Magic: the Gathering is a complex game, full of complex situations. It has captured the hearts and minds of many players over the years. It seems that one tremendous draw to the game is the uniqueness of each card. Whether or not you like a card for its effect, artwork or for any other reason, I have found that most everyone has a favorite. Perhaps yours is the first card you ever saw? Maybe you used it to win a tournament?
Players and collectors often have a special connection with their favorite card. Some players love the idea of their favorite card being stagnant and unusable and eventually crafting it into a winning deck, as the game changes and evolves. Others will search for any way to keep a pet card viable as the metagame shifts. Many collectors, will simply decide to hoard as many copies of their favorite card as possible. In addition, some will often search out unique and rare versions of their pet card, typically one copy of each printed language; known commonly as a global set.
Personally, I have always loved the collectable aspect of Magic the Gathering. The connection I feel towards my favorite card is well beyond the scope of the average player. In fact, you might say my favorite card has become an addiction, an addiction that has spanned nine years of my life.
January 27, 2001 is the date that the obsession began.
My college roommates and I piled into the car determined to make the three-hour trip to the nearest event center hosting the Planeshift prerelease. Fueled by caffeine and a breakfast of McDonalds, we began our odyssey; leaving the sleepy town of Indiana, Pennsylvania behind us.
Prereleases were always a big deal to us. The excitement of what cards we would soon be playing with was always a rush. In fact, my college play group had kept a pact to never review a spoiler list. We preferred to be completely surprised at what treasures a new expansion would have for each of us.
We arrived at the Day’s Inn, of Butler, Pennsylvania, later then we planned. We rushed through the parking lot, concerned about making the main event. Fortunately, we made it just in time. Still flustered from our late arrival, we registered and took our assigned seats. The judges walked past, distributing the booster packs. I have always gotten the same rush from opening a pack of trading cards. It’s a well balanced mix of excitement, curiosity, and hope. The familiar crinkle of cellophane could be heard all around me as I thumbed through the new arsenal of spells that would soon be cast. The excitement built as I got closer and closer to my rare. Then I saw the smile. That cheesy, toothy grin and beady eyes staring back at me. Slumping back in my chair, I perplexingly looked at the card, scrutinizing the playful image. Then I laughed out loud and from that moment, I was hooked on Goblin Game.
I have been asked many times, why Goblin Game?
I understand, it’s not an incredible effect by any stretch of the imagination. At seven mana, the card is near unplayable. Also, it is not very clear what we define as objects within the scope of the game. In fact, many Magic players would assume that the border of the card is silver. However, it was never about the card’s effect, but rather the colorful artwork and jovial feel. In addition, as odd as it may sound, the rendition of Squee that is featured on Goblin Game reminds me of my late grandfather. Squee’s broad forehead and mischievous smile embody some of the best memories I have of him.
At an early age, I was exposed to many different collectibles. My grandfather operated a small stand at a weekly flea market and would take me, almost daily, to garage sales to stock his ‘inventory.’ My grandfather would often walk me through the flea market and introduce me to new collectibles. He was always teaching me about some type of antique or sought after item. By the age of five, I could identify a Cape Di Monte (Italian bisque porcelain) or depression glassware from across a room. Having such an upbringing, it should be no surprise that a collectable card game would capture my attention and lead me to a single purpose, to own as many copies of a trading card as possible. For that reason, Goblin Game holds a special place in my heart; it represents the relationship I had with my grandfather and my passion for collecting.
I’ve been playing Magic: the Gathering since the early days of Alpha/Beta. No matter how many times I have walked away from the game, I have found myself always coming back. During college, I ended a two year hiatus from the game and found myself completely enraptured by the Mercadian Masques block. One of the key factors to my love of Magic, aside from the collectability, is the artwork. I was mesmerized by the world of Mercadia and the characters that occupied it.
I have always enjoyed trading and collecting Magic: the Gathering. To me, one of the most fascinating aspects of Magic has been the ability to take one person’s trash and turn it into another’s treasure through trading. Every time I would make a trade with a fellow player, I would ask that they ‘throw in’ a copy of Goblin Game if they had one. Each copy of the card became a means to brag of my ability to trade cards quickly and efficiently; a measure of success and pride. Whenever I could talk my way into being given a copy of the card, I left the trade with a sense of accomplishment. At first, it began rather innocently. I would trade a bulk rare for a few uncommons or a rare and ask for a Goblin Game. However, it didn’t take long for me to make bold trades and ask that multiple copies of the Game be included at no value. I can recall a pretty intense trade that involved two dual lands on my side of the table and many desirable Standard rares on theirs. To say that the values were skewed in my favor was an understatement. Nonetheless, I asked that many copies of Goblin Game be included for the exchange to occur.
