I really like [[Strategic Planning|STA]] (does this work with the set code?)
It’s an alternate art in relation to its first printing and not a showcase or anything, but the MID printing of Abrade is amazing. If we’re limiting it strictly to variant printings, I think Embereth Shieldbreaker
They seriously nailed it with the storybook styles as the first iteration in Eldraine, and that was probably my favorite. The stark contrast and minimalistic colors are just really nice.
It also feels like they’re loosening up on the “official” artwork and letting in more and more interesting stuff like that as time goes on, which is awesome.
I am beyond annoyed that the new story book treatments write the card text across the pages. Like that’s not how books work!
Agreed about Shieldbreaker, that’s one of my favorite alternate arts.
Looks like the bot doesn’t like the set code, here’s the link: Strategic Planning. All of the Strixhaven Mystical Archives cards are gorgeous imo
Just double checked the cardfetcher bot post, looks like calling by set isn’t implemented yet.
To be honest, it would be great if they eased up on all the alt art stuff. Having like 6 different versions of a card makes collecting and playing difficult.
I figure the collectors will go for the fancier prints or split the demand so I can grab the cheaper prints. As long as the card isn’t harder to find overall I think it’s fine. Though sometimes there’s an awesome art that I’d love to get that ends up too expensive.
I liked what Tomer on the EDHRecast did with their [[Baba Lysaga, Night Witch]] deck. Basically getting one of each variant and then using the different versions to keep track of commander tax. Doesn’t work on all commanders, but I thought it was cute.
The Strixhaven archives knocked it out of the park, and I also thought the DMU stained glass showcase cards were comparable.
As for individual arts, I think my favorites are probably the Bruce Brenneise shock lands from UNF, namely Godless Shrine, Stomping Ground, and Breeding Pool.
I simply can’t pick a single favorite artwork. There’s just too much amazing work. As for style, probably the Mystical Archive series. They’re so great.
There have been some great SLD alts, the Toothy, Imaginary friend feels better than the original. Same with the Dan Frazier arcane signet, though I’m a sucker brownstone artifacts. And there is a reason the cat version of kodama’s reach is like $60 (lol).
Also how are we doing the card fetcher on here?
- Unable to retrieve information for “Strategic Planning|STA”
[[card name]] to call
Almost anything full art, specifically from masters sets. I have an unpopular opinion, that the Magic frames (both old and new) are the worst part of card aesthetic and a very popular opinion, that MtG art is top notch. If I can have more art and less frame I’m happy.
In terms of alt art treatments I think my favorite is the Zendikar showcase. I particularly like Roil Elemental, Admonition Angel, Avenger of Zendikar, and Canopy Baloth, but really almost all of them look fantastic.
The Strixhaven Mystical Archives arts are also really nice.
Edit: Oh I need to add to my answer. The Secret Lair art of Azami, Lady of Scrolls is fantastic. The other arts from that lair were decent but I really like this one.
