The magic of chocolate is undeniable. It has the power to captivate our senses and bring immense joy to our lives. From the moment we unwrap a chocolate bar, the sweet aroma tantalizes our noses, preparing us for the delightful experience to come. As we take our first bite, the velvety smoothness envelopes our taste buds, instantly transporting us to a state of bliss. The rich and indulgent flavors dance on our tongues, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that we crave for more. But chocolate is more than just a delicious treat.
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Just over 1,000 copies of the card from MTG s earliest Alpha set were ever printed back in 1993, with just 105 graded by card condition specialist PSA in the three decades since. In addition to Black Lotus, Rush illustrated more than 100 Magic The Gathering cards, as well as working on the game s five iconic mana symbols that remain to this day.
But chocolate is more than just a delicious treat. It holds a special place in our hearts and has the ability to make us feel better, both physically and emotionally. It is often associated with feelings of comfort, love, and happiness.
Two years after a signed Magic: The Gathering Black Lotus sold for a record $500,000, another has appeared at auction
Gem Mint 10 copy autographed by designer-artist Christopher Rush sold in January 2021 holds the title for the most expensive MTG card of all time.
Image credit: Image: PWCC/stock.adobe.com/charnsitr News by Matt Jarvis Editor-in-chief Published on March 2, 2023 Follow Magic: The Gathering About Magic: The GatheringRules complexity: Medium
Strategic depth: Medium
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Designer: Richard Garfield
Could we be set for another record-breaking Magic: The Gathering card sale? An autographed Alpha Black Lotus - the most valuable Magic: The Gathering card ever made - has appeared at auction, two years after a similar card sold for over half a million dollars.
Black Lotus is, of course, Magic: The Gathering’s iconic holy grail card. Just over 1,000 copies of the card from MTG’s earliest Alpha set were ever printed back in 1993, with just 105 graded by card condition specialist PSA in the three decades since. Of those, only six have been rated at a perfect Gem Mint 10.
“The popularity and playability of the Black Lotus became a detriment to the card itself, causing players to use many of the original 1,008 Alpha Black Lotuses in competitive play,” auction house PWCC said of the rarity of finding a Black Lotus in such condition. “These were the days when card sleeves were an afterthought, and many carried around their decks with rubber bands.”
Image credit: PWCC
Both the Alpha Black Lotus sold in January 2021 for $511,100 - the most ever paid for a Magic: The Gathering card - and the card featured in PWCC’s upcoming sale have been graded at a PSA 10, indicating their effectively flawless condition. That means “impeccable centering and edges nearly devoid of the paint chipping or whitening characteristic of many cards from this issue”.
Both cards also feature the autograph of Christopher Rush, the late designer and illustrator responsible for creating the Black Lotus who died in 2016. In addition to Black Lotus, Rush illustrated more than 100 Magic: The Gathering cards, as well as working on the game’s five iconic mana symbols that remain to this day.
Rush’s signature adorns the protective case around the cards, rather than the cards themselves. In the case of this latest Alpha Black Lotus, Rush’s autograph has not been authenticated by PSA.
Learn how to play Magic: The Gathering
Despite the staggering amount paid for the autographed Black Lotus in 2021 - and the card’s continued demand throughout last year, along with the rest of MTG’s Power Nine - the upcoming auction due to open on the evening of March 2nd will begin at a relatively modest $1,000. That’s about the same as buying one of Magic’s 30th Anniversary boosters, which include unplayable reprints of Black Lotus and other Alpha cards.
As well as the signed Black Lotus, the auction will include 14 Magic: The Gathering cards from the Alpha set graded at PSA 10, including copies of Ancestral Recall, Birds of Paradise, Time Walk and Mox Emerald, Pearl and Ruby.
Dicebreaker is the home for friendly board game lovers
We welcome board gamers of all levels, so sign in and join our community!
There’s been a small increase in value, then — but nothing like the threefold increase in the value of the Black Lotus that happened between 2019 and 2021, as the popularity of trading card games boomed during the pandemic. Some market observers might conclude Bank of America was right to complain that Hasbro, owner of Magic publisher Wizards of the Coast, was printing too many cards and devaluing them. Packs celebrating the game’s 30th anniversary controversially included reprints of rare cards, including the Black Lotus.
In fact, studies have shown that chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins, our body's natural "feel-good" chemicals. These endorphins can help to reduce stress and improve our mood, making chocolate a perfect remedy for a bad day. Furthermore, chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which is known to promote feelings of love and attraction. This may explain why chocolate is often given as a gift on special occasions or used as a romantic gesture. But the magic of chocolate extends beyond its taste and mood-enhancing properties. It has also been linked to numerous health benefits. Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals. Additionally, chocolate has been shown to have positive effects on our cardiovascular health. It can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease. The magic of chocolate is truly remarkable. It has the power to bring joy, comfort, and even improve our health. So, the next time you indulge in a piece of chocolate, savor the moment and let its magic wash over you..
Reviews for "Chocolate and Creativity: Harnessing the Magical Powers for Inspiration"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Magic of Chocolate". The story line was predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward sentence structures and excessive use of cliches. Overall, I found the book to be a tedious read that didn't live up to the hype.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't finish "The Magic of Chocolate" as it felt like a complete waste of my time. The plot was overly simplistic and lacked depth. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions were unrealistic. The writing itself was mediocre at best, with dull descriptions and repetitive phrases. I was expecting a captivating and magical tale, but instead, I found myself incredibly bored and disinterested.
3. Mark - 2 stars
"The Magic of Chocolate" didn't live up to my expectations. The story was too formulaic and predictable, following the usual tropes found in similar books. The characters felt flat and lacked any significant growth throughout the story. Additionally, the pacing was off, with unnecessary filler scenes that didn't contribute to the overall plot. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and unimpressed with this supposed magical adventure.
4. Emily - 1 star
I couldn't believe how unoriginal and cliché "The Magic of Chocolate" turned out to be. It felt like I was reading a cookie-cutter romance novel with no substance or unique elements. The dialogue was cheesy and cringe-worthy, making it difficult to take the characters seriously. The plot progression was slow, and I found myself losing interest rapidly. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating or original story.