Grisly Spectacle MTG Card


Delivering both creature removal and library milling, Grisly Spectacle disrupts opponents on multiple avenues. Its flexibility as an instant allows strategic play, giving players control over the timing of removal. While effective, its mana cost and color specificity can limit its inclusion across various deck types.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Mill

Text of card

Destroy target nonartifact creature. Its controller puts a number of cards equal to that creature's power from the top of his or her library into his or her graveyard.

"Watch people flock to a murder scene. Then tell me we're not all a little sick in the head." —Juri, proprietor of the Juri Revue


Cards like Grisly Spectacle

Grisly Spectacle is an intriguing removal option in Magic: The Gathering, offering a way to deal with creatures that goes beyond mere destruction. Parallel to other destruction spells such as Murder, which eliminates a target creature for three mana without any additional effects, Grisly Spectacle adds a twist by milling the opponent’s library according to the destroyed creature’s power.

Considering other similar spells, there’s the card Go for the Throat, which also destroys a target creature at a lower mana cost but only targets nonartifact creatures and lacks Grisly Spectacle’s milling benefit. Then there is Doom Blade, a stalwart removal spell, cost-effective at two mana but limited by its inability to target black creatures. It doesn’t provide the bonus effect of milling either.

In the landscape of removal spells, Grisly Spectacle stands out for its ability to affect not just the battlefield but also potentially weaken an opponent’s future plays by depleting their library. This unique aspect elevates its tactical utility in MTG, offering a dual-threat capability that its counterparts do not deliver.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grisly Spectacle by color, type and mana cost

Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
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Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
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Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions
Launch Party - MTG Card versions
Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Death Bomb - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions
Launch Party - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Grisly Spectacle, removing a target creature from the game often means you’re effectively dealing with an opponent’s threat and disrupting their strategy. In addition, forcing your opponent to mill cards equal to the creature’s power can potentially deplete their library of vital resources or combo pieces, further tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Grisly Spectacle itself doesn’t directly accelerate your mana resources, the card advantage gained can lead to a chain of advantageous plays. By eliminating key creatures, you pave the way for a more secure board state, which can accelerate your path to victory.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Grisly Spectacle at instant speed adds a layer of strategic depth to your game. It gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn and decide the most opportune moment to eliminate a threat without telegraphing your intentions prematurely.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Grisly Spectacle does not have a discard requirement as part of its casting cost, it can lead to card disadvantage if it’s your only removal option and the opponent has a means to counter it or protect their creature.

Specific Mana Cost: Grisly Spectacle requires both black and generic mana which means it’s primarily suitable for mono-black or multicolored decks that can reliably produce black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, two of which are black, Grisly Spectacle is a removal spell on the higher end of the mana curve. In a format where efficiency is key, this might make it a less attractive option compared to lower-cost removal spells.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Grisly Spectacle is capable of slotting into a variety of black-focused decks, particularly in those requiring reliable removal. Its ability to destroy target nonartifact creature circuits around common protective measures, making it useful in numerous game scenarios.

Combo Potential: Aside from its primary function as creature removal, this card allows for potential deck milling, providing a two-fold advantage. When paired with strategies that capitalize on opponent deck disruption or graveyard manipulation, it can significantly advance your game state.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame filled with creature-heavy decks or those relying on key creatures, Grisly Spectacle’s function as instant-speed removal can be a game-changer. It keeps the board state in check while passively disrupting your opponent’s library, an asset in games where every card counts.


How to beat

The Grisly Spectacle is a potent removal tool in Magic: The Gathering, particularly within the black mana realm of the game. As a card capable of destroying a nonartifact creature, no matter its size, it poses a unique challenge. Players can find themselves losing a key component of their strategy unexpectedly, potentially derailing their game plan.

One reliable method to counteract this card’s effect is by employing countermagic. Cards like Negate or Counterspell offer a direct response to Grisly Spectacle, preventing its destructive ability from ever occurring. Another strategy involves cards that grant your creatures indestructibility or regeneration, like Selfless Spirit or Golgari Charm, which can protect your vital creatures from being destroyed and mill effects as well.

It’s also advisable to keep the pressure on opponents who might hold Grisly Spectacle in their deck. If you can force them to use their mana resources elsewhere, they may not have the opportunity to cast this impactful spell. Ultimately, being aware of how Grisly Spectacle can shake up the battlefield and preparing accordingly is the key to maintaining your stronghold in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Grisly Spectacle offers a unique blend of creature elimination and library disruption, proving its worth in various MTG strategies. With its capacity to remove key threats and mill your opponent, it’s a spell that can shift the momentum to your favor. Whether you’re bolstering a control deck or incorporating surprise elements into your gameplay, understanding this card’s potential is crucial. We encourage you to explore the strategic applications and deck synergies that Grisly Spectacle can unlock. Dive into the depths of deck building and pilot your way to victory with informed choices. Discover more insights and enhance your MTG arsenal with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grisly Spectacle MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Grisly Spectacle and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grisly Spectacle Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2017-11-17. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 662003NormalBlackZoltan Boros
22014-03-14Duel Decks: Jace vs. VraskaDDM 752003NormalBlackZoltan Boros
32017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 732015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
42017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 922015NormalBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grisly Spectacle has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grisly Spectacle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2017-11-17 If the creature is an illegal target when Grisly Spectacle tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. The creature’s controller won’t put any cards into their graveyard.
2017-11-17 Use the creature’s power the last time it was on the battlefield to determine how many cards its controller puts into their graveyard.