Murder

Murder was first introduced to the Magic: The Gathering card pool as a common in the Magic 2013 core set, designed as a straightforward, functional piece of black removal that efficiently destroys target creatures. Its inclusion in the Eldritch Moon expansion as a reprint—bearing the collector number 97—served to reinforce the set’s focus on the horror and corruption brought about by the Eldrazi titan Emrakul on the plane of Innistrad. Mechanically, the card is valued for its versatility, offering a clean answer to threats without the restrictive conditions or drawbacks often found on lower-rarity removal spells.

The artwork for the Eldritch Moon printing depicts a grim, visceral moment of supernatural intervention, aligning with the gothic horror aesthetic of the block. By this stage in the game's history, Murder had become a staple of the Limited environment, providing players with a necessary tool to manage the set's more impactful transformed creatures. Its continued presence in standard sets during this era underscores Wizards of the Coast's intent to provide consistent, reliable interaction that allows players to navigate the board state in a high-tension format.