Counterspell is an essential spell for most magic users in any game which has a spell-casting system, and Magic: The Gathering is no exception. The premise is simple: counter, or cancel, an opponent’s spell. It’s an incredibly useful card, and one which has attracted a wide variety of artwork variations, thanks to its inclusion in multiple sets.
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The artwork on MTG’s Counterspell cards is some of the most diverse you’ll find across a card type, ranging from traditional styles to crossover characters and even a meme. Even within the most valuable examples, the styles vary hugely, leading to a mix of designs for magic users to choose from.
Prices are based on the Market Price from TCG Player and are subject to change.
10
Counterspell By Mark Poole – $399.99
Beta Edition (LEB)
This particular version of Mark Poole’s Counterspell artwork is from the Beta Edition of the game. However, players will recognize the design since variations of this artwork are found in many different sets, including Fourth Edition, Revised Edition, Collector’s Edition and Unlimited Edition.
The artwork depicts a magic user finding his magic countered as it fizzles uselessly from his hands. His robes and hair offer a wizard look giving slight David Bowie vibes, as he stands against the dark background. Simple but effective, this artwork is the most recognizable and while the price is hefty on this early version, others are far more affordable.
9
Counterspell By Tyler Walpole – $146.13
SLD #7010 – Spongebob Squarepants: Internet Sensation
This card by Tyler Walpole celebrates the mocking Spongebob meme, a perfect image for this card. This version is the rainbow foil edition and includes the mismatched capital letters associated with the meme. Other versions in the Secret Lair drop use regular capitalisation, and are cheaper as a result.
The full Spongebob meme experience is captured here as he is perfectly placed to mock your opponent as their magic fizzles out and becomes useless. This is surely the best use of this image we’ve seen.
8
Counterspell By Chase Stone – $116.89
Amonket Invocations (MP2) #10
This stunning Egyptian-themed artwork by Chase Stone is from the Amonket Invocations set and features an Egyptian goddess protecting herself from an incoming fireball or similar magic with a perfectly spherical shield. The ethereal vibes are complimented by the Egyptian theme of the entire card.
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The hieroglyphic letters around the edge of the temple design frame make this card a stunning piece to include in any mythology or ancient civilization-themed deck.
7
Counterspell By Pauline Voss – $77.87
URL/Convention Promos (PURL)
Marvel fans are sure to love this Pauline Voss illustration of Dr. Strange, which was given out at Conventions as a promo. The borderless card shows Strange holding out his hands and casting his defensive magic. The protective runes match those we see in the MCU, putting up a barrier between him and any incoming magic.
The character and illustration match Counterspell perfectly, and you can see why this card would be sought after by comic book and MCU fans alike. You can even see Strange’s famous cloak billowing in the background, also surrounding him as he casts his runes.
6
Counterspell By Dom! – $63.29
Judge Gift Cards 2000 (G00)
This artwork, credited simply to Dom!, shows a woman literally bending over backwards to avoid incoming magic. Her outstretched arms make a line as she appears to catch and return the incoming icy bolt to its caster. Her powerful stance and focused face are captivating as her robes swirl behind her, mimicking the return of the spell.
The red robes contrast perfectly with the blue background, standing out on the orange sand against the white spell that speeds toward her. The art is simple but effective, with clean lines and a traditional look that will help it fit into most decks with ease.
5
Counterspell By Rindo Karasuba (JP) – $18.65
Strixhaven Mystical Archive (STA)
This Japanese card by Rindo Karasura features stunning artwork of a woman with long flowing hair in a traditional Japanese robe. She raises her arms against oncoming magic while her robes flow around her. The sphere around her is perfectly outlined by the swirling lines of her outfit.
The borderless art perfectly fills the card’s space, with the bold central focus drawing your eye to the detail in the woman’s image. The outer edges swirl into each other, showing a border which both contrasts and highlights the main image.
4
Counterspell By Mateus Manhanini – $11.51
Secret Lair Drop #331 – Far Out, Man
Part of the Far Out, Man Secret Lair drop, this card by Mateus Manhanini is a riot of color. The offset position of our stunning spellcaster puts the focus more on the counterspell depiction, making it stand out from many others. The large swirl of blue frames the woman as incoming red paint splashes harmlessly off it.
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The spellcaster herself is incredibly detailed, with an intricate headdress and feathered robes. She turns her head as her hand is raised to cast the counter, implying the process is effortless for her. What isn’t effortless is the art itself which is a borderless design with a huge amount of depth and detail.
3
Counterspell By Hannibal King (JP) – $9.67
Media And Collaboration Promos (PMEI)
This card by Hannibal King was given out as a promotional item, making it rare. Its borders are the regular blue backgrounds, but the image shows a green-skinned spellcaster raising his arms as a spell falls flat in front of his face.
The artwork isn’t the most outstanding or vibrant, but there’s a beauty in its simplicity. The blue robes merge a little with the background but the shadows on his face contrast well, drawing focus to his expression as he sees the spell fizzle out harmlessly.
2
Counterspell By Julia Metzger – $7.46
SLD Hatsune Miku: Winter Diva
This card from the Hatsune Miku: Winter Diva Secret Lair drop shows Miku taking on her own enemy, the paparazzi. In this image of Miku by Julia Metzger, she outstretches her arm against a figure with a camera. Her expression is stern and the card quote highlights the fact she is shielding herself not from spell but from camera flashes.
Miku is easily recognizable by her classic long blue pigtails and a cute winter outfit which compliments both her hair and the surrounding snow. Whatever she’s about to do she clearly doesn’t want it captured on camera.
1
Counterspell By Ryan Valle – $6.48
MagicFest 2024
This rare card from MagicFest 2024 is a full-art image by Ryan Valle depicting what appears to be a cleric in white and blue robes holding out a long, seemingly endless scroll. The paper swirls down to the ground, and beyond, the magic runes on it highlighted in blue.
Full art cards are increasingly rare, and this one stands out well thanks to the glowing depiction of the runes on the scroll, once more putting the spell itself into the spotlight.
Magic: The Gathering
- Franchise
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Magic: The Gathering
- Original Release Date
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August 5, 1993
- Player Count
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2+
- Age Recommendation
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13+
- Length per Game
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Variable
