Phantasmal Bear

Description

The Phantasmal Bear, designated as card number 70 in the Magic 2012 (M12) core set, stands as a recognizable entry in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Released in 2011, this Common card carries a mana cost of {U} and functions as a 1-mana-value, 2/2 Creature — Bear Illusion. The foil finish adds a distinct visual layer to this print, appealing to collectors who appreciate the tactile and aesthetic variations found within the M12 checklist. Designed by artist Ryan Yee, the card embodies the illusionist theme prevalent in the set's white and blue mana identities. From a gameplay perspective, the Phantasmal Bear offers a strategic defensive option. Its most notable feature is a triggered ability that requires the player to sacrifice the creature whenever it becomes the target of a spell or ability. This mechanic creates a unique interaction, allowing the card to act as a blocker or a sacrifice source for other effects, rather than a long-term board presence. The flavor text, attributed to Pol Jamaar, an illusionist, reinforces the card’s thematic role, suggesting that the perception of the creature’s reality is less important than the physical consequences of its presence. The foil treatment on this Magic 2012 card, numbered 70, adds a distinct finish to the common rarity Phantasmal Bear. Phantasmal Bear is a one-mana {U} Creature — Bear Illusion with 2/2 power and toughness that sacrifices itself when targeted by a spell or ability.