Etali, Primal Storm

Etali, Primal Storm was first introduced in the Rivals of Ixalan expansion in 2018, representing one of the elder dinosaurs that roam the plane of Ixalan. The card was specifically designed to embody the chaotic and high-impact nature of the plane's prehistoric inhabitants, allowing players to exile the top card of every player's library and cast them for free. This design was received as a powerful engine for Commander players, eventually leading to its inclusion in the Dominaria United Commander set, which sought to bring iconic legendary creatures to a broader audience.

The artwork for this specific printing was rendered by Raymond Swanland, a prolific illustrator known for his dynamic, high-energy style that often features intense lighting and a strong sense of motion. In this depiction, Swanland leans into the sheer scale and ferocious power of the dinosaur, using visceral brushwork to communicate the creature's status as a primal force of nature. His interpretation emphasizes the titan's imposing presence, fitting the creature's reputation as a game-ending threat in competitive and casual magic circles alike.