SP//dr, Piloted by PeniSP//dr, Piloted by Peni | Art by Toni Infante

Hello, Azorius aficionados and Spider-Man devotees. I hope you're as excited as I am for the upcoming release of Marvel's Spider-Man (SPM). It's amazing to see Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse characters on Magic: The Gathering cards. Likewise, mechanics such as web-slinging and transforming add both flavor and functionality to multiple SPM creature cards.

When browsing through SPM's set inclusions, a +1/+1 counters theme is noticeable. Miles MoralesMiles Morales, Iron Spider, Stark UpgradeIron Spider, Stark Upgrade, and Spider-Man NoirSpider-Man Noir are three noteworthy cards synergizing with +1/+1 counters. Another +1/+1 counters-centric card that piqued my interest is SP//dr, Piloted by PeniSP//dr, Piloted by Peni. Even though it's an uncommon, SP//dr, Piloted by Peni's color identity, artifact typing, and abilities are worth a closer look.

What Does SP//dr, Piloted by Peni Do?

SP//dr, Piloted by Peni is a 4/4 creature with vigilance and two abilities for . Giving a +1/+1 counter to any creature when SP//dr, Piloted by Peni enters is useful. Moreover, SP//dr, Piloted by Peni's most appealing ability is enabling modified creatures you control to draw you a card upon dealing combat damage to a player.

Attacking with several modified creatures can quickly replenish your hand with SP//dr, Piloted by Peni under your control. So let's discuss building a +1/+1 counters-themed Commander deck led by them in more detail.

Before we delve into the specifics, let's look at another legendary creature. Denry Klin, Editor in Chief is a four-mana 2/2 that enters with your choice of three counter options. Fascinatingly, each nontoken creature entering under your control receives the same counters as Denry Klin, Editor in Chief when it's in play.

You can focus on +1/+1 counters with Denry Klin, Editor in Chief, but don't write off alternative counter types.

Pumping Klin, Editor in Chief full of shield, +1/+1, flying, and other counters, can turn small creatures into real threats. Wingspan MentorWingspan Mentor is one of Klin, Editor in Chief's best friends. Also, Scavenged BrawlerScavenged Brawler and Resourceful DefenseResourceful Defense synergize well with Klin, Editor in Chief.

While it's not entirely focused on +1/+1 counters, it does fit in the 99 of SP//dr.

Key Cards for SP//dr, Piloted by PeniSP//dr, Piloted by Peni

Counter Makers

When building a +1/+1 counters-themed deck, you need ways to distribute said counters. Besides SP//dr, you can utilize the ability of Lyla, Holographic AssistantLyla, Holographic Assistant. At a minimum, Lyla, Holographic Assistant will gift a +1/+1 counter when you draw during your draw step. Triggering Lyla, Holographic Assistant's ability with additional card draw can ensure all your creatures stay modified.

Synergizing with Lyla, Holographic Assistant is Generous PupGenerous Pup, a two-mana Dog that loves +1/+1 counters. Placing a +1/+1 counter on Generous Pup via Lyla, Holographic Assistant lets you distribute +1/+1 counters to the rest of your team, albeit once per turn.

If Generous Pup sounds wonderful to you, then so should Edge of Eternities' (EOE) Cosmogrand ZenithCosmogrand Zenith. This Human Soldier can build an army of creature tokens or throw out +1/+1 counters depending on your need. Cosmogrand Zenith's versatility is excellent, as long as you cast two spells in a turn. Yet, inexpensive spells and added card draw can turn it into a dominating force.

Further, you have access to several noncreature cards that hand out +1/+1 counters. Staple enchantments, Cathars' CrusadeCathars' Crusade and Felidar RetreatFelidar Retreat, do a fine job. Requisition RaidRequisition Raid is exciting because it serves as a source of +1/+1 counters and a removal spell.

Interestingly, Andúril, Narsil ReforgedAndúril, Narsil Reforged from Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC) is an Equipment that can give creatures up to two +1/+1 counters per turn. Receive the city's blessing and go nuts!

An honorable mention goes to Sword of Truth and JusticeSword of Truth and Justice since its triggered ability gives a +1/+1 counter to a creature you control and proliferates.

Ability Sharing

Controlling creatures with +1/+1 counters leads to additional synergies. You can leverage the outlast mechanic to grant creatures bonus abilities. Abzan FalconerAbzan Falconer and Envoy of the AncestorsEnvoy of the Ancestors give creatures with +1/+1 counters flying and lifelink, respectively. Also, Herald of Secret StreamsHerald of Secret Streams prevents opponents from blocking your creatures with +1/+1 counters.

You have redundancy with unblockability thanks to Final Fantasy Commander's (FIC) Rikku, Resourceful GuardianRikku, Resourceful Guardian. Though Rikku's ability isn't static like Herald of Secret Streams, you get to move a counter from an opponent's creature onto one of yours!

