Dross Hopper

Dross Hopper was released in 2010 as part of the Scars of Mirrodin expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It represents the faction of the Phyrexians, specifically those native to the metallic plane of Mirrodin that had been corrupted by oil from the growing Phyrexian influence. This card was designed to function as a common-rarity creature that provided early-game evasion through its flying ability, utilizing a sacrifice mechanic that thematicized the consumption and recycling of resources common to the black-aligned cards of the set.

The artwork was provided by Dave Allsop, a prominent illustrator known for his contributions to various fantasy and science fiction franchises. Allsop’s design for the creature emphasizes the body-horror aesthetic synonymous with the New Phyrexian evolution, featuring an insectoid, mechanical anatomy that reflects the harsh, artificial environment of the Mirrodin plane. At the time of its release, the card was received as a standard utility piece in Limited formats, praised by players for its efficiency in aggressive deck archetypes despite its relatively simple mechanical structure.