# 2006 Magic: The Gathering Time Spiral #168

> The Lightning Axe foil card from Magic: The Gathering's 2006 Time Spiral expansion. This common instant offers a strategic choice for players and collectors alike.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2006
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Time Spiral
- **Card number**: #168
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Released in 2006 as part of the Time Spiral expansion, the Lightning Axe card (number 168) remains a recognizable staple within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Dan Murayama Scott, this common instant card features a distinctive foil finish that appeals to collectors seeking aesthetic variety within standard sets. The card’s gameplay mechanic offers players a tactical dilemma: deal five damage to a target creature by either discarding a card from their hand or paying five mana. This dual-cost structure makes it a flexible tool for aggressive strategies, allowing players to manage their resources based on the current game state.

For enthusiasts of the Time Spiral era, collecting key cards from this pivotal set is a popular endeavor. The Lightning Axe represents a classic example of design philosophy from that period, balancing immediate board impact with resource management. Collectors often seek out the foil version of this card to add visual diversity to their collections or to complete specific set challenges. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to expand your library or a new hobbyist exploring the depths of Magic: The Gathering, understanding the mechanics and history of cards like the Lightning Axe enriches the overall collecting experience. The Time Spiral set continues to hold a special place in the community, and cards like this one serve as tangible connections to that vibrant history.

## FAQ

### What is the Lightning Axe card in Magic: The Gathering?

Lightning Axe is a common instant card from the 2006 Time Spiral set. It allows a player to deal 5 damage to a target creature, with the option to pay an additional cost of five mana or discard a card instead of paying its red mana cost.

### Who illustrated the Lightning Axe card?

The artwork for the Lightning Axe card was created by Dan Murayama Scott. His illustrations are known for their dynamic energy and fit well within the whimsical yet strategic tone of the Time Spiral expansion.

### Is the Lightning Axe card part of any specific subset?

No, the Lightning Axe is a standard card from the main Time Spiral set, identified by the set code TSP and card number 168. It is not part of a specific subset but is a core component of the expansion's common rarity pool.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.