The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Portal set card Hand of Death. Card #96 from the original Portal release, this black sorcery is a staple for collectors.
Hand of Death
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Portal
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Description
Released in 1997 as part of the Portal expansion, Hand of Death (card #96) represents a foundational element of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The card features a mana cost of {2}{B} and allows the player to destroy a target nonblack creature, making it a straightforward yet effective answer in early game formats. Collectors often seek out cards from the Portal series for their historical significance in expanding the game's reach beyond niche hobbyist circles. The artwork by John Coulthart adds to the card's visual identity, capturing the dark fantasy tone that defines the black mana color. As a common rarity, Hand of Death is frequently found in starter decks and booster packs, making it a staple for completing the Portal set or building nostalgic collections. For investors and hobbyists alike, the Portal era holds a unique place in TCG history. Whether you are looking to complete a set, add to your black mana collection, or simply appreciate the design of early 1990s card art, this card offers a tangible connection to the game's roots. When collecting Magic: The Gathering, understanding the context of each set enriches the experience. The Portal expansion serves as a gateway for many players, and cards like Hand of Death are essential components of that journey. By focusing on the set's identity and the card's role within it, collectors can appreciate the evolution of the game.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Hand of Death
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
John Coulthart
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Destroy target nonblack creature.
Death claims all but the darkest souls.
