Launch

Launch was released in 1998 as part of the Urza's Saga expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, this set was a cornerstone of the Urza block, a storyline-heavy period in the game's history that centered on the artificer Urza and his multiversal conflicts. As a common card, Launch served as an accessible mechanical tool within the set, designed to provide players with a way to boost creatures while simultaneously offering a cycling-like utility that allowed for greater deck consistency.

The card features artwork by Val Mayerik, a prolific illustrator known for his work in both comic books and the fantasy gaming industry. Mayerik's contribution to the card captures a moment of magical propulsion, aligning with the enchantment's theme of giving a creature flight and offensive leverage. While the card is a functional piece of its era's limited environment rather than a high-profile rare, it remains a recognized example of the aesthetic and design philosophy established during the late nineties, reflecting the era's focus on complex enchantment mechanics.