Some of the most beautiful art in all of Magic: The Gathering seems to come from Japanese artists like Naoki Saito, Hitowa, Kawasumi, and more who illustrate characters like they’re right out of a manga or anime. The most frustrating thing about them, however, is that cards like Saito’s stunning Sheltered by Ghosts reprint are often produced specifically as promo cards for events like the Japan Standard Cup. So unless you played in the Kyoto-based tournament in March 2016, there’s no way to get it unless you’re willing to pay $260 or more on Card Market for the single. Now, four stunning new promo cards you’ll probably never get your hands on have been revealed by Magic’s official Japanese account on X.com — and one of them is a particularly striking Commander staple that typically sells for $20.
On Wednesday morning, the account shared a post with four new promo cards that’ll be available through the Planeswalker Series event. The ongoing event, which began last April, allows players to experience the Standard gameplay format at both casual and competitive levels.
From July 1 to September 30, all those who participate in Planewalker Series will receive a Twitching Doll promo illustrated by Tomoyuki Mizufune. It depicts what looks like a terrifying hina doll being puppeted by a large spider. As an official blog post notes, Mizufune previously illustrated a special version of Radiant Lotus from Aetherdrift, along with a Bring to Light Japanese Mystical Archive card for Secrets of Strixhaven.
The top prize card at these Planeswalker Series tournaments will be The Wandering Rescuer with art by Hisashi Momose whose illustrations appear on more than two-dozen cards. Those include one depiction of The Wandering Emperor Planeswalker (also featuring The Wanderer) from Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty. Both of these new promo cards were originally from the Duskmourn: House of Horror set.
Then, the October to December season has Strategic Betrayal with art by Amayagido for participants. A resolute samurai’s blade shows the reflection of someone he has just betrayed with fear in their eyes. Amayagido also previously designed the full-art Plains and Islands cards from Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty.
The top prize this season is Voice of Victory illustrated by Tokiwata, which is her debut Magic card. Both of these cards originally debuted in last year’s Tarkir: Dragonstorm set. While all four of these promos are solid, previous Voice of Victory printings are worth around $20 or more. Despite being just a two-mana white uncommon creature, Voice of Victory has become a staple in many white Commander decks thanks to its ability to prevent your opponents from casting spells during your turn. In other words, it’s an effective counter to counterspells. It also has Mobilize 2 and creates two attacking tokens whenever it attacks, giving token decks another reason to run it.
For now, most Magic players can only admire these cards from afar. But if history is any guide, today’s Japan-exclusive promo is often tomorrow’s impossibly expensive collector’s item.
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