u/No-Relationship7687

After a week of absence, hi again to everyone. I'm Damian, and I'm back with a card I've wanted to make since I was a teenager. If you like what I do, you can follow me on Instagram so you don't miss out on any of my posts!

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

But before we talk about the card, this is a special occasion: I created this illustration as a birthday gift for a dear friend. The handmade image you'll find scrolling through the slides is the greeting card I made, onto which "Quartz Core Dragon" (which I actually printed) was taped. Speaking of that, Akiza's portrait is inspired by the work of a very talented artist named "Riomak," which I reinterpreted in my style.

Now, back to the main topic, I don't think I need to explain that this is a fusion between "Stardust Dragon" and "Black Rose Dragon": we've all wanted it, and now here it is. It's not an actual Fusion Monster, because I liked the idea of ​​making it an Accel Synchro-like monster for both Akiza and Yusei. In fact, it's possible to either Synchro Summon it manually in their Decks using their Synchro Tuners, or by combining their aforementioned Dragons. Like other Cosmic Synchros, this one is also based on a very rare astronomical phenomenon: a star surrounded by a dense disk of quartz dust discovered almost 15 years ago. For this reason, its brambles look like drills ready to pulverize a crystal deposit. This monster's name also derives from the core of a star and rose quartz. Last but not least, its effect of banishing two monsters harks back to the iconic scene of "Stardust" and "Black Rose" hugging each other before fading away, while the other effect halves the ATK of monsters like "Black Garden" and protects monsters from destruction like "Stardust".

Quartz Core Dragon (FIRE)

LV 12

[Dragon/Synchro/Effect]

1 Tuner Synchro Monster + "Stardust Dragon" or "Black Rose Dragon"

Must be either Synchro Summoned, or Special Summoned (from your Extra Deck) by banishing 2 Dragon Synchro Monsters (1 "Stardust" monster and 1 "Rose" monster) from your face-up Monster Zone and/or GY. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 monster on each field; banish them (until the End Phase). Neither player can activate the targeted monsters' effects in response to this effect's activation. While this card is banished, halve the ATK of all monsters your opponent controls, also monsters you control cannot be destroyed by card effects.

ATK/ 3400  DEF/ 3500

Hi everyone, I'm Damian and I'm back with a special guest. Don't be shy, guys: he made a long journey from the Barian World just for us! Give him a round of applause, and in the meantime, if you like what I do, you can follow me on Instagram too.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I don't think Vector needs any introduction, especially now that, after several years of hiding, Konami has decided to release him from his prison with a wave of new supports for his deck. I think this made him euphoric enough to decide to reappear, showing himself in what I would call "A Sweetly Grotesque Piece of Art". You probably already understood it, so I won't deny that Vector is one of my favorite characters, and I wanted to celebrate him, representing his distorted mind and, at the same time, his tragedy, shattered between two realities.

I won't go too much into detail to avoid spoilers for anyone who hasn't watched Zexal yet, so I'll simply say that Vector embodies the perfect combination of elements that make a memorable villain. He's charismatic and extremely entertaining in his cruelty: he's having fun and it shows, especially when he plays with his opponents (THAT 1 vs. 2 duel in particular is an extremely sadistic proof of that). But he's not just "bad" per se: he's evil in such a way that pushes the other characters to their limits, forcing them to change. Last but not least, there's tragedy in his story, a bittersweet note that makes you wonder, "Can you save someone who doesn't want to be saved?"

What do you think? Do you like Vector or do you have another character you're particularly fond of? Let me know in the comments

Hi everyone, I'm Damian, and for the first time I'm bringing you a two-part crossover! But before we begin, if you like what I do, you can find tons of illustrations on my Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I've never done this before, but it would have been a shame to deprive you of a design that I can only describe as "apocalyptic," inspired by the final boss of "Chaos Legion," a PS2 game from my childhood that I talked about in last week's post (link below, for more context).

https://www.reddit.com/r/yugioh/s/PxInaitcvb

So, after creating "Glyph Knight Ishzark" and his summons, I'm adding this monstrosity, a "biblically accurate" creature that, just as I did previously with the titular "Legions" of the aforementioned game, reinterprets the aesthetic of a very old card, the Ritual Monster "Chakra", blended with some iconic elements of "Azrail," the embodiment of Chaos.

