For an in-depth retrospective and analysis into McKinnons MTG art style, check out this video: Thalia, Guardian of Thraben by Steve Argyle Thalia, Guardian of Thraben has been redrawn so many times, partly because its been reprinted recently in the Secret Lair drops
While in control decks like the ever-popular Ruby/Sapphire deck starting out strong with a character on the field isnt necessary to victory, decks that play fast often need to hit that first character in order to stay ahead of the game
This is a four-mana (1B, 1R, 1U, 1C) card that enters as a 4/4, and whenever Loki attacks, you create a tapped and attacking token that's a copy of a Villain you control, except it isn't legendary but is an Illusion
The other issue with planeswalkers is the way they run away with a game when theyre not answered, as they put your opponent further behind every turn you activate them