Razorjaw Oni

Razorjaw Oni was originally released in the Saviors of Kamigawa expansion in 2005. Designed as part of the overarching Kamigawa block, which drew heavy inspiration from Japanese mythology and folklore, the card reflects the aesthetic shift towards supernatural, fearsome spirits known as Oni. It was created to challenge players with a high-power, high-risk mechanic that required them to sacrifice creatures to keep the demon in play, embodying the brutal nature of these mythical entities.

The art was illustrated by Ittoku, who leaned into the dark, visceral imagery central to the Oni’s visual identity in the set. When it was reprinted as number 63 in the 2017 Commander Anthology, it gained a new audience among fans of the multiplayer Commander format. While the card is not considered a competitive staple, it remains a recognized example of the design philosophy prevalent during the mid-2000s, where significant power often came with demanding upkeep costs.