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

Mirror Force (DB2-EN081)

Card:  DB2-EN081
Card Name:  Mirror Force
Attribute:  -
Level/Rank:  -
Type:  Trap Card
ATK:  -
DEF:  -

Card Text:
You can only activate this card when your opponent's monster declares an attack.  Destroy all Attack Position monsters on your opponent's side of the field.

Personal Comment:
I'll make this short and sweet.  One of the easiest card to play.  One of the most powerful card available.  It is sought after by all collectors.  It would get a perfect 10/10 rating if the art was better.

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

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

Thor, Lord Of The Aesir (STOR-EN038)

Card:  STOR-EN038
Card Name:  Thor, Lord Of The Aesir
Attribute:  Earth
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Beast-Warrior/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  3500
DEF:  2800

Card Text:
1 "Nordic Beast" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, you can negate the effects of all face-up monsters your opponent controls, until the End Phase.  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 Beast" Tuner monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.  When it is Special Summoned by this effect, inflict 800 damage to your opponent.

Personal Comment:
I'm still on the fence with this card.  Thor has some great stats with 3500 ATK and 2800 DEF but it will take a lot of work to bring him into play.  On top of that, once in play your opponent can easily get rid of him with various Spell/Trap cards.  For dueling purposes, there are plenty of other monsters with comparable stats and more staying power than Thor (Odin or Loki are simply better).  But as a collector, this is one of my favorite card.  The artwork is superb.  If you're going to spend money on a card you don't want to feel ripped off due to a lack of effort in the art (I refuse to buy The Wicked Avatar for this reason).  This card is worth the money.  Plus, it's one of the three Nordic God cards which makes it a pivotal part of any collection.

Update - 10/28/2011
I've heard a lot of disagreement with my assessment of Thor as a dueling card.  Apparently there are many duelist who have been very successful using this card and others who have been beaten by an opponent who uses this card.  So I need to clarify.  I think Thor is a very powerful card (my Personal Power Rating has him at 8/10).  The 3500 ATK and 2800 DEF is nothing to laugh at.  Those stats will hold up against most monsters and if you get him on the playing field there's a very good chance you will win your duel.  Having said that, why build a deck around Thor when you can build it around Odin instead?  Odin brings with him 4000 ATK and 3500 DEF with an effect that negates Spell/Trap cards.  Odin is simply the most powerful of the three Nordic Gods.  So the question is this...if you had a "winner takes all" match with the choice to build a deck around Odin, Loki, or Thor...which one would you choose?

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8/10

Odin, Father Of The Aesir (STOR-EN040)

Card:  STOR-EN040
Card Name:  Odin, Father Of The Aesir
Attribute:  Light
Level/Rank:  10
Type:  Fairy/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  4000
DEF:  3500

Card Text:
1 "Nordic Ascendant" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters
Once per turn, during your Main Phase, you can activate this effect to have this card become unaffected by the effects of Spell/Trap Cards until the End Phase.  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 Ascendant" Tuner monster from your Graveyard to Special Summon this card from the Graveyard.  When it is Special Summoned by this effect, you can draw 1 card.

Personal Comment:
Of the three Nordic God cards (Odin, Loki, and Thor) Odin is the most powerful.  Not only does he have the best stats with 4000 ATK and 3500 DEF but his card effect makes him almost unstoppable when he hits the playing field.  So once he is summoned there's really nothing to stop you from attacking.  Most monsters won't be able to stop the 4000 ATK (if they can then you have a very big problem).  The only viable option your opponent has against Odin is to remove him from play with a monster's card effect.  Even if that happens he can still be Special Summoned by removing a "Nordic Ascendant" Tuner from the Graveyard.  Like most cards with this much power, Odin is a very difficult card to Synchro Summon and will take time to gather the needed materials.  However, if you are able to bring him out you can expect a quick and decisive victory.  One of the best cards available.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 10/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 8/10
Overall Score - 8.5/10

Royal Firestorm Guards (GLAS-EN087)



Card:  GLAS-EN087
Card Name:  Royal Firestorm Guards
Attribute:  Fire
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Pyro/Effect
ATK:  1700
DEF:  1200

Card Text:
When this card is Normal Summoned, select 4 Pyro-Type monsters in your Graveyard.  Return those cards to the Deck, then draw 2 cards.

