Carrion Crow

Description

The Magic 2015 Carrion Crow (#88) stands as a fundamental component of the M15 core set, released in 2014. This Black card is classified as a Common, making it a staple for players building decks within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game ecosystem. As a Creature — Zombie Bird, it brings a unique thematic flavor to the game's diverse roster of monsters, blending the undead nature of Zombies with the aerial mobility of Birds. Carrion Crow possesses a mana cost of {2}{B} and a mana value of 3, placing it in the mid-range power curve for early-game strategies. Its power and toughness are listed as 2/2, providing a solid body for its cost. The card's primary mechanical identity revolves around the keyword ability Flying, which prevents it from being blocked by creatures that lack Flying or Reach. This evasion makes the card particularly effective for applying early pressure to opponents who lack aerial defense. The card also features a drawback upon entry: it enters the battlefield tapped. This limitation requires players to consider timing carefully, as it cannot attack or use certain activated abilities immediately upon summoning. Despite this, the combination of Flying and a reasonable stat line ensures its relevance in various deck archetypes that prioritize tempo and evasion. The flavor text, "When carrion feeds on carrion, dark days approach," adds narrative depth to the card's identity as a scavenging undead entity. The Carrion Crow represents the straightforward, efficient design philosophy that defines core sets. Its presence in the 2014 release makes it a recognizable piece for those tracking the evolution of Magic: The Gathering mechanics. Whether used for gameplay utility or as part of a broader collection of M15 cards, this card remains a distinct artifact of the game's history.