Act of Treason

Act of Treason was introduced to the Magic: The Gathering card game as a common spell, first appearing in the Magic 2010 core set and subsequently reprinted in Magic 2012. It serves as a functional 'red' color identity card, mechanically allowing a player to temporarily gain control of an opponent's creature and grant it haste to attack during the same turn. The design was intended to capture the volatile and impulsive nature of red magic, offering players a high-impact, short-term tactical advantage rather than permanent control.

The illustration for the Magic 2012 printing was created by artist Kev Walker, who is known for his distinctively gritty and dynamic style within the game's aesthetic history. His depiction focuses on the thematic concept of shifting loyalties and internal manipulation, visualizing the card’s effect through an evocative scene of magical subversion. Since its release, the card has been widely regarded as a staple 'threat' spell in Limited formats, valued for its ability to punish opponents who commit powerful creatures to the battlefield without adequate defense.