Magic: The
Gathering Set Spotlight: Return to Ravnica

Release Date: October 05, 2012

Introduction to Return to Ravnica

‘Return to Ravnica’ is an exciting expansion set within the world of
Magic: The Gathering. Released in October 2012, it marked the
fifty-ninth expansion set and took players back to the beloved plane of
Ravnica, a sprawling cityscape where ten distinct guilds vie for
control.

The Guilds of Ravnica

Return to Ravnica revisits the city plane of Ravnica, known for its
intricate guild system. The set explores themes of urban intrigue,
politics, and the eternal struggle for dominance among the ten powerful
guilds.

Notable Mechanics and Themes

Return to Ravnica introduced several mechanics and themes that set it
apart:

• Multicolor Emphasis: The set continued to
  emphasize multicolored cards, each aligned with one of the ten guilds,
  representing their unique characteristics.
• Guild Mechanics: Each guild in the set had its
  own unique mechanics, such as ‘overload’ for the Izzet League or
  ‘detain’ for the Azorius Senate.
• Cityscape Setting: Return to Ravnica captured
  the essence of the city-plane, with artwork and card themes reflecting
  its urban environment.

Notable Cards from Return to Ravnica

Return to Ravnica features several cards with distinctive abilities
and connections to the theme of guild politics and the sprawling
cityscape. Some of the most notable include:

• Supreme Verdict: A powerful multicolored spell
  that represents the Azorius Senate’s commitment to law and
  order.
• Deathrite Shaman: A versatile Golgari card with
  the ability to manipulate graveyards, showcasing the guild’s connection
  to life and death.
• Sphinx’s Revelation: A multicolored spell
  representing the Azorius Senate’s mastery of law and knowledge.

The Return to Ravnica Expansion Symbol

The expansion symbol for Return to Ravnica features the distinctive
maze symbol, signifying the mysterious Maze’s End, a central plot point
in the set.

Limited Print Run and Collectible Value

Return to Ravnica had a limited print run, contributing to the
collectible value of its cards. The cards from this set are recognized
by their distinctive black border, setting them apart from other Magic
sets.

Historical Significance

Return to Ravnica is historically significant for its return to the
beloved Ravnica plane, the introduction of guild mechanics, and the
impact it had on the Magic storyline. It’s celebrated for the intricate
interplay between the ten guilds and the city’s rich lore.

As with all Magic cards, the value of cards from Return to Ravnica
can fluctuate over time due to collector demand and format legality. To
stay updated on Return to Ravnica and its cards, we recommend checking
Magic: The Gathering websites, consulting with local card shops, and
connecting with fellow collectors.