Artwork of Aetherdrift: Starting Line

A five minute first look into the brand new set's most exciting early artwork

Aetherdrift, Magic: The Gathering’s 103rd main set expansion, has officially begun previews. The set chronicles the second running of the Ghirapur Grand Prix, a multiplanar race across a renewed Amonkhet, a renamed Avishkar, and an unknown Muraganda. The grand prize is the Aetherspark, and is exactly as it sounds- to it’s winner, it can grant the ability to planeswalk the multiverse.

The Aetherspark by Donato Giancola

We’ve only seen the early exhaust fumes of this set, but there is already MUCH to be excited about in the way of artwork. Let;s take a look: this is what I’m excited about.

Player’s Aid by Josiah ‘Jo’ Cameron

I’m not really sure what ‘Speed’ is yet, or how it works, but that doesn’t matter. This is an early candidate for artwork of the year, and it doesn’t matter that it’s on an aid token. An incredible amount of work, but it captures the entire essence of this set and story in a single image.

New Artists! Carly Milligan

Elvish Refueler by Carly Milligan, oil and acrylic on cradled wood, 11” x 14”

I am always on the lookout for artists new to the game, and it’s especially exciting when an artist from my early Magic Artist Wishlist finally get the call. Welcome to Magic, Carly! We’re so glad you’re here.

Main Set + Booster Fun: A Dialogue

This could be an entire article in and of itself (and maybe it will be), but there is a clear and apparent dialogue between the artwork in the Main Set and the special Booster Fun treatments of the same card, and it’s stronger than ever before.

The Last Ride, by both Michele Giorgi and DeathBurger, bring two of the game’s top working artists, sets them up in their respective lane, and then gives them the full green light. The result is a complete and robust imagining of what this legendary artifact both is, and can be. Do you want a traditional, high fantasy depiction of a badass racing vehicle as it appears in the story? You got it. Or you want one that evokes the hot-rod car culture of the 1950s and 60s? You also got it. They both work, they’re both brilliant, and I can’t wait to see more.

Booster Fun: Gimme it ALL

And speaking of Booster Fun, just look at some of the art and artists that have been tapped to take on these teams and champions.

Something old and something new, these intentional choices by the art directors have made each of these storylines varied, unique and memorable. And it’s only Day 1! This set looks very different, but I can feel it in my bones that it’s just going to work.

Driver’s Seat Basic Lands

Basic lands will always and forever be my favorite, and Aetherdrift makes them come alive like never before.

Basics have always been a look outward, but never from behind the wheel! These put you in the driver’s seat and in full control of your mana, bringing back that feeling of when the game used to be two wizards casting spells against one another. It’s just you and an open playmat ahead.

End Step

Previews for Aetherdrift continue over the next week, and the set officially releases on February 14, 2025,. Stay tuned for a finish line look at my favorite Three Works following the sets full release, and enjoy the ride!