We’re proud to showcase our esteemed affiliate partner Rhystic Studies, the groundbreaking YouTube series that transforms Magic’s artistry and history into captivating documentary storytelling. Created by Sam, a scholar with a Ph.D. in Italian literature, Rhystic Studies asks deceptively simple questions that unravel into rich explorations of Magic’s cultural fabric. From foil card production to Phyrexian language mysteries, each video reveals how the game intertwines with art, design, and history. We spoke with Sam about his research process, his audience of fellow inquisitive minds, and why Magic’s legacy continues to inspire such profound analysis.
What’s the most meaningful or unexpected way your Magic content has impacted your audience?
I think the most impactful recurring comment I receive is that my videos resonate with people who don’t play the game. Many of my viewers tell me that they watch Rhystic Studies with their partners who don’t understand Magic, and I consider that a huge compliment. We all operate within a very niche microculture, and the ability to connect with folks who don’t have that context is a major goal of mine. It’s reaffirming when that audience responds with “I love your work even though I don’t know what the cards do.”
If you could describe your community’s vibe in three words, what would they be?
Introspective, curious, respectful
What’s one piece of Magic content you’ve made that you’re especially proud of, and why?
My documentary on Phyrexia was a major accomplishment that I still enjoy revisiting from time to time. I don’t like almost any of my videos, but that one sticks with me because of how much research was involved, and how the end result feels coherent. The section with Fernando regarding translation is probably my favorite piece of scholarship I’ve done in this space, and it’s a topic I’d love to revisit when the time comes.
Your videos often begin with a seemingly simple question that unfolds into a deep exploration – like ‘Why does Black Lotus have five petals?’ or ‘Who translates Phyrexian?’. How do you identify these starting points, and what makes a question worth building an entire video around?
In a meta sense, every video project often starts with a simple question – “where did Dandân come from?” or “who designed the first Lantern control deck?” or “what do Powerstone tokens do?” More often than not, I know very little about the topic from the outset, and that’s what carries me through the research process. I rarely commit to projects with which I’m familiar because it’s so rewarding to follow all the rabbit holes. I never know where they lead, and that sense of discovery is what keeps me coming back to Magic as a topic of study. All that’s to say – everything starts with a question, and I tend to revolve my story around a single inquiry in the final script as a framing device. It helps keep everything in order, and it promises a sense of reward to the viewer that follows to the end. I also just like asking questions!
With your background in Italian literature, how has studying historical texts influenced your approach to analyzing Magic’s lore and visual storytelling? Are there particular academic methods you apply to your research process?
Learning how to conduct research was a skill I developed in the Ph.D. program, but it often comes down to two major skills: asking questions (see above) and staying thorough with your sources. Research is iterative: every video project starts at A, meanders through B, discovers C along the way, which then forms a new hypothesis D, and by the end, we’re talking about JKLMNOP. Honestly, it’s so rare that the beginning looks like the end. Research is like that. Staying persistent and curious through the process is fundamental to ensuring high quality results. Nothing is linear, and embracing that sense of being “lost in the woods” is the best part. You have to hold yourself accountable, keep the bar high, and (almost) never be satisfied with what you find. There’s always more to the story. And that’s fun!
End Step
Our sincere thanks to Sam for sharing his expertise and for elevating Magic discourse through Rhystic Studies’ meticulously crafted videos. His work reminds us that every card contains multitudes waiting to be discovered. To support this unparalleled deep dive into Magic’s heritage, watch Rhystic Studies on YouTube and use his affiliate link cardkingdom.com/rhysticstudies when you shop with us. Here’s to many more revelatory journeys through the tapestry of Magic’s past and present.
Haelee has been a dedicated Magic: The Gathering player since 2003, she enjoys Commander, and regularly plays with her friends. With 14 years of experience in marketing, creative writing, and a background in theater tech, she brings a unique perspective to both her gameplay and storytelling. Known for her creative mind and deep appreciation for Magic’s lore, Haelee resides in Washington state with her wife, and cats.