SpongeBob SquarePants is making waves beyond Bikini Bottom as he joins forces with the beloved collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. The crossover is set to go live on March 24, 2025, at 9 AM PT, introducing players to the quirky world of SpongeBob through three themed collections: "Legends of Bikini Bottom," "Internet Sensation," and "Lands Under the Sea."
The "Legends of Bikini Bottom" collection will reimagine iconic characters as legendary creatures, capturing the essence of the show. Meanwhile, "Internet Sensation" will feature cards inspired by popular SpongeBob memes, transforming spells and abilities through the lens of internet culture. Lastly, collectors will get to explore the detailed terrain of Bikini Bottom with the "Lands Under the Sea" collection, showcasing stunning vistas familiar to fans of the show.
Price points for the collections are set at $29.99 for the regular versions and $39.99 for the foil editions, appealing to players and collectors alike. Fans can snag these limited-time offerings at MagicSecretLair.com, but reactions to the products have been mixed following recent previews.
Critics have expressed disappointment over the art style of some cards within the "Internet Sensation" collection, which utilizes screenshots and memes from the show rather than original commissioned artwork. One commentator remarked, "I thought the cards were fake when I first saw them." Concerns arose over this design choice, with another critic noting, "These cards look cheap, and I think its absurd for these cards to cost the same as cards with original commissioned artwork."
The use of memes as central art also doubts the quality standard set by previous Universes Beyond contributions such as the Lord of the Rings collaboration, which featured unique, immersive art reflective of its narrative depth. Such shortcuts have left fans questioning whether this could influence future card designs across potential upcoming sets. There is concern, expressed by industry watchers, about how this might set a precedent—if this successful launch implies Wizards of the Coast could lean more heavily on such approaches. "If SpongeBob sells well, Wizards might continue to use screenshots to cut down on art commissions," warned one critic.
SpongeBob's entry reflects Magic's long-standing tradition of blending pop culture with its card game, a strategy seen previously with franchises like Doctor Who and Marvel. This collaboration highlights the show's cultural impact, with characters and settings renowned across generations.
Both nostalgic fans and new players are enticed by the launch, as iconic scenes and lines come to life through engaging gameplay mechanics. Notably, "Internet Sensation" centers around aggregates of fan-favorite memes, with cards featuring Squidward peering through the window, known as the "Despair" meme, alongside other beloved moments from the series.
Ready yourself, as this vibrant crossover links two cultural phenomena set to release on March 24. Anyone interested should mark their calendars and prepare for what could become one of the most talked-about collaborations for Magic: The Gathering to date!