# 1999 Magic: The Gathering Mercadian Masques #53

> The Mercadian Masques Thermal Glider foil card is a 1999 Magic: The Gathering release featuring the 3-mana Human Rebel with flying and protection from red.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1999
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Mercadian Masques
- **Card number**: #53
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Released in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques expansion, the Thermal Glider card stands as a recognizable entry in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Numbered 53 in the set, this Common rarity card introduces the Human Rebel subtype to the White mana color. Designed by Mark Zug, the card offers a distinct visual identity for collectors of the late 1990s era. The foil finish adds a layer of aesthetic appeal, making it a sought-after piece for those who appreciate the tangible quality of vintage TCG cards. From a gameplay perspective, Thermal Glider enters the battlefield for a mana cost of two generic and one White mana. With a mana value of three, it provides a balanced stat line of two power and one toughness. Its primary strength lies in its evasion and defensive capabilities: it possesses the Flying ability, allowing it to bypass ground-based blockers, and includes protection from red, shielding it from red spells and sources. This combination makes it a resilient creature in specific strategic contexts, reflecting the design philosophy of the Mercadian Masques block. Within this context, the Thermal Glider foil represents a specific era of Magic design where creature types and mechanics were heavily integrated into the narrative. Whether you are building a complete set of Mercadian Masques or focusing on White-aligned Rebel decks, this card offers a piece of Magic history that remains relevant for study and appreciation.

## FAQ

### What abilities does the Mercadian Masques Thermal Glider have?

The Thermal Glider card features the Flying ability, allowing it to evade ground blockers, and Protection from Red, which prevents it from being damaged or targeted by red sources.

### Who is the artist of the Mercadian Masques Thermal Glider card?

Mark Zug is the credited artist for the Mercadian Masques Thermal Glider card, contributing to the distinctive visual style of the 1999 Magic: The Gathering set.

### What mana cost is required to play the Thermal Glider in Magic: The Gathering?

The Thermal Glider requires a mana cost of two generic mana and one White mana to cast, resulting in a total mana value of three.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.