BITE SIZE: The Borderless Verges of Aetherdrift
From the Pits to Omenpaths, a cycle is reborn after more than two decades
Bite Size is a new short form feature I’ll do from time to time. It’s for when I have something to share that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else, and is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
For those that had the opportunity to revel in the just-barely pre-Modern era of Magic: The Gathering, you may well remember the Pit Fighter cycle of Onslaught. These five legends were the champions of the set’s storyline, and although marginally powerfully by today’s standard, were pure titans for the teenage players who sought to cast them. Onslaught was my very first Magic set, and these legends are some of my fondest memories from when I started playing.
The cycle has now been renewed, given new life in Magic’s most recent set, Aetherdrift. Art Director Vic Ochoa commissioned each original artist for the Borderless Verge corresponding to the color of their original legend. It’s a beautiful connection more than twenty years apart.
The Verges are portals, glimpses to far-off places the beckon to transport their viewer to somewhere completely different. So the next time you open one of these new lands, close your eyes, and prepare to go back in time.
The roar of the crowd is deafening
Heartbeat pounding in your ears
Dust in your eyes
Welcome back to the Grand Coliseum.
You’re up next.
To read more about the Onslaught Pit-Fighters, their introduction and concept notes have been preserved in the Wayback Machine.