The Last Ronin's TechniqueThe Last Ronin's Technique | Art by Adam Volker

Hello and welcome to a review for a set you might not be that excited about!

That seems to be the consensus on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles thus far. And here at The Over/Under, I'm converting that lack of enthusiasm into a game. The rules are simple: Each commander gets "Over" or "Under" a line of 1,200 decks. One year later, we review to see what I got right (and yes, wrong). I also do a Can't-Miss Pick, which is, frankly, going to be a challenge for this set.

Also, there's a lot of commanders in this set, so we're gonna break it up into two parts, with this part looking at monocolored and colorless legends.

Ready? Rocksteady? Let's begin!

Agent Bishop, Man in BlackAgent Bishop, Man in Black

Whatever agency this guy belongs to should revisit their hiring practices.

My prediction: Under

April O'Neil, Kunoichi TraineeApril O'Neil, Kunoichi Trainee

As we noticed in the set that shall not be named, common legends are legendary for flavor, not because our set designers wanted them in Commander. Fortunately, if you're an April fan, we've got better options upcoming.

My prediction: Under

Jennika, Bad Apple Big SisterJennika, Bad Apple Big Sister

My big sister wouldn't approve of this card's name. Neither would she approve of it as a commander—and she doesn't even play Magic.

My prediction: Under

Leonardo, Big BrotherLeonardo, Big Brother

Yes, you can sneak Leo from the command zone. No, you will not catch anyone by surprise by doing so.

My prediction: Under

Leonardo, Cutting EdgeLeonardo, Cutting Edge

We’ve got a similar commander in Aerith GainsboroughAerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy who's already gone Over, so that bodes well for Leonardo here. Problem is, TMNT has gotten a lukewarm reception, putting it nicely, making me dubious of this dude's longevity.

My prediction: Under

Leonardo, Leader in BlueLeonardo, Leader in Blue

Whether Leo's a Savannah LionsSavannah Lions or a Trumpet BlastTrumpet Blast, you can always count on him to be totally mediocre.

My prediction: Under

Leonardo, Sewer SamuraiLeonardo, Sewer Samurai

Adeline, Resplendent CatharAdeline, Resplendent Cathar, Angel of InventionAngel of Invention, Benevolent BodyguardBenevolent Bodyguard...these are all strong and/or annoying options you can retrieve with this commander. Furthermore, you can use cards like Nesting GroundsNesting Grounds to shuffle around those finality counters.

I dig it.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here

Leonardo, Worldly WarriorLeonardo, Worldly Warrior

This is worse than Salt Road PackbeastSalt Road Packbeast. Need I say more?

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Lita, Little Orphan AmphibianLita, Little Orphan Amphibian

This card stinks. No wonder her parents abandoned her.

...Might've crossed a line there. Sorry, kid!

My prediction: Under

Sally Pride, Lioness LeaderSally Pride, Lioness Leader

So the more creatures you have, the more Sally brings? That's the definition of win-more, and I am not interested—especially in mono-white.

My prediction: Under

Splinter, Aging ChampionSplinter, Aging Champion

Aging, but not gracefully. Destroying a tapped creature implies you already took damage from it, and granting free cards to enemies isn't my idea of a good time.

My prediction: Under

Splinter & Leo, Father & SonSplinter & Leo, Father & Son

Adopted son. Right? A rat can't father a turtle. Right? This card might single-handedly shatter my understanding of science.

Speaking of science, sometimes it's fun to try lousy commanders for science's sake. This is not one of those times.

My prediction: Under

April O'Neil, HacktivistApril O'Neil, Hacktivist

April promises potency, but since blue is the card-drawing color, she's got too much competition. Worse, she's lumped into a set that's already, shall we say, polarizing.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

April O'Neil, Human ElementApril O'Neil, Human Element

Now this is more like it. Mutagen tokens aren't as useful as, say, Clues, but they're still free value tacked onto many of the spells players will play.

