Legendary Pokemon Artist Rejoins Magic: The Gathering

Mitsuhiro Arita, renowned for his artwork on countless cards from the original Pokémon Trading Card Game, including the iconic Charizard, is now channeling his artistic talents into a new realm with Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair drop. We're excited to offer the first glimpse at all four cards featured in this special collection.

Explore the gallery below to view all the cards in Arita's Secret Lair:

While Arita is no newcomer to Magic: The Gathering, having previously contributed a borderless art version of Lumra, Bellow of the Woods in the 2024 Bloomburrow set, this Secret Lair marks a significant expansion with four new cards released in quick succession.

These cards aren't just visually stunning; they also hold their ground in various competitive formats. The legendary Lightning Bolt is a staple in nearly every format where it's legal, while Murktide Regent has solidified its status as a powerhouse in both Modern and Legacy since its debut in Modern Horizons 2 in 2021. Light-Paws, on the other hand, has carved out a niche as a beloved Commander, and Shorikai has not only found a comfortable spot in many Vintage Cubes but is also the 20th most popular Commander according to EDHRec.

Wizards of the Coast describes this drop on its store page with enthusiasm: "With nearly 30 years of experience creating beloved art for trading card games, Mitsuhiro Arita’s work has become some of the most recognizable in the world. His first collaboration with Magic: The Gathering was on a borderless Lumra, Bellow of the Woods released in 2024’s Bloomburrow, which quickly became a fan-favorite. In this Secret Lair Drop, the legendary artist returns to showcase his iconic creature design across four remarkable cards."

As with all Secret Lair drops, you can purchase this collection in non-foil for $29.99 or in foil for $39.99, exclusively on the Secret Lair website. Be ready to grab yours starting Monday, February 10 at 9am PT, as these limited-edition products often sell out quickly. Since Wizards of the Coast shifted from a timed print-to-order system last year, securing your set as soon as they go live is crucial to avoid missing out.

For enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into the world of Magic: The Gathering, stay tuned for the upcoming Aetherdrift set, launching next week, or revisit our coverage of past Secret Lairs featuring themes like Chucky and Monty Python. Additionally, learn about Wizards of the Coast's strategies for ensuring Magic's long-term success.