Legendary Pokémon Artist Joins Magic: The Gathering Team

Mitsuhiro Arita, a renowned artist famous for his work on the original Charizard card, is making a significant return to Magic: The Gathering through a new Secret Lair drop. This upcoming release features four unique cards showcasing Arita's distinctive art style. Notable cards in this drop include the universally played Lightning Bolt and the popular Murktide Regent, both of which have a strong presence in various formats. The Secret Lair will be available in both foil and non-foil options starting February 10 at 9 am PT, with prices set at $29.99 and $39.99 respectively. Fans of Arita’s previous work will want to act quickly, as these exclusive drops are known to sell out rapidly.

The new cards include Lightning Bolt, Murktide Regent, Light-Paws, and Shorikai, showcasing Arita's iconic creature design and appealing to various gameplay formats.

Magic: The Gathering, created by mathematician Richard Garfield and released in 1993, has become a staple in the trading card game community. With nearly three decades of history, it has expanded its reach considerably, influencing the design of many subsequent card games. Arita's return highlights the game's commitment to celebrating its artistic heritage while enhancing gameplay with beloved cards.