Personal Comment:
Personally, I don't know of anybody who runs a specialized Pyro deck.  But if you're one of the few who does then this card is absolutely essential.  It's all in the numbers.  Once Royal Firestorm Guards is Normal Summoned your deck is +2 and your hand is +2 (4 from the Graveyard to your deck minus 2 from the deck to your hand).  In addition, Royal Firestorm Guards does not get discarded or removed when the effect activates so there is no cost to you.  This is a great card that very few people get to utilize.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 7/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 6/10
Overall Score - 7/10

Trishula, Dragon Of The Ice Barrier (HA04-EN060)

Card:  HA04-EN060
Card Name:  Trishula, Dragon Of The Ice Barrier
Attribute:  Water
Level/Rank:  9
Type:  Dragon/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  2700
DEF:  2000

Card Text:
1 Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned, you can activate this effect to remove from play up to one card each from your opponent's hand, field and Graveyard.  (The card in the hand is chosen at random.)

Personal Comment:
Trishula, Dragon Of The Ice Barrier is a top tier card and the financial cost to own her reflects it (currently going for about $50).  Her effect is absolutely devastating to an opponent.  When she hits the playing field you automatically gain an advantage by removing the most powerful monster your opponent controls.  On top of that you get to remove from play a card in their Graveyard (which you also get to specifically choose) and one random card from their hand.  Any strategy or momentum that they had is completely gone.  With such a great effect it is necessary to build a deck specifically around her to take full advantage of it.  While the summoning requirement is rather difficult, it definitely isn't impossible.  The effort to bring her into play is will be well worth it.  With the ability to turn a duel around or to end it the moment she is summoned, Trishula is one of the best dueling card available.  A near perfect card.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 9/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 7/10
Collectable - 10/10
Overall Score - 8.75/10

Gungnir, Dragon Of The Ice Barrier (HA03-EN030)

Card:  HA03-EN030
Card Name:  Gungnir, Dragon Of The Ice Barrier
Attribute:  Water
Level/Rank:  7
Type:  Dragon/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  2500
DEF:  1700

Card Text:
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner WATER monsters
Once per turn, you can discard up to 2 cards to the Graveyard to select the same number of cards your opponent controls.  Destroy the selected cards.

Personal Comment:
Gungnir is a great "Ice Barrier" card but still comes up short when compared to Trishula or Brionac due to one simple requirement.  In order to Synchro Summon this card easily your deck has to be built around WATER monsters (there aren't many great WATER monsters to choose from).  Otherwise, getting Gungnir onto the playing field can be a real chore if you only have a few WATER monsters in your deck.  However, once in play, this card's effect is one of the best in the game.  The ability to destroy 2 of your opponent's card (by discarding 2 of your own cards) per turn is a game changer.  Let me emphasize "PER TURN".  If your opponent isn't able to remove Gungnir from play quickly it will only get worse for them as the duel goes on.  So if you are looking to test your dueling skills, try building a WATER deck around this card.  If you're successful it will be a deck that can compete against some of the best.  But it isn't for the novice.

In addition to the "Ice Barrier" support cards, here are some WATER cards to consider:
Blizzard Dragon (Lv 4, 1800 ATK, 1000 DEF)
Dragon Ice (Lv 5, 1800 ATK, 2200 DEF)
Hydrogeddon (Lv 4, 1600 ATK, 1000 DEF)

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7/10

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

Mystical Elf (DB1-EN120)

Card:  DB1-EN120
Card Name:  Mystical Elf
Attribute:  Light
Level/Rank:  4
Type:  Spellcaster
ATK:  800
DEF:  2000

Card Text:
A delicate elf that lacks offense, but has a terrific defense backed by mystical power.

Personal Comment:
So why am I featuring a card without any devastating effect or spectacular power?  It is because cards like Mystical Elf are essential in winning duels.  You can play this card immediately without any special requirements.  She goes from your hand to the playing field in defense position.  Now you have a 2000 DEF wall for your Lifepoints.  Early in the duel there will be very few monsters your opponent can play that can go through that kind of defense.  In addition, they're not going to waste a valuable Spell/Trap card on her.  But the most important reason is that Mystical Elf is a level 4 Light monster.  You can use her to Synchro Summon some of the most powerful cards in the Yugioh dueling game today.  Simple, effective, and tough to beat.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 7/10
Power - 7/10 (powerful defense)
Easy To Play - 10/10 (as basic as it gets)
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

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

Chaos Goddess (TSHD-EN044)

Card:  TSHD-EN044
Card Name:  Chaos Goddess
Attribute:  Light
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Fairy/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  2500
DEF:  1800

Card Text:
1 LIGHT Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner DARK monsters
Once per turn, you can send 1 LIGHT monster from your hand to the Graveyard to select 1 Level 5 or higher DARK monster in your Graveyard.  Special Summon that monster.  It cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster.

