Clever Combo

Clever Combo was released in 2017 as part of the Unstable set for Magic: The Gathering. As a silver-bordered set, Unstable was designed by Wizards of the Coast to explore unconventional mechanics and humor that fall outside the rules of standard tournament play. The set was created to provide a lighthearted experience, focusing on meta-game commentary and self-referential gameplay that encourages players to interact with the physical properties of the cards themselves.

The card was illustrated by Kev Walker, a prolific artist whose contribution to the game spans decades and is noted for its high-contrast, often visceral style. In the context of Unstable, Walker’s design work leaned into the whimsy of the set while maintaining the technical precision that defines his body of work. Upon its release, the card was received as a clever exercise in rule-bending, praised by the community for its ability to create unpredictable and memorable board states.