Dread Reaper

Description

The Dread Reaper, card number 89 from the 1997 Magic: The Gathering Portal set, represents a significant milestone in the game's accessible history. Designed as an introductory expansion, Portal streamlined rules while maintaining deep