Planeswalker symbol
The handprint-like planeswalker symbol 
symbolizes planeswalkers and their ability to traverse the planes of the Multiverse.[1][2]
Description[ | ]
The planeswalker symbol is, for example, used to represent the planeswalk mechanic in the Planechase format, as part of the Masters 25 expansion symbol, and hidden in card art (e.g., Barren Glory and Omniscience). It seems to refer to the different paths or planes that a planeswalker can choose to walk. Specifically: five choices, as in the five colors of Magic. On the other hand, Mark Rosewater has said that it also has a “five becoming one” aspect, to match Magic's ethos of the colors working together.[3][4] The latter could also mean there is a connection to the Lorwyn Five or the Gatewatch.
History[ | ]
There used to be a symbol designed for planeswalkers in Future Sight, but it was not used when the introduction of planeswalkers was moved to Lorwyn. This was different from the current planeswalker symbol.[5]
Beginning with Guilds of Ravnica, most sets were marketed with key art featuring the planeswalker symbol. Sometime later, Wizards of the Coast began creating variants of the planeswalker symbol for each set.
The symbol appeared in the art of the Mystery Booster 2 test card Plain Walker.
Desparked symbol
Desparked symbol[ | ]
After the Desparkening, multiple former planeswalkers received new cards as Legendary Creatures in March of the Machine: The Aftermath. Each featured a cracked planeswalker symbol watermark. Desparked former planeswalkers' first appearance as legendary creatures in later sets would feature the same watermark.[6] Tyvar Kell also featured it on his second card after the Desparkening.[7]
Gallery[ | ]
Key art[ | ]
Guilds of Ravnica key art by Titus Lunter.
Core Set 2020 key art featuring Chandra Nalaar.
Throne of Eldraine key art by Seb McKinnon.
Theros Beyond Death key art by Ryan Pancoast.
Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths "Planeswalker Beast" key art by Viktor Titov.
Zendikar Rising key art by Adam Paquette.
Zendikar Rising key art by Piotr Dura.
Kaldheim key art by Chase Stone.
Dungeons & Dragons: Adventures in the Forgotten Realms "Dragon Hoard" key art.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms key art featuring a beholder by Anna Podedworna.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms key art featuring a Gelatinous Cube by Anna Podedworna.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms key art featuring Drizzt Do'Urden and Guenhwyvar by Magali Villeneuve.
Innistrad: Midnight Hunt key art.
Innistrad: Crimson Vow key art by Aaron Miller.
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty key art by Madkobra.
Streets of New Capenna key art.
Dominaria United key art by Tom Roberts.
The Brothers' War key art by Leon Tukker.
Phyrexia: All Will Be One key art by Matteo Bassini.
Assassin's Creed key art.
Set-specific variations[ | ]
April Fools' Day 2015 symbol.
Kaldheim symbol based Viking knotwork.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms symbol variant.
Adventures in the Forgotten Realms symbol for the sets' associated campaign.
2021 Arena Starter Kit symbol.
Demon-themed symbol for Streets of New Capenna.
Angel-themed symbol for Streets of New Capenna.
Mishra-themed symbol for The Brothers' War.
Urza-themed symbol for The Brothers' War.
Phyrexia: All Will Be One symbol based on Elesh Norn.
March of the Machine symbol.
Elf-themed symbol for The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth by Jeff Carpenter.
Mordor-themed symbol for The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth by Jeff Carpenter.
Wilds of Eldraine symbol based on Eriette's Charmed Apple.
Starter Kit 2023 symbol by Jeff Carpenter.
The Lost Caverns of Ixalan "Crystal" symbol variant by Jeff Carpenter.
The Lost Caverns of Ixalan "Stone" symbol variant with backgrounds based on the Nazca lines by Jeff Carpenter.
The Lost Caverns of Ixalan "Amber" symbol variant by Jeff Carpenter.
Murders at Karlov Manor symbol based on the Ravnican Agency of Magicological Investigations badge.
Pip-Boy-themed symbol for Fallout by Jeff Carpenter.
Rusted symbol for Fallout by Jeff Carpenter.
Outlaws of Thunder Junction symbol based on a cactus.
Spring-themed symbol for Bloomburrow by Jeff Carpenter.
Fall-themed symbol for Bloomburrow by Jeff Carpenter.
Bloomburrow Commander symbol based on a metallized carrot.
References[ | ]
- ↑ Magic Arcana (December 30, 2009). "What's That Symbol?". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 17, 2012). "Do you happen to know what the "planeswalker symbol" actually represents?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (November 19, 2017). "Do you have any trivia or interesting perspective on the Planeswalker Symbol?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (December 2, 2018). "Can you talk about what the symbology of the Planeswalker symbol is? Why a “handprint”-like design?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (August 1, 2008). "Ask Wizards - August, 2008". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 8, 2023). "When we see desparked former planeswalkers in future sets, will they have the desparked watermark we saw in MOM aftermath?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (September 3, 2024). "It looks like the new Tyvar still has it.". Blogatog. Tumblr.