Being the first expansion into the Darkin saga, thisLegends of Runeterraset does a fantastic job setting the tone by introducing some influential people like Kayn, Master Yi, and Jax. The terrifying nature of all three individuals, as they are masters of their craft, all coming together will make any Runeterra lover smile.
RELATED:Legends Of Runeterra: The Best Champions Of 2022
With these new units comes some fantastic artwork that features students of Master Yi, Jax’s journey, and the sudden attack of Kayn. There are also wild transformations from Rhaast and his Shadow Assassin form. You can’t help but stare in awe and horror at these new cards and the gorgeous scenarios they’ve blessed us with.
10Realm’s Caretaker
With such a powerful title as that, one would expect some wise looking individual, but who could have anticipated such an intelligent being would come in a bite-size adorable creature? Caravan Studio was able to show the wisdom and intelligence of Gaspar the Yordle by giving him a long beard and thin and sunken eyes that you can only find in older people.
It’s a beautiful and clever way of showing age within characters that aren’t human by nature by giving them human characteristics. Plus, the use of bright yellow particles showcases Gaspar’s power.
9Shadowblade Fanatic
One of the more terrifying pieces of artwork within the set, we have this entity of sorts with shadowed characteristics: wisps of smoke barely connecting its limbs. Kudos Productions was able to show such a unique and menacing being by giving it multiple limbs and this thin slits of robust red, glowing eyes that only scream danger for anyone that comes across it.
Also, by littering the background with the bodies of defeated individuals, we get a good idea of how powerful this creature is.
8Jun, The Prodigy
Jun is facing off against her master in this artwork. We have a swift and precise swing of her blade, shown with a solid and thin crescent stroke of green in the artwork, but what makes this artwork so interesting is the smile on Master Yi’s face.
RELATED:Legends of Runeterra: The Best Cards In The Foundations Set
This smile isn’t condescending by any means, but one of pride and confidence in the one that earned the title prodigy, thus showing us a connection between the two that only they could possess.
7Wandering Shepherd
This artwork shows the playful nature of Runeterra as we have Chaska, keeping this young creature in check and away from a hungry troll-like animal. Although it may have a dark undertone, it is still whimsical. It plays heavily into the fantasy aspect of the world with the bright coloring of the Pegasus-like creatures and the use of purple and pink to show the darkening of the day as it turns to dusk.
Plus, adding the small gesture Chaska is using toward the troll as if he is clicking his tongue and waving his finger side to side indicates an adult scolding a disobedient child is lovely.
6Evolved Jax
Being one of the most powerful beings in Runeterra, it only makes sense that Jax has artwork befitting his flaming spirit. He stands amongst the defeated, twirling his weapon in the air as he confidently declares that the heart of his home country will forever live.
Envar Studio perfectly simulated Jax’s imposing nature and powerful resolve by focusing so much detail on his posture and stance with his weapon. By having the background be so dark, and the flames illuminate the darkness, it forces anybody viewing this piece to realize how Jax is standing as a beacon of hope.
5Kayn Shadow Assassin
A version of Kayn where he won the internal battle between him and Rhaast, and it’s the more fun of the two. Kayn still has a menacing nature about him, but this side of Kayn is free and wild, shown by the way Kayn’s hair is let loose and flows in every direction possible.
RELATED:Legends of Runeterra: The Best Darkin Cards
Also, with the color scheme focusing on blue, Kudos Production shows a nice clashing of colors between blue and green, with Kayn striking at the Master of Wuju Style, giving you an epic clash between assassin and fighter.
4Master Yi
Kudos Productions showcased the beauty and peaceful natureencapsulating Master Yi and his disciples. Having Master Yi sit in the middle portrays his status as a master, and having his two other disciples sit next to him in the middle of a peaceful meditation session showcases the beauty of Ionia.
Also, having the red and green leaves flow within the wind but slowly rotate around Master Yi shows how he has this otherworldy level about him that only gravitates your attention to him.
3Kayn
This initialartwork of Kayndoes wonders to show the duality of the character. We have the glowing yellow eyes of Kayn, showing us a menacing individual beyond normality. The violent sweep of red to show the mighty swing of Kayn’s weapon is done wonderfully here.
Adding the fact that plenty of Master Yi’s disciples are trying to fend off Kayn but can’t reach him shows just how tough of an opponent Kayn truly is. What also influences the duality of this character is how Rhaast corrupts one side of Kayn, and the other still holds the humanistic characteristics of Kayn.
2Rhaast
In this artwork, we have Rhaast standing over all of Master Yi’s disciples while holding one of their weapons. The art showcases the disrespectful nature of the Darkin and how overwhelming and powerful they can be, as no one can step up to defeat a singular individual.
RELATED:Legends Of Runeterra: Every Ionia Card In World Ender, Ranked
The menacing red glow behind is terrifying, but what makes this even more amplified is the darkened aspect of Rhaast’s face, as the only thing that has color is the glow in his eyes, making you aware that he is someone not to be trifled with.
1Ornn
The horror that is Ornnis unique within this artwork. As Ashe bravely approaches, his imposing stance showcases his stature and gigantic sizecompared to the Freljord woman. His forge glowing brightly behind him also gives him a shadowed aspect, causing his entire physique to eclipse the staircase that Ashe must climb. It’s easy to see how he is someone to be respected and admired.
To emphasize his abnormal and godly aspects, you can look toward his left hand holding his hammer and see how it’s engulfed in magma from toiling in his forge daily.
