Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked was released in 2004 as part of the Champions of Kamigawa set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set was designed to immerse players in a world inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, marking a significant thematic departure from the high-fantasy tropes that had dominated the game's previous expansions. As a demon, Shimatsu was created to embody the chaotic and visceral nature of the spirit world, serving as a rare card that rewarded players for sacrificing their own assets to increase its power.

The card features illustration by Jesper Myhrvold, whose work captures the grotesque and formidable aesthetic central to the Kamigawa demons. The design process focused on the concept of 'sacrifice-heavy' mechanics, a hallmark of the set's black-aligned cards. Upon its release, the card received a mixed reception from the player base; while collectors appreciated its striking and macabre artwork, competitive players often found its high cost and restrictive self-sacrificing requirement difficult to navigate in standard tournament play.