That's right. Not player, singular—players (or sometimes playerz). April triggers whenever anybody casts an instant, sorcery, or artifact, which means you're going to accumulate a metric buttload of Mutagen.

Maybe you crack them for counters, maybe you keep them for artifacts synergies, or maybe you overrun the table with Rise and ShineRise and Shine. Whatever you choose, I think you'll enjoy this commander.

My prediction: Over

April O'Neil, Live on the SceneApril O'Neil, Live on the Scene

Usually partner is a shorthand for success, but ever since my dismal failure with Doctor Who, I'm reluctant to make such sweeping assertions.

My prediction: Under

April, Reporter of the WeirdApril, Reporter of the Weird

You know what's weird? How uninspiring this reads to me.

My prediction: Under

Baxter, Fly in the OintmentBaxter, Fly in the Ointment

Lore check: Is this Jeff Goldblum? Even if it is, I fear for its popularity. It's actually somewhat interesting, especially considering how many random augmentations we get these days, but in a set this maligned, it'll have a hard time standing out.

My prediction: Under

Donatello, Gadget MasterDonatello, Gadget Master

Turn one: Seat of the SynodSeat of the Synod into one-drop. Turn two: Another land, then sneak Donatello and create a second Seat? That's cute, but I've seen cuter. For instance, my cats.

My prediction: Under

Donatello, Mutant Mechanic

Donatello, Mutant MechanicDonatello, Mutant Mechanic

This is a free way to generate modular creatures. Problem is, players younger than 25 don't know what modular is.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Donatello, Rad ScientistDonatello, Rad Scientist

Overpriced and underpowered—but at least he's a man of science.

My prediction: Under

Donatello, the BrainsDonatello, the Brains

I don’t like how they’re de-partnering partner, but I do like this card. I know, shocking—we've only given two Overs thus far. But here's the thing: Free tokens are always useful, and partners have an advantage since they offer so many potential pairings.

My prediction: Over

Donatello, Turtle TechieDonatello, Turtle Techie

This might be the worst legendary creature I have ever seen. And I saw a lot of Spider-Man.

My prediction: Under

Donatello, Way with MachinesDonatello, Way with Machines

Only slightly better than the last one.

My prediction: Under

Donnie & April, Adorkable DuoDonnie & April, Adorkable Duo

I'd rather not give either of these effects to my opponents, even if I get the other. I also don’t want to hear the word “adorkable” ever again.

My prediction: Under

Irma, Part-Time MutantIrma, Part-Time Mutant

Part-time mutant, full-time Under.

My prediction: See above

Kitsune, Dragon's DaughterKitsune, Dragon's Daughter

If you’re looking for unlikely ways to troll your friends, you've found one. Just load your deck with junk like Grid MonitorGrid Monitor or StatecraftStatecraft, then behold as your friendship seeps away in real-time.

Problem is, six mana is too expensive, and we’ve got other ways to achieve the same effect at a fraction of the cost. Kitsune doesn’t even let you play Nine LivesNine Lives, which is a Donation deck's funniest finisher.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Krang, Master MindKrang, Master Mind

Artifacts have always been busted, especially when you dump them on the battlefield and refill your hand. Krang here fulfills both objectives, on top of resembling ABC gum.

My prediction: Sugary (And Over)

Deck tech here

Krang, the All-PowerfulKrang, the All-Powerful

I don't know if "powerful" is the adjective I'd use for this one. "Narrow" is more like it. There are some one-off effects that trigger from card draw, but not enough to support an entire deck. Also, drawing cards is already useful. Do we really need a bonus?

My prediction: Under

Mondo GeckoMondo Gecko

I suspect this was printed to support Vivid decks in Standard (not that such decks actually exist). In Commander, it’s far harder to build around, since our hybrid mana rules disallow the inclusion of random multicolor permanents (unless they change that).

I don't see it. Like, literally. He's blending into the wall.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Ray Fillet, Man RayRay Fillet, Man Ray

Funny name, lousy card.

