Freelance Muscle (SNC)

Freelance Muscle
Casting Cost: {4}{G}
Card Type: Creature - Rhino Warrior
Power/Toughness: 4/4
Card Text:

• Whenever Freelance Muscle attacks or blocks, it gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the greatest power and/or toughness among other creatures you control.
  Flavour Text:
  He never asks why. Just who, when, and where.
  Artist: Randy Vargas

Analysis:

Strengths:

1. Scaling Potential: This creature can grow substantially in power and toughness, potentially becoming a significant threat on the board.
2. Flexibility in Combat: The ability triggers whether the creature attacks or blocks, giving it versatility on both offense and defense.
3. No Mana Cost for Ability: The ability triggers automatically, requiring no additional mana investment.

Weaknesses:

1. Dependent on Other Creatures: Freelance Muscle's ability scales with the power/toughness of other creatures you control, making it weaker if you have a less developed board state.
2. High Casting Cost: At 5 mana, this creature comes into play relatively late and might not impact the board immediately.

Potential Deck Placement:

• This card could find a home in Green-based midrange or ramp decks that aim to play large creatures.
• It also has some synergy with +1/+1 counter strategies that would naturally involve other high power/toughness creatures.

Flavour and Art:
The flavour text and artist choice hint at a mercenary or hired enforcer. The flavor text fits well with the card's mechanics, indicating a powerful but ultimately self-interested creature. Randy Vargas would likely create art that conveys the raw power and imposing nature of this Rhino Warrior.

Overall Impression:
Freelance Muscle is a strong, flexible creature that can serve as both an attacker and a defender. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on your board state. Given its high mana cost, it may be best suited for midrange or ramp decks that can easily cast it and support its abilities.