Metal Gear Solid artist creates art of Magic: The Gathering's upcoming set

Wizards of the Coast is at it again in tapping renowned video game artists to create those amazing cardboard rectangles gamers know and love.

From Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy) creating art for Liliana Dreadhorde General, to Ayami Kojima of Castlevania fame contributing for Sorin, The Mirthless, we know have renowned Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa showcasing his talent for the main character in MTG’s storyline – Satoru Umezawa. (See image below)

If you are a Metal Gear Solid fan, this image definitely emanates some Grey Fox and Raiden vibes – cybernetic ninjas who were key characters from the video games. Yoji Shinkawa’s signature art is instantly recognizable here and will definitely be on some player’s wants/needs list… Namely me.

Magic: The Gathering’s upcoming set – Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty sees the popular card game return to familiar territory that was introduced back in 2004. The original set, heavily inspired by historical Japanese aesthetics featured dieties, kami (spirits) ninjas and samurais. This time around, Neon Dynasty looks to have a more futuristic and cyberpunk feel while still retaining the recognizable Japanese culture.

If you want to make a deep dive into the fluff, I would highly recommend reading the first three books based on the Kamigawa block – namely Outlaw (Champions of Kamigawa), Heretic (Betrayers of Kamigawa) and Guardian (Saviors of Kamigawa). These stories focus on Michiko Konda and Toshiro Umezawa and while the new expansion will be set 1,200 years after Saviors or Kamigawa, there will definitely be mentions of its lore and characters.

Namely this card, Satoru Umezawa. Who looks to follow the Umezawa bloodline.

Just by reading the ability on the card this human ninja screams and begs to be put as a commander in an EDH deck, enabling not only ninjutsu-related creatures but hey – it gives every creature card in your hand ninjutsu (replacing an unblocked attacking creature with a card with ninjutsu ability from your hand), which can only result in some card-combo shenanigans. Upon this card’s reveal, I can already hear commander players brewing some amazing decks in their head right now.

Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty will release February 18, 2022. To find a friendly local game area near you, check out Magic: The Gathering’s store locator here.