My prediction: Under

Ray Fillet, Wave WarriorRay Fillet, Wave Warrior

I've always wondered why we didn't see evolve make a return. This is probably why.

My prediction: Under

Renet, Temporal ApprenticeRenet, Temporal Apprentice

Two words: Too situational.

My prediction: Under

Stockman, Mad Fly-entistStockman, Mad Fly-entist

Oh dear, that pun.

My prediction: Under

Armaggon, Future SharkArmaggon, Future Shark

If this is what sharks look like in the future, Shark Week is gonna be wild. Until then, I won't settle for an eight-mana commander outside green.

My prediction: Under

Bebop, Warthog WarriorBebop, Warthog Warrior

Finally, the Rhino typal commander we've all been clamoring for!

My prediction: Under

Madame Null, Power BrokerMadame Null, Power Broker

It's a shame. This card is intriguing, yet in a set as maligned as this one's shaping up to be, it's going to be forgotten.

My other prognostication: Under

Oroku Saki, Shredder RisingOroku Saki, Shredder Rising

Why are we beheading mall mannequins? Also, why would we ever run this commander?

My prediction: Under

Rat King, Pale PiperRat King, Pale Piper

If this more directly worked with Rats, maybe. Since it doesn't, maybe not.

My prediction: Under

Rat King, VerministerRat King, Verminister

Now this is more like it. I mean, it's about the least subtle joke since "your mama," but whatever. I don’t know why they didn’t just call Relentless RatsRelentless Rats out by name.

My prediction: Over

Savanti Romero, Time's ExileSavanti Romero, Time's Exile

Eggs. Basket. One.

My prediction: Under

Shark Shredder, Killer CloneShark Shredder, Killer Clone

I believe this was the first ECL mistaken promo printing to surface on Reddit, which momentarily made me wonder how Sharks arrived on Lorwyn. (Probably Oko's fault. Everything is Oko's fault.)

Where was I? Oh yes, giving out another Under. This guy is the inverse of Drana, the Last BloodchiefDrana, the Last Bloodchief, a commander that couldn't even go Over when the line was 600.

My prediction: Under

Shredder, Shadow MasterShredder, Shadow Master

Like Adele, I'm going to repeat a sad refrain: Cool card, but everyone hates this set. Cue the mournful piano.

My prediction: Under

Shredder, UnrelentingShredder, Unrelenting

Sometimes, uncommon commanders become sleeper hits. This is not one of those times.

My prediction: Under

Splinter, Hamato YoshiSplinter, Hamato Yoshi

Turn zero: Don't be the starting player and drop a Gemstone CavernsGemstone Caverns. Turn one: Play another land into Sol RingSol Ring into Lightning GreavesLightning Greaves into MemniteMemnite. With your remaining mana, cast Dark RitualDark Ritual into Pentad PrismPentad Prism. Go to combat, swing, remove your charge counter for one black mana, and use it to sneak your commander.

There's your turn-one Splinter. It's that easy!

My prediction: Under

Splinter, the MentorSplinter, the Mentor

I want to give him an Over because it has partner. Problem is, I don't see anything that profitably partners with him.

My prediction: Under

Super ShredderSuper Shredder

A two-mana 1/1 is a crummy start, especially for a dude with "Super" in his title. Still, he’s going to grow faster than a Chia Pet's hair, since numerous game actions result in stuff leaving the battlefield.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here

Casey Jones, Asphalt HooliganCasey Jones, Asphalt Hooligan

I should make a hockey joke here, but I know nothing about hockey. But I do know this: Your opponents aren't going to activate this ability nearly as much as you want them to.

My prediction: Under

Casey Jones, Back Alley BruteCasey Jones, Back Alley Brute

Casey plus The Red TerrorThe Red Terror equals infinite damage. He's also promising with several random mechanics, including unleash, riot, and undying. I'll take a flyer on this brute.

