Dark Banishing

Dark Banishing was originally introduced in the Mirage expansion in 1996, serving as a staple removal spell for black decks during the mid-nineties. The version found in the 2006 Coldsnap theme decks is a reprint of this classic instant, released to coincide with the set's theme of an ice-covered world. By including staples like Dark Banishing in these preconstructed decks, Wizards of the Coast provided players with essential tools for creature destruction that remained effective across multiple formats.

The artwork for this specific printing was created by Drew Tucker, an artist whose signature watercolor-influenced style is celebrated for its ethereal and slightly haunting aesthetic. Tucker often focused on abstract forms and subdued color palettes, which stood in contrast to the more hyper-realistic styles common in later sets. His interpretation of Dark Banishing leans into the chilling, ephemeral nature of the spell, effectively communicating the removal of a creature through shadow rather than overt violence.