Axe of Despair [1st Edition] #MRL-E002

Axe of Despair [1st Edition] #MRL-E002 collector guide

About Axe of Despair

Axe of Despair is an Equip Spell Card, printed as MRL-E002 in Magic Ruler (2002) as an Ultra Rare. Magic Ruler was the third English booster set and brought Pegasus's Toon cards into the game. Magic Cards were later renamed Spell Cards and the set was reprinted as Spell Ruler, so Magic Ruler copies are the original printing. Ungraded, this printing ranks 36th of the 321 Magic Ruler cards we track. The top card is Blue-Eyes Toon Dragon at €223.11.

Character and collecting appeal

Its text is about changing ATK and DEF.

Version and identification

This guide covers the 1st Edition printing. The words "1st Edition" are printed below the artwork on the left; copies without them are the Unlimited printing and usually sell for less. Check the code printed below the artwork on the right: it should read MRL-E002. The E in MRL-E002 marks the European English printing. The North American printing uses a code without the letter, sometimes with a different card number, and has its own prices. It is the Ultra Rare version. Ultra Rares have a gold-foil name and holographic artwork. Magic Ruler has 3 other printings of Axe of Despair: MRL-002 (€4.99), MRL-002 1st Edition (€16.80) and MRL-E002. Each has its own price, so match the code, edition and rarity exactly.

Price history

Today an ungraded copy of this printing sells for about €11.23. Of the 3 printings of Axe of Despair we track, this one ranks 2nd by ungraded value. The most valuable is Magic Ruler MRL-002 1st Edition at €16.80.

Investment potential

In its favour: it comes from the 1st Edition run of an early English set, which will never be printed again. Against it: thin trading, so selling quickly can mean accepting a lower price. Card prices can fall as well as rise, so this is not financial advice.

Before you buy

Expect to pay around €11.23 for a clean ungraded copy; played copies sell for less. Ask the seller to show the code MRL-E002, the "1st Edition" text and the Ultra Rare finish clearly in the photos, as listing titles often mix up printings. Cards from 2002 often show white wear on the back edges and corners, so ask for photos of the back before you buy.

Card details and image from YGOPRODeck. Yu-Gi-Oh! is a trademark of Konami; Search Cards is not affiliated with Konami.