Personal Comment:
Choas Goddess is a very difficult card to play.  The requirement to Summon her is more difficult than it should be for a card of her level.  However, if you are able to get her onto the playing field, the ability to bring forth a Dark monster of Level 5 or higher is a game changer.  I can't emphasize enough how great an effect this is.  Now that 'Black Luster Solder - Envoy Of The Beginning' is no longer forbidden, Chaos Goddess has become more popular since both cards utilize LIGHT/DARK combination decks.  In addition, the artwork is as good as it gets.  An absolutely gorgeous card.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 10/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7.75/10

Blue-Eyes White Dragon (SDK-001)

Card:  SDK-001
Card Name:  Blue-Eyes White Dragon
Attribute:  Light
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Dragon
ATK:  3000
DEF:  2500

Card Text:
This legendary dragon is a powerful engine of destruction.  Virtually invincible, very few have faced this awesome creature and lived to tell the tale.

Personal Comment:
If there was a Hall Of Fame for Yugioh cards, Blue-Eyes White Dragon would be one of the first inducted in.  If you're running a Light deck...include this card.  If you're running a Dragon deck...include this card.  If you're running a deck with cards you choose randomly with your eyes closed...include this card.  I think you get the point.  Everybody who considers themselves a Yugioh duelist or collector must have this card.  It doesn't matter what version, what rarity, or what condition it's in.  Get it.  Own it.

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 8/10
Power - 8/10
Easy To Play - 8/10
Collectable - 10/10
Overall Score - 8.5/10

T.G. Halberd Cannon (EXVC-EN043)

Card:  EXVC-EN043
Card Name:  T.G. Halberd Cannon
Attribute:  Earth
Level/Rank:  12
Type:  Machine/Synchro/Effect
ATK:  4000
DEF:  4000

Card Text:
1 Tuner Synchro Monster + 2 or more non-Tuner Synchro Monsters
This card cannot be Special Summoned except by Synchro Summon.  Once per turn, while this card is face-up on the field, you can negate the Summon of a monster and destroy it.  When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, you can select 1 "T.G." monster in your Graveyard, and Special Summon it.

Personal Comment:
This card is on the top tier of all stats (level 12, ATK 4000, DEF 4000) so getting him on the playing field is a little difficult (having a card like T.G. Hyper Librarian in your deck will help significantly).  However, if you succeed there is a very good chance he could end a duel in your favor.  The ability to negate the Summon of an opponent's monster and destroy it is absolutely devastating.  This prevents them from bringing out an Effect Monster that could counter T.G. Halberd Cannon's brute power.  But the down side is that there are plenty of Spell and Trap cards that have the ability to remove him from play.  So all that hard work to bring him into play can easily be negated if your opponent has the proper cards to deal with him (but that is true for any monster card).  Ideally you want to be using a "T.G." deck to utilize his second effect but it isn't necessary.  Because of T.G. Halberd Cannon's powerful stats any Synchro deck that has the ability to bring him out should include him.  Having said that, this card isn't for everybody (unless you like a challenge).  Great stats, great effects, great card...just a little difficult to play for the novice duelist.

Rulings For This Card:
- The effect that negates the summoning of a monster and destroys it does not target.
- The effect can be activated during either player's turn, except the Damage Step.
- You can negate summons that happen during the resolution of a card or effect (such as Monster Reborn).

Personal Rating:
Artwork - 8/10
Power - 9/10
Easy To Play - 6/10
Collectable - 7/10
Overall Score - 7.5/10

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

Judgment Dragon (LODT-EN026)

Card:  LODT-EN026
Card Name:  Judgment Dragon
Attribute:  Light
Level/Rank:  8
Type:  Dragon/Effect
ATK:  3000
DEF:  2600

Card Text:
This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set.  This card cannot be Special Summoned except by having 4 or more "Lightsworn" monsters with different names in your Graveyard.  You can pay 1000 Life Points to destroy all other cards on the field.  During each of your End Phases, send the top 4 cards of your Deck to the Graveyard.

Personal Comment:
Judgment Dragon is one of the most powerful card available for Lightsworn decks.  It is also one of the more expensive cards out there.  The requirement to Special Summon a card of this caliber is relatively easy.  Getting the 4 or more unique "Lightsworn" cards into the Graveyard is just a matter of time (the fact that it doesn't have to be exactly 4 is a huge benefit).  Once Judgment Dragon is on the playing field you have to end the duel quickly.  Paying the 1000 Life Points to clear the field is worth it if you are being beaten badly.  Losing 4 cards during each of your End Phase can get costly if the duel goes on longer than expected (unless you have a deck that can mill through cards).  The only drawback with Judgment Dragon is that it can only be used successfully (or to its optimal potential) in a Lightsworn deck.  But with all the great support cards that focus on Light attributes and Dragon monsters, building a competitive Lightsworn deck shouldn't be a problem what-so-ever.

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