In the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), where card prices can fluctuate like a rollercoaster, the story of the Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart set and its star, the Impossible Man card, is a fascinating one. While the set has its fans, it's not without its issues, and the supply chain has been a major player in the recent price surge of one particular card. Let's dive into the details and explore why the Impossible Man card has become a hot commodity, and whether it's a wise investment for MTG collectors.
The Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart Set: A Love-Hate Relationship
The Marvel Super Heroes Jumpstart set has been a double-edged sword for MTG players. On one hand, it offers a chance to add some iconic Marvel characters to their decks, which is exciting for fans of the superhero universe. On the other hand, the set has faced some significant challenges, including immediate ban-worthy issues and supply chain problems. The ongoing delays affecting many Marvel Super Heroes products have resulted in a dire supply situation, which has had an unexpected impact on the price of certain cards.
The Rise of the Impossible Man: A Rare Find
Among the cards affected by the supply issues, the Impossible Man card stands out. This uncommon card, with its unique copy effect, has become a rare find due to its limited availability. Only appearing in the Tricksters Jumpstart theme pack and one Collector Booster slot, the Impossible Man is as scarce as most Jumpstart mythics. This scarcity, combined with the ongoing delay, has caused a significant price spike, making it one of the most expensive MTG cards in the current market.
A $20 Uncommon: The Price is Right?
Initially, the Impossible Man card was incredibly inexpensive, selling for just $0.59 on average. However, as the supply issues persisted and the delay continued, the price started to climb. Following a spotlight from Decked Out, sales spiked, and prices exploded, peaking at $19.54. Since then, the price has increased even more, with a near-mint non-foil example now costing $20.98. Interestingly, while non-foil copies are currently the cheapest, foil copies are actually more common, with 228 foil copies changing hands since prereleases began, compared to just 151 non-foil copies.
Good, but Not That Good: A Wait-and-See Approach
Given the high prices, buying a copy of the Impossible Man card now feels like a risky move. While the card is somewhat rare, its scarcity is supercharged due to the supply issues and the delay. It's better to wait until the delay is over and more Jumpstart product reaches players, as prices should fall then. However, the Impossible Man card is still a decent MTG card, and there will be a fair few decks that want it. Depending on the supply, it could easily sell for between $5 and $10.
The Future of the Impossible Man: A Waiting Game
The final resting price of the Impossible Man card is unknown, but it's well worth watching out for it if you're ever cracking Jumpstart packs or Collector Boosters. The supply issues and the delay have created a unique opportunity for MTG collectors, but it's a waiting game. As the supply chain stabilizes and more Jumpstart product reaches players, the price of the Impossible Man card should fall. For now, it's a fascinating story of supply and demand, and a reminder that in the world of MTG, card prices can be as unpredictable as the game itself.
In my opinion, the Impossible Man card is a fascinating example of how supply and demand can impact the price of a card. While it may not be the best copy effect in the game, its scarcity and unique abilities make it a desirable addition to certain decks. However, for collectors, it's a waiting game, and it's better to wait until the delay is over and more Jumpstart product reaches players. Personally, I think the Impossible Man card is a decent investment, but it's a risky one. Only time will tell if it's a wise decision or a costly mistake.
