Languish

Languish was originally introduced in the 2015 Magic: The Gathering set Magic Origins, designed as a thematic representation of the psychological and physical toll of corruptive power. It quickly became a staple in competitive formats for its ability to clear the battlefield of mid-sized creatures, filling a critical gap in the color black's removal suite. The version released in the 2020 Jumpstart set, numbered 246, utilizes the original artwork to maintain visual consistency for players engaging with the unique, randomized pack-based play style of that expansion.

The card's striking illustration was crafted by artist Jeff Simpson, who sought to capture a sense of oppressive melancholy and slow decay. By focusing on ethereal, desaturated tones and a figure succumbing to shadow, Simpson moved away from traditional high-fantasy combat tropes to emphasize a more somber, atmospheric quality. This aesthetic direction was well-received by the player base for effectively communicating the card’s mechanical function as a restrictive, dampening force.