Carth the Lion

Carth the Lion was released in 2021 as part of the Modern Horizons 2 set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set was designed to introduce cards directly into the Modern format, blending new mechanical designs with nostalgic references to the game's expansive history. Carth represents a long-awaited character from the lore of the Dominaria plane, specifically tied to the era of the Ice Age cycle and the Planeswalker Jodah.

The card was illustrated by Victor Adame Minguez, who sought to capture the stoic, battle-hardened essence of the character as a legendary commander. The design emphasizes his historical synergy with planeswalkers, reflecting his narrative role as a pivotal ally during the phyrexian conflicts. Upon release, the card was well-received by players focusing on commander deck archetypes for its specific ability to accelerate planeswalker loyalty, filling a niche utility role that had been requested by lore enthusiasts for years.