Gavin Verhey explained how double-faced cards (DFCs) came as an evolution of flip cards on today’s episode of Good Morning Magic.
Long before DFCs showed up in Innistrad, flip cards made their debut in Kamigawa block. The cards attempted to show the transformation of characters with two mini text boxes on the top and bottom of a card with the art in the middle, illustrating the changing of the character. While the idea was novel and interesting, the practicality and functionality of the cards were dubious at best. The cards were hard to read, were confusing when tapped, and had a handful of rule issues. Due to these issues, the concept of flip cards hasn’t been revisited.
What the flip cards did accomplish, however, was set in motion a better way to show characters transforming with DFCs. By having one card with two different sides, multiple pieces of art could be used at full side and each face had the luxury of a full text box. On top of that, the cards function cleanly be looking like a normal card no matter which face is up.
While Verhey explained that it isn’t likely to see flip cards again, so prepare for more DFCs with the release of Innistrad: Midnight Hunt.