Lava Axe

Description

The Lava Axe card, numbered 137 in the 1997 Portal set, serves as a foundational red sorcery in Magic: The Gathering history. Designed to introduce new players to the game's mechanics, this card allows the controller to deal five damage to a target player or planeswalker. Its straightforward mana cost of four generic and one red mana makes it a reliable option for early-game aggression in casual formats. Portal was released to bridge the gap between complex strategic play and accessible entry points, and Lava Axe embodies that philosophy. The card features art by Adrian Smith, who brought the fiery imagery of the card to life. As a common rarity, it appears frequently in Portal packs, making it an essential piece for those looking to complete the base set or build nostalgic decks. The flavor text, "Swing your axe as a broom, to sweep away the foe," adds a whimsical touch to the otherwise aggressive effect. Collectors often seek out Portal cards for their historical significance in expanding the Magic: The Gathering player base. The set's distinct border design and simplified ruleset make it a unique chapter in the game's evolution. This card remains a recognizable symbol of red mana's destructive potential in the earliest days of the game's accessible era.