Bladewing the Risen

Bladewing the Risen was released in 2003 as part of the Scourge set, the final expansion of the Onslaught block in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The card represents the character Darigaaz, a dragon who was resurrected as an undead thrall by the Phyrexians, serving as a primary antagonist figure within the game's evolving narrative. It was designed to function as a powerful creature card that rewards players for utilizing graveyard-based strategies, reflecting the set's focus on cyclically bringing resources back into play.

The artwork was illustrated by Anthony S. Waters, a prolific contributor to the game during that era. Waters sought to capture the decay and imposing nature of the reanimated dragon through a dark, textured aesthetic that aligned with the grim tone of the Scourge expansion. Upon its release, the card became a notable piece for casual and Commander players due to its ability to reanimate other dragons, cementing its status as a staple for tribal dragon decks in the years following its introduction.