hand or deck, its effect activates. If it is destroyed while face-down, its effect activates.
- The owner of Yubel activates the effect.  If your opponent controls your Yubel when it is destroyed, you get the effect, not your opponent.
- When Yubel is destroyed during the Damage Step, its effect can be activated.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 5/10
Collectable - 6/10
Overall Score - 6.75/10

Cyber-Stein (DB2-EN100)

Card:  DB2-EN100
Card Name:  Cyber-Stein
Attribute:  Dark
Level/Rank:  2
Type:  Machine/Effect
ATK:  700
DEF:  500

Card Text:
Pay 5000 Life Points.  Special Summom 1 Fusion Monster from your Fusion Deck to the field in Attack Position.

Personal Comment:
One of the easiest cards to play with one of the most powerful effect in the Yugioh card game.  No brainer.  The down side is that Cyber-Stein will never be taken off the forbidden list because he's that powerful.  Still a great card though.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 10/10 (for his ability to bring out some of the most powerful cards in the game)
Easy To Play - 10/10
Collectable - 6/10 (not in high demand since it is forbidden)
Overall Score - 8.25/10