(Teferi, Hero of Dominaria| Art by Chris Rallis)

Black is Magic

Welcome readers to a very special article here on EDHREC. I’m Joshua, also known as Princeofbieltan on the internet. While you might be expecting a Preview Review article or a set review piece from me, today, I am honoured and privileged to present this Black History Month article to you.

Magic: The Gathering, a game that transcends boundaries, whether that's the different planes that make up the multiverse and the myriad people who live in them. Or whether that's the fact that Magic brings people together from all backgrounds like no other. Within this multiverse, there exists a place for each of us. As we approach the momentous occasion of Magic’s 100th Expansion, Outlaws at Thunder Junction (Can you believe it?), it’s crucial to recognize that diversity has not always been a constant throughout the multiverse’s existence. As Magic has moved forward through the decades, Wizards of the Coast have been embracing diversity and prioritizing inclusion within their recent sets. More and more people of underrepresented backgrounds feel represented within the game of Magic, and that leads to more happy faces down at the local game store. 

Magic’s diversity is woven from myriad threads: characters, planes, and cultures that come alive within the game. But it’s not just the fictional realms that contribute to this rich tapestry. It’s also the players themselves—individuals who bring their unique cultural brilliance to the table during game nights. As we celebrate Black History Month in America, EDHREC extends warm wishes to all and I’ve reached out to some of the wonderful Black creators in the Magic community to join me in sharing which cards and art mean the most to them. 

I'm sure you can't wait to see some of our very special guests, so let’s dive in and celebrate the Black community in Magic: The Gathering.

TeferiMagic

First on our list is TeferiMagic. Teferi wears many hats (or, carries many staffs) - he is an accomplished cosplayer, a wonderful ambassador for the game, and occasionally a mysterious figure known as Mastermind Plum. But what does Teferi hold dear? Let’s find out which magic card is closest to his heart. His favorite card, his muse, is none other than Teferi, Hero of Dominaria. And the art that graces it? Well, you guessed it—it’s Teferi himself.

This may not come as a surprise but the iconic art for Teferi, Hero of Dominaria is my favorite. It served as primary inspiration for the costume and fuel for portraying the character. The epic vista and welcoming but imperious pose speak volumes. Get on Teferi’s level! A wonderful return to the spotlight for a Black legacy character that feels fleshed out over well…Time.

• TeferiMagic, on Teferi, Hero of Dominaria, Art by Chris Rallis 

J: Teferi, Hero of Dominaria is a card that has been playable across formats since it was printed, seeing particular play in Standard and Pioneer as well as some play in Commander within planeswalker themed decks. I agree with Teferi here; when I opened my own copy of the iconic planeswalker in 2018 while opening Dominaria with my friends, there was no question that Teferi was a hero, and a hero that we could all aspire to. 

Ced, of One More Mana 

Secondly we have Ced from One More Mana. You might know Ced from his time at Tolarian Community College, or from his content on Youtube helping you identify the top ‘BRUH’ cards from recent sets. Ced’s videos are impeccable, with presentation and humour showing us all how to have fun while we’re playing EDH. I reached out to Ced to see what card art really brought him joy, and this is what he had to say: 

Hi Josh! Thank you for reaching out. This is Ced. The card I will talk about is Teferi's Protection from the Secret Lair Drop. This image by Kieran Yanner warmed my heart enormously in a way that I did not EVER expect from a game piece that I enjoy as a hobby. I play Magic: the Gathering, specifically Commander, for the creative game states and fun conversations with friends, not the art. However, this art debuted a year after my daughter was born and it emulates the joy and magic that little girl makes me feel daily.

- Ced, on Teferi’s Protection Art by Kieran Yanner

J: While Teferi, Hero of Dominaria is a little more of a multiformat card, Teferi's Protection is a card that is iconic within the commander format. In this art by Kieran Yanner, Teferi is depicted playing with his daughter Niambi, who makes an appearance on many cards herself. It’s very easy to see how this card could speak so much to Ced as a new father, and it shows that when you see yourself in Magic, it doesn’t have to be as a warrior, a general or a mighty wizard. You can be cooler than that, you can be a Dad. 

Avery

J: Our next guest contributor is Avery, also known as AverusFinch on the internet. When Avery isn’t taking names in games of Commander or Tekken, you’ll find him speaking up on Black rights. He’s an avid charity champion who supports LGBTQIA+ rights. He has contributed and guested on several fundraising events for trans rights and combating anti LGBTQIA+ legislation. 

Avery had two cards to talk about today, the first is Danitha Capashen, Paragon. 

It took me a while to realize the genius of Danitha. She’s an uncommon legendary creature so she’s easy to overlook, but as a person who tends to play lawful good characters in RPGs, she’s right up my alley. The fact that she has first strike, vigilance, lifelink and reduces the cost of casting equipment is reminiscent of a righteous, oathsworn paladin that is rarely depicted as a black person OR a woman. I truly appreciate this design. 

