Magic The Gathering's Lord of the Rings Set Features Stunning Art, Including Nine Different Nazgul Cards
Wizards of the Coast has unveiled more of the its highly anticipated set based on Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, showcasing some of the legendary characters and items from the Legendarium as we head towards the set's launch next month.
In a press preview earlier this month, Wizards of the Coast showcased a ton of cards coming to the upcoming Universes Beyond set, as well as some incredible art treatments that pay homage to the books by Professor Tolkien. From iconic locations to iconic weapons and characters, Middle-earth is fully represented during the high stages of the War of the Ring, with many of the cards depicting pivotal moments in the story.
It's especially exciting for someone like myself who is an avid fan of the books. Peter Jackson's wonderful movie trilogy has formed the collective culture's vision of what Tolkien's world looks like, so seeing the artists in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set try to set that aside and depict the book-accurate descriptions is a treat.
One area where this is clearly evident is in the card The Balrog, Flame of Udun. No discernible wings. The artists at Wizards are drawing a definitive line in the sand it seems in the «Winged Balrog» debate that has raged with enthusiasts ever since Tolkien used similie to describe the Balrog of Moria.
«We put our line in the sand there. 'Wing-like smoke.' And that's all I will say,» Ovidio Cartagena, lead art director on the set told press in our preview.
One of the clear takeaways for me while looking through the vast tome of cards Wizards has revealed today is just how many Easter eggs are in the artwork for hardcore fans to find. Cards such as the standard art Samewise Gamgee feature small touches that to a casual
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