Crypt Rats

Crypt Rats was originally released in 1997 as part of the Visions expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Designed by Mark Rosewater, the card reflects the dark, gothic aesthetic of the Jamuraa continent setting, where players were tasked with controlling a swarm of vermin that could damage all creatures on the battlefield. The card’s design—a repeatable board-wipe effect tied to a black mana cost—quickly established it as a staple for tactical play within its era.

The inclusion of this specific card in The List, a curated selection of reprints integrated into modern booster packs, highlights its enduring role in the game’s history. The art by Jeff Miracola, featuring a swirling mass of shadowy, glowing-eyed rats, remains one of the more iconic illustrations from the mid-nineties. It is widely recognized among long-time players for its mechanical utility and its quintessential representation of the black mana color identity.