I won't deny that I had a lot of fun finding a way to make this strange pairing work, and who knows, maybe there will be more collaborations in the future. What would you like to see? Is there any character or creature from a franchise that's close to your heart and that you'd like to see reinterpreted in a different context? Let me know in the comments!

Des Glyph Azoth (DARK)

Arrows: [Left, Bottom Left, Bottom Right, Right]

[FIEND/LINK/EFFECT]

3+ monsters, including "Legion Token"

Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can move this card to 1 of your Main Monster Zones it points to, then you can apply these effects, in sequence, based on the original Attributes of the materials used for its Link Summon.

●LIGHT: Gains 800 ATK.

●DARK: Place 1 monster your opponent controls in a zone this card points to and take control of it.

●EARTH: 1 other face-up monster on the field cannot attack this turn.

●WIND: Negate the effects of 1 other face-up card on the field.

●WATER: This turn, this card is unaffected by card effects activated in a different column.

●FIRE: Destroy all other cards in this card's column.

ATK/ 2450  LINK-4

"What is this, a crossover episode?"...and for once it really is, dear Mr. Peanutbutter. But first of all, if you want to see more of my illustrations, check out my Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

Today, my friends, I'm going to tell you about a game from my childhood that you've probably never heard of, but which I absolutely love: Chaos Legion. Published by Capcom (yes, that one) in the PS2 era, it tells the journey of a Knight of the Dark Glyph named Sieg Wahrheit (what a manly name), sent by the Order of Saint Overia to track down an old acquaintance. Amid dreamlike settings of gothic architecture, Sieg will use creatures he summons, called Legions, to hunt down the numerous monsters that loom before him, exploiting a stylish combat system not too far removed from Devil May Cry. In short? It's a blast, and it's a terrible shame it's been almost entirely forgotten.

So, since as a kid I loved reinventing everything as a Yu-Gi-Oh card, I decided to go back to the origin of my passion for illustration, offering you this reinterpreted tribute to the game's protagonist, along with his summons: for the latter, I had fun using old Yu-Gi-Oh monsters, deforming them to make them look like the Legions from the game. I hope it might inspire you to try...the game, not the infernal summons. Disclaimer: "Do not try THEM at home!"

Glyph Knight Ishzark (DARK) Arrows: [Bottom Left/Bottom Right]

[WARRIOR/LINK/EFFECT] 2 monsters, including 1 Token

Once per Chain, when an attack is declared involving this card, or it is targeted by a card effect (Quick Effect): You can declare 1 Attribute; Special Summon 1 "Legion Token" (Illusion/Level 4/ATK 2000/DEF 2000) with that Attribute to your zone a Link Monster points to, then apply the effect based on that Attribute. -LIGHT: All monsters you currently control gain 500 ATK. -DARK: Inflict 600 damage to your opponent. -WATER: Negate that attack/effect. -FIRE: Destroy 1 card on the field. -WIND: Negate the effects of 1 Effect Monster on the field. -EARTH: Change the battle position of 1 monster on the field.

ATK/ 1800   LINK-2

Hi everyone, and today I'm back to continue the celebrations of the Manga's 30th anniversary. If you like what I do, you can find more on my account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I realized that I have never made any Yu-Gi-Oh themed fanart, even though it is a work of art to which I owe a lot. So I decided to pay homage to the beginning of everything, the part of this franchise's history that is often forgotten: the start of the Manga and what is known as Season Zero. I have a certain fondness for this part, since it was Kazuki Takahashi's experimental era...and I love "weird" things.

I really think it's a shame that Yu-Gi-Oh is pretty much seen by the general public as simply "the power of friendship" and "saving the world with a children's card game"; as much as I find the memes funny, I consider the general opinion on this story to be extremely shallow since it often ignores its emotional core, even its crudeness and, above all, its optimism. Therefore, I hope this tribute of mine can remind everyone where we started from, so as not to lose our way in the future. I think we need it.

That said, I'll leave it to you to share your thoughts in the comments. Is there a part of any Yu-Gi-Oh arc/series that has always really appealed to you, or a theme explored by this franchise that's particularly close to your heart?

