Kird Ape

Kird Ape was originally released in the 1993 Arabian Nights expansion for Magic: The Gathering, designed by Richard Garfield to reflect the set's thematic inspiration from Middle Eastern folklore. The card was later reprinted in the 1994 Revised Edition, which served as the game's first core base set after the initial limited print runs. This iteration brought the creature into a more accessible format for players, cementing its status as an aggressive staple for green decks of the early 1990s.

The artwork for the card was illustrated by Quinton Hoover, a prolific artist whose distinct, expressive style defined much of the game’s early visual identity. Hoover's portrayal of the ape was intended to capture a wild, untamed essence that fit the creature's mechanical ability to grow stronger when played alongside mountains. The design was widely praised for its character and remains a nostalgic touchstone for collectors of early Magic history.