Chain Lightning

Chain Lightning was originally introduced in the 1994 Legends expansion as a high-efficiency red burn spell. The card reflects the early philosophy of Magic: The Gathering design, where powerful spells were balanced by potential drawbacks—in this case, the ability for the opponent to pay mana to copy the effect back at the caster. This mechanic created a distinct 'hot potato' tension that became a hallmark of early red-aligned gameplay.

The version from Dominaria Remastered, illustrated by Christopher Moeller, honors the card's history while updating the aesthetic for a modern frame. Moeller, a long-time contributor to the game, focuses on dynamic action and visceral energy, capturing the chaotic nature of the spell. The reprint was included in this set specifically to provide players with access to a classic card that had become difficult to acquire, while simultaneously unifying the card's visual identity within a set celebrating the game's expansive history.