this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2026
10 points (100.0% liked)

MTG

2373 readers
11 users here now

Magic: the Gathering discussion

General discussion, questions, and media related to Magic: the Gathering that doesn't fit within a more specific community. Our equivalent of /r/magicTCG!

Type [[Card name]] in your posts and comments and CardBot will reply with a link to the card! More info here.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Posted on Facebook by John Avon 4 days ago:

2026 ‘Forest’ secret lair promo card. My final of the ‘Lotus Lands’ and will be available next May 1-3 at the Las Vegas Magic Con.

It’s a happy/sad moment in my 30 year tour of duty with Wizards Of The Coast. It’s probably my last one. I don’t want to say never again, as that’s unknown, though I am now continuing to put my health first and ‘hitting my technical standard’ is still rather beyond my physical limitations! However maybe I can re-boot somehow one day. Pat and I intend to move house next year so will be a busy one and I am daily working on my own stuff, not at the computer, but drawing and developing projects that I’m passionate about. I want to say a huge thank you again to those who have supported my art. There are many many fine new illustrators out there and I am really ready to be more in the background. We will have various options in the new year to purchase products related to these.

Those huge signings were a blast and I’ll miss the interactions. Hope Christmas was good and Happy New Year from a sunny Sussex. J.

#magicthegatheringcommunity #magicthegathering #magicthegatheringartwork #wizardsofthecoast #fantasy

top 3 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] mike@mtgzone.com 5 points 1 week ago

The forest in the Secret Lair:

[–] MysticKetchup@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

Sad but understandable. I wish him the best with his other work

[–] andrew@mtgzone.com 3 points 1 week ago

End of an era 😞 He was one of the artists that got me into Magic originally, just loved his lands. Thanks for so many awesome cards!