Kokusho, the Evening Star

Kokusho, the Evening Star was originally introduced in the 2004 set Champions of Kamigawa, designed by Wizards of the Coast for a block heavily inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore. As one of the five legendary Elder Dragons of the setting, Kokusho represents the black-aligned spirit of the evening, embodying themes of death and soul-draining mechanics that became a staple of the format. Its inclusion in 'The List'—a rotating selection of reprints curated by Wizards of the Coast to appear in Set Boosters—serves to reintroduce iconic cards from magic's history to new players while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the original designs.

The card’s visual identity is attributed to artist Daarken, who created a striking, shadowy dragon silhouette that captures the oppressive and dark nature of the creature. Upon its release, Kokusho quickly earned a reputation for its powerful triggered ability, which proved formidable in various competitive formats. Its design is frequently cited as a definitive example of high-impact legendary creatures from the mid-2000s, balancing a significant mana cost with a game-altering effect that rewarded players for the creature's transition from the battlefield to the graveyard.