Island

Released in October 2002 as part of the Onslaught expansion, this Island card represents a foundational component of Magic: The Gathering. The set was designed to shift the game’s focus back toward creature-heavy gameplay, introducing mechanics like 'Morph' and 'Cycling' to streamline combat. This specific land card, numbered 335 in the set, was one of four unique Island illustrations produced for the expansion, serving as a standard resource for players using Blue mana decks.

The artwork for this card was commissioned from artist John Avon, whose landscape illustrations have become synonymous with the aesthetic of the game. Avon sought to capture the ethereal, windswept nature of the Onslaught setting, utilizing his signature style of vibrant, sweeping horizons to provide visual depth. Upon release, the land cycle in Onslaught was well-received by the player base for its consistency and the distinct, immersive atmosphere Avon brought to the basic land slots.