‘Magic: The Gathering’s Coolest Planeswalker Is Finally Getting the Backstory He Deserves
Magic: The Gathering is returning to the plane of Zhalfir on October 1, 2027, with a new set centered on an Afrofantasy setting featuring “mind-bending cards.” The expansion marks the return of Teferi Akosa, Magic’s master of chronomancy, with significant narrative focus across multiple media formats.
Wizards of the Coast has partnered with Dark Horse Comics to launch Magic: The Gathering: Mage of Zhalfir, a 12-issue comic series dedicated to exploring Teferi’s backstory and early years. The series follows young Teferi as he leaves his homeland to study under Urza, the legendary Planeswalker, at the prestigious Tolarian Academy on Dominaria.
This expanded storytelling initiative represents a deliberate effort to deepen Teferi’s character development, establishing him as one of Magic’s most thoroughly explored planeswalkers. By releasing the comic series ahead of the October 2027 set launch, Wizards of the Coast is building narrative depth and player investment through supplementary lore that connects directly to the card game’s story.