My prediction: Over

Casey Jones, Jury-Rig JusticiarCasey Jones, Jury-Rig Justiciar

You can’t hear it, but I’m singing the song of the same name by the Grateful Dead. I sound about as good as this card looks, which is to say, terrible.

My prediction: Under

Casey Jones, VigilanteCasey Jones, Vigilante

Back again, and this time he’s giving Jason Voorhees. I'm sure we'll get an actual Jason card soon, so don't settle for this one.

My prediction: Under

Casey & Raph, HotheadsCasey & Raph, Hotheads

When Casey & Raph enter, choose neither, because nobody's playing this card.

My prediction: Under

General Traag, Heart of StoneGeneral Traag, Heart of Stone

We're long past the days of Flametongue KavuFlametongue Kavu being good.

My prediction: Under

Raphael, Most AttitudeRaphael, Most Attitude

Raphael, Most Under.

My prediction: Seriously, Most Under

Raphael, Ninja DestroyerRaphael, Ninja Destroyer

If you can make Rafael indestructible, he goes infinite with PyrohemiaPyrohemia. Problem is, nobody cares.

My prediction: Under

Raphael, Tag Team ToughRaphael, Tag Team Tough

Everybody likes multiple combats, but nobody seems to like this set. Time for Raph to tag out.

My prediction: Under

Raphael, the MuscleRaphael, the Muscle

Now this is a partner I can see working. Pairs best with Leonardo, the BalanceLeonardo, the Balance or Michelangelo, the HeartMichelangelo, the Heart.

My prediction: Over

Raphael, the NightwatcherRaphael, the Nightwatcher

The dream is attacking with a massive board, then sneaking this in and doubling your damage. The reality is, it's easy to play around if this is face-up in your command zone.

My prediction: Under

Raphael, Tough TurtleRaphael, Tough Turtle

Who does this guy think he is? Ron Burgundy?

My prediction: Under

Slash, Reptile RampagerSlash, Reptile Rampager

Many have compared this to Purphoros, God of the ForgePurphoros, God of the Forge. However, that dude's real charm is that he's so darn hard to remove. Slash doesn’t have the same luxury—although he does have the added perk of playing guitar for Guns 'n' Roses.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Tempestra, Dame of GamesTempestra, Dame of Games

There's some precedent of mono-red copy-stuff commanders succeeding. Calamity, Galloping InfernoCalamity, Galloping Inferno from Outlaws and Delina, Wild MageDelina, Wild Mage from AFR have performed well.

...But not that well. 1,743 and 2,390 decks, respectively. And with the apparent distaste for this set, well...I think you know where I'm going.

My prediction: Under

Tokka & Rahzar, UnsupervisedTokka & Rahzar, Unsupervised

These two are kinda interesting. By fulfilling an unusual build-around condition, you get a legitimate payoff. Thing is, I've seen zero online interest in this pairing. Zilch. Nada. Bupkis.

My prediction: Under

Wingnut, Bat on the BelfryWingnut, Bat on the Belfry

PSA: Bats carry rabies.

My prediction: Under

Zog, Triceraton CastawayZog, Triceraton Castaway

If you want to troll your playgroup, there are funnier ways to do it.

My prediction: Under

Groundchuck & DirtbagGroundchuck & Dirtbag

You almost wish they'd saved some of these designs for a set people would enjoy more. This is two-thirds of a Nyxbloom AncientNyxbloom Ancient from the command zone, and yet, it seems like nobody's vibing with it.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Leatherhead, Iron GatorLeatherhead, Iron Gator

I know green is the rampiest of colors, but still, your seven-mana commander needs to be more game-breaking than this.

My prediction: Under

Leatherhead, Swamp StalkerLeatherhead, Swamp Stalker

This artifact/enchantment destruction reminds me of Kogla, the Titan ApeKogla, the Titan Ape, and he went way Under, breaking my heart in the process.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Michelangelo, Game MasterMichelangelo, Game Master

Disappear, eh? I think a lot of players out there wouldn't mind if this set disappeared.

