• Phantasmal Forces (Original Art)
  • Phantasmal Forces (Original Art)

    Phantasmal Forces (Original Art)

    Artist
    Mark Poole
    Origin
    Netherlands
    Year
    1993
    Medium
    Acrylics
    Set/Console Name
    Alpha
    Console/Game
    Magic the Gathering
    C.O.A.
    no
    Painted A.P.
    yes
    Substrate Material
    Strathmore 100% Rag Illustration Board
    Substrate Dimensions
    6 1/2"H x 8 1/8"W
    Image Area Dimensions
    5 11/16"H x 7 1/8"W
    Frame Dimensions
    Unframed
    Handmade Protective Case
    YES

    Phantasmal Forces is a four-mana blue 4/1 flying Illusion creature, first printed in Alpha (1993). At the beginning of your upkeep, you must sacrifice Phantasmal Forces unless you pay one blue mana. It captures what early Magic was all about- risky but exciting cards with big payoffs. The “sacrifice unless you pay mana” mechanic was an elegant way to express the ephemeral nature of illusions. During Magic’s earliest times, most creatures were ground-based. Flying was a huge advantage, making it easier to pressure opponents. Its stats were relatively strong for its cost, especially in blue, which rarely got efficient creatures. By the time organized play began in the mid-1990’s, blue decks favored creatures like Serendib Efreet or Mahamoti Djinn that offered more staying power. This card has found a niche home in Old School (93/94), sometimes being played in decks like Mono-Blue Aggro or certain nostalgic builds. Phantasmal Forces is not on the Reserved List.
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