#In5Cards is an annual tradition for the Rants of Valakut. They are short word puzzles that use Magic cards to describe something from pop culture. Each year has a different theme:

These puzzles are pretty straightforward: you’ll be presented with the names of five Magic cards. (Don’t worry if you don’t know what the cards do; we only care about their names.) From these cards, see if you can guess what’s being described based on the category.

This year we’re heading to the small screen with animated TV shows. These could include classic 60s TV shows, Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s and 90s, various anime series, and newer steaming service exclusives. You won’t run into any feature length films this year, though some of the shows have movies based on them or are spinoffs themselves.

For example:

Erratic Mutation
Evolutionary Escalation
Oppression
Banishment Decree
Sentinel Dispatch

Year
1992 – 1997

Hint
“Scott!”
“Jean!”


Did you get the correct answer? Feel free to skip ahead if you’re comfortable with the format and just want to get to the rest of the puzzles. If you’re still having trouble, this breakdown of the example may help:

The Sample Puzzle In Detail: Why Use Those Cards?

Erratic Mutation” is a loose fit for the X-Men animated series, since there aren’t really any instances of a mutant’s powers going haywire. That said, we’re somewhat limited by the number of Magic cards that refer to a “Mutant” or “Mutation.” Given how important the idea of mutants are to the X-Men series, it’s better to include a card that doesn’t quite fit, so long as it includes the word we need. Hopefully the reader latches onto the word “Mutation” more than the word “Erratic.” Even then, “Erratic Mutation” is still a better fit than something like “Goblin Mutant.”

Evolutionary Escalation” is meant to evoke the idea of mutants as the “next step in human evolution,” a common tagline for the franchise. It also introduces the idea of conflict or competition as a result of this evolution.

Oppression” may remind the reader of the social allegories littered throughout the X-Men series. It should bring to mind several iconic scenes from the series that see non-mutants rioting and trying to take away mutant rights.

Banishment Decree” doesn’t necessarily have a direct parallel to any event in the series, but it hints at the likes of the Mutant Registration Act, and similar tactics used by anti-mutant factions to control or contain mutants.

Sentinel Dispatch” is, of course, a direct reference to the giant metal Sentinels in the series. They are one of the most iconic threats in the series, and are a major feature in the pilot episode, “Night of the Sentinels.” If the reader is familiar with X-Men: The Animated Series, they should know the name “Sentinel” and be able to link it back to the concepts of mutants and social injustice. It should hopefully be a simple matter from there to think of the correct answer.


Some Final Notes

#In5Cards puzzles don’t always focus on specific characters or plot points, and this year is no exception. Because this year’s theme has a lot of episodic shows, you can expect more broad-strokes descriptions than point-by-point plot summaries. If you’re stuck, try to think back to classic theme songs and opening title sequences for guidance.

Also, don’t feel bad if you can’t get all of the answers; some of these cartoons are pretty obscure. I’ve provided some tools to help you out, though: each puzzle has years the series first aired available, as well as a hint. The years don’t take into account additional seasons added after a show was cancelled, just its original run on television. Also, if it’s listed as “2020” the series is complete, while if it’s listed as “present” the show is still airing new episodes as of December 2020.

Finally, I made a complete list of the shows that appear in this year’s #In5Cards. Please refer to it if you need to narrow things down:

With all that out of the way, it’s time to get the puzzles underway. Good luck!


Animated Shows #In5Cards

1.

Cogwork Spy
Grafted Wargear
Always Watching
Mission Briefing
Detonate

Year
1983 – 1986

Hint
“Always on Duty!”


2.

Rivals’ Duel
Hand to Hand
Devastating Summons
False Defeat
Summoning Trap

Year
2000 – 2004

Hint
“Believe in the heart of the cards!”


3.

Elemental Uprising
Hero of the Winds
Tidal Control
Earthcraft
Quest for Pure Flame

Year
2005 – 2008

Hint
“Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony…”


4.

Incorrigible Youths
Haunting Apparition
Trail of Mystery
Entangling Trap
Expose Evil

Year
1969 – 1970

Hint
“Jinkies!”


5.

Erratic Portal
Elsewhere Flask
Quasiduplicate
Evil Twin
Planar Chaos

Year
2013 – present

Hint
The worst grandfather in every universe.


6.

Relentless Rats
Blast of Genius
Hint of Insanity
Conqueror’s Pledge
World Queller

Year
1995 – 1998

Hint
“Narf!”


7.

Worldsoul Colossus
Angelic Edict
Impact Resonance
Cryptic Command
Dark Prophecy

Year
1995 – 1996

Hint
NERV


8.

Well of Discovery
Renegade Demon
Word of Binding
Coveted Jewel
Divine Arrow

Year
2000 – 2004

Hint
“SIT, BOY!”


9.

Sewers of Estark
Mutagenic Growth
Shell Shield
Shuriken
Foot Soldiers

Year
1987 – 1996

Hint
Pizza


10.

