Greater Gargadon

Greater Gargadon was originally released in the Time Spiral expansion in 2006, designed as a centerpiece for mechanics involving sacrificing permanents for a powerful payoff. The card reflects the set's focus on revisiting past iterations of the game, with its design centering on a suspend mechanic that allows players to play a large creature for a low cost after a delay, creating a strategic tension between board presence and resource management.

The Modern Masters version, illustrated by Rob Alexander, was released in 2013 to provide players access to influential cards from the game's recent history. Alexander, a veteran artist known for his atmospheric landscapes, provides a visceral depiction of the creature that leans into the destructive, chaotic nature of the card's ability. It was well-received by the competitive community for its utility in red-based decks, particularly those utilizing the sacrifice mechanic to bypass traditional casting restrictions.