Wicked Pact

Wicked Pact was released in 1997 as part of the Portal set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This set was designed specifically to serve as an entry point for new players, utilizing a simplified ruleset that removed instant-speed interactions and complex phases to focus on core mechanics. The card itself exemplifies the black mana color identity of the time, emphasizing the trade-off between resource acquisition and personal health that defines the game's necromantic themes.

The artwork for this card was created by artist Brian Snodgrass, whose work was a staple of the game during its mid-nineties expansion era. The illustration leans into the dark, gothic aesthetic prevalent in early Magic sets, visually representing the literal cost of a pact with a sinister entity. While the card is often cited by players for its straightforward, punishing mechanics, it remains a notable example of the high-contrast, moody illustrative style favored by Wizards of the Coast during the Portal era.