Magic: The Gathering players have repeatedly complained that Universes Beyond sets feel too far removed from the game’s fantasy genre and original storytelling. Wizards of the Coast revealed a clever compromise at New York Comic Con: a set based on an original story in the Marvel Universe that was specifically written to fit Magic’s mechanics and vibe.
Darkhold Destiny will be a dimension-hopping tale focused on eponymous cursed book and the supervillains who decide to wield it. Releasing in April 2027, the set will include new scene boxes, booster fun treatments, and a tie-in comic written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (Captain America). It will also include four Commander decks spotlighting Marvel’s most famous arcane characters. Here’s everything what we know about the precons so far.
Strange Academy
Didn’t get enough wizarding school in 2026 from Secrets of Strixhaven and Reality Fracture’s focus on Hexhaven? Head to Strange Academy, which is based on the 2020 comic series by Skottie Young and Humberto Ramos where Doctor Strange and Doctor Voodoo founded a school for young spellcasters in Louisiana. Magic’s only printing of Stephen Strange so far was just a medical doctor, but he’ll be empowered as a commander for this Esper (white-blue-black) deck. Tactically, the deck will focus on blinking creatures, casting spells on creatures, and reusing spells in powerful ways.
Gods of Asgard
Thor serves as the Commander for this Naya (red-green-white) deck, and he’ll be showing off his might by trying to raise his power as much as possible. The deck is filled with other gods and warriors and focuses on getting into combat every round. It will be relatively simple to play, and the perfect pick for anyone who likes to make a big splash at the table.
Midnight Sons
Blade leads Marvel’s edgiest heroes, including Moon Knight and Ghost Rider, as they face against all of the Marvel Universe’s vampires in this Orzhov (white-black) deck. The conflict manifests through both gaining and losing life, with the vampires draining your opponents while Blade becomes more powerful based on how much life you’ve gained.
Lords of Hel
Players who enjoy being the archenemy should pick up this Rakdos (black-red) deck that includes Hela and Dormammu, along with many of Marvel’s demon lords, devils, avatars, and horrors. You’ll build up armies of zombies and Mindless Ones to attack your opponents, though you can also sacrifice your minions for card draw and ping effects.