Raise Dead

Raise Dead was originally released as a core component of the Magic: The Gathering Starter 1999 set, a product line designed specifically to introduce new players to the mechanics of the game. Issued in the late 1990s, the set provided simplified gameplay experiences compared to the more complex expansion sets of the era. The card itself has existed in various iterations since the Alpha set, serving as a fundamental staple for the black mana color identity by allowing players to return a creature card from their graveyard to their hand.

The artwork for this version was produced by artist Jeff Miracola, whose work characterized much of the aesthetic for late-nineties Magic releases. His depiction of the spell focuses on the visceral, dark fantasy tone inherent to the game's necromantic themes. The illustration was crafted to be evocative yet legible for beginners, fitting the Starter set’s goal of making complex game interactions feel thematic and intuitive for a burgeoning audience.