Archon of Cruelty

Description

The Archon of Cruelty is a standout Mythic Rare creature from the 2021 Magic: The Gathering Modern Horizons 2 expansion. As an eight-mana black archon, this card commands the board with a massive 6/6 power and toughness. The inclusion of the flying keyword allows it to bypass ground-based blockers, making it a difficult target for early removal spells. The card's triggered ability creates significant pressure on opponents. Whenever Archon of Cruelty enters the battlefield or attacks, the targeted opponent must choose to sacrifice a creature or planeswalker, discard a card, and lose three life. In return, the controller draws a card and gains three life, providing both card advantage and life total stabilization. This dual impact makes it a potent threat in longer games where resources are stretched thin. Designed by Andrew Mar, the foil treatment adds a shimmering quality to the card's presentation, appealing to collectors who value aesthetic appeal alongside gameplay utility. Its high mana cost is offset by the sheer value generated upon entry and attack, ensuring it remains relevant in various competitive and casual environments. For collectors, the foil Mythic Rare variant represents a high tier of desirability within the Modern Horizons 2 catalog. The combination of a powerful mechanic, iconic creature type, and premium finish ensures that this card remains a key piece for those building comprehensive Magic: The Gathering collections. Whether used in deck construction or added to a display, the Archon of Cruelty stands as a testament to the strategic depth of the game.