Meekstone

Meekstone was first introduced in the Alpha set of Magic: The Gathering in 1993, designed by Richard Garfield as a tactical tool to neutralize high-power creatures. Its inclusion in the Classic Sixth Edition release in 1999 marked a significant moment for the game, as the set was designed to standardize the rules and provide a stable foundation for the expanding player base. By the time it reached the Sixth Edition, the card was already recognized as a quintessential control piece that forced players to rethink their reliance on massive offensive threats.

The artwork for this version was provided by Quinton Hoover, a prolific early contributor to the game whose distinct, vibrant style defined much of its visual identity. Hoover’s illustration of the Meekstone captures the mystical, oppressive nature of the artifact, depicting it as a heavy, ancient slab that drains the energy from any creature formidable enough to be considered a threat. His work was widely appreciated for its intricate detail and was central to establishing the thematic atmosphere that characterized the artifact cards of the era.