The popular Goblin Storm Commander deck, a special Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair release, has seen its distinctive artwork re-emerge through a successful Kickstarter campaign. The original Secret Lair drop, featuring art by Dakota Cates, also known as Wizard of Barge, sold out rapidly earlier this year, leaving many fans unable to secure the product. This scarcity fueled considerable disappointment.
Adding to the frustration, Cates revealed he received only a single copy of the deck from Wizards of the Coast. While lacking control over production numbers, the artist initiated the "Goblin Storm Side Quest" Kickstarter on July 10 to offer fans an alternative way to engage with his goblin-themed art. The project promised a range of accessories, including playmats and card sleeves, inspired by the artwork from the Secret Lair.
The Kickstarter has already achieved significant success, garnering nearly $280,000 in funding. Backers at various tiers can receive up to nine playmats adorned with art from the original Goblin Storm deck, alongside Cates' first-ever card sleeves and deck boxes. As an additional incentive, Cates is also providing artist proofs of the Mountain cards he designed for the Secret Lair.
The controversy surrounding the Goblin Storm Secret Lair was primarily attributed to Wizards of the Coast's limited print run strategy for its Secret Lair products. This policy has long been criticized by fans, as it often leads to scalping and inflated resale prices. Wizards of the Coast has defended its approach, citing logistical challenges as a barrier to reinstating the print-on-demand model that characterized early Secret Lair releases.
However, a recent announcement from Wizards of the Coast regarding a print-on-demand charity Secret Lair drop has sparked speculation about a potential shift in policy. While a reprint of the Goblin Storm deck itself remains unlikely, Cates' Kickstarter campaign offers a valuable avenue for fans to obtain merchandise related to the coveted artwork. The Goblin Storm Side Quest Kickstarter campaign is set to conclude on August 3.
