Sphere of Influence: October 3, 2025

Peter Parker's Camera | Illustrated by Lixin Yin

Welcome to Sphere of Influence, a pre-FNM look at some potential movers and shakers that are worth picking up before their prices increase.

I'm back after a week hiatus and ready to take a look at Spider-Man. Yes, the set hasn't enjoyed much hype—quite the opposite, actually—but many of the cards are quite good and cheap as a result. Here are some that are absolutely worth picking up before scarcity hits:

Hide on the Ceiling - $2

This card represents a combination of a flicker-enabler and a board-state-protector in one. The fact that it scales later in the game means it's likely to become a new semi-staple, at which point $2 will feel like a steal. It's well worth grabbing at least one for your Commander decks.

Peter Parker's Camera - $1.50

The fact that this artifact can only be used three times is hardly a downside, as even a single trigger can be devastating and set you ahead in resources; copy a fetchland trigger, for example. Peter Parker's Camera hits both kinds of abilities, too, and will find a home in countless decks. Plus, it can be searched up by Urza's Saga. New staple.

Shadow of the Goblin - $1

Passionate Archaeologist is a trap. It reads like a killer card, but Backgrounds are too risky in a format where the best forms of removal are not only plentiful but come standard in most pre-constructed decks. A single Swords to Plowshares cuts off your commander and Archaeologist. Shadow of the Goblin only does a single point of damage to each opponent, but consider that it's really three damage, as Archaeologist only hits a single opponent. Shadow also contains a discard clause that's pretty useful as the game drags on; likely, there will be at least one card in your hand you dislike.

Spider-Sense - $2

Returning a tapped creature to your hand is part of this card's cost and cannot be responded to by your opponents. This can save something valuable in addition to providing decent disruption. Considering Swan Song is a Commander staple, I can absolutely see Spider-Sense also becoming a staple as it hits triggered abilities over enchantments, which is arguably more relevant.

Daily Bugle Building - $0.25

This land makes your commander harder to block, simple as that, and enters untapped. In many ways, it represents an upgraded Rogue's Passage while offering the ability to fix your mana. Give this one a shot if your commander likes attacking at all.

Tingling Spidey-Sense

Which of the new Spider-Man cards have you sleeved up so far? Any that have greatly improved your decks right away? I'd love to know!