Death Ward

Death Ward was released in 1993 as part of Limited Edition Alpha, the inaugural print run of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Created by Richard Garfield and published by Wizards of the Coast, the set was designed to introduce a fantasy-themed collectible strategy game that combined elements of traditional card games with complex deck-building mechanics. The game emerged from the gaming culture of the early 1990s, aiming to provide a high-replayability experience that could be expanded through randomized booster packs.

The artwork for Death Ward was illustrated by artist Dameon Willich, who contributed several pieces to the early sets of the game. The design reflects the gothic, high-fantasy aesthetic characteristic of the Alpha era, featuring a monochromatic focus intended to fit the game's color-coded mana system. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional, if situational, defensive tool within the black color identity, and it remains a sought-after piece of gaming history due to its presence in the game's foundational printing.