Darkheart Sliver

Darkheart Sliver was released in 2007 as part of the Planar Chaos set, the second expansion in the Time Spiral block for Magic: The Gathering. The set explored an alternate reality where the history of the game's multiverse had diverged, allowing for 'color-shifted' cards that broke traditional mechanical conventions. As a creature type, Slivers had previously been primarily associated with the colors blue, white, and green, but Darkheart Sliver introduced a rare black-green combination, reflecting the set's thematic preoccupation with reimagining established archetypes.

The card's illustration was created by artist Christopher Moeller, who captured the creature's menacing, insectoid nature with an emphasis on its grim, regenerative biology. The design leans into the thematic identity of the Golgari guild—utilizing life and death resources to gain advantage. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional, utility-focused piece, praised by players for its ability to sacrifice other Slivers for life gain, providing a defensive pivot for aggressive Sliver-themed decks.