Goblin War Cry

Goblin War Cry was released in 1998 as part of Portal Second Age, an expansion for the Magic: The Gathering card game designed specifically to introduce new players to the hobby. Produced by Wizards of the Coast, the set focused on a streamlined ruleset that removed complex mechanics and timing windows to ensure faster gameplay. The aesthetic of the set centered on the plane of Rabiah, characterized by high-fantasy themes and a distinct, painterly art style.

The card illustration was created by artist Christopher Rush, a legendary figure in the Magic community known for his iconic work on the original Black Lotus. For this card, Rush captured a visceral, chaotic scene of goblin infantry charging into battle, utilizing his signature expressive brushwork. While the card is mechanically simple—serving as a red-aligned sorcery that functions as a temporary pump spell for goblin creatures—it is often cited by collectors as a quintessential example of Rush's ability to convey movement and fervor in a small-scale format.