Hi Mark. I’m wondering if WOTC has heard some of the criticisms of the Phyrexia arc from trans and disabled fans. I honestly don’t know how prevalent the critique is but I’m surprised there hasn’t been at least a comment from WOTC staff about it. I have always loved how open WOTC seems to be to discussions of representation so I was very surprised when I felt two minority communities I am a part of never even got a “we weren’t thinking about it” or “we were aware but made these creative choices anyway.” Things as small as Kaya’s natural hairstyle rightly get while articles, but this gets nothing, and I’m wondering if you can tell us why.Ableism is often treated as the odd one out of the oppressions, as an afterthought. Did that happen here, or is there a rationale I missed? As someone with a surgically modified body of my own I was looking forward to my Xantcha to see myself in.

I haven’t heard the criticisms. Can you spell them out for me, as I do very much want to hear them?

Minor complaint that I know you have no control over, but a recent ad for the secret lair with Xantcha completely got her backstory wrong and labeled her a villain. As a massive Vorthos who's favorite character is her, it really did bug me to see her first public reference in years depict her wrong even if it was so minor. It really seems to cheapen the wonderful work Lynn Abbey did with that mostly forgotten novel

I’ll pass along the note.

Birthday trivia! Can you give me something about one of my favorite classic magic women: Xantcha, Orim, And/or Belbe? (Telling me if Orim will get a second card or Belbe her first in the upcoming Commander stuff would be awesome, but you probably can’t do that)

Orim came about because we were using “Star Trek” as a model for the crew (it was a flying ship, after all) and we realized we needed a doctor. What better fit Magic than an actual Samite Healer?Happy Birthday!

You have to admit, for black border, the designs of many of the new character cards from Commander 2018 were some of the most innovative, boundary-defining cards I've seen. Arixmethes, Xantcha, Varchild, etc. They're not just amazing flavor captures of requested characters, but very fun and unique. Let's give C18 credit where it's due.

There are some very cool designs in Commander 2018.

Is Xantcha a bend or a break? It's card draw in red that doesn't require discarding, and it's card draw in black that doesn't have a drawback for the person drawing the card.

No drawback? You gave your opponent a 5/5 creature.

If Minion is a class why do most, including Xantcha, not have race creature types?

Not every race has a corresponding creature type.

Please high-five everyone who could have been involved with the creation of Xantcha's card! Everyone! Even the person filling the water cooler at the time! I have been waiting so long for her to receive a legendary card, I cant even begin to express my glee right now!

I’m happy you’re happy.

I want to add my voice to those wanting a card for Xantcha. I'd also really love one for my favorite early villain Gix as well!

I’ll add it to the list.

Can I request a Xantcha card in a supplemental set? She's a really cool character

You may.

On Karn, wasn’t it that he inherited Urza’s spark, then was given Venser’s spark to save him from Phyresis?

I believe the first time was Xantcha’s spark.