The 2002 Magic: The Gathering Judgment expansion features Phantom Nishoba, a rare foil creature card designed by Arnie Swekel for dedicated TCG collectors.
Phantom Nishoba
2002 • Magic: The Gathering • Judgment
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$84.97 | Guide Estimate | -4.3% | ||
- $84.97
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- -4.3%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 25, 2026
Description
Phantom Nishoba stands as a distinct fixture within the Magic: The Gathering Judgment set, released in 2002. As a rare foil card bearing number 140, this product appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate design work of artist Arnie Swekel and the strategic depth of the era. The card’s unique identity is defined by its creature type, categorized as a Cat Beast Spirit, which offers a fascinating blend of thematic elements within the game's lore. From a gameplay perspective, Phantom Nishoba presents a high mana cost of seven, requiring a combination of green and white mana to cast. Its most notable feature is its entry state: the creature arrives with seven +1/+1 counters already on it, immediately establishing a formidable presence on the battlefield. This design choice allows collectors and players to engage with a card that commands attention without the usual ramp-up time associated with other large creatures. The card’s abilities create a synergistic loop that rewards aggressive play. It possesses trample, allowing excess damage to reach the opponent, while simultaneously granting the controller life equal to the damage dealt. This life gain mechanic is particularly valuable for sustaining long games. Furthermore, the card offers robust protection; it prevents incoming damage by removing a +1/+1 counter instead. This trade-off adds a layer of strategic decision-making, as the owner must balance the creature’s durability against its offensive potential. For collectors of Magic: The Gathering, this Judgment era card represents a tangible piece of gaming history. The foil treatment enhances its visual appeal, making it a standout addition to any binder or display case. Whether you are building a comprehensive set collection or seeking specific rare cards for their unique mechanics, Phantom Nishoba offers both aesthetic and functional value. The interplay between life gain, damage prevention, and counter management makes it a memorable card from the early 2000s expansions.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Phantom Nishoba
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Arnie Swekel
Card Stock
English
Foil
{5}{G}{W}
Creature — Cat Beast Spirit
0 / 0
G, W
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Trample This creature enters with seven +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever this creature deals damage, you gain that much life. If damage would be dealt to this creature, prevent that damage. Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature.






