Why some cards looks different in their Chinese version
Market-specific versions of cards are created to respect local cultural preferences. This often involves updating artwork that features skeletons, religious icons, or sensitive imagery to meet regional requirements.
Because of this, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) had to change the artwork for many cards sold in China. At first, they replaced the art entirely, but later they began modifying the original images instead. Today, WotC usually asks artists to follow these standards from the start, so special “Chinese-only” art is rarely needed anymore. Eventide in 2008 was the last set to get alternate art cards.
Dimir House Guard from English Ravnica: City of Guilds Vs. Dimir House Guard Simplified Chinese Alternate Art (skin was added to the main figure) by John Zeleznik. (source : Magic Librarities)
The “skeleton” rule changed in 2008
In 2008, fans wondered how the set Shards of Alara—which was full of skeletons—could be sold in China.
- Creative Choice: WotC decided not to make hundreds of alternate cards for that set.
- Culture Shift: While skeletons were once seen as “unlucky” by older people, younger players see them as “edgy” or cool.
- Permission: The WotC office in China allowed the set to be released without changes.
Golgari Guildmage from English Ravnica: City of Guilds Vs. Golgari Guildmage Simplified Chinese Alternate Art (skull painted out and replaced by a stone orb) by Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai. (source : Magic Librarities)
Alternate art cards (non-foil only)
Here is the list of 101 unique alternate artwork found in Chinese sets, excluding foil versions. If you’d like more details, I suggest visiting the dedicated section on Magic Librarities.
| Old Frame (1997-2001) | ||||
| 29 cards | 6 cards | 1 cards | 4 cards | 7 cards |
| 2 cards | 4 cards | |||
| Modern Frame (2003-2008) | ||||
| 3 cards | 9 cards | 1 cards | 7 cards | 3 cards |
| 1 cards | 2 cards | 1 cards | 5 cards | 1 cards |
| 3 cards | 8 cards | 4 cards | ||
Foil versions of these cards exist since Odyssey Set in 2001. Some of the foil variants of these cards are incredibly rare and expensive.
Did you know? There’s only 8 old frame foils chinese only alternate art cards : 4 from Seventh Edition and 4 from Odyssey Set. Indeed, Invasion foil alternate art cards were printed in english !
Recollect from English Ravnica: City of Guilds Vs. Recollect Simplified Chinese Alternate Art (skull painted out and replaced by a magical bauble of the past) by Pete Venters. (source : Magic Librarities)
These cards are extremely rare for three simple reasons
- Small print runs: In the early 2000s, the Magic community in China was very small. Very few of these cards were printed compared to English or Japanese versions.
- They were only made once: These unique artworks were only created for specific sets to follow local customs. Once Wizards of the Coast changed their art style to fit all markets globally, these “special versions” were never printed again.
- Lost over time: Many of these cards were used by players without sleeves or thrown away years ago because people didn’t know they were special.
Our favorite alternate art card form Urza’s Saga : Fire Ants from Tom Fleming. Why it’s so special? Because the Chinese artwork is not simply an adapted copy of the original illustration. Moreover, unlike Portal alternate cards, both versions of the card were illustrated by the same artist.
Today, collectors in China have already bought most of the remaining copies. Because Magic stopped printing physical cards in Simplified Chinese in 2024, these 101 cards have become “ghost” items—they are almost impossible to find on the market, even in their home country. In Europe and America, you can still find these specific cards but they grow quickly in value. If you come across these cards, grab them before it’s too late.