As time went by, my stack of Games went from 50, to 100 and then to 250. Friends were working out trades and bringing me more and more copies of the card. My reputation began to escape the boundaries of the small college town in which I resided and I was known as the ‘Goblin Game guy.’ During the Invasion block, I reached a milestone obtaining 500 copies of Goblin Games. At this, I decided that it was time to actively locate and purchase the original art.
Original Magic the Gathering art has been a small collector’s niche for some time and is generally valued by a number of variables. First and foremost, is the significance and playability of the card for which the art appears. The second critical factor is the artist of the piece. The third and final judgment of worth is the size and medium in which the art was conceived.
Much to my surprise, I was able to locate the painting easily. A simple Google search brought me one step closer on my journey. The artist of Goblin Game, Tony DeTirlizzi, maintained a website; on which he sold his work. The Game was available; success! However, being a broke college student, the $400 price tag was a bit hefty. In fact, it was an unfathomable sum to someone without a source of income and an ever increasing debt from student loans.
Desperate to earn the money to purchase the painting, I took a job working at a toy store. The store was in the process of going out of business and I was instructed to unload merchandise as quickly as possible so that it could be liquidated. Unfortunately, I was only allotted a few hours of work a week and the pay was minimal wage. Much to my dismay, the store closed after only two weeks of my employment. I was nowhere near my goal of $400.
My college sweetheart, who is now my wife, knew what owning the art would mean to me. She pooled money from her savings and checking account and we were just shy of the asking price. At this, I decided I would contact Mr. DeTirlizzi and attempt to explain the situation in the hopes of a discounted price. I sent several emails, but heard no response. Then, as quickly as I found the piece, it vanished from the website. I was devastated.
Each day I sent an email to Mr. DeTirlizzi hoping for a response. The days turned to weeks; the weeks to months and the months to years. I had no leads on where the painting had gone. As the time passed, I continued to pick up the card and found my collection growing, but there was still the ever present void. That void ate at me like a cancer and festered in my thoughts constantly. Did DeTirlizzi still have it? Did someone buy it?
I knew my collection would never be complete without it.
Many things would change over the coming years. College came and went, and I found myself married and living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Magic: the Gathering was the furthest thing from my mind, and I found myself walking away from the game. With all of my newly found responsibilities I simply didn’t have the time for the hobby. I decided to sell my collection of Magic cards, but hold onto all of my Goblin Games. During this transition, the Darksteel expansion of the Mirrodin block had been released and I found myself with well over 2,000 copies of the Goblin Game card.
The Kamigawa block had come and gone, doing nothing to piqué my interest in the game. Occasionally, I would search the internet in hopes of finding the original art. I continued to send DeTirlizzi emails; with no reply. By this point, he had become an accomplished children’s book illustrator. I had all but given up hope and found my interest waning.
“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.”
Michael Corleone
September 23rd 2006, I received a phone call from my close friend and teammate Paul Mastriano.
“They reprinted Psionic Blast!”
“What?”
“They reprinted Psionic Blast,” he stated emphatically. “I am at the Time Spiral prerelease and they have reprinted Psionic Blast!”
Those few words were enough to regain my interest and curiosity in the game. The sense of nostalgia appealed to me, and I decided to purchase a booster box of Time Spiral. The familiar rush returned as I opened the first pack of cards. The tension built as I searched the cards, my thumb pushing past each one. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had opened a foil Gemstone Mine, one of my favorite cards of old. It was as if I were seeing an old friend after many years. Instantly, my passion was rejuvenated.
With my interest in Magic restored, I began to actively search out Goblin Game. I was quickly buying all of the available copies from online dealers. My collection was growing out of control with several thousand, yet I was still unsatisfied. I still felt as if I was getting nowhere. Not only did I not have the original artwork but I also did not have an artist proof.
Artist proofs are very unique. Wizards of the Coast provides each artist several copies of the card on which their work is featured. These cards have a blank back and a standard front side. Proofs are intended to allow the artist to view their work as printed. Traditionally, artist proofs are only available through the artist. I scoured Magic related websites for any advice on how to locate DeTirlizzi, or anyone else that might have a Goblin Game artist proof, with no luck.
I continued to regularly send emails to Tony DeTirlizzi, but I wasn’t receiving a response. His website listed his wife Angela’s email address as a means of contact. Hoping my emails would be relayed, I attempted to message her. Still, I heard nothing.
