The Deadly Grub from Magic: The Gathering's 2007 Planar Chaos expansion. This #69 card introduces the Vanishing 3 mechanic, creating a strategic 6/1 green Insect token upon its departure.
2007 • Magic: The Gathering • Planar Chaos
No listings available right now.
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.16 | Guide Estimate | -11.1% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 30, 2026
The Deadly Grub, identified as card number 69 in Magic: The Gathering's 2007 Planar Chaos expansion, offers a unique mechanical challenge for players and collectors alike. Created by artist E. M. Gist, this common black Insect creature card introduces the Vanishing 3 mechanic, which adds a layer of strategic depth to gameplay. The creature enters the battlefield with three time counters and loses one during each upkeep, ultimately requiring the player to sacrifice it once the last counter is removed. This temporary presence is far from insignificant. When the Deadly Grub eventually dies without any time counters remaining, it triggers a powerful effect: it creates a 6/1 green Insect creature token with shroud. The shroud ability ensures the token cannot be targeted by spells or abilities, providing a robust defensive asset that can disrupt opponents' strategies. This dynamic of trading a vulnerable creature for a resilient, untouchable token makes the Deadly Grub a memorable inclusion in the Planar Chaos set. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, this card represents a distinct era of design innovation. Owning a copy of this card allows enthusiasts to engage with a piece of MTG history that highlights the game's evolving complexity. Whether you are building a complete set of Planar Chaos or seeking specific cards for your collection, the Deadly Grub stands out as a fascinating example of the game's mechanical variety. The platform caters to both casual hobbyists and serious investors in the TCG market, offering a reliable environment to discover and acquire diverse pieces of gaming history. Whether you are interested in the strategic implications of the Vanishing mechanic or simply appreciate the lore and artistry of the Insect tribe, the Deadly Grub remains a noteworthy card. Its ability to pivot from a ticking time bomb to a shrouded guardian makes it a staple for those who enjoy complex, interactive gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Deadly Grub
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
E. M. Gist
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Creature — Insect
3 / 1
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Vanishing 3 (This creature enters with three time counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a time counter from it. When the last is removed, sacrifice it.) When this creature dies, if it had no time counters on it, create a 6/1 green Insect creature token with shroud. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.)
FAQ
Vanishing is a keyword ability that causes a creature to enter the battlefield with a specific number of time counters. The creature loses one counter at the beginning of each upkeep, and when the last counter is removed, the controller must sacrifice the creature. The Deadly Grub uses Vanishing 3, meaning it lasts for three turns before being sacrificed.
When the Deadly Grub dies after its time counters have been removed, it creates a 6/1 green Insect creature token with shroud. Shroud is a static ability that prevents the token from being the target of spells or abilities, making it a difficult-to-remove defensive asset.
The Deadly Grub from the Planar Chaos set was illustrated by E. M. Gist.
Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.