Sometimes it’s not the abilities of a Magic: The Gathering card that make you fall in love with it or scour the web for a foil version or frame it in layers of protective plastic — it’s the art. MTG cards are well known for featuring art from some of the world’s very best artists, and their work gives every card palpable personality. Each card is distinct and beautiful, even if the card itself is gruesome.

The trading card game is inseparable from the intricate pictures that breathe life into the card stock. Any Magic: The Gathering player should then love a new The Art of Magic: The Gathering book, especially as it focuses on the troubled world of Zendikar — a plane where tribes of elves, vampires, and humans must band together to overcome the Eldrazi, Lovecraftian horrors that only wish to see the world plunge into nothingness.

The Art of Magic: The Gathering: Zendikar is a 244-page 10″x 11.25″ hardcover art gallery that features gorgeous art from the Zendikar blocks’ most famous cards. Written by best-selling author James Wyatt, the book dives deep into the creatures and spells of MTG and the world of Zendikar. It really is everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this particular plane, needed background for any player that loves smashing opponents’ faces with uncaring and unknowable eldrazi.

And below, we have an exclusive first-look at some of the art that will be featured in the new book!

Ugin, the Spirit Dragon. Image: Chris Rahn (Click to enlarge.)

The ancient Planeswalkers Ugin, Sorin, and Nihiri bound the physical manifestations of the Eldrazi to Zendikar for thousands of years. Image: Igor Kieryluk (Click to enlarge.)

Omnath, Locus of Rage. Image: Brad Rigney (Click to enlarge.)

Kozilek, The Great Distortion. Image: Jaime Jones (Click to enlarge.)

Featuring 65,000 words of lore, hundreds of images, and even a section devoted to the next MTG card set to be released early next year, The Art of Magic: The Gathering: Zendikar is a lovely addition to any avid player’s collection. It helps you connect to the art and the universe you’ve come to love (or dominate).

The Art of Magic: The Gathering: Zendikar, out January 5, 2016, is now available for pre-order here.

—

IMAGES: All images courtesy Wizards of the Coast © 2015 Wizards