Puppet Strings

Puppet Strings was introduced as part of The List, a curated selection of reprints featured in Magic: The Gathering sets starting with Throne of Eldraine. The card itself originates from the Mirrodin expansion, released in 2003, which focused on a metallic, artifact-heavy plane. Designed during an era where Wizards of the Coast was exploring complex interaction with untapped permanents, the card serves as a utility tool that emphasizes the game's focus on mechanical manipulation.

The artwork for the card was created by Greg Staples, whose illustrative style often leans into atmospheric and slightly unsettling fantasy tropes. His depiction of the strings attached to the artifact reflects the card's function of controlling the state of other permanents. Upon its release, it was regarded as a niche but interesting tactical choice, valued by players who favored control-oriented decks that sought to exploit the activation costs of artifacts and creatures alike.