Crossbow Infantry

Crossbow Infantry was originally printed in the Eighth Edition core set of Magic: The Gathering, released in July 2003. This set was a significant milestone for Wizards of the Coast as it marked the first time the game utilized the modern card frame design, which was intended to improve readability and aesthetic consistency across the game's rapidly expanding card pool.

The card features artwork by Greg Staples, an illustrator known for his atmospheric contributions to the fantasy genre. In the context of the core set, the design sought to emphasize foundational gameplay mechanics by highlighting simple, functional creature types. While Crossbow Infantry is a common card often dismissed for its modest power, it serves as a distinct example of the transition era in Magic design, bridging the gap between early experimental aesthetics and the standardized visual language that characterizes the brand today.