# 2003 Magic: The Gathering Eighth Edition #173★

> The Western Paladin card from Magic: The Gathering's Eighth Edition. This rare foil edition features a Phyrexian Zombie Knight with unique battlefield control capabilities.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-eighth-edition-western-paladin-173-star-foil

## Identity

- **Year**: 2003
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Eighth Edition
- **Card number**: #173★
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Western Paladin card, numbered 173★ in Magic: The Gathering's Eighth Edition, offers collectors a distinct foil treatment of this Phyrexian Zombie Knight. Released in 2003, this set remains a cornerstone for enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate design language and balanced gameplay mechanics that defined that era. As a rare parallel, the Western Paladin stands out due to its shimmering finish, making it a sought-after piece for those building complete Eighth Edition collections or focusing on high-end foil parallels. Designed by Carl Critchlow, this card captures the dark fantasy aesthetic typical of Magic's black mana symbols. The Western Paladin functions as a creature with a mana cost of {2}{B}{B}, allowing players to destroy target white creatures through its activated ability. Whether you are an investor looking for stable, recognizable assets or a hobbyist completing a set, this foil variant provides a tangible connection to the game's rich history. By focusing on the specific attributes of the Eighth Edition release, we help you identify exactly what makes this Western Paladin valuable beyond its card frame. Explore our growing inventory to find this essential piece of trading card history.

## FAQ

### What is the rarity of the Western Paladin in Eighth Edition?

The Western Paladin is a rare card within the Eighth Edition set, identified by the star symbol (★) next to its card number 173. This designation indicates it is a foil parallel, which is generally more difficult to find than the regular non-foil version.

### Who illustrated the Western Paladin card?

The artwork for the Western Paladin in Magic: The Gathering's Eighth Edition was created by artist Carl Critchlow. His style is well-known for bringing the dark fantasy elements of the Phyrexian and zombie creature types to life on the card.

### What is the gameplay ability of the Western Paladin?

The Western Paladin has an activated ability that allows its controller to pay {B}{B} and tap the creature to destroy a target white creature on the battlefield. This makes it a specific counter to white-based strategies in the game.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.