My prediction: Under

Michelangelo, ImproviserMichelangelo, Improviser

I did an improv comedy summer camp workshop when I was 12. We were more competent than this dude.

My prediction: Under

Michelangelo, Mutant BFFMichelangelo, Mutant BFF

My only mutant BFF is Wolverine.

My prediction: Under

Michelangelo, On the SceneMichelangelo, On the Scene

I don't get the flavor of this card, nor do I understand the physics of a rocket-powered scooter.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Michelangelo, the HeartMichelangelo, the Heart

The parenthetical here is an amazing addition, and the rest is pretty decent, too.

My prediction: Over

Deck tech here

Michelangelo, Weirdness to 11Michelangelo, Weirdness to 11

Love the Spinal Tap reference. Don't love the rest.

My prediction: More Than 11, But Still Under 1200

Mikey & Mona, Mutant SittersMikey & Mona, Mutant Sitters

How annoying does a teenager need to be for them to still need a sitter? I'll leave you with that profound philosophical quandary.

My prediction: Under

Mona Lisa, Ever AdaptableMona Lisa, Ever Adaptable

Since this is the inverse of April O'Neil, Human ElementApril O'Neil, Human Element, I suppose I'm obliged to give her an Over, too. Wish me luck!

My prediction: Over

Mona Lisa, Science GeekMona Lisa, Science Geek

When the best comp I've got for you is Viridian JoinerViridian Joiner, you're in trouble.

My prediction: Under

Mutagen Man, Living OozeMutagen Man, Living Ooze

Fun fact: The line for this series used to be 600 decks, not 1,200. I doubt Mutagen Man will reach the old line, let alone the new.

My prediction: Under

Deck tech here

Rocksteady, Crash CourserRocksteady, Crash Courser

I'm glad this is the penultimate commander, because I'm running out of ways to razz these cards.

My prediction: Under

Krang, Utrom WarlordKrang, Utrom Warlord

If the Tammys and Timmys don't show up for this dude, then this set is truly hopeless.

My prediction: Under

Recap

Overs (8)

1. Leonardo, Sewer SamuraiLeonardo, Sewer Samurai
2. April O'Neil, Human ElementApril O'Neil, Human Element
3. Donatello, the BrainsDonatello, the Brains
4. Krang, Master MindKrang, Master Mind
5. Rat King, VerministerRat King, Verminister
6. Super ShredderSuper Shredder
7. Casey Jones, Back Alley BruteCasey Jones, Back Alley Brute
8. Mona Lisa, Ever AdaptableMona Lisa, Ever Adaptable

Unders (67)

