So, theres no moment where a player casts investigate for you to hit with a counterspell
The Gitrog, Ravenous Ride has also been insanely strong the few times Ive run into it
1 Valentin, Dean of the Vein
Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, this Equipment deals damage to that player equal to the number of cards in their hand and you gain 1 life for each card in your hand
I think the anguish on the elfs face here is what really sells the piece you can feel the pain and fear on her face, and it brings the viewer into a state of empathy, magnified by how we dont see the torturer in the artwork
Lastly, and most importantly, it means that you can proliferate even if no permanent or player has any counters