Introduction
Magic: The Gathering has a long history of surprising crossovers, but perhaps none as delightfully absurd as the upcoming Secret Lair: Cats are the Best superdrop. This collection brings together two iconic Garfields: Richard Garfield, the creator of Magic, and Jim Davis’s lasagna-loving feline. The result is a quirky homage that reimagines classic cards with panels from the beloved comic strip.
What Is Secret Lair: Cats Are the Best?
Secret Lair drops are limited-run reprints of existing Magic cards with fresh, often whimsical art. They’re aimed at collectors and players who enjoy a bit of humor at the table. The Cats are the Best superdrop includes 15 cards starring Garfield the cat, spread across three themed drops of five cards each. Whether you’re a Commander enthusiast or just love the strip, these cards are sure to spark conversations.
Drop One: Original Garfield
The first drop answers a clever question: What if the original Magic cards designed by Richard Garfield were reinterpreted through the lens of Jim Davis’s Garfield? Classic spells like Swords to Plowshares and Counterspell now feature comic panels — Garfield pushing Odie off a table, or slapping Jon in the face. It’s a playful twist that ties the two creators together in a uniquely nostalgic way.
Drop Two: Motivationally Challenged
The second batch draws inspiration from workplace motivational posters, but with a Garfield-themed parody. Ponder becomes Hang in There, showing Garfield clinging to a branch. Beast Within transforms into I Hate Mondays, capturing Garfield’s eternal grumpiness. This drop is perfect for those who appreciate deadpan office humor delivered through their favorite comic cat.
Drop Three: Our Only Thought is to Entertain You
The final drop takes a wild turn, allowing artists to go full psychedelic. Cards like Molten Collapse and Maddening Hex feature Garfield in trippy, surreal styles — sometimes as an Eldrazi-like horror. This is for players who want to show up to game night with a card that makes friends do a double-take. The creativity here is unfiltered, and the results are hilarious.
Why This Crossover Matters
Magic players often customize their cards with homemade alters — everything from anime characters to memes. Wizards of the Coast has now embraced this culture by offering an official, high-quality version. Bringing Garfield into the game legitimizes the fun of altering cards while staying true to the source material. It also bridges two fanbases: Magic collectors and comic strip enthusiasts.
When and How to Get It
The Garfield Secret Lair drops are part of the Cats are the Best superdrop, which goes on sale June 15 at 9:00 AM PT. As with most Secret Lairs, demand is expected to be high and inventory limited. You can sign up for a notification on the official Secret Lair website to secure your set before they sell out.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a competitive player, a casual collector, or just a fan of Garfield, this crossover offers something for everyone. It’s a rare chance to legally play with a card that features a cat turning into an Eldrazi — and that’s exactly the kind of joy Magic: The Gathering is all about.