Ulvenwald Captive // Ulvenwald Abomination

Ulvenwald Captive is a double-faced creature card released in the 2016 Magic: The Gathering set Eldritch Moon. Designed as part of the set's central transformation mechanic, the card depicts a werewolf struggling against the cosmic horror influence of Emrakul, the Promised End, which served as the primary narrative arc for the block. The design team at Wizards of the Coast utilized the double-faced format to represent the physical and psychological corruption of the creature as it shifts from a forest-dwelling protector into a warped monstrosity.

The art for this card was created by illustrator Raymond Swanland, who is known for his dynamic, high-contrast style that emphasizes motion and intensity. By depicting the Captive’s transformation into the Abomination, Swanland captures the grotesque body horror characteristic of the Eldritch Moon aesthetic. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional tool for green-based mana ramp strategies, praised by players for its ability to provide utility in its base form while serving as a resilient threat once transformed.