Circle of Protection: Black

Circle of Protection: Black was originally released in the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha set for Magic: The Gathering, designed by Richard Garfield to introduce a strategic defensive mechanic against specific color-based threats. The card illustrates a fundamental aspect of the game's color pie, providing white mana decks with a targeted shield against black-aligned cards. Its inclusion in the 1993 Collectors' Edition, a non-tournament legal box set, was intended to offer players a high-quality, square-cornered commemorative version of the game's early staple cards.

The artwork for the card was rendered by Quinton Hoover, an artist whose distinctive, ornate style became a hallmark of the game's early aesthetic. Hoover utilized a vibrant, layered approach that emphasized the mystical and protective nature of the enchantment. The design was well-received for its clarity and thematic consistency, and the card has since become a classic example of early Magic: The Gathering card art, remaining a nostalgic touchstone for collectors of the game's initial print runs.