# 1993 Magic: The Gathering Collectors' Edition #27

> The history and mechanics of the 1993 Collectors' Edition Karma card, a significant white enchantment from Magic: The Gathering's earliest days.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-collectors-edition-karma-27

## Identity

- **Year**: 1993
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Collectors' Edition
- **Card number**: #27
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The 1993 Collectors' Edition of Magic: The Gathering introduced a distinct black border design that differentiates it from the original Alpha and Beta sets. Within this exclusive release, the Karma card appears as card number 27, serving as a foundational white enchantment for early gameplay. Designed by Richard Thomas, this piece captures the strategic depth that defined the game's initial format. Karma functions as a powerful defensive tool in the trading card game. Its ability activates during each player's upkeep, dealing damage equal to the number of Swamps controlled by that opponent. This mechanic creates a unique dynamic where a player's own mana base becomes a liability against them, rewarding careful resource management and board state awareness. Collectors value this card for its historical significance as one of the earliest printed enchantments in the series. For enthusiasts building a comprehensive Magic: The Gathering collection, the Collectors' Edition offers a tangible link to the franchise's origins. Whether you are focused on completing the set or acquiring key early cards, understanding the specific role of Karma enhances the appreciation of this vintage artifact.

## FAQ

### What is the gameplay mechanic of the Karma card?

Karma deals damage to each player at the beginning of their upkeep equal to the number of Swamps they control. This means players can inadvertently damage themselves if they have too many Swamp cards in play.

### What makes the Collectors' Edition distinct?

The Collectors' Edition, released in 1993, features a unique black border design that sets it apart from the standard white-bordered Alpha and Beta expansions. It also includes a subset of cards not found in the original releases.

### Who illustrated the Karma card?

Richard Thomas is the artist credited with illustrating the Karma card in the original Magic: The Gathering sets. His work helped establish the visual identity of the game during its first year of publication.

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## Companion files

- [llms.txt](https://supercatch.com/llms.txt) — site-level concise index.
- [llms-full.txt](https://supercatch.com/llms-full.txt) — site-level expanded corpus.
- [ai.txt](https://supercatch.com/ai.txt) — AI training and licensing terms.

Last verified: 2025-11-29.