Diamond Lion

Diamond Lion was released in 2021 as part of the Modern Horizons 2 set for the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. The set was specifically designed for the Modern format, introducing cards directly into the ecosystem without requiring a standard set release, which allowed the designers at Wizards of the Coast to include cards with complex mechanics and nostalgic nods to older playstyles. This card functions as a functional color-shifted tribute to the classic card Lion's Eye Diamond, a powerful and iconic artifact from the game's early history that remains highly sought after by players and collectors alike.

The artwork for the card was created by Howard Lyon, a fantasy illustrator known for his elegant and painterly approach to character design. Tasked with visualizing this mechanical callback, Lyon leaned into the regal and crystalline nature of the subject, crafting a creature that feels both ancient and inherently magical. The design was well-received by the player base, who appreciated the careful balancing of the original card's high-risk, high-reward functionality with a new creature-based presence that fits the tactical requirements of modern play.