Sea Serpent

Description

The Sea Serpent, numbered 78 in the 1994 Foreign Black Border set, stands as a defining blue creature in the early history of Magic: The Gathering. Designed by Jeff A. Menges, this Common card requires five generic mana and one blue mana to cast, resulting in a formidable 5/5 power and toughness. Its unique rules text introduces a distinct strategic layer: it cannot attack unless the defending player controls an Island, and it must be sacrificed if the controller lacks any Islands on the battlefield. This mechanic forces players to carefully manage their land resources and assess board states before engaging in combat. Collectors often seek this card for its role in the foundational Foreign Black Border series, which established the visual and mechanical standards for the game. Completing a set of these early releases offers a tangible connection to the origins of competitive trading card gaming. The Sea Serpent remains a notable piece for those studying the evolution of blue deck strategies and the artistic direction of the game's first major expansion.