Life // Death

Life // Death is a split card released in the 2001 Magic: The Gathering expansion Apocalypse, the final set in the Invasion block. Designed by Wizards of the Coast, this card introduced the unique split card mechanic to the game, allowing players to choose between casting one of two distinct spells—Life, a green sorcery that animates lands, or Death, a black sorcery that retrieves creatures from the graveyard—on a single card. The design was intended to provide tactical versatility, reflecting the set's thematic focus on the desperate conflict between the forces of Yawgmoth and the alliance of Dominaria.

The card’s artwork was rendered by artist Greg Staples, who utilized a moody, atmospheric aesthetic to emphasize the duality of the card's effects. The split card design was widely praised by the player community for its innovative approach to card economy and strategic depth. Over the years, the card has remained a staple in various formats, particularly those where graveyard recursion and land-based utility are valued, securing its status as a landmark design in the game's history.