Darksteel Gargoyle

Darksteel Gargoyle was released in 2004 as part of the Darksteel expansion set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set introduced the indestructible keyword, a game mechanic that prevented permanents from being destroyed by lethal damage or destruction effects. This card served as an early iteration of this defensive capability, reflecting the set's central thematic focus on the metallic, indestructible nature of the Mirrodin plane.

The card was illustrated by Greg Staples, whose work often captures the grim and mechanical aesthetic prevalent in the Mirrodin block. Staples sought to emphasize the gargoyle's weathered, impenetrable construct design, aligning with the card's role as a sturdy, high-mana flying creature. Upon release, it was regarded as a quintessential example of the set's power creep regarding durability, though it functioned primarily as a limited-format staple rather than a centerpiece of competitive constructed play.