Alora, Merry Thief Print — Review: Worth it for Magic: The Gathering Fans?
If you’re a Magic: The Gathering player, tabletop art collector, or someone wanting a high-quality fantasy print without paying gallery prices, you’re familiar with the challenge: finding official-looking artwork that reproduces detail, color, and texture faithfully while staying affordable and ready to display. The Alora, Merry Thief giclée print by Original Magic Art aims to solve that problem by offering museum-quality materials and multiple sizes at accessible prices. This review walks through what you get, how it performs in real life, and whether it’s the right pick for your wall.
Shop NowSpecifications & Materials
- Title / Artist: Alora, Merry Thief — illustrated by Aaron Miller
- Publisher / Vendor: Original Magic Art
- Print type: Giclée print (high-resolution inkjet reproduction)
- Paper: 340 gsm Archival Velvet Fine Art Paper — museum quality, subtle tooth
- Inks: Archival inks for longer color stability
- Finish / Handling: Hand cut and printed (may be small, natural edge variations)
- Editions: Unlimited edition (not numbered or limited)
- Sizes & Pricing (USD):
- Standard — 8″ x 10″ — $20
- Large — 12″ x 16″ — $40
- Premium — 18″ x 24″ — $80
- Printing & Delivery: Typically 5–7 business days for printing (allow extra for shipping). Note prints ship separately from non-print items.
- Presentation: Indicated size is paper size; expect a minimum 0.25″ white border around the image for framing.
Real-world Experience — Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Colors are vivid and faithful to the source card art — skin tones and subtle blues hold up well on the velvet paper.
- 340 gsm archival paper has a pleasant hand and a museum-quality feel that looks more expensive than the price suggests.
- Archival inks and paper mean prints should age well if framed under glass and kept out of direct sunlight.
- Hand-cut edges give each print a slightly artisanal touch that collectors often appreciate.
- Three size options let you pick a smaller desk/display piece or a statement wall print without breaking the bank.
- Price-to-quality ratio is competitive — especially the 12″ x 16″ at $40 is a solid mid-size option for gamers.
- Cons
- Unlimited edition means there’s no numbered scarcity; if you want an investment-style limited run, this isn’t it.
- Prints ship separately from non-print items — inconvenient if you were expecting one consolidated shipment.
- Hand cutting creates slight size/edge variability; if you need pixel-perfect borders for custom frames, expect minor trimming.
- 0.25″ white border reduces visible artwork area unless you mat or crop — some buyers may prefer edge-to-edge printing.
- Frames not included; factoring in framing costs for the premium size can double total spend.
- Turnaround listed as 5–7 business days, but holidays or high demand can add time — don’t expect instant delivery like mass-market posters.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Alora, Merry Thief (Original Magic Art) | Wizards Official Prints | Independent Etsy Giclée Shops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Paper | 340 gsm archival velvet paper | Varies; sometimes matte or satin fine art paper | Often similar giclée options; quality varies by seller |
| Editions | Unlimited | Sometimes limited/numbered | Can be limited or open; depends on artist |
| Price Range (approx.) | $20–$80 (this product) | Typically higher for limited/official prints | Wide range — can be cheaper or more expensive depending on paper & artist |
| Best for | MTG fans looking for official-style, affordable art | Collectors seeking numbered/limited runs | Buyers wanting custom sizes or artist-signed work |
Who This Is Best For
- Magic: The Gathering players and Commander fans who want card art as wall decor.
- Collectors who want museum-quality prints at everyday prices (not investment-limited pieces).
- Gamers decorating a play space, studio, or office with themed artwork.
- Gift buyers who prefer a tangible, nicely produced art print for friends or family.
Final Verdict
Alora, Merry Thief by Original Magic Art delivers excellent color fidelity and a true fine-art feel for a very reasonable price. If you want a visually rich, museum-quality giclée print of Aaron Miller’s work without the premium cost of limited editions, this is a solid choice — especially the 12″ x 16″ option for a balanced presence on a wall. Just be aware that the print is an unlimited run, prints ship separately from other items, and you’ll need to frame it yourself to get the best presentation.
Short take: Museum-quality giclée at approachable prices — great for MTG fans who want display-ready art without the limited-edition premium.
If you decide to buy, consider the size that fits your intended frame and space. Also, check my store for discount codes or special offers that can lower the final price — occasional promotions and bundle deals are available when purchasing through my store.