Deconstructing the Handtrap Toolkit
The "C" series is not a traditional archetype but a thematic collection of EARTH Insect monsters designed as reactive "handtraps." United by a narrative of a growing cockroach infestation, these cards lack internal search Spells/Traps. Instead, they function as individual, specialized tools ("tech cards") meant to counter specific, powerful mechanics in the metagame, primarily Special Summoning. Their strength lies not in building a board, but in preventing the opponent from doing so, making them a unique and powerful aspect of competitive play.
The most powerful handtrap ever created. Forces the opponent to either stop their Special Summons or give you massive card advantage.
Counters Spells that Special Summon, banishing all cards sent to the GY for the turn. The only "C" that can search another.
Summons itself to the opponent's field, clogging their board and restricting their Extra Deck summons.
Sets itself from the hand and, if it survives until the End Phase, destroys all Special Summoned monsters on the field.
Legacy handtraps designed to specifically counter Xyz and Synchro summoning, respectively. Too specific for modern play.
A Normal Monster with 2000 ATK, used in dedicated Insect strategies with "Giant Ballpark".
The series' only true "boss monster," summoned from hand after filling the GY with 3 Insects of the same name to unleash a powerful board wipe.
The only true combo within the series involves using Retaliating "C" not just for disruption, but to search the most powerful member of the entire insidious swarm.
When your opponent activates a Spell that Special Summons (e.g., Branded Fusion), chain Retaliating "C" from your hand. It summons itself and activates its floodgate effect: "any card sent to the GY is banished instead".
On your turn, use the Retaliating "C" on your field as material for a Link, Synchro, or Xyz Summon. This sends it from the field to the Graveyard.
When sent from field to GY, Retaliating "C"'s search effect triggers. You can add one EARTH Insect with 1500 or less ATK to your hand'?which includes Maxx "C".
Unlike traditional archetypes, the "end board" of the "C" series isn't a field of powerful monsters. It's a crippled or non-existent opponent's field, achieved by successfully resolving a handtrap.
Opponent's Field:
One monster, turn
ended prematurely.
Your hand is full of resources. Your "board" is the overwhelming card advantage you've gained, ready to dominate the next turn.
Opponent's Field:
Board clogged by
"Contact 'C'" or wiped by "Sneaky 'C'".
The opponent's combo is stopped, their field is either obstructed or empty, and their primary threats are neutralized before they could be established.
SIGNIFICANT IMPACT: The C Series archetype faces significant restrictions on the TCG banlist with Maxx "C" forbidden.
Meta Implications: The loss of Maxx "C" significantly impacts the archetype's power level and consistency. Players will need to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Banlist Status Summary
Core cards checked:
• Contact "C"
• Flying "C"
• Maxx "C"
• Retaliating "C"
• Shiny Black "C"
• Sneaky "C"
• Super Armored Robot Armed Black Iron "C"
analyzed •
1 total restriction found
• 1 archetype card
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