City of Brass

City of Brass was originally introduced in the Arabian Nights expansion in 1993, marking it as one of the oldest and most iconic land cards in Magic: The Gathering. The card was designed to reflect the flavor of the One Thousand and One Nights, offering players access to any color of mana at the cost of one life point whenever the land becomes tapped. This mechanic established a permanent tension between power and utility that has remained a hallmark of the card's gameplay identity for over three decades.

The Mystery Booster 2 version features the classic Arabian Nights artwork by Mark Poole, which remains celebrated for its ethereal, desert-inspired aesthetic. This specific printing was released as part of a curated experience designed to showcase the history of the game through various eras of frame styles and card aesthetics. By reprinting the original design, the set honors the legacy of early Magic while placing the card within a contemporary frame, bridging the gap between collectors of vintage pieces and modern players.