The life loss is a major detriment, so most decks choose not to utilize this effect if they can avoid it
While vastly better than using a card like Cyclonic Rift when played for 2 mana the Absent just isn't all that on theme with the game plan of control
Arcbound Condor Arcbound Condors modular ability doesn't play into its other ability in any meaningful way, outside of the fact that it just wants you to play a bunch of artifacts
I did make sure to diversify my removal a bit to include Cast Down, and I topped off my removal suite with some Murderous Riders that I was lucky enough to open in booster packs
Maybe, but time will tell, and Ive been impressed by Play Designs ability to balance cards that look too strong
Right after the Mega Charizard cards hit it big, July 2015 saw the arrival of two new poncho cards: Pretend Magikarp and Pretend Gyarados, which were sold in a special commemorative box set at the Pokmon Center in Hiroshima