Those Who Serve
Rivalry
Fresh Meat
Fruit of the First Tree
Savor the Moment

Year
2015 – 2020

Hint
Who knew culinary school could be so intense?


11.

Alpine Grizzly
Fortifying Provisions
Wild Hunger
Morsel Theft
Cunning Evasion

Year
1961 – 1962

Hint
Grand Theft: Picnic Basket


12.

Adventurers’ Guildhouse
Keeper of Keys
Zodiac Ox
Hidden Dragonslayer
Consuming Bonfire

Year
2009 – 2019

Hint
“I’m all fired up!”


13.

Skyline Despot
Robber of the Rich
Outlaws’ Merriment
Flying Men
Flame Jet

Year
1966 – 1969

Hint
The Sheriff of N.O.T.T.


14.

Beneath the Sands
Drill Bit
Scrapyard Recombiner
Nature’s Spiral
Pierce the Sky

Year
2007

Hint
“Believe in the me that believes in you!”


15.

Ancient Stone Idol
Guardians’ Pledge
Dark Betrayal
Smash to Smithereens
Rise Again

Year
1994 – 1997

Hint
“Now here in Manhattan, the spell is broken, and we live again!”


16.

Daring Buccaneer
Greenseeker
Swallow Whole
Muscle Burst
Sudden Strength

Year
1933 – 1957

Hint
Spinach


17.

Timely Hordemate
Sword of the Chosen
Warrior’s Honor
Shifting Loyalties
Royal Trooper

Year
2018 – 2020

Hint
“For the honour of Greyskull!”


18.

Into the Story
Vicious Rumors
Pariah’s Shield
Bold Defense
Bloodsoaked Champion

Year
2019 – present

Hint
Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo and Melty


19.

Starlight Invoker
Decree of Justice
Divine Transformation
Skyline Scout
Celestial Crusader

Year
1992 – 1997

Hint
Moon Prism Power!


20.

Sunscorched Desert
Daring Thief
Treasure Trove
Flying Carpet
Djinn of the Lamp

Year
1994 – 1995

Hint
Welcome to Agrabah


21.

Rock Jockey
Quarry Hauler
Declaration in Stone
Commune with Dinosaurs
Where Ancients Tread

Year
1960 – 1966

Hint
Yabba-dabba-do!


22.

Trapped in the Tower
Resolute Blademaster
Twinblade Slasher
Leveler
Commence the Endgame

Year
2012

Hint
Link start!


23.

Arid Mesa
Easy Prey
Trapmaker’s Snare
Miscalculation
Self-Inflicted Wound

Year
1966 – 1972

Hint
ACME


24.

Wild Beastmaster
Capture Sphere
Catalog
Creature Bond
Pursue Glory

Year
1997 – present

Hint
“Gotta catch ’em all.”


25.

Bellowing Elk
Chatter of the Squirrel
Aerial Maneuver
Spy Network
Thwart the Enemy

Year
1959 – 1964

Hint
Boris and Natasha


26.

Bounty Hunter
Grapple with the Past
Eye for an Eye
Vicious Betrayal
Quietus Spike

Year
1998 – 1999

Hint
“You’re gonna carry that weight.”


27.

Gearshift Ace
Fleetwheel Cruiser
Start Your Engines
Tree Monkey
Unlikely Aid

Year
1967 – 1968

Hint
The Mach 5


28.

Grave-Shell Scarab
Resurrection
Wall of Forgotten Pharaohs
Honor Guard
Abandoned Sarcophagus

Year
1997

Hint
“Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra”


29.

Troublesome Spirit
Sound the Call
Geistcatcher’s Rig
Seize the Soul
Trap Essence

Year
1986 – 1991

Hint
Slimer


30.

Crosstown Courier
Frozen Solid
Cast Through Time
Ill-Tempered Cyclops
Junk Golem

Year
1999 – 2003

Hint
“Bite my shiny, metal ass.”


31.

Stroke of Genius
Private Research
Madcap Experiment
Trespasser il-Vec
Hindering Touch

Year
1996 – 1998

Hint
“Now look what you did, Dee Dee! You clumsy fool!”


32.

Seafloor Debris
Sigiled Starfish
Squirrel Nest
Wishcoin Crab
Walking Sponge

Year
1999 – present

Hint
“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?”


33.

Karplusan Forest
Animal Sanctuary
Woodland Patrol
Orcish Lumberjack
Polluted Delta

Year
1985 – 1992

Hint
The Evergreen Forest vs. Cyril Sneer


34.

Thunder of Hooves
Trusted Pegasus
Loyal Unicorn
Diamond Mare
Cooperation

Year
2010 – 2019



35.

Cursed Ronin
Magus of the Future
Time Walk
Crux of Fate
Apocalypse Demon

Year
2001 – 2004

Hint
Trapped in the future, with only a katana.


