Scavenging Ghoul

Scavenging Ghoul was originally released as part of the Limited Edition Beta set for Magic: The Gathering in 1993, shortly after the game's debut in Alpha. Created by Wizards of the Coast, this expansion was designed to address printing errors and fulfill the massive demand that emerged during the game's initial launch. The card represents the early aesthetic of the game, featuring a macabre, hand-drawn illustration that reflected the dark fantasy themes prevalent in the original core set.

The artwork for Scavenging Ghoul was illustrated by Jesper Myrfors, who served as the game's first art director. Myrfors sought to capture a visceral, gothic horror sensibility that defined the visual identity of Magic's earliest years. While the card is a relatively simple black creature, it became a notable utility piece in the game's nascent competitive environment, prized for its ability to grow stronger by consuming cards in the graveyard, a design mechanic that underscored the game's focus on resource management and synergy.