Illustrator's Personal Picks From The Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy Crossover
The Magic: The Gathering collaboration with Final Fantasy has brought forth a series of cards featuring artwork by veteran designer Tetsuya Nomura. Notably, Nomura himself has highlighted specific cards he finds significant, particularly those depicting the iconic villain Sephiroth. His contributions include new illustrations for "Sephiroth, Fabled Soldier/One-Winged Angel," which presents a revised depiction of the character, differing from his original appearance in Final Fantasy VII. This revision includes elements reminiscent of Bizarro Sephiroth, a later form of the antagonist. Nomura's involvement in this set extends beyond personal preference, as he served as a supervisor for the artwork and contributed directly to the visual design, aiming to evoke joy for fans across the globe. The artist has also illustrated a variant of the Zack Fair card.
Nomura's choices appear intertwined with his ongoing work on the Final Fantasy VII remake series, where he has held roles from game director to creative director. The selection of art for the Magic: The Gathering set often repurposes existing artwork from the video games, a decision Nomura links to his continued engagement with the remake project. This cross-pollination of art serves what he describes as a "very, very powerful purpose."
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"Even if you might be looking at your old art and comparing it to the new art, it's serving a very, very powerful purpose—create joy for fans around the world."
The specific design of the Sephiroth card, particularly the variations in his forms, has ignited conjecture regarding future plot developments within the Final Fantasy VII Remake project. Nomura has offered cryptic remarks about a "reason" behind these design choices, stating he "can't share more," which has fueled speculation about implications for Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3.
The Enduring Shadow of Sephiroth
Despite nearly three decades since Sephiroth's debut, Tetsuya Nomura continues to be requested to design characters with similar characteristics. He notes that this persistent demand signifies a deep appreciation for the villain, stating, "It makes me think that everyone must really love him!" This enduring popularity makes Sephiroth a character accessible to both long-time fans and newcomers.
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The Magic: The Gathering expansion includes a full set dedicated to Final Fantasy, with many cards integrating Nomura's established artwork alongside new pieces. This approach is seen as a strategic move to engage a broader audience with the trading card game. The set's release coincides with the anticipation surrounding the Final Fantasy VII remake saga, with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth recently launched.
Nomura's illustrative work on the Zack Fair card is also noteworthy, though the standard version of the character card existed prior to this new art. This limited art treatment of Zack Fair offers a new visual for collectors, with his card mechanics remaining consistent, allowing him to be sacrificed for a protective effect.
Contextualizing the Collaboration
The Magic: The Gathering x Final Fantasy crossover is not the first time Nomura's distinctive style has been linked to the trading card game. Previous instances have seen his art appear on cards, often tied to specific releases or promotions. The Final Fantasy set aims to encapsulate the essence of 37 years of series history within its card designs. Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix collaborated on the development, with Nomura overseeing the artistic direction and contributing key illustrations. This partnership underscores the interconnectedness of different entertainment mediums in reaching and engaging diverse fan bases.
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