Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor

Aboshan, Cephalid Emperor was originally released in the 2001 Odyssey expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Wizards of the Coast during a period focused on the graveyard-centric mechanics of the Otarian continent, the card introduced the Cephalid race to the game’s lore. This specific printing comes from The List, a curated selection of cards from the game’s history that are randomly inserted into modern-era Set Boosters to introduce players to iconic or mechanically interesting cards from past sets.

The illustration was created by artist Carl Critchlow, whose work is characterized by a distinct, textured style that often leaned into high fantasy and surreal creature design. Critchlow was tasked with depicting the leader of the cephalids, capturing the character’s regal yet alien nature. Within the game, the card is remembered for its utility in control decks, allowing players to tap down opposing permanents, which solidified its reputation as a formidable presence on the battlefield during its initial run.