September 30, 2008, is the day my luck would change.
As fate would have it, I was sifting through random websites searching for original art, something my wife and I enjoy. I stumbled upon an art gallery in Northampton, Massachusetts. The R. Michelson Galleries had been representing DeTirlizzi and had a number of his Magic: the Gathering artwork listed for sale. Unfortunately, Goblin Game did not appear to be available. Having nothing to lose, I emailed them asking about the piece.
Then, there it was; starring back from my computer screen:
…
From: R.Michelson Galleries
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 1:42 PM
To: Keil, Brian
Subject: Goblin Game
Hi Brian, we do have the original watercolor for The Goblin Game. The cost is $1600. Please let me know if you are interested of have additional questions. Best, Rich
…
I’d like to say that this email was greeted with an immense amount of joy. I’d always imagined that if this very moment were to occur that it would be grandiose and monumental. Of course, I didn’t expect the clouds to part and a bright beam of light to shine on the art as birds and cherubs flutter about, but seven years is a long time to look for something. I did experience much happiness, but the thing that I couldn’t get past was the price: $1600.
As I have previously explained, original Magic artwork is generally valued by several factors. During this time, Tony DeTirlizzi was having great success with his children’s book series, The Spiderwick Chronicles. This, coupled with the fact the art would be coming from a gallery, meant I did expect an inflated price. Just not $1600.
At the time, my wife and I made a modest wage. There was no way past it. $1600 was a lot of money to us. I quickly reviewed my finances and things looked grim. However, my wife, supportive as she is, rationed that this wasn’t a question of funds. The painting was priceless to me, and if it were to sell, I may never find it again. We decided to use our meager savings to purchase the painting. Fortunately, the proprietor of the gallery, Rich Michelson, was able to adjust the price to $1440. I would be able to take solace with the peace of mind that my search would finally be at an end… at least, I thought.
During all of this, I received an email from Angela DeTirlizzi thanking me for the interest in Tony’s work. Also, she indicated that they were both happy that the painting would be going to a home where it would be appreciated and admired. She apologized for the immense lack of response and stated that Tony was flattered that I had been trying to locate his work for such a long time.
I decided to have the piece mailed directly to my office, as I did not trust the post office to leave it unattended outside of my townhouse. I patiently waited for the art to arrive. The days felt longer than I’ve ever known. The wait was almost unbearable.
Then it happened.
I received a phone call to retrieve a package from the front office of my employer. Heart racing; I made my way to the reception area. I gathered up the parcel and dashed back to my office cubicle. Without skipping a beat, I feverishly tore at the box, getting closer and closer to the prize. Once inside, I was presented with the piece, wrapped in brown paper. I cautiously pealed it back and was immediately greeted by a familiar smile.
In addition to the artwork, the gallery included the original work order that Wizards of the Coast provided to DeTirlizzi. The art description called for Squee to be standing on the deck of the Weatherlight. It emphasized that this was a chance for humor. I didn’t think much of this until I stumbled on a unique piece of art.
After having past luck, I decided to search other art galleries to see what Magic artists are represented. While surfing the internet, I came across Spiderwebart of New Jersey. I couldn’t believe what I would see next:
I came to find that originally, Goblin Game was slated to be released in the Nemesis expansion. Wizards of the Coast commissioned the late Tim Hildebrandt to create the art. The piece was considered too harsh and was rejected. This explained why DeTirlizzi was later ordered to make the piece jovial and humorous when it was revisited in Planeshift.
Sadly, the rejected art had been sold and the gallery has no record of its whereabouts.
Having secured the original artwork, I decided to return my attention to obtaining more copies of the card. My collection continued to grow as I scoured the internet for new sources to purchase from. Also, I was continuing to search for an artist proof, but due to its limited quantity could not locate one. Although I was asking for help on several Magic related websites, no one seemed to be able to assist me. I decided to turn to the only individual that I knew that had direct contact to Tony DeTirlizzi, Rich Michelson.
…
To: “R.Michelson Galleries”
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 9:31 AM
Subject: RE: Goblin Game
Rich,
I am still looking for an artist proof for that particular card and art. Artists proofs are sent to the artist from the company that makes the game. They only make 50 of each card. They have a blank back so the artist can do a sketch if they choose. If you have any of these in the gallery or can get one from Tony, I would be interested in purchasing it.
Again, thank you.
…
A few days later, Rich replied back with some positive news.
