Hooting Mandrills

Hooting Mandrills was first introduced in the Khans of Tarkir set in 2014, later reappearing as card number 170 in the 2018 Ultimate Masters release. The card was designed to feature the 'delve' mechanic, a thematic reflection of the Temur Frontier's brutal, resource-scarce environment, where creatures are summoned by exhausting the remnants of the past. It quickly became a staple in various formats, particularly Pauper, where its ability to be cast for a single green mana made it a highly efficient threat.

The card's striking illustration was created by artist Dan Scott, who focused on capturing the primal, aggressive nature of the mandrill in the harsh Tarkir wilderness. Scott’s work is known for dynamic lighting and a visceral sense of scale, and for this piece, he emphasized the creature’s fierce anatomy to distinguish it from other simian-inspired creatures in the game. The card was well-received by the player base for its balance of flavor and tactical utility, cementing its status as a reliable midrange combatant.