Standard and Brawl are good formats for new Magic players because they have the lowest barrier to entry
But here's where the real magic happens: behold the removable magnetic commander plate on the front
We could go on, but you get the point
But what truly makes the Black Lotus so expensive is a perfect storm of rarity, power, and history that serves as a masterclass in creating value
Etali, Primal Conqueror / Etali, Primal Sickness The only Gruul card anyone knows how to talk about (myself included), Etali, Primal Conqueror looked at Etali, Primal Storm, said hold my beer, got upset that its T-rex hands couldnt actually hold a beer, and took that out on Commander players by being an absurd value engine with a poison wincon lurking on the Etali, Primal Sickness side
Its dynamic art and neon backdrop make it a standout, contributing to one of the highest most expensive Japanese Scarlet and Violet cards value rankings