Mishra's Factory

Mishra's Factory first appeared in the 1994 Antiquities expansion, designed to evoke the industrial, artifact-heavy themes of the Urza versus Mishra storyline. It was created as a utility land that functions as both a mana source and a creature, reflecting the narrative of mechanical workshops being pressed into combat service. Its inclusion in the Fourth Edition base set solidified its place as a cornerstone of early Magic: The Gathering gameplay, as it offered players a resilient, colorless threat that could animate itself at will.

The artwork for this version was commissioned from the husband-and-wife duo Kaja and Phil Foglio, who were prominent contributors to the game's early aesthetic. Known for their whimsical and highly detailed style, the Foglios designed the card to feel cluttered and operational, mirroring the busy, slightly chaotic nature of an artificer's workshop. While their distinctive, cartoon-influenced style was a departure from the more somber fantasy illustrations of the era, the card became a fan favorite for its tactical versatility and memorable visual identity.