Hello everyone! This is Tarou Kageyama, producer of FFTCG. This “Card of the Week” comes from the new “Hidden Legends” booster pack available on November 15th. I would like to introduce a newly illustrated Lightning Legend. As many people have predicted from the teaser in the last article, it’s the main character from STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN, Jack Garland [24-079L]! Since this card was illustrated by Rubi Asami, it is also available as a full art card. Without further ado, as we always do let’s first start by looking at the card image!
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The monochrome illustration truly expresses Jack’s no-frills, strong character and along with the distinctive golden outer frame, creates a sense of subdued elegance. The way he is positioned to the right side of the card, utilizing a wide space, leaves a powerful impression, making him stand out in your collection.
Now for the card ability. Jack Garland [24-079L] is a 4CP Lightning Forward with 9000 power. Those stats alone may already seem strong, but he is also equipped with three field abilities and one auto-ability. One of the field abilities only says that the card name is also Garland, so let’s skip that and get right into the commentary of the other three abilities.
Two of the field abilities forces an action from the Forwards under control by the opponent. The first states the Forwards opponent controls must attack if possible. The second, that they must block if possible. Both abilities will show their effectiveness when the overall power of the opponent-controlled Forwards are lower than Forwards controlled by you. Especially when your Forwards have First Strike, up to the same enemy size can be one-sidedly broken without taking any damage. These abilities can be most effective when the opponent has a card that may not have a high-power level but still has a powerful effect that would be troublesome if left on the field; for example, Cid Randell [13-022H], Rydia [15-083L] and Lakshmi, Lady of Bliss [14-111R]. These Forwards generally do not participate in attacks and blocks, so must be dealt with by using abilities and Summons, however Jack Garland [24-079L] can force them out to fight during the attack phase.
Put more simply, this Forward’s size being large will be more than enough to be effective. Your opponent may dull their Forward by using the Dull icon ability to avoid a situation where their characters are forced into attacking or blocking, but whichever action they decide to take, it will certainly derail your opponent’s strategy. In any case, Jack Garland [24-079L] is a card that will certainly disrupt the opponents plans.
Furthermore, Jack Garland [24-079L] will gain one Crystal each time an opponent’s Forward is put from the field into the Break Zone. Turn an opponent’s Forward into a Crystal by forcing them into a battle with Jack Garland [24-079L]’s abilities and defeating them.
What did you think? Jack Garland [24-079L] is a very capable Forward, worthy of your selection on its size alone, and I believe he will be used often in game. Please try him out in your deck!
Next time, I will introduce a character that fights in a myriad of different outfits. See you next week!