Warstorm Surge

Warstorm Surge was originally introduced in the 2011 Commander release, designed as a powerful enchantment that rewards players for filling the battlefield with creatures. As part of the red color identity in Magic: The Gathering, it embodies the chaotic and aggressive philosophy of the color, functioning as a repeatable source of direct damage that scales with the size of the creatures entering play. Its inclusion in the 2016 Planechase Anthology, a collection that revisited classic oversized planar cards and decks, helped maintain its availability for fans of multiplayer formats.

The card was illustrated by Greg Staples, whose work often captures a sense of visceral energy and high-fantasy intensity. His design for Warstorm Surge depicts a swirling vortex of elemental fire, effectively visualizing the card's mechanical effect—turning every summoned ally into a potential projectile. The piece was well-received by the player base for its clear thematic link to the card's function, cementing its status as a staple utility piece in creature-heavy commander decks for many years.