Mindslaver

Mindslaver was originally introduced in the Mirrodin expansion in 2003, designed by Mark Rosewater as part of his exploration into the artifact-heavy theme of the set. Its mechanical identity centers on the 'control player' archetype, allowing one to take total command of an opponent's turn, which reflects the ruthless, high-stakes nature of the plane of Mirrodin. The card's ability to manipulate another player's agency made it a notorious staple in Commander and Cube formats, establishing it as a formidable late-game threat that often forces a concession from the targeted player.

The Breaking News variant, appearing as card number 63 in the Outlaws of Thunder Junction special subset, reinterprets the original design through the lens of a retro newspaper aesthetic. This stylistic choice draws on hard-boiled noir and pulpy headline tropes, with the illustration providing a graphic, eye-catching update to the classic artifact. By framing the card as a breaking news report, the design evokes a sense of urgency and chaos, fitting perfectly within the set's thematic commitment to an Old West-inspired crime narrative.