Goblin Cohort

Goblin Cohort was released in 2005 as part of the Betrayers of Kamigawa set, the second expansion in the Kamigawa block for Magic: The Gathering. Inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, the set introduced mechanics centered around spirits and arcane magic, while also populating the plane with creatures like goblins, which in this setting were depicted as more tribal and rugged than their counterparts in other planes. The card's mechanics, specifically its restriction requiring a permanent to be played before it, encouraged aggressive, swarming deck archetypes.

The artwork for Goblin Cohort was created by Matt Cavotta, a prolific illustrator who worked on numerous cards during this era of the game. Cavotta’s design focused on the visceral, gritty aesthetic of the Kamigawa goblins, emphasizing their sharp features and nomadic gear to distinguish them from the more whimsical or comical goblins seen in earlier sets. Upon its release, the card was well-received by players focusing on red-based aggressive strategies, where it became a staple for its efficient cost and ability to pressure opponents early in the game.