- Avery, on Danitha Capashen, Paragon, Art by Chris Rallis

On Théoden, King of Rohan I was down with Théoden from the first moment he was revealed. Here we have one of the most iconic characters of Lord of the Rings and he looks like me. Solidly built. Long gray locs and full gray beard. Black. Despite enduring interactions with some of the most heinous individuals alive on Twitter for expressing my excitement for both Théoden and Aragorn’s design, I count it as a blessing in disguise, because I forged bonds with some of the coolest people I’d never imagined myself playing with regularly. It’s always the gathering that’s first and foremost for me.

- Avery, on Théoden, King of Rohan Art by Kieran Yanner

J: It was fair to say that when the Universes Beyond The Lord of the Rings: Tales from Middle-earth set dropped last year, it ruffled a few feathers of a small but vocal minority within the player base. At the same time, it echoed and resonated with lots of Black fans of The Lord of the Rings (Pop over to Commander's Herald if you'd like to read about that) Avery’s tale of harassment over being excited for more diverse depictions of characters within the LOTR universe isn’t something he was alone in experiencing. It’s as saddening to read now as it was back then, but Avery was able to fight for what he believed in under pressure and formed long-lasting and wonderful connections with awesome Magic players. 

Blackneto of TabletopJocks 

Next we have a man who needs no introduction, Blackneto, aka Joe Johnson Jr. Creator and Host of TabletopJocks

 Joe had the time to meet with me and kick it before his busy schedule of hosting at MagicCon Chicago. Even with a no doubt incredible show to put on, he still had time to chat. So we spoke about what mattered most to him in Magic and Magic art, that I might capture his words to share with you all. So this is Samut, Voice of Dissent by BlackNeto 

Samut is a card that means a lot to Joe: 

Samut is always portrayed in dynamic action poses. She consistently occupies the forefront of the image and demands your attention, whether Samut is engaged in solitary combat or leading an entire community.

She embodies a multifaceted persona: a community icon who possesses both healing grace and unyielding strength. Samut’s thoughtfulness is matched only by her unwavering decisiveness, solidifying her status as a powerful figure and an exemplar of Black womanhood.

Joe, with keen insight, draws parallels between Samut and his own mother. When Joe’s mother enters a room, she exudes intelligence, education, confidence, and sheer power. Despite not towering over others in physical stature, her presence makes her seem ten feet tall to Joe. She was an indomitable force in any space. This same essence resonates in characters like Samut, and empowers Joe both on and off the table. It's not hard to see why Joe as a host and community leader, could take such inspiration from Samut, and see homage to his own upbringing.

Driven by this passion, Joe has meticulously crafted his own Samut deck, pouring his heart and soul into its design. Rigorously tested and passionately honed. You can catch glimpses of this labor of love on his YouTube channel, Tabletop Jocks. Whether facing off against fellow community members or throwing down at MagicCons and even at his own event dedicated to Black excellence in MTG: The Cookout, Joe invites anyone to face Samut’s power on the game table. But beware—this game is no game for the faint-hearted, as Joe's Samut deck shows no mercy!

- Blackneto on Samut, Voice of Dissent Art by Aleksi Briclot

Joshua (Princeofbieltan) of EDHREC 

Finally, there’s me. Well, I started this article so I might as well finish it. I didn’t have to think hard with this one because there’s one card that means more to me than any other, and it’s Path of Ancestry. Path of Ancestry speaks deeply to me and many others. This art came as part of a Secret Lair entitled Black is Magic. This art by Julio Reyna depicts a child sitting on a bed with a book. Upon reading this book, the child is surrounded by a wondrous dreamscape. 

There’s a lot of onus on Black people to take ownership and learn about their own past, often teaching ourselves. It’s typically something that isn’t part of the school curriculum if you grew up in a country that your parents or grandparents settled in and there’s nothing quite as powerful as doing so. These stories are told down through books, bedtime stories and conversations with our families while they are still with us. Each contributing to a myriad picture of the legacy left to you, knowing that you exist as a part of two worlds and you carry the best of them both with you every day. Despite how you arrived at your destination. 

• Princeofbieltan on Path of Ancestry, by Julio Reyna

Phasing Out

Thank you so much for reading, we appreciate every minute of it. We’d like to thank our guest contributors today for speaking to me at length on the things that made you happy and allowing me to share them with the Magic community on your behalf. Thank you to TeferiMagic, Ced, Avery and Joe. Please follow them using the links throughout this article. If you’d like to keep up with me too, you can do so here on Twitter and here on Youtube.

We’d love to hear from you in the comments too. Let us know about the art that means a lot to you. Magic is made a better game for having every one of us in it, and this Black History Month we’ve been proud to showcase the impact of positive depictions of Black characters in our favourite game on our community.

Keep it real! 

Read more:

The Return of the King: Representation and Race in Middle-earth

Joshua Clough

Joshua is a Medical Researcher from the UK. He's played Magic since Dragons of Tarkir and loves all things Commander, the more colours the better! When not playing Commander, he can be found insisting Jund is still a viable deck in Modern and painting tiny plastic miniatures on Twitter @PrinceofBielTan