Cockatrice

The Cockatrice card from the Summer Magic set, also colloquially known as Edgar, represents a distinct chapter in the history of Magic: The Gathering. Released in 1994, this set was an attempt by Wizards of the Coast to address printing errors and miscuts found in earlier iterations of the game. Despite the intention to create a refined version for the market, the print run was plagued by its own unique batch of errors, leading to the entire inventory being officially recalled and largely destroyed, which inadvertently transformed the surviving cards into some of the most sought-after rarities in the hobby.

The artwork for the Cockatrice was originally commissioned for the Alpha set and was illustrated by Jesper Myrfors. As one of the game's early creative directors, Myrfors was instrumental in establishing the dark, high-fantasy aesthetic that defined Magic's foundational years. The design of the Cockatrice itself draws heavily on classical mythology, portraying the creature as a serpentine, feathered monstrosity. Within the context of the game, the card gained notoriety for its ability to destroy any creature that blocked it, a mechanic that perfectly captured the lethal, petrifying reputation of the beast from ancient lore.