Shadowborn Demon

Shadowborn Demon was introduced in the Magic 2014 core set, released in July 2013 as part of a strategic effort by Wizards of the Coast to print more impactful black creatures for the standard constructed format. Designed as a high-cost mythic rare, the card was intended to provide a powerful board-clearing effect alongside a significant flying threat, encouraging players to build decks around the 'Shadowborn' tribal mechanic which allowed players to sacrifice multiple copies of the Shadowborn Apostle creature card to summon demons from their library.

The card’s striking visual identity was crafted by illustrator Aleksi Briclot, a prolific artist known for his dark and visceral aesthetic. Briclot focused on a commanding, skeletal silhouette that emphasized the creature's predatory nature, aligning with the core set's thematic leanings toward classic high-fantasy tropes. Upon its release, the card received moderate reception; while lauded for its powerful ability to destroy creatures and reclaim tempo, its reliance on specific creature types meant it saw limited competitive play outside of niche tribal strategies.