The Hobbit Trolls: Universes Beyond's Busted New Commander?

The latest reveal from Magic: The Gathering, courtesy of Wizards of the Coast, has truly captured the community's attention: Tom, Bert, and William. These aren't just any three trolls; they are *the* trolls from The Hobbit, and their card is poised to be far more impactful than many initially assumed for the Universes Beyond line.

Let’s cut straight to the crunch. Tom, Bert, and William, a 2WBR Legendary Creature — Troll Warrior, enters the battlefield as a respectable 4/4. But it’s their abilities that demand a deeper look. Firstly, upon entering the battlefield or attacking, they exile target nonland permanent an opponent controls until Tom, Bert, and William leave the battlefield. This is classic 'Oblivion Ring' effect on a stick, but repeatable and potent. Imagine swinging in, removing an opponent's pesky Sol Ring, then following up next turn by exiling their Rhystic Study. That alone is strong, offering consistent disruption and tempo.

Secondly, whenever a permanent an opponent controls is exiled from the battlefield, Tom, Bert, and William get a +1/+1 counter, and you gain 1 life. This synergizes perfectly with their primary ability, turning every 'meal' into a stat boost and a small life buffer. They grow, they sustain, they become an even larger threat. This isn't merely a static ability; it's a dynamic engine that rewards proactive play and feeds into a 'Voltron' strategy, making them increasingly difficult to ignore.

But the real kicker, the ability that truly elevates this trio from nuisance to nightmare, is their end-step triggered indestructibility. At the beginning of your end step, if it’s night *or* if three or more permanents were exiled this turn, Tom, Bert, and William gain indestructible until your next turn. This is where the card moves from merely good to potentially format-warping. The 'night' condition is an elegant nod to their lore, but the 'three or more permanents exiled' clause is a game-changer. It means you don't even need a night/day cycle. With the right support, like a few spot exile effects or even just their own attack trigger combined with a removal spell, these trolls become immune to most board wipes and targeted removal during your opponents' turns. This level of resilience on a growing, disruptive threat is exceptionally rare and powerful in the Commander format.

The lore integration here is remarkably well-executed. The trolls' insatiable hunger and penchant for capturing unwary travelers are perfectly translated into their exile and growth mechanics. Their vulnerability to sunlight, a pivotal plot point in The Hobbit, is cleverly inverted into an advantage: they thrive in the darkness (night) or when they've been particularly successful at 'eating' (exiling permanents). This isn't just a powerful card; it's a flavorful one that genuinely feels like the characters it represents, a testament to the design quality we've come to expect from the Universes Beyond line. It’s more than just a crossover; it’s an authentic translation, something often missed in broader corporate ventures.

So, what's the verdict for the table? Tom, Bert, and William are poised to be a dominant force in Mardu (White/Black/Red) Commander. They offer a unique blend of persistent removal, resilient threat development, and a compelling tribal theme. Expect to see them leading aggressive, control-oriented builds that leverage their ability to clear the board while simultaneously growing into an unstoppable juggernaut. Building around them will involve maximizing exile effects, be it through targeted removal, combat triggers, or even graveyard hate that exiles. Counterplay will primarily involve preventing their attack, preventing permanents from being exiled, or finding ways to remove them at instant speed *before* your end step trigger resolves. This card provides a fresh strategic axis for a color combination that often struggles to find a truly unique identity beyond 'goodstuff' or 'aristocrats'. It's a design that rewards thoughtful deck construction and tactical play, challenging both the pilot and their opponents. For players looking to shake up their Commander pod with something genuinely powerful and narratively rich, this trio is a must-have. You can find more details on new Universes Beyond pre-orders through various retailers.