Hi everyone from your favorite underdog! Today I'm back with a 5D's-themed illustration. If you like what I do, you can find more illustrations on my Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I think you've probably figured out by now that I love unique and dysfunctional strategies, but I believe I'm not the only one who finds the duel between Team 5D's and Team Taiyo fascinating. Inspired by a recent retrospective of this very episodes, courtesy of the talented TGS Anime, I decided to pay homage to the star of that battle: the little "Key Mace", a giant in the making.

Aesthetically, I wanted to give this artwork a children's book feel (perhaps because it vaguely reminds me of Tom Thumb's Fairy Tale). For the effect, however, I focused on replicating the tactics used by Team Taiyo. Thus, this new "Key Mace" adds the pieces needed to start the countdown and defend herself, as well as summoning her friends to speed up her "growth." We're probably all a bit like "Key Mace": it takes time and a lot of work, but if we don't give up, we have the potential to become...giants.

By the way, do you have a Normal Monster you'd really like to Summon with this card's effect? ​​Write it in the comments!

Key Mace the Dawning Giant (LIGHT) LV 1

[FAIRY/EFFECT] This card is treated as a Normal Monster while in the Deck or face-up field. If this card is Summoned: You can add 1 "Zushin the Sleeping Giant" and 1 "Scrum Force" from your Deck or GY to your hand, also change this card to Defense Position. You can only use this effect of "Key Mace the Dawning Giant" once per turn. If your opponent Summons an Effect Monster(s) (except during the Damage Step): You can place 1 Zushin Counter on this card (max. 10), then Special Summon from your hand or Deck, 1 "Hand-Holding Genie" or 1 Level 3 or lower Normal Monster, with a different original Type from the monsters you control.

ATK/ 400   DEF/ 300

Hi everyone, it's me again, and I'm back as "The Sparrow" would against his archenemy. If you like what I do, you can find lots of other cool stuff on my Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

Oh, my beloved Pet Deck, I'm back. I won't deny it: "The Sparrow" series holds a special place in my heart, probably because it's a nod to old '80s cartoons. Unfortunately, while the strategy of assembling monsters, protecting them, and summoning a huge boss monster is incredibly cool, it's far from optimized. So I thought I'd take this opportunity and give a Chaos form to a "Number" I personally adore, while also helping to improve the consistency of these brave space paladins.

Speaking of the card's design, I have to first thank a fan comic about the "Galaxy Queen" I saw here on Reddit a while back, and whose artist, unfortunately, I don't recall: the aesthetic of this monster is partly based on the one appearing in those panels. Furthermore, the Queen's scepter now resembles the ring that appears in "Furious Max Curse," and, in this regard, the shadowy figure on that card also appears behind her. I imagined the latter as a kind of "Dark Magic Curtain" that the Queen uses to summon monsters through its effect. As a final note, I made her hair and gown look like a galaxy filled with Chaos energy.

The effect was complex to create, but I hope it captures the essence of the deck. Her "Chaos Xyz Change" tries to emulate a villain who comes back stronger than before after being defeated and is in fact made easier if you send "Galaxy Queen" directly from the Extra Deck to the GY. Like the original, she protects your monsters, but she also allows you to search "The Sparrow" and his Family, by summoning the components needed for "D.D. Jet Iron". Obviously, the deck would need more support, but this could be a step in the right direction.

Number C83: Furious Galaxy Queen (DARK)

RANK 2

[SPELLCASTER/XYZ/EFFECT]

4 Level 2 monsters

Once per turn, you can also Xyz Summon "Number C83: Furious Galaxy Queen" by using 3 monsters (1 from your face-up field, 1 from your hand, and 1 from your GY), including 1 "Number 83: Galaxy Queen" (transfer their materials to this card). Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 material from this card; monsters you control cannot be destroyed by battle or card effects this turn, also you can add 1 "D.D. Esper Star Sparrow" or 1 monster that mentions it from your Deck or GY to your hand, then Special Summon up to 2 different monsters mentioned on it from your hand, Deck or GY.

ATK/ 1000   DEF/ 1000

Hi everyone, I'm Damian, an Italian artist. This is my first time posting something Naruto-themed, but if you like what I do, you can find other types of illustrations on my Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

Oh my, where do I even begin? Naruto is an Anime that shaped my childhood; it's no surprise, given that it has all the elements that would surely capture a kid's attention: it's full of incredible battles, emotionally charged moments...and women who become snakes, who become men, who lust after boys...okay, maybe not that, but it's definitely memorable. It's no secret that the most universally recognized part of the story concerns the heated rivalry between the protagonist and his scowling friend, which has sparked a thousand memes...and just as many fanfics (I see you, dirty people! I know what you were doing twenty years ago XD).

