Meet Human Wizard Illustrator Ian McGinty!

You may notice as you play the Munchkin Collectible Card Game that each Hero looks a little different. That’s because we have a different artist taking the reins for each Hero in the first set and giving that character their own flavor!

All of these talented creators have worked on Munchkin games in the past, and now that they’ve drawn the cards, we're interviewing our artists to see what the experience was like for them. We've already shared our Katie Cook article; now we'll meet Ian McGinty, artist of the Human Wizard!

When you were approached to draw the Human Wizard for the Munchkin Collectible Card Game, what was it like being able to focus on one particular character, versus previous Munchkin art assignments?

Extremely fun, because I could really design, down to the last detail, the Wizard's look, his demeanors, and his weapons. I was able to make the Wizard closer to a version that I, personally, thought would be the most fun for players to engage with, and since there wasn't really a reference for him, making him something special. Prior Munchkin art needed to focus on multiple creatures, characters, and props; the Munchkin Collectible Card Game allowed us to really work on one thing and I think it helped make the game stand out more than other card games.

You’ve worked on not only Munchkin properties, but Adventure Time, Rocko’s Modern Life, and many others. Did any of your previous work influence the design of the Human Wizard?

Absolutely, especially Rocko's Modern Life. I'm a cartoonist at heart, and I was able to really bring that into the game in regards to how I designed the Wizard. I also employed some elements of Adventure Time in there, just for kicks. You know, kicks!

The art for the Munchkin Collectible Card Game has a bit more detail than our previous card games. Did your previous comic experience come in handy with the new artwork?

Definitely. Being assigned a very fun character helped a lot, too, and I had a lot of help because the Wizard naturally comes with a cool sidekick, the bat. Most of the heavy lifting came from Fred Stresing and Meaghan Casey, who colored 99% of the cards. Definitely wouldn't have looked as fun without them.

Which card did you have the hardest time drawing?

The main card, the [Human] Wizard. It took me a while to nail down how I wanted that dude to look, but I think we pulled it off.

And which one was easiest, or relatively easiest?

Oh, the bat, [Beezlebob]. He's basically just a ball with ears, so super rad and fun.

Do you prefer drawing the Human Wizard himself, or the Monsters and Allies?

I honestly enjoyed drawing the Wizard, mainly because he has so many fun little accessories and add-ons that go with his look. The minions and allies are great, too, but there's something about that dang ol' wizard I just like.

What’s your favorite Human Wizard card?

My little bat buddy, for sure!

If you could use one spell, would it be Magic Missile or Kaboom!?

I'm partial to Magic Missile, mainly because I've drawn multiple versions of it. And it's a missile.

Thanks, Ian! Where can fans find you online?

I'm spread across basically all social media so just search my name and you'll find me!

If you want to find out more about the Human Wizard, check out the strategy article on playing with and against him. Stay tuned for more interviews in this series!