Ostracize

Ostracize was first printed in the Seventh Edition of Magic: The Gathering, released in 2001 as the first core set of the modern era. The card functions as a targeted discard spell, designed to provide black-aligned players with a way to strip a creature from an opponent's hand before it could reach the battlefield. Its introduction into the core set was intended to offer a reliable, low-cost utility tool that reinforced the color's identity of hand manipulation and disruption.

The artwork for this specific printing was created by artist Christopher Rush, a legendary figure in the game's early history known for his distinct, expressive style. His illustration depicts a stark, ominous figure silhouetted against a looming, dark backdrop, effectively capturing the feeling of social and mechanical exile conveyed by the card's name. The design was received as a functional, straightforward staple, praised for its clarity in both visual storytelling and rules text during a period when the game was standardizing its formatting.