Anyway, after many years from the end of the original series, I took courage, deciding to pay homage to it with a style reminiscent of the Manga's panels, immortalizing the protagonist duo in one of my favorite battles in the "Valley of the End", a place that prophetically (and also with a certain irony) marks the beginning of a bittersweet conflict, as well as of a legendary friendship.

Hi everyone. I'm Damian and I've been a fan of this game for over twenty years. Today I want to join the manga's 30th anniversary celebrations, but if you're interested in seeing more of my content, you can follow me on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

Yu-Gi-Oh! is very important to me: it has marked a large part of my life and influenced my passion for drawing and writing. None of this would have been possible without one person, Takahashi-sensei, to whom I offer my unfortunately belated, but heartfelt thanks. For this reason, I've decided to create today's card, a celebration of the entire franchise filled with little references.

The monster in question is a hypothetical King of Games that features numerous elements from various protagonists of the six series produced by Studio Gallop, such as hairstyles and clothing, while its "motorcycle" is made up of elements from their Ace Monsters. Speaking of the motorcycle, the front wheel features the arrows from the portal that summons the various characters in Duel Links. The Duelist, meanwhile, wears a pendant around the neck that resembles the Skill symbol also from Duel Links, and is performing a "Destiny Draw". Lastly, about the effect, the card functions just like a Skill in the real game: it can be used once per Duel and Sets cards that can be used to replicate the special Duel Modes used through the various series (such as Action Duels, Turbo Duels, or the Destiny Draw system from Tag Force).

I sincerely hope that this little tribute of mine is to your liking and that, through this card, you all can continue to dream of Legendary Duels like the ones described by our true King, Kazuki Takahashi himself, by giving it all until the last card, without ever giving up.

Duel Link King (LIGHT)

[CYBERSE/LINK/EFFECT]

1 Normal Summoned/Set monster

You can only Special Summon "Duel Link King(s)" once per Duel. If this card is Link Summoned: You can send the top 5 cards of your Deck to the GY; Set 2 of the following cards from your hand, Deck, and/or GY, including 1 Field Spell. Neither player can target them with card effects.

-"Capsule Monster Chess", "Dice Dungeon", "Duel Tower", "Duel Academy", "Synchro World", "Zexal Field", "Smile Action", or "Cynet Storm".

-"Draw of Fate", "Card of Fate", "Legacy of the Duelist", "Sandwich Day", "On Your Mark, Get Set, DUEL!", "Overlay Network", "Battle Royal Mode - Joining", or "Link into the VRAINS!".

ATK/ 0   LINK-1

Hi everyone, it's me again, Damian, and I'm back with a new Zexal-themed artwork. If you like what I do, you can follow me on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I've always found the design of "Googly-Eyes" extremely funny and iconic in some ways; perhaps it's also due to the nonsensical context of the duel in which it appears (that episode is another acid trip like the one with "Mokey Mokey" last time).

In any case, it was hilarious to think of an evolved version of this monster trying to emulate Kite's "Neo Galaxy-Eyes Photon Dragon". I made it a "Full Armored" monster, given that it's composed of several layers of scraps, and I liked the idea of ​​giving it an armor made from the parts of Orbital 7 in its battle form. The "wings" are now mouths that make it look like it has three heads, as a true "Ultime Dragon" should be. Lastly, the energy coming out of its burners is identical to the Barian energy that makes up the wings of "Neo Galaxy-Eyes", since I wanted it to feel like a waste-to-energy plant, a nod to the fact that Kite's brother in season one is used in a fairly similar way to convert garbage into energy.

Full Armored Googly-Eyes Drum Dragon (EARTH)

RANK 9

[MACHINE/XYZ/EFFECT]

You can also Xyz Summon this card by using a "Googly-Eyes Drum Dragon" you control that has no materials. Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can detach 1 material from this card; Special Summon 1 "Orbital 7" or 1 monster that mentions it from your Deck, in face-up or face-down Defense Position, then you can change the battle position of 1 monster on the field. If this card is destroyed: You can Special Summon 1 Rank 8 Xyz Monster from your GY, then attach up to 2 monsters from your GY to it as materials.

