Archangel Avacyn // Avacyn, the Purifier

Archangel Avacyn was originally designed as the centerpiece of the 2016 Shadows over Innistrad set, representing the titular guardian angel of the gothic-horror plane. Mechanically, the card was intended to capture the narrative shift of the character's descent into madness, featuring a double-faced transformation mechanic that allowed players to experience her protective nature alongside her destructive, purified wrath. James Ryman provided the illustration, aiming to depict both the serene, celestial grace of the angel and the terrifying, corrupted figure she becomes once her spark of protection is shattered.

The version from the 2016 release was widely celebrated by the Magic: The Gathering community for its complexity and thematic resonance, often serving as a hallmark card for the set. When it was included in the 2025 Innistrad Remastered release, it maintained its stature as a key mechanical and narrative anchor. The design is credited to the Wizards of the Coast development team, who sought to translate the lore of Avacyn's corruption into a high-stakes gameplay experience that rewards players for navigating the delicate balance between her two distinct phases.