Dread Rider

Dread Rider was released in 2022 as part of the Jumpstart 2022 expansion for Magic: The Gathering. This set was designed to facilitate a unique, randomized draft experience where players combine two distinct themed packs to create a functional deck, emphasizing pick-up-and-play accessibility rather than traditional deck-building constraints. As a black-aligned creature, Dread Rider fits into the set's graveyard-recursion and attrition-heavy themes, serving as a tactical piece that utilizes self-mill mechanics common in modern black card design.

The card features illustration by Wisnu Tan, who rendered the titular character in a style consistent with the gothic and necrotic aesthetic of Magic's plane-hopping lore. The design focused on translating the 'Fear' or 'Menace' archetype into a card that rewards players for managing their resources through the graveyard. Upon its release, it was noted by players for its efficiency within the Jumpstart limited format, providing a solid mid-range threat that supports the set's primary goal of providing synergy-driven, high-velocity gameplay.