The 2002 Onslaught expansion with the foil Riptide Biologist card, a Human Wizard featuring the versatile Morph mechanic and card number 106.
Riptide Biologist
2002 • Magic: The Gathering • Onslaught
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Price History
$0.44
Description
Riptide Biologist is a Human Wizard creature with a mana value of two, making it a staple for players building blue-based decks during that era. The card's ability to be cast face down as a 2/2 creature for a generic mana cost, then flipped face up for its morph cost, added strategic depth to gameplay that many enthusiasts still appreciate today. For collectors, the foil treatment adds a distinct layer of appeal to this common rarity. The shimmering finish contrasts with the standard non-foil print runs, making it a desirable piece for those who focus on variant collecting rather than just set completion. Artist Justin Sweet provided the original artwork for this card, and while the visual details are best appreciated in hand, the foil stamping brings a premium feel to the card's surface. Whether you are interested in the strategic history of the Morph mechanic or the visual impact of foil cards from the early 2000s, this release offers a tangible connection to that period of TCG history. It serves as a fascinating artifact for those studying the evolution of card mechanics and the artistic styles of the Onslaught block. Collecting foil cards from this era allows enthusiasts to experience the physicality of the game as it was presented in major tournaments and casual play alike. The foil Riptide Biologist is not just a game piece but a collectible item that represents a specific moment in Magic's design philosophy. Its enduring presence in the secondary market highlights the continued interest in the Onslaught set's unique mechanics and aesthetic.
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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
Riptide Biologist
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Justin Sweet
Card Stock
English
Foil
{1}{U}
Creature — Human Wizard
1 / 2
U
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Protection from Beasts Morph {2}{U} (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for {3}. Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.)
"I gave it two choices: life in the lab or death in the hunt."