ATK/ 4500  DEF/ 3000

Hi everyone, I'm Damian, an Italian artist, and I've recently started posting some of my fanart again after a few years' hiatus. If you like what I do, follow me on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

But speaking of the illustration in question, as usual, I'm very late to this kind of celebration, even though, I know, Heroes should never be, since they always come in times of need. My Hero Academia is an anime that has been with me for many years, coming out of the blue at a difficult time in my life. Following the release of the last episode a few weeks ago, it also represents the end of a journey of optimism, courage, and heart that I wanted to celebrate with a fitting farewell, like an old friend. I cannot praise this show enough for its honesty, in a time when it's easy to be cynical and seems almost impossible to hope. To all those who think it's silly that a story can make a difference, therefore, I say: "We all need a symbol to believe in, something that pushes us to become better."

Hi everyone, I'm Damian, and this isn't what I usually do, but if you're interested, you can find more serious stuff on my Instagram account

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

I think this adorable piece of soy cheese needs no introduction...so I'll introduce him anyway! "Mokey Mokey" is a beloved mascot, but one that has never received much attention from Konami. One of the episodes of Yu-Gi-Oh GX (a show from my childhood that I adore) features it as the protagonist and has one of the most random scene anyone could ever write in a script: students getting high playing cards! Family-friendly content for all tastes, folks. I took one of the frames from the episode as my original profile picture here on Reddit.

So a few mornings ago, while I was thinking about what to draw, I noticed a soft sugar cube floating outside my window, screaming uncontrollably, and I thought, "Eureka!". And that's how modern dog toothpaste was born...no, wait, I got confused. Oh yes: and that's when I thought I'd capture the artistic essence of this natural masterpiece on a card!

From what I can tell from its effect, it looks like it's trying to rally its friends...but the heat of the moment could make it explode. Ouch, poor "Mokey Mokey": what do you think it saw to react this way? Let me know in the comments!

Screamokey Mokey (LIGHT)

LV 1

[FAIRY/EFFECT] This card's name becomes "Mokey Mokey" and is treated as a Normal Monster while face-up on the field or in the GY. If your opponent Normal or Special Summons a monster(s) (except during the Damage Step): You can Fusion Summon 1 "Mokey Mokey King" from your Extra Deck, using monsters from your hand, field, and/or Deck, including this card you control, then you can destroy 1 card on each field.

ATK/ 300   DEF/ 100

Hi everyone, I'm an Italian artist. If you like what I do, you can find more on my Instagram account.

https://www.instagram.com/damian_mazzei?igsh=YTA2ajJqMXRobWpt

Welcome back to the magical and colorful world of Zexal...even if it doesn't look so cheerful from the image. This time, I wanted to opt for something more obscure and niche: it would have been easy to create yet another evolution of "Utopia" or something similar, but sooner or later, Konami will surely produce it themselves. It would be much more unlikely to see a Chaos version of "Unformed Void" among all the cards, an often-forgotten monster that I find very intriguing.

For the aesthetic, I tried to make it more like a sea creature, vaguely referencing the Myths of Cthulhu, as well as adding buboes that contain Chaos energy and make it resemble "Bubble Breeder," the monster used as material to Summon "Unformed Void" in the anime.

In terms of effect, it's exactly what it seems: it has the immunity to destruction from the "Overlay World" Field Spell and the ability to assimilate opposing monsters. I won't deny that I love creating unique designs for somewhat neglected strategies or monsters, precisely because it would be difficult to see them become reality; I hope you all appreciate it too.

CXyx Unformed Chaos   (LIGHT)

RANK 5

[AQUA/XYZ/EFFECT]

4 Level 5 monsters You ca also Xyz Summon this card by using "Unformed Void" you control (transfer its materials to this card). Cannot be destroyed by card effects. Gains ATK/DEF equal to the combined ATK/DEF of its attached materials. If this card has "Unformed Void" as material, it gains this effect.

-Once per turn (Quick Effect): You can target 1 monster your opponent controls that was Special Summoned from the Extra Deck; attach it to this card as material.

ATK/      0     DEF/      0