Hand of Death

Hand of Death was released in 1997 as part of the Portal set, an introductory expansion for Magic: The Gathering designed specifically to teach new players the fundamentals of the game. The set was conceived as a standalone experience with simplified mechanics, omitting complex phases and instants to lower the barrier to entry for beginners. It remains a notable curio in the game's history, representing Wizards of the Coast's early efforts to broaden the trading card game's reach beyond its core hobbyist demographic.

The artwork for this card was provided by the British artist and designer John Coulthart, known for his distinct, often surreal and gothic illustrative style. Tasked with visualizing a dark, lethal sorcery, Coulthart moved away from the more traditional high-fantasy look typical of the game's contemporary sets. His design emphasizes a stark, atmospheric aesthetic that leans into the macabre, reflecting the card's simple but definitive role of removing a creature from play, a functional classic that has appeared in many iterations throughout the game's lifespan.