Previews for Phyrexia: All Will Be One kicked off earlier this month. As the Phyrexian threat continues to grow and after seeing Praetors such as Gix, Jin-Jitaxias and Sheoldred, was it ever in question that Elesh Norn would make an appearance as well? She is after all the current leader of New Phyrexia.

Prior to the new card, Elesh Norn had only appeared on one card (Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite). Part of the New Phyrexia set, it has since been reprinted several times. So, Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines (or Mom as some have started calling this new one) is only the second appearance for the Praetor. Perhaps for this reason, WOTC decided to give us six versions of the same card.

As you can see above, we have the normal version as well as borderless, showcase, concept and oil slick versions. And one in Phyrexian.

It’s not the first time that Wizards of the Coast has cranked out multiple variants of the same card in a set. Two other recent examples are Teferi, Master of Time and Gala Greeters. The former featured mostly minor variants of the same art as well as a borderless version. The latter was the box topper for the set. Variants with unique art were offered for each language that the set came in.

My question is simple: Do we really need six versions of the same card in the set release? Different people will likely have different answers. Someone like Noah who does pay more attention to the art will be able to get the version he likes best. Someone like me will settle for the one I pull (hopefully) or the cheapest single version. And the completists will likely grumble at having to get multiple versions of the same card. In the end, some will not happy, some will scratch their heads and others will rejoice. Sounds like just another day in the world of Magic to me!

Lastly, if nothing else, it is six versions of a card that I expect will have an impact in at least some formats (like Commander). A five mana card is not always easy to play but you get a 4/7 with the ability to not only double our ETB (Enter the battlefield) triggers while suppressing those of our opponents. And in our house, that is a good thing!