Corpse Cur

Corpse Cur was released in 2010 as part of the Scars of Mirrodin expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set marked a return to the metallic plane of Mirrodin, centering on the conflict between the indigenous mechanical inhabitants and the encroaching Phyrexian infection. This card serves as a representative of the Phyrexian faction, emphasizing their themes of biological and mechanical corruption through the return of the 'infect' mechanic, which models the spread of their influence across the plane.

The card’s illustration was created by artist Trevor Claxton, who aimed to capture the grotesque, repurposed nature of Phyrexian design. The art depicts a creature constructed from jagged, reclaimed parts, reinforcing the visual identity of a world undergoing a brutal, synthetic transformation. Upon release, the card was integrated into common play as a functional tool for Limited formats, providing players with a recurring ability to retrieve creatures from their graveyard, which complemented the set’s focus on resource attrition and graveyard synergy.