…
From: “R.Michelson Galleries”
To: “Keil, Brian”
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:28:07 -0500
Subject: Re: Goblin Game
Hi Brian, Yes we do have an artist proof. I’ll talk to Tony about doing a sketch on the back, and get back to you with pricing. Both Tony and I are traveling, so if you don’t hear back from me by Nov 16th when Tony and I get together for the opening reception of the illustrator’s exhibit, feel free to send a reminder. Best, R
…
I could not have been more thrilled. I knew that obtaining the proof would take me one step closer to having an amazing collection. There was nothing more to do but wait on word from Mr. Michelson. In the meantime, I continued to utilize the internet to look for more unique versions of Goblin Game. During my search, I stumbled upon a fantastic website, Magic Librarities.
Magic Librarities is a gathering spot for some of Magic’s most elite collectors. Showcasing impressive resourcefulness, the libratarians are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful to one another. Each member displays a unique passion toward the history of the game and takes part in archiving it’s oddities and treasures. Everyone collectively uses their knowledge to chronicle the game’s past and visually displays all misprinted, promotional, and other unique cards. I could think of no better location than this to launch the next phase of my saga.
November 5th, 2008 I began the Goblin Game Project.
Often, during a trade or purchase of several Goblin Games, I would obtain foreign language versions. To this point, I had been keeping all of the Games in a 4,000 count card box. I decided it was time to organize them by foil and language amongst several binders. I divided the English copies away from the others and realized I had quite a few languages that I was missing. Planeshift was printed in English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Also, each language is represented by a foil premium version. This makes for a total of eighteen variations of each card available. After reviewing what printed languages of Goblin Game exist, I decided to obtain each version.
The hunt was on to complete a global set of Goblin Games. I created a thread on Magic Librarities and members quickly responded to my needs. Also, members were often sending me words of encouragement in working toward the goal of completing the Project. Over the next few months, several foreign foil versions trickled into my collection. In addition, several of the members were sending me English copies of the card to add to the collection.
As fate would have it, I was contacted by a member of Librarities who possessed a foil and non foil French Goblin Game. After communicating for some time, we settled on a trade that involved my Beta Black Vise and Aspect of the Wolf for the two Games. I mailed my cards to France and waited to receive my end of the deal. While this was occurring, I came across an online vendor selling over a hundred copies of Goblin Game; at a reasonable price. I purchased the lot and waited.
Time continued to pass, and I was growing concerned. I attempted to contact both parties and only heard word back from the vendor. Unfortunately, the lot of Games had been mailed but I did not purchase insurance or delivery confirmation. The chance of receiving the package was bleak. To make matters worse, I finally received word from Rich Michelson regarding the artist proof.
…
From: R.Michelson Galleries
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 11:11 AM
To: Keil, Brian
Subject: Re: Goblin Game
Hi Brian, We have one blank proof, which Tony can draw on. He sells blank back sketches for $85. Hope you are enjoying the work, and sorry you aren’t close enough to visit for tomorrow’s big event. Best, R
…
Combining all of the current factors, I was furious!
If you have ever purchased an artist proof from an artist, they are generally inexpensive. Of course, with any collectible, there are a number of factors that dictate the value of an item. Goblin Game is not an expensive card. In addition, it is near unplayable. This felt like pure greed, in my opinion. My response was filled with hostility and frustration.
…
From: “Keil, Brian”
To: “R.Michelson Galleries”
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:43:24 -0500
Subject: RE: Goblin Game
Rich,
I am shocked and appalled at such a price for an artist proof. I am not sure if it is heavily inflated as I would be going through a gallery, or because you are trying to take advantage of me. I have been collecting artist proofs for years. To give you an example of current prices:
Taken from the website of Jeff Miracola -All cards are $5 each except where noted.
Taken from the website of Alan Pollack -This is the complete list of Alan’s white-back artist’s proofs. The cards are $3 each plus $.50 shipping.
Taken from the website of Thomas Baxa -Magic Proofs are $ 5.00 each unless otherwise noted
I can continue quoting prices all day, but these RARELY sell above $20 and a sketch is generally done as a courtesy when purchasing proofs.
In fact, I purchased a sketched artist proof from an artist (Rebecca Guay) your gallery represents for $5!
Typically, if you buy a good amount of an artist’s work, they throw a few of these in with the deal.
I have been pretty happy with your service to this point, but this is a blatant slap in the face! According to Tony’s website, children can mail a copy of their book to Tony and he will sign it for free?!
