May 2007

Which is Truly the Best Monarch? By GeneralZorpa

 Monarchs. This deck type has dominated the United States since I can't really remember when. These creatures are generally the highest ATK monsters played in a deck and in addition to Cyber Dragon are the only tribute monsters. Currently there are 5 official monarchs and all see play in decks. They all have 2400 ATK and 1000 DEF and have an effect that is activated when they are tribute summoned. The question that has raged across message boards and befuddled the greatest players is which is the best Monarch monster. I will do my best as an average player to try and rank them in each of these 3 categories.
 
Power-The amount of sheer power that the monster has on the game. AKA how quickly will it swing things your way with a top decked Brain Control. Their ATK power is all the same, so this has no bearing on the Power rating.
 
Versatility-The amount of different situations that the monster's ability can rectify or respond to.
 
Consistency-How often this monster's ability will be able to pull off it's intended function without being a hindrance.
 
So here are ratings of all 5 monarchs in the respective 3 categories. If you do not know what these monster's effects are and can't guess them from my commentary, look them up on ideal808.com. They have some of the best pictures and descriptions of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards I have ever seen.
 
Zaborg the Thunder Monarch
This guy is often quoted as being the best of the Monarchs. This was especially true during the Sorceror Chaos days. The ability to destroy a monster is absolutely huge and can often remove two monsters (or a defensive trap), or one monster and score over 1/4 of your opponent's lifepoints.
 
Power-9 (Anything that destroys monsters is very powerful in ANY format or meta)
Versatility-3 (He destroys monsters and nothing else, though he isn't picky about face up or down)
Consistency-5 (your opponent will often have monsters on the field, but if not he must destroy himself when summoned)
 
Total score=17
 
 
Mobius the Frost Monarch
The guy that vies for the title of best MOnarch most often with Zaborg. He clears the way for an attack and is the best form of spell and trap removal we have besides Heavy Storm. He can often be a +2 on your opponent, 2 spell or traps and a monster from battle.
 
Power-8 (He removes two cards and then another if he battles, but a lack of s/t cards makes him sub par, as it happens a lot)
Versatility-5 (He destroys spell and trap cards, but he isn't picky about face up or down)
Consistency-5 (He often destroys s/t cards, but doesn't stop them from being chained and the opponent getting the effects anyway)
 
Total score=18
 
 
Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch
The Monarch that affects the field in the least amount of all of them. However he can get rid of a pesky card from your opponent's hand before he has a chance to play them. Snatch Steal and Brain control can be easily thwarted in their nefarious plots to steal your monster for use by your opponent.
 
Power-2 (He has a big body, but doesn't do very much for the game state itself)
Versatility-7 ( He can hit anything from the hand, but only the hand)
Consistency-8 (Almost always your opponent will have a hand and something in it that they do not want you to pluck)
 
Total score=17
 
 
Granmarg the Rock Monarch
Often seen as the previous three's untalented younger brother, there is actually some merit to running the rock Monarch. Many decks play many facedowns and is a decent side deck choice for Monarch decks. 
 
Power-5 (He can hit a facedown monster, so he is pretty good on a second turn)
Versatility-6 (He can hit a monster or a spell or trap, but only facedown ones, which can be a bit of a problem)
Consistency-3 (he will often hit a monster, but trap cards are often chained to his ability, leaving him useless)
 
Total score=14
 
Raiza the Storm Monarch
The new guy in the block that is supposed to knock the socks off of the rest of them. He can hit anything, anytime,  anywhere and his Ultimate form is going for $50 dollars all over the world. We shall see whether or not the only non-elemental monarch can live up to the hype, as he is legal for play on June 1st.
 
Power-9 (He doesn't destroy it, but removes it from the field and disrupts your opponent's draw all in one green little package)
Versatility-7 (He hits anything on the field, regardless of position, so whatever you need removed, he's your man)
Consistency-5 (He hits a lot of the time, but the danger of chained s/t cards is the same as with Granmarg)
 
Total score=21
 
And the Winner Is...
 
Raiza!
 
He had the highest score of all the Monarchs, but we will see whether he is practical or not at the first Jump after June 1st, which is Minneapolis. Here is the ranking of all the other Monarchs for those who are interested.
 
Raiza
Mobius
Zaborg
Thestalos
Granmarg
 
 
You readers can reach me at raptor1k@hotmail.com
 
Do you disagree with me and want to argue? Do you want to tell me how I am the most intelligent player in the world? Send me an email and let me know! I also accept deck fixes, so bring it all on!