Summary
SpongeBob SquarePantsis venturing far beyond Bikini Bottom in a surprising new partnership that brings the beloved animated character and his friends into the world ofMagic: The Gathering. Secret Lair, a special collection within theMagic: The Gatheringuniverse, is set to release a crossover set featuringSpongeBob SquarePantscharacters.
ThenewSpongebob Squarepantscollectionof cards coming toMagic: The Gatheringaims to reflect the personality and characteristics of each featuredSpongeBobcharacter. For example, Sandy Cheeks is represented as a Legendary Creature card that is indestructible, with spells that cannot be countered, a fitting nod to her impressive martial arts skills. Meanwhile, Patrick Star is depicted as a powerful creature (6/5), but with a design that humorously suggests he has no idea what he’s doing.
Colliderrecently revealed the collaboration, which will see SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and other fan-favorite residents of Bikini Bottom translated into playableMTGcards. As part of the announcement, fans were given a first look at several of the upcoming card designs. While someSpongeBob SquarePantsenthusiasts have expressed excitement over the unexpected crossover, the overall reaction from theMTGcommunity has been more skeptical. Many initially believed the collaboration was a prank when posts about theSecret Lairset surfaced on theMagic: The Gatheringsubreddit. However, the cards are very real and will soon be part of theMTGuniverse.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Magic: The Gathering Collide in an Unexpected Crossover
Following the initial reactions that assumed the crossover was a joke rather than an actual product from Wizards of the Coast, theSpongeBob SquarePants Magic: The Gatheringset has been met with widespread criticism. Many fans have taken to usingSpongeBobmemes to voice their disappointment, with the iconic “Ight, imma head out” meme becoming a particularly popular response. Others have referenced the well-known scene of Mr. Krabs asking himself, “Am I really going to defile this grave for money?” before answering, “Of course I am!” which is a reflection of the belief that the collaboration is more of a cash grab than a meaningful addition to theMTGfranchise.
LongtimeMagic: The Gatheringplayers have been especially vocal about their frustration withthe game’s increasing number of pop culture crossovers. Many feel that the high-fantasy, lore-driven nature ofMTGis being diluted by meme-heavy collaborations, leaving some questioning if they even recognize the game anymore. One player expressed their disappointment bluntly onReddit, saying, “Look what they’re doing to the greatest card game ever.” Others are puzzled by the crossover’s intended audience, arguing thatMTG’s core player base isn’t exactly eager to seeSpongeBob SquarePantsmemes integrated into their beloved strategy game.
The collection is divided into three themed sets. First,Secret Lair × SpongeBob SquarePants: Legends of Bikini Bottomhighlights the essence of each beloved character, transforming them into some ofMagic’s most powerful cards. Second,Secret Lair × SpongeBob SquarePants: Internet Sensationcaptures the show’s enduring impact on meme culture. Lastly,Secret Lair × SpongeBob SquarePants: Lands Under the Seashifts the focus to the franchise’s most recognizable environments. The newSpongebob Squarepantsset will officially go on sale starting March 24 at 9 AM PT.Magic: The Gathering’s Universes Beyond sets in 2025will also includeSpider-ManandFinal Fantasy.
