Goblin Secret Agent

Goblin Secret Agent was released in 2004 as part of the Unhinged expansion, the second silver-bordered Magic: The Gathering set designed for casual play and humor. The set was conceived by head designer Mark Rosewater to push the boundaries of game rules, incorporating mechanics that would be impossible in standard tournament play, such as this card's reliance on a physical 'secret' choice made before the game begins.

The card was illustrated by Greg Staples, whose artistic style often brings a gritty, detailed texture to the whimsical creatures of the multiverse. His depiction of the Goblin Secret Agent captures the chaotic, comedic spirit of the Unhinged set, framing the goblin as a bumbling operative. Upon its release, the card was received warmly by players who enjoyed the set's subversive approach to traditional gameplay dynamics and its meta-textual focus on the act of playing cards.