Matsuhiro Arita, renowned for his iconic artwork on the original Pokémon Trading Card Game, including the highly coveted Charizard card, is making a splash in the world of Magic: The Gathering. His latest venture involves a new Secret Lair drop featuring four stunning cards, each showcasing his distinctive style. This isn’t Arita’s first foray into Magic: The Gathering; he previously contributed a borderless art version of Lumra, Bellow of the Woods from last year’s Bloomburrow set. However, this latest release marks a significant leap with four new cards all at once, each seeing play across various formats. The iconic Lightning Bolt is a staple in many decks where it is allowed, while Murktide Regent has been a powerful card in both Modern and Legacy since its release in Modern Horizons 2 in 2021. Light-Paws is a beloved Commander, and Shorikai has found a comfortable home in many Vintage Cubes and is currently the 20th most popular Commander overall according to EDHRec.
Wizards of the Coast highlights Arita’s extensive experience, noting that his work has become some of the most recognizable in the trading card game world. This Secret Lair drop features four remarkable cards showcasing his iconic creature design. The drop will be available on the Secret Lair website starting Monday, February 10 at 9am PT, with non-foil versions priced at $29.99 and foil versions at $39.99. Given the high demand for these drops, fans are advised to act quickly as supplies are limited.
For those interested in more Magic: The Gathering content, IGN has covered various aspects of the game, including the upcoming Aetherdrift set, past Secret Lair reveals like Chucky and Monty Python, and WOTC’s plans for long-term success. Tom Marks, IGN’s Executive Reviews Editor, is a passionate advocate for card games and other genres, ensuring that fans stay informed about the latest developments in the gaming world.