Wild Griffin

Wild Griffin first appeared in the 2005 Magic: The Gathering expansion set Ravnica: City of Guilds. As a common creature card, it was designed to populate the Limited environment with functional flying threats, reflecting the set's emphasis on the avian aesthetics associated with the Azorius Senate and the general skies of the Ravnica plane. The card serves as a straightforward example of early 2000s creature design, intended to provide consistency for players in draft and sealed play.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Matt Cavotta, whose work during this era frequently leaned into expressive, high-fantasy creature portraits. Cavotta’s depiction focuses on the powerful anatomy of the griffon, capturing a dynamic, predatory posture that emphasizes its role as a master of the skies. When the card was later reprinted in The List—a rotating selection of cards from Magic’s history included in modern booster packs—it retained its classic visual identity, reminding long-time collectors of the design language that defined the original Ravnica block.