If you are familiar with my content, then you might also be aware of just how enamored I am with all things Secret Lair. From their exclusiveness to their unconventional art, I can’t help but be enticed by that tiny little shooting star where a set symbol would be. In 2022, there have been a grand total of 71 individual Secret Lairs released. That is…a lot, to say the least.
And while I haven’t purchased them all, I did manage to snag a few of them. With such a vast number of drops launched and singles released, I may or may not have a few that have become my favorites.
10. Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Yes, the blue embryonic rotisserie chicken itself. I wasn’t able to snag this drop originally; however, I was able to snag a single later down a line. In fact, I originally snagged this offhandedly for my Secret Lair deck as a way to fill up a color slot. It has no longer become a placeholder. It is a star of its own, often leading the way to victory in my games.
The art gives dimension and life to the Spirit. I love how sketchy, almost comic book-like it is. The colors make a once-dark character stand out in gorgeous vibrancy. Kira represents a beautiful intersection between beauty and function, which lands it on the very edge of my list.
9. Mystic Remora
It will be a mistake if Kelogsloops is not invited back to illustrate more Magic cards. Point-blank, period. I can definitely admire how good of a card Mystic Remora is. It’s an iconic if not infamous piece, but I don’t play it. It doesn’t appeal to my play style whatsoever…but you bet I bought this Secret Lair drop.
The art is hauntingly beautiful, with the eye being drawn to the woman with the flowing white hair. In fact, it took me a while to actually find the Remora on the card. This reprint was much needed, and while we may be getting another in Dominaria Remastered, this version will remain on top.
8. Jaya’s Immolating Inferno
Jaya’s Immolating Inferno desperately needed new art, and wow did Josu Hernaiz deliver. While Jaya is no longer with us, you can’t help but feel as though she were alive when you see a foil version of this card. Am I a biased red player? 1000%. This card is the total package: great reprint and great art.
7. The Tokyo Lands – Basic Plains
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a fan of etched foiling. In fact, I took a leap of faith when I snagged the Tokyo Lands in an etched foiling. I waited anxiously for them to arrive, and when they did, I was blown away, especially by the basic Plains. The crosswalk looks almost reflective and the colors pop. I don’t even play white all that much, but when asked about my favorite Secret Lair basic, I will always point to this one.
6. Elspeth, Sun’s Champion (30th Anniversary)
It’s rare when one card gets two Secret Lair printings in one year. The first printing came in the Chibi Walkers Secret Lair. The second printing, which just so happens to be my favorite, comes from the 30th Anniversary drop. Is it difficult to read? A bit, but if you slap Rebecca Guay’s art on a card, I can guarantee that I will love it.
5. Solemn Simulacrum
The Yoji Shinkawa version of Solemn Simulacrum is the exception to the ‘Chase hates white-bordered cards’ rule. I know this doesn’t count as a white-bordered card technically, but the entirety of the card is white and this is my article and I make the rules. Solemn is always a useful card to see printed, and when I saw it was getting the Metal Gear Solid treatment, I had to bite the bullet. You genuinely need to see this card in person to truly grasp just how stunning it is.
4. Fabled Passage
The Totally Spaced Out Galaxy Foil Secret Lair was worth every single penny. The art is hauntingly beautiful, and the galaxy foil treatment is dazzling, blinding even! However, the standout of this drop is Fabled Passage. Out of the four cards in this drop, only one is colorful, and it’s Fabled Passage. I am begging for Wizards to print more cards with pinks, because when I saw this printing, my jaw dropped. Fabled Passage is a value-friendly fetchland, and that, coupled with this stunning art? I couldn’t believe my luck.
3. Mana Confluence
Never in my life did I think I would be able to own a foil Mana Confluence. I’m being serious. I just assumed it wasn’t in the stars for me. Thankfully, the Pride Secret Lair swooped in and fulfilled a dream for me.
Mana Confluence is an all-star land. Two-color, three-color, four-color, five-color. It shines in every single one of those color combinations and decks. In fact, this piece has a home in my Five-Color Secret Lair Sisay deck. The art is on another level and truly drives home the message of Pride. I love this printing so much that it had to be in my top three.
2. The Gitrog Monster
Why does it look so sad? I have no idea why, but I can’t get over it. Seeing its forlorn face makes me giggle for some reason. I have a blinged-out Gitrog deck, and while I have a Judge promo artist proof, I can’t help but lean more towards the Secret Lair printing. Maybe it’s the soft, watercolor art, or maybe it’s because it looks like me on a Saturday night. Either way, I can’t help but adore this froggy.
1. Birds of Paradise by Eli
I find it funny that my #1 card from 2022 just so happens to be one that I don’t own…yet. In fact, I just purchased one from Star City Games! The Extra Life Secret Lairs have such a novelty to them; however, it completely slipped my mind to purchase this year’s. Each card in this drop features a drawing by a child and an interpretation of that drawing by a Magic artist.
While I appreciate every card in this drop, I can’t help but find a lot of joy in Eli’s rendition of Birds of Paradise. Maybe it’s the total blank space, or maybe it’s the usage of every color in the rainbow, but when I look at this version, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This piece will soon find a permanent home in my Sisay deck. Talk about an upgrade.
Secret Lair, Not-So-Secret Love
I know that Secret Lairs are an acquired taste, and thankfully I have acquired a taste for them. I jokingly like to call myself a Secret Lair sommelier due to my love of the product. What can I say? There’s just something about unconventional art that sparks joy in me.
While I do understand that 71 drops can seem rather overwhelming, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s to come for Secret Lairs in 2023. Happy New Year, deckbuilders!
