Clockwork Beast

Description

Clockwork Beast stands as a distinctive Artifact Creature within the 1993 Intl. Collectors' Edition of Magic: The Gathering. As card number 237 in this early release, it offers collectors a tangible connection to the game's foundational era. Designed by Drew Tucker, this card represents the unique artistic and mechanical direction taken during the International Collectors' Edition's production. Unlike standard printings, this iteration holds a niche place in TCG history for its exclusive distribution and design choices. For players and historians of the format, Clockwork Beast introduces a fascinating mechanical concept. As an Artifact Beast with a mana cost of six, it enters the battlefield with seven +1/+0 counters already attached. This allows for immediate board presence, though the counters are removed at the end of combat if the creature attacked or blocked. The card also features a powerful upkeep ability that lets players add up to X counters, capped at a total of seven, providing strategic flexibility in long games. Collectors often seek out cards from the Intl. Collectors' Edition due to their limited availability and historical significance. This set was produced specifically for international markets, making it a prized item for those documenting the global expansion of Magic: The Gathering. The card’s rarity status as a Rare adds to its appeal among those building comprehensive collections of vintage artifacts. Whether you are interested in the mechanical innovation of early artifact creatures or the historical context of the 1993 release, Clockwork Beast offers a compelling piece of gaming heritage. Understanding the mechanics and background of cards like this helps deepen the appreciation for the strategic depth developed in the game's first years.