I LOVE this artwork and highly respect Tony as an artist; I truly hope that it is you Rich that is trying to take advantage of me and not Tony! At this point, you have taken something I love and made it so that when I see it, I am flat out disgusted. If you are willing to come to a reasonable price, then let me know; otherwise you can laugh this off all the way to the bank with my already 1400$+ dollars.
Disgusted,
Brian Keil
…
As a matter of self principle, I refused to pay such a high amount for the proof. I really felt as if I were being taken advantage of in the situation. This was an extremely disappointing time… not receiving the lot of Games, the French versions, and now it appeared that I would need to continue searching for an artist proof.
I decided to copy Angela DeTirlizzi on the correspondences between Rich and myself.
“And why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.”
Thomas Wayne
A few more weeks passed. Having given up hope, I was surprised to find this sitting in my inbox:
…
From: “Angela DeTirlizzi”
To: “Keil, Brian”
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:05:05
Subject: Re: Goblin Game
Hi Brian,
I apologize for my delay in reply to this matter.
Tony and I are heading out of town for a few weeks in about 4 hrs, so I wanted to make sure I dropped you a note before we headed out.
I am really sorry for what I think sounded like a miscommunication. I would have never wanted to upset you or Rich.
First off, let me say Tony and I appreciate what a huge fan you are of his work and we would never want to take advantage of your enthusiasm.
Rich is not really familiar with the workings of Magic artists and the sketches that they do at cons and such. Most of the “sketches” of the artists that he represents run in the hundreds if not thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. I think he may have misinterpreted what you were looking for. I understand that you were inquiring for a proof with a sketch on the back that takes most Magic artists seconds to doodle.
We would be more than happy to send you an artist proof with sketch on the back at no charge.
I really appreciate your patience and understanding!
We will be in sunny FL for a few weeks and I’ll get in touch when we return to get you the proof.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Best,
Angela
…
I could hardly believe it!
Ironically, this news came on my birthday. I could not have asked for a better present. I felt like my luck had changed. There was no way that my day could get any better. However, that evening I received a package in the mail. All of the English Goblin Games that had been lost finally arrived. I was ecstatic. On this day, I experienced sweet success, and it tasted like cake.
The months passed and word was spreading amongst players and collectors about the Project. I was amazed at the response I was receiving. I was making contacts all over the globe and several more foreign Goblin Games were finding a home. In fact, a gentleman in Hong Kong contacted me to let me know he had a unique card that deserved to be added to the Project. I was able to add the first oddity:
I found myself in a position where I needed only a few cards to complete the global set.
April 17, 2009, I received the artist proof from Tony and Angela DeTirlizzi.
Not only did they send me a sketched proof for the Project, they included two blank proofs as well.
With the addition of the proofs, I had reached a point where I was missing only a Foil French, Foil Italian, and both Simplified Chinese versions. Thankfully, Libratarian members were able to locate both the French and Italian cards quickly. This still left me slightly discouraged. I had never even seen a non-foil Simplified Chinese Goblin Game. I was seriously doubting its existence.
April 1, 2009 was no ordinary April Fools’ day.
A Libratarian sent me a private message. He was hopeful that he had found both the foil and non-foil versions for me. Assuming this was a cruel joke, I didn’t share his optimism. However, he was quick to reply that he had secured the cards and would be sending them to me.
The cards arrived May 4th, 2009 ending my extensive search.
“Let’s just say that I have a number in mind and I haven’t hit it yet.”
Ryan Bingham
The past few weeks I find myself being asked the question, “What now?”
When I initially began my affair with Goblin Game, I never expected to reach this level of obsession. I’ve obtained the original art, completed a global set and, at last count, have 3,236 copies of the card. To believe I can obtain every copy of the card printed is foolish. I don’t claim to think I can come close. However, there is a number I would like to reach.
Eventually, I’m hoping to locate and own the alternate art. Though I have no leads, I have been searching for it for a number of years. I have no intentions to stop looking. As well, I would love to add a playtest version of the card to the Project, if one exists.
The past nine years have certainly been a labor of love. Goblin Game embodies my passion as a player and collector. It has been extremely influential in my fondness of Magic the Gathering. I am constantly surprised at how supportive Magic players and collectors have been toward my addiction. Through the years, I have received a number of parcels containing Goblin Games. People are constantly gifting cards to the collection. Surprisingly, there are a number of other collectors with similar projects. Fortunately, I have been able to form friendships with many of them. I cannot thank everyone who has supported me through the Goblin Game Project enough.
The next time you thumb through a bulk rare box and you wonder, “why was this card printed?” or “who would want this card?” remember that out there somewhere, that card has it’s very own Goblin Game Guy.