Life // Death

Life // Death is a split card released in the 2001 Magic: The Gathering set Apocalypse, which served as the conclusion to the Invasion block. Designed to emphasize the set's theme of multicolored and disparate forces converging, the card mechanical design features two distinct halves that can be played independently, reflecting the duality of the card's namesake. It was conceived during a period where Wizards of the Coast was experimenting heavily with split card mechanics to offer players versatile, mana-efficient options.

The card’s visual identity was a collaborative effort between artists Anthony S. Waters and Edward P. Beard, Jr. Each artist illustrated one half of the card, with the contrasting styles effectively communicating the balance between the light, restorative nature of Life and the dark, necromantic utility of Death. Upon its release, the card was well-received for its strategic flexibility in formats like Commander and Cube, where it remains a staple for its ability to both recur creatures and serve as a graveyard-based combo piece.