Kokusho, the Evening Star

Kokusho, the Evening Star was released in 2004 as part of the Champions of Kamigawa set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set drew heavily on Japanese folklore and mythology, centering on the conflict between the spirit world and the mortal realm. As one of the five legendary Dragons of Kamigawa, Kokusho represents the black-aligned spirit of the evening star, designed to embody a sense of lingering, inevitable decay that rewards the player for its eventual destruction.

The card was illustrated by Kev Walker, a prolific artist in the game's history whose distinctive, moody style helped define the visual identity of the Kamigawa block. Walker’s depiction captures the dragon's imposing stature amidst a shadowy, ethereal landscape, effectively conveying its status as a powerful, high-mana-cost threat. Upon release, the card became a focal point of competitive play due to its powerful triggered ability, which allowed players to drain life from opponents, cementing its reputation as a formidable finisher in both casual and tournament formats.