Another counters-matter card from FIC is Chocobo KnightsChocobo Knights. At first glance, Chocobo Knights looks like an overcosted 3/3. Once you attack with creatures stacked with +1/+1 counters, you'll smile with glee. Creatures you control possessing a combination of flying, lifelink, unblockability, and double strike should be troublesome for your opponents.

Card Draw

Littering the battlefield with modified creatures is wonderful — until there's a board wipe. Thankfully, you can rebuild with the duo of SP//dr, Piloted by Peni and Thopter Spy NetworkThopter Spy Network. Excitingly, SP//dr turns on Thopter Spy Network's artifact creature token-generating ability. You'll also draw two cards each time a modified artifact creature you control deals combat damage to an opponent. In case you have trouble keeping SP//dr, Piloted by Peni in play, controlling Animation ModuleAnimation Module, Lightning GreavesLightning Greaves, or another artifact will suffice.

Assuming you have creatures on the battlefield, Danny PinkDanny Pink and Enduring CuriosityEnduring Curiosity can draw you plenty of cards. Danny Pink turns the abilities of Cosmogrand Zenith, Generous Pup, and Andúril, Narsil Reforged into card-drawing machines. Moreover, Enduring Curiosity is a resilient Cat that rewards cards for dealing combat damage to opponents.

Play Thought VesselThought Vessel, Reliquary TowerReliquary Tower, or Wizard ClassWizard Class to keep your fistful of cards from going to the graveyard.

How Does SP//dr, Piloted by PeniSP//dr, Piloted by Peni Win?

Size Matters

Now it's time to turn your spells and synergies into a win-con. Growing your creatures into gigantic threats can be effective, especially when dispersing loads of +1/+1 counters. However, plans don't always work out as intended. If you're struggling to build an army of high-power creatures, you may want to divert your attention to several creatures with the highest potential.

Sunscorch RegentSunscorch Regent and Ishai, Ojutai DragonspeakerIshai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker are a pair of flyers that grow when your opponents cast spells. In a four-player game, it won't take long for them to become significantly scary. Your +1/+1 counter generation will also accelerate their growth.

Speaking of growth, there are other creature cards in the 99 with similar abilities.

Chasm SkulkerChasm Skulker and Toothy, Imaginary FriendToothy, Imaginary Friend receive a +1/+1 counter for each card you draw. With a plethora of card-drawing opportunities available to you, it shouldn't take much time to make Chasm Skulker or Toothy the largest creature on the battlefield.

If they get targeted by a removal spell, you may be able to save them with Flawless ManeuverFlawless Maneuver, Ripples of PotentialRipples of Potential, or Zack FairZack Fair. Otherwise, you could receive a bunch of 1/1 blue Squid creature tokens with islandwalk or draw multiple cards from their death triggers.

Evasion

One thing that Chasm Skulker and Toothy, Imaginary Friend lack is evasion. It's frustrating to have a 10/10 creature get chump-blocked by a 1/1 creature token. Thankfully, you have several tools to assist with getting through to your opponents.

Akroma's WillAkroma's Will is a fantastic finisher for creature-centric decks. Flying, vigilance, and double strike given to all of your creatures is a deadly combination, and protection from all colors makes them nearly unblockable.

A slower approach to winning through evasion is Luminous BroodmothLuminous Broodmoth. Resurrecting your defeated creatures with a flying counter is incredible. Don't forget about the previously mentioned Abzan Falconer, Rikku, Resourceful Guardian, and Herald of Secret Streams when trying to sneak creatures past defenders.

Silver Bullets

When a game reaches a deadlock, you have a few silver bullets to lean on. Equip ShadowspearShadowspear on an enlarged Sunscorch Regent, Chasm Skulker, or Toothy, Imaginary Friend to break through opponents' blockers with trample. In case your invested creature is hit by removal, The OzolithThe Ozolith can turn another creature into a path to victory.

Shadowspear and The Ozolith may be enough to close out a game, but you have two more tricks available.

Damning Verdict has the potential to be a one-sided board wipe. Intriguingly, your creatures only need a counter of any kind to survive Damning Verdict and attack unblocked. Cards like Nesting Grounds and Rikku, Resourceful Guardian can also help protect your creatures from Damning Verdict's effect.

Instead of destroying creatures, you may bounce them with Wave GoodbyeWave Goodbye. Although a +1/+1 counter is more restrictive to bypass Wave Goodbye's effect, you can easily achieve the requirement. The abilities of Cathars' Crusade, Generous Pup, and Cosmogrand Zenith will keep your creatures on the battlefield when Wave Goodbye resolves. Your opponents will be waving goodbye after a silver bullet defeats them.

SP//dr, Piloted by Peni Commander Deck List

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