In the world of Magic the Gathering, the thrill of the game is often paired with the excitement of assembling a treasured collection. With the release of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, Wizards of the Coast infuses the game with a host of cards that double up as The Lord of the Rings collectibles. From moments of thrilling drama in Middle-earth to fan-favorite characters, these unique cards are capturing the imaginative world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in a new way.
As the largest Universes Beyond set created by Wizards of the Coast, Tales of Middle-earth offers also the most value for Magic: The Gathering collectors. Not only has the team created a fully-featured set totally in the confines of The Lord of the Rings, but they've spent much of their time focusing on creating artwork that extends what regular Magic: The Gathering cards offer. The set includes host of art variations based on the lore of Nazgul, gorgeus full art versions of selected cards, special Showcase Ring variants, new Scene cards and much more.
Various Designs
The Tales of Middle-earth set provides a broad canvas for showcasing the depth and diversity of The Lord of the Rings universe. Starting with the most accessible elements, the basic lands bring players closer to the narrative, offering glimpses of the Fellowship journeying through various landscapes. It's an excellent way to celebrate the intricate world-building of Tolkien's saga, bringing the diverse envinronments offered in the books to a card game from gorgeous fields to terrifying, fiery mountains.
Speaking of terrifying, the Nazgul get one of the most extensive art schemes in the set. Wizard of the Coast has gone the extra mile to include all nine kings who fell under the sway of the rings. Each variation of the Nazgul card boasts unique graphics, although their piercing red eyes, fierce demeanor, and stats are the same. Beyond this, the set introduces full art cards to further captivate collectors. An example is the Paths of the Dead special land card, which is presented both in regular form and a full art version.
Showcase Ring Cards and Scene Cards
To deliver further specialized artwork for some of the more important cards in the set, Wizards of the Coast is releasing Showcase Ring cards and Scene cards for the set. A selected group of cards, mostly featuring members of the Fellowship, receives the Showcase Ring treatment. This alternative art version features embellishments inspired by the One Ring itself. This subset of cards provides a different perspective on characters, influenced by the One Ring. Samwise Gamgee is seen peering into the Mirror of Galadriel, Merry is engaged in the Battle of Minas Tirith, and Boromir is succumbing to the One Ring's temptation. The alternate artistry of these versions enables players to perceive these characters in an opposite light to the regular version.
The introduction of Scene cards marks a new direction in Magic the Gathering's artistic expression. These full art versions of the cards, when placed side by side, unfold a broader narrative. The Battle of Pelennor Fields serves as an example. The scene encompasses Legendary Lands such as Minas Tirith and Barad-dur, creatures like the Oliphaunt and Mirkwood Bats, and Legendary Creatures including Legolas, Aragorn, Gothmog, and the Witch-king of Angmar, locked in combat. Total of eighteen cards create this intricately designed iconic clash of good an evil. In addition to aforementioned Creature cards it also incorporates an Enchantment in the form of Rising of the Day and a Sorcery Shadow of the Enemy. There are a total of nine Scenes, which all include host of cards. In addition to the Battle of Pelennor, at least a hobbit birthday party scene has been confirmed.
Magic: The Gathering The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth launches on June 23.