(CaC Single) Lich King, Powermage over Death

[Phelphor, of the Deep]

 Lich King, Powermage over Death: | Level 10 | EARTH | Zombie-Type | Effect monster | 2000 ATK | 4000 DEF |

This card can not be Normal Summon or Set. This card can only be Special Summon from your GY by banishing 1 monster you control and 1 other monster from your GY. You can only control 1 face-up "Lich King, Powermage over Death". If this card's DEF becomes 0, send this card to the GY. If this card attacks or is attacked, this card loses DEF equal to the ATK your opponent's monster. If this card would be destroyed by battle, you can place 1 "Lich" Counter (Max 1.) on this card instead. If this card have a "Lich" Counter, this card can not be destroyed by battle. If this card have a does not have a "Lich" Counter, this card can not be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn during either player's turn, you can remove 1 "Lich" Counter from this card and banish 1 card from either player's GY then, draw 1 card. If a monster is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the GY, this card gain 1000 ATK and DEF. During your End Phase, you gain 1000 Life Points.

[Tinkerer]

7 hours ago, Godbrand said:

Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned from your GY by banishing 1 monster you control and 1 monster from your GY. If this card battles a monster: This card loses DEF equal to the ATK of the monster at the end of the Damage Step. If this card's DEF becomes 0: send it to the GY. If this card would be destroyed by battle: You can place 1 Lich Counter (Max. 1) on this card instead. While this card has a Lich Counter, it cannot be destroyed by battle. While this card does not have a Lich Counter, it cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can remove 1 Lich Counter from this card and target 1 card in a GY; banish it, then draw 1 card. If a monster is destroyed by battle or card effect and sent to the GY: This card gains 1000 ATK/DEF. During your End Phase: Gain 1000 LP. You can only control 1 face-up "Lich King, Powermage over Death".

Fixed text.

The card is a real mixed bag, huh? The only relevant part looks like its Quick Effect, however that effect is very conditional since there is no reliable way to put counters on it. I guess the ATK/DEF gain can also be threatening, but it definitely requires building around and is much less consistent to pull off than, say, Cyber Dragons/Deskbots. It's a pretty odd card overall.

[Phelphor, of the Deep]

Inconsistent ways to get the "Lich"  Counter? You attack with Lich King, Powermage over Death and get the counter and or leave it in attack position so it will be targeted for an attack. 

[Tinkerer]

I mean, sure, you can attack into a stronger monster or you can aim to bait your opponent into attacking into it, but both cases are reliant on your opponent and each have their own problems.  If you're attacking into a stronger monster, you're giving up the ability to use its more consistent 1k gain effect.  If you're leaving it in attack position, then you're relying on your opponent even more; they really wouldn't attack it unless they have a way to get rid of it somehow.

As it is, I did say the counter effect was its best feature, but that is also the card's biggest problem.  The rest of the card is either underwhelming or "counter"productive (pun intended).  It also has no archetype so the question becomes if the card's power/niche worth using over other more consistent/powerful cards.  I don't think so.

It's not a bad card, just a card whose mix of effects don't have any relevant home.