36.

Sol Grail
Dutiful Servants
Civic Saber
Notorious Assassin
Unchained Berserker

Year
2006

Hint
This could also apply to Zero or Grand Order.


37.

Food Chain
Kitchen Finks
Those Who Serve
Burnt Offering
Patient Rebuilding

Year
2011 – present

Hint
“Grand Re-Re-Re-Opening”


38.

Sphere of the Suns
Coveted Prize
Setessan Training
Inner-Flame Igniter
Soulblast

Year
1989 – 1996

Hint
It’s over 9000!!!


39.

Veteran Explorer
Dwell on the Past
Merchant Ship
New Horizons
Curio Vendor

 

Year
1997 – 1998

Hint
The Starship Boiling Hell


40.

Vodalian Merchant
Bloodfire Expert
Fuel for the Cause
Marsh Gas
Spare Supplies

Year
1997 – 2009

Hint
Propane, and propane accessories.


41.

Future Sight
Cloudpost
Assembly-Worker
Mechanized Production
Amass the Components

Year
1962 – 1963

Hint
Spacely Sprockets


42.

Multiform Wonder
Enchanted Carriage
Metallic Mimic
Deception
Repel Intruders

Year
1984 – 1987

Hint
“More than Meets the Eye”


43.

Tenth District Guard
Proteus Machine
Quickchange
Artifact Mutation
Neoform

Year
2005 – 2008

Hint
He wears the Omnitrix is on his wrist.


44.

Guardians of Meletis
Overeager Apprentice
Hall of Gemstone
Crystalline Resonance
Fusion Elemental

Year
2013 – 2019

Hint
The Crystal Gems


45.

Military Intelligence
Elite Vanguard
Nav Squad Commandos
Armament Corps
Cobra Trap

Year
1983 – 1986

Hint
“Knowing is half the battle.”


46.

Mercenary Informer
Spy Network
Counterintelligence
Reckless Reveler
Sterling Grove

Year
2009 – present

Hint
International Secret Intelligence Service


47.

Giant Shark
Seafloor Stalker
Syndicate Enforcer
Ongoing Investigation
Uncovered Clues

Year
1990 – 1992

Hint
The crime busters of the sea!


48.

Spiteful Bully
Advice from the Fae
Make a Wish
Spell Contortion
Rite of Undoing

Year
2001 – 2017

Hint
Cosmo and Wanda grant wishes.


49.

Whirling Dervish
Ferocity of the Wilds
Gang of Devils
Devouring Hellion
Spin into Myth

Year
1991 – 1994

Hint
A Looney Tunes SPIN-off.


50.

Intrepid Hero
Watchdog
Beloved Princess
Icefall Regent
Vindictive Lich

Year
2010 – 2018

Hint
The Land of Ooo.


51.

Benevolent Offering
Boon of the Wish-Giver
Witch Hunter
Seeds of Strength
Tainted Pact

Year
2011

Hint
Being a Magical Girl takes its toll.


52.

Balduvian Bears
Jungleborn Pioneer
Aerial Caravan
Stalking Tiger
Hinterland Harbor

Year
1990 – 1991

Hint
Baloo


53.

Sea of Clouds
Skyknight Vanguard
Aerial Formation
Lost Legacy
Makeshift Battalion

Year
2007 – 2009

Hint
“Atmos. World of a thousand mountaintop kingdoms….”


54.

Silverback Ape
Woodlurker Mimic
Deceiver of Form
Shape Anew
Steelform Sliver

Year
1996 – 1999

Hint
Optimus Primal


55.

Giant Warthog
Karoo Meerkat
Jungle Hollow
Ajani’s Mantra
Careless Celebrant

Year
1995 – 1999

Hint
“It means ‘no worries’…”


56.

Student of Warfare
Debilitating Injury
Mandate of Peace
Heartwarming Redemption
Write into Being

Year
2018

Hint
Auto Memory Doll


57.

Urza’s Power Plant
Indentured Oaf
Spiteful Prankster
Spectator Seating
Shrine of Piercing Vision

Year
1989 – present

Hint
D’oh!


58.

Warriors’ Lesson
Drowned Secrets
Exotic Curse
Cold-Water Snapper
Kenrith’s Transformation

Year
1989 – 1992

Hint
He’s the pig-tailed girl.


59.

Empowered Autogenerator
City in a Bottle
Storage Matrix
Viral Drake
Vizier of Many Faces

Year
1994 – 2001

Hint
Hexadecimal


60.

Guard Dogs
Pyre Hound
Snow Hound
Courage in Crisis
Dramatic Rescue

Year
2013 – 2020

Hint
Marshall, Chase, Rocky, Skye….


61.

Chaos Imps
Captured by the Consulate
Reliquary Tower
Escape Routes
Mischief and Mayhem

Year
1993 – 1998

Hint
They’re zany to the max!

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