Blackblade Reforged

Blackblade Reforged was introduced in the 2018 Magic: The Gathering set Dominaria, serving as a narrative homage to the iconic Blackblade artifact originally featured in the Legends expansion from 1994. The card was designed to reflect the storied history of Dakkon Blackblade’s legendary sword, which had long been a central plot device in the lore of the Multiverse. By tying the card's mechanics to the number of permanents controlled by its wielder, the design team aimed to capture the essence of the blade as a weapon that gains power through the influence and legend of its bearer.

The artwork, rendered by Chris Rahn, focuses on the imposing, dark aesthetic of the blade while emphasizing its weight and mythical significance. Rahn’s depiction was well-received by the player base for its clean, atmospheric execution, which grounded the fantasy weapon in a grounded, physical reality. The card quickly became a staple in Commander formats, where its ability to buff legendary creatures resonated with fans who valued both the mechanical utility and the deep-seated nostalgia for Magic's early narrative roots.