Beast Within

Beast Within was originally introduced in the New Phyrexia set in 2011, quickly establishing itself as a staple of green utility due to its versatility. By the time it was reprinted for the Commander 2016 preconstructed decks, the card had cemented its status as one of the most efficient removal spells in the game, allowing players to destroy any permanent in exchange for a 3/3 Beast token. Its inclusion in the 2016 Commander release helped ensure that the card remained accessible to the growing player base within the popular multiplayer format.

The artwork for this particular printing was originally illustrated by Aleksi Briclot. Briclot is a renowned fantasy artist who sought to capture the visceral and transformative nature of nature reclaiming technology, a key visual theme during the Phyrexian invasion storyline. The design focuses on the chaotic energy of the spell, depicting a transformation that is as much about destruction as it is about organic creation, a concept that was widely praised for its thematic alignment with green's identity in the game.