While this concept of a serialized card isn't new for Magic, cards with very limited printing with each copy uniquely numbered, with arguably the most well-known offering being the 1 of 1 The One Ring from the Lord of the Rings set a few years ago
The Black Mage essentially gets a tweaked version of a core Vivi ability: he deals one damage to each opponent whenever you cast a noncreature spell, or three damage with a full party
The front side already earns its keep, a 2/3 deathtouch for one mana answers pretty much any creature
Finally, I uncovered a 55 page document entitled " Magic: The Gathering Tournament Rules." In section 3.3, under authorized cards, you'll find the following excerpt: "Cards that, unaltered, feature gold borders on their front or back
Grim Hireling Treasures changed Commander forever, and Im not sure what the format would look like now without all of those Lotus Petals running amok