Gaming

Magic: The Gathering's new cards put people of color front and center

After pulling racist cards last year, Wizards of the Coast is cleaning up its image.

A card from the Black is Magic series in Magic: the Gathering.

After backlash against racist cards, Wizards of the Coast will look to court back fans of Magic: the Gathering with a new limited series that centers entirely on people of color.

The cards, which are a part of Magic's "Secret Lair" limited series, were spearheaded by game designer Sydney Adams and all proceeds will benefit Black Girls CODE, an organization that focuses on increasing diversity in the tech industry.

Ernanda Souza for Wizards of the Coast
Hillary Wilson for Wizards of the Coast
Dani Pendergast for Wizards of the Coast

The new series, titled "Black is Magic" follows an outpouring of criticism this past June focusing on cards depicting racist imagery and language. Among them were the Invoke Prejudice card which depicted characters donning Ku Klux Klan-like garb and a card titled "Cleanse" that causes all black creatures to be destroyed.

"Black History Month celebrates Black history and honors the stories, culture, and achievements of Black people. The Black Is Magic drop celebrates and supports different expressions of Black identity.Each card was illustrated by a Black artist who brought their unique art style to the drop."

Wizards of the Coast

Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe for Wizards of the Coast
Thomas Zenteno for Wizards of the Coast
KNIIO for Wizards of the Coast

Black is Magic, like other cards in the Secret Lair series will only be available for a limited time, so if you're trying to get your hands on them you might want to act quickly.

March 31

This particular series will run until the end of March.

Altogether the set includes seven cards and comes in either regular or foil finish, though the latter will cost a little bit more.

$39.99

For the regular finish.

$49.99

For the foil finish.

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