1. Agent Bishop, Man in BlackAgent Bishop, Man in Black
2. April O'Neil, Kunoichi TraineeApril O'Neil, Kunoichi Trainee
3. Jennika, Bad Apple Big SisterJennika, Bad Apple Big Sister
4. Leonardo, Big BrotherLeonardo, Big Brother
5. Leonardo, Cutting EdgeLeonardo, Cutting Edge
6. Leonardo, Leader in BlueLeonardo, Leader in Blue
7. Leonardo, Worldly WarriorLeonardo, Worldly Warrior
8. Lita, Little Orphan AmphibianLita, Little Orphan Amphibian
9. Sally Pride, Lioness LeaderSally Pride, Lioness Leader
10. Splinter, Aging ChampionSplinter, Aging Champion
11. Splinter & Leo, Father & SonSplinter & Leo, Father & Son
12. April O'Neil, HacktivistApril O'Neil, Hacktivist
13. April O'Neil, Live on the SceneApril O'Neil, Live on the Scene
14. April, Reporter of the WeirdApril, Reporter of the Weird
15. Baxter, Fly in the OintmentBaxter, Fly in the Ointment
16. Donatello, Gadget MasterDonatello, Gadget Master
17. Donatello, Mutant MechanicDonatello, Mutant Mechanic
18. Donatello, Rad ScientistDonatello, Rad Scientist
19. Donatello, Turtle TechieDonatello, Turtle Techie
20. Donatello, Way with MachinesDonatello, Way with Machines
21. Donnie & April, Adorkable DuoDonnie & April, Adorkable Duo
22. Irma, Part-Time MutantIrma, Part-Time Mutant
23. Krang, the All-PowerfulKrang, the All-Powerful
24. Mondo GeckoMondo Gecko
25. Ray Fillet, Man RayRay Fillet, Man Ray
26. Ray Fillet, Wave WarriorRay Fillet, Wave Warrior
27. Renet, Temporal ApprenticeRenet, Temporal Apprentice
28. Stockman, Mad Fly-entistStockman, Mad Fly-entist
29. Armaggon, Future SharkArmaggon, Future Shark
30. Bebop, Warthog WarriorBebop, Warthog Warrior
31. Oroku Saki, Shredder RisingOroku Saki, Shredder Rising
32. Rat King, Pale PiperRat King, Pale Piper
33. Savanti Romero, Time's ExileSavanti Romero, Time's Exile
34. Shark Shredder, Killer CloneShark Shredder, Killer Clone
35. Shredder, Shadow MasterShredder, Shadow Master
36. Splinter, Hamato YoshiSplinter, Hamato Yoshi
37. Splinter, the MentorSplinter, the Mentor
38. Casey Jones, Asphalt HooliganCasey Jones, Asphalt Hooligan
39. Casey Jones, Jury-Rig JusticiarCasey Jones, Jury-Rig Justiciar
40. Casey Jones, VigilanteCasey Jones, Vigilante
41. Casey & Raph, HotheadsCasey & Raph, Hotheads
42. General Traag, Heart of StoneGeneral Traag, Heart of Stone
43. Raphael, Most AttitudeRaphael, Most Attitude
44. Raphael, Ninja DestroyerRaphael, Ninja Destroyer
45. Raphael, Tag Team ToughRaphael, Tag Team Tough
46. Raphael, the MuscleRaphael, the Muscle
47. Raphael, the NightwatcherRaphael, the Nightwatcher
48. Raphael, Tough TurtleRaphael, Tough Turtle
49. Slash, Reptile RampagerSlash, Reptile Rampager
50. Tempestra, Dame of GamesTempestra, Dame of Games
51. Tokka & Rahzar, UnsupervisedTokka & Rahzar, Unsupervised
52. Wingnut, Bat on the BelfryWingnut, Bat on the Belfry
53. Zog, Triceraton CastawayZog, Triceraton Castaway
54. Groundchuck & DirtbagGroundchuck & Dirtbag
55. Leatherhead, Iron GatorLeatherhead, Iron Gator
56. Leatherhead, Swamp StalkerLeatherhead, Swamp Stalker
57. Michelangelo, Game MasterMichelangelo, Game Master
58. Michelangelo, ImproviserMichelangelo, Improviser
59. Michelangelo, Mutant BFFMichelangelo, Mutant BFF
60. Michelangelo, On the SceneMichelangelo, On the Scene
61. Michelangelo, the HeartMichelangelo, the Heart
62. Mikey & Mona, Mutant SittersMikey & Mona, Mutant Sitters
63. Mona Lisa, Ever AdaptableMona Lisa, Ever Adaptable
64. Mona Lisa, Science GeekMona Lisa, Science Geek
65. Mutagen Man, Living OozeMutagen Man, Living Ooze
66. Rocksteady, Crash CourserRocksteady, Crash Courser
67. Krang, Utrom WarlordKrang, Utrom Warlord

Somehow, I assigned 67 Unders and still feel like I was too generous. But TMNT has a chance to redeem itself with the multicolor commanders, which will arrive in my next article. Fortunately, they look more interesting.

Until then, cowabunga (or whatever)!