Kongming, "Sleeping Dragon"

Kongming, 'Sleeping Dragon' was released as part of the Commander 2013 set, a release designed specifically for the Magic: The Gathering Commander format. The card features the legendary strategist from the historical Three Kingdoms period of China, drawing heavily on the lore established in the earlier Portal Three Kingdoms set. By reintroducing this character into the modern card pool, Wizards of the Coast sought to provide players with a focused support commander that emphasizes board presence and numerical superiority through creature buffs.

The card’s illustration was created by artist Li Jian, who was tasked with capturing the essence of a scholarly tactician. The design aims to balance the character’s historical reputation as a masterful strategist with the game's mechanics, utilizing a passive ability that grants a power and toughness boost to other creatures. Upon its release, the card was received as a niche but effective tool for white-based token or 'go-wide' strategies, praised for its clarity and thematic alignment with the source material.