Arcbound Stinger

Arcbound Stinger was released in 2004 as part of the Darksteel set, the second expansion in the Mirrodin block for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It was designed during a period when the game was heavily focused on the artifact-heavy plane of Mirrodin, introducing the modular keyword mechanic which allowed artifact creatures to pass their +1/+1 counters to other machines upon their destruction.

The card features artwork by Mike Dringenberg, a well-known illustrator celebrated for his work on The Sandman comic series. His design for the Stinger captures the harsh, metallic aesthetic of the Mirrodin environment, depicting the creature as a jagged, insectoid construct consistent with the set's vision of a world made entirely of metal. Upon its release, the card became a staple in synergy-based affinity decks, valued for its low casting cost and its ability to utilize its flying keyword to deal incremental damage.