Dark Favor

Dark Favor was released in July 2012 as part of the Magic 2013 core set, a collection designed to bridge the gap between complex mechanics and accessible gameplay for newer players. The card serves as a black-aligned Aura that provides a power and toughness boost along with a minor drain effect, fitting into the set's broader goal of reinforcing traditional color identities through straightforward enchantment mechanics.

The card’s visual identity was established by artist Wayne England, whose distinctive style often utilized strong contrasts and sharp, angular linework to convey the darker themes inherent to black mana. His illustration focuses on the parasitic nature of the enchantment, reinforcing the thematic trade-off common in black-aligned mechanics. Upon its release, the card was received as a standard utility piece for limited formats, valued primarily for its role in enabling aggressive strategies rather than as a centerpiece for constructed play.