Inkfathom Infiltrator

Inkfathom Infiltrator was originally printed in the 2008 Shadowmoor expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The card was designed to highlight the set's emphasis on hybrid mana symbols, specifically the combination of blue and black, which allowed it to be played in decks focusing on either color or both. Thematically, it draws from the eerie, gothic folklore aesthetic of Shadowmoor, depicting a creature capable of slipping through defenses by becoming unblockable, a signature trait for rogue-style creatures in the game.

The art was illustrated by Dave Kendall, a long-time contributor to the game known for his dark, atmospheric style. Kendall’s design captures the fluidity and stealth of the infiltrator, utilizing sharp, spindly features to evoke a sense of unease. When it appeared in The List—a curated selection of cards that randomly appear in Set Boosters—it served as a nod to the game's deep history, reintroducing players to mechanics and art styles from the late 2000s that have since become cult favorites among long-term collectors.