Drifting Shade

Description

Drifting Shade, cataloged as card number 96 in the Magic 2012 set, is a Black creature card that has remained a recognizable part of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game since its release in 2011. Designed as a common rarity, this card offers players a straightforward yet mechanically interesting option within the Black mana color identity. The card’s type line identifies it as a Creature — Shade, a subtype that often appears in decks focused on graveyard interaction or evasion strategies. With a mana cost of three generic mana and one black mana, Drifting Shade enters the battlefield for a total of four mana, a power level that aligns with its modest 1/1 power and toughness stats. Its most significant asset is the Flying keyword ability, which allows it to bypass ground-based blockers and deal damage directly to opposing planeswalkers or players. This aerial trait makes it a reliable attacker in the early to mid-game phases of a match. Beyond its static abilities, Drifting Shade features an activated ability that requires sacrificing one black mana to gain +1/+1 until the end of the turn. This flexibility allows the card to trade favorably with larger creatures or survive combat scenarios that would otherwise eliminate it. While not a powerhouse on its own, this combination of evasion and temporary strength enhancement makes it a useful tool for controlling the board state. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out cards from the Magic 2012 core set for their historical significance in the game’s evolution. Drifting Shade, with its clean design and functional mechanics, represents the accessible, entry-level nature of common cards that form the backbone of many constructed decks. Whether you are building a casual Black deck or simply appreciating the intricate design of creature cards, this release provides a solid foundation for gameplay.