Shriekmaw

Description

Shriekmaw is a distinct black Elemental creature found in the 2020 Magic: The Gathering Commander set, designated as card number 136. Illustrated by Steve Prescott, this uncommon card brings a unique blend of defensive resilience and aggressive removal to the table. As a five-mana-cost creature with three power and two toughness, it serves as a formidable presence in the late game. The card’s primary defensive trait is Fear, a keyword ability that restricts which creatures can block it. Specifically, Shriekmaw can only be blocked by artifact creatures or other black creatures, allowing it to slip past many common defensive strategies. This makes it an excellent choice for decks looking to apply pressure without being easily neutralized by generic blockers. Beyond its defense, Shriekmaw offers significant value upon entering the battlefield. Its triggered ability allows you to destroy a target nonartifact, nonblack creature. This provides a flexible answer to many of the most problematic creatures in the game, effectively trading a four-mana Elemental for a removal spell. Collectors and players alike appreciate the efficiency of this dual-threat design. For those interested in the Evoke mechanic, Shriekmaw offers an alternative casting cost of one black mana. By paying the Evoke cost, you may cast the spell for less mana but must sacrifice the creature when it enters the battlefield. This allows for a quick, cheap entry to trigger its removal ability, making it a strategic tool for tempo plays. The Shriekmaw stands as a memorable piece of the Commander 2020 product, appealing to both competitive players and collectors of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.