Goblin War Strike

Goblin War Strike was released in 1998 as part of the Portal Second Age expansion, a set designed by Wizards of the Coast to act as an entry point for new Magic: The Gathering players. The set leaned heavily into its high-fantasy setting, focusing on the plane of Rabiah and the conflict between various factions. By simplifying complex mechanics and removing the instant-speed play that defined the main game, the developers aimed to create a streamlined experience that lowered the barrier to entry for beginners.

The card’s artwork was provided by Michael Weaver, whose contribution captures the aggressive, chaotic nature of goblin warfare consistent with the set's thematic art direction. The illustration emphasizes the frantic energy of the creature type, which has been a staple of the red color identity since the game's inception. While considered a common-rarity utility card during its print run, it has since become a recognized piece of 1990s trading card history, valued by collectors for its specific aesthetic tied to the short-lived Portal era.