Scathe Zombies

Scathe Zombies first appeared in the Alpha set of Magic: The Gathering in 1993, representing the quintessential black-aligned creature. The 1999 Starter set version utilized a simplified card frame and streamlined rules text designed specifically to introduce new players to the game’s mechanics during a period of rapid expansion for Wizards of the Coast. By reprinting core staples like this, the company ensured that novices had immediate access to fundamental archetypes like the undead, which served as a staple for black decks focused on attrition and board presence.

The artwork for the Starter 1999 printing maintains the grim, decaying aesthetic established in the game's early years. While the original Alpha illustration was by Jesper Myrfors, the 1999 version features art by Daren Bader, who leaned into the dark fantasy sensibilities that define the game. This edition was received as an accessible entry point for the burgeoning player base, successfully bridging the gap between complex competitive play and the more approachable, self-contained experience of a starter product.