With the release date of Dominaria United getting closer and closer, Wizards of the Coast has revealed more and more details. While the start of the Dominaria United spoiler season is still a day away, WotC has given us something else to enjoy: Art. Appearing throughout the latest Building Worlds video, Dominaria United is already looking downright spectacular. The art we’ve seen is more than just interesting, as it gives us a glimpse of the set ahead of spoiler season.
The story of Dominaria realized
While lands may not be the most mechanically exciting cards in Magic, they are definitely the most important. This is not just because they tap for all the necessary mana. Lands of Magic are also significant in showing the placement of a plane. As Sam from Rhistic Studies explained in the Building Worlds video, “lands have helped define the visual identity of the many planes of Magic. These illustrations communicate the primary narrative mood of a setting, from the terrifying swamps of Innistrad to the vibrant, swirling islands of Kaladesh, the core lands that immerse players in these fantasy worlds and set the stage for major story events.
This is no different in Dominaria United, as their lands and art are used to tell the story of Dominaria. For example, in Plains by Johannes Voss, we see a stunning scene from when Karn first returned to Dominaria. In this scene, Dominaria is still full of life. However, it is nevertheless marked by its history of compelling objects. This theme is prevalent throughout much of Dominaria United’s artwork as this is a plane steeped in so much history.
Sheoldred, Apocalypse
Debuting with the quote “Gix Failed. I won’t.”, Sheoldred is back. As one of the five Phyrexian lords, it appears that Sheoldred is leading the Phyrexian war in Dominaria United. With a body of millipedes looming over the landscape, it sure looks like Sheoldred is apocalyptic in name and nature.
Beyond the incredibly devastating look, it’s unclear how Chris Rahn’s fantastic art will translate mechanically. From their name and imposing nature, we can only imagine that Sheoldred, Apocalypse will be a game-ending threat for black decks to use. Similar to Sheoldred’s past outing as Sheoldred. A whisper we cannot imagine that they will be free.
Weather light
The Weatherlight is one of the most important symbols in Dominaria. As an icon that the domineering people can rally around, The Weatherlight is much more than its strength as a tool. Of course, this means it’s a pretty important weapon and tool against the Phyrexian invasion. So what does Phyrexia do? Fill it in, of course.
While The Weatherlight is still looking his usual healthy self in Dominaria United Board the Weatherlight art, may not stay that way for long. Featuring concept art by Jehan Choo and a Swamp’s art by Seb McKinnon, The Weatherlight’s days seem numbered. Whether The Weatherlight can weather the storm and survive this Complete remains to be seen. From the art we’ve seen, there’s no telling if Phyrexian Weatherlight will be his card.
Argive base
The Argivian Base may not be the most impactful piece of art featured during the Building Worlds video, but if you ask me, it’s definitely one of the prettiest. Appearing in several variations by artist Chase Stone, the Argivian Base is a stunning layered city that can fold in on itself for protection. Minas Tirith, eat your heart out.
Besides just being the coolest design for a base, the Argivian Base also emphasizes Argivian culture. As a fusion between Dominaria’s past Bulduvian and Kjeldor cultures, Argivian Base shows how Dominaria has come together since our last visit. Mechanically, we imagine that the Argivian Base is either a land or an object. However, we have no idea what it will do.
Braids, Innate Anxiety
After appearing on the box art for Dominaria United all the way back in May of this year, it’s no surprise to see Braids officially on the set. Wielding an extremely powerful spell, Braids definitely had a shine to her appearance as Braids, the Arisen Nightmare. This brilliance is all the more impressive as Braids is returning from a brief period of being unequivocally dead. Braid’s revival is also depicted in another Dominaria United card, The dreaded twist of the braid. As a saga, The Terrifying Return of Braids gives us a glimpse of what turned this mad wizard.
Following the lead of Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Braids, Arisen Nightmare as a Two-Faced Saga. While this would neatly combine the Saga of their resurrection and their new form, this is, admittedly, a wild guess. However, the appearance of Braids Arisen Nightmare strongly suggests that it will be a black creature.
Arrest of the citizen
Depicting a man in serious need of some paracetamol for his headache, Citizen’s Arrest shows Dominaria’s troubled tensions. With Phyrexian sleeper agents beginning to appear and be discovered, the times of peace in Dominaria seem to be at an end. After all, if the Phyrexian threat can convincingly complete someone, who can you trust anymore?
As for the game design, we’re wildly speculating that from the art and the name Citizen’s Arrest, this will be an imprisonment spell, possibly in white. Ultimately, though, this is very much a guess, and we won’t know the details of this card until it drops.
But wait! There’s more!
In addition to what we’ve already highlighted here, the Dominaria United Building Worlds video has a lot more amazing art to enjoy. The visuals also dive deep into the lore of Dominaria to get you moving through its story. If you’d like to watch the video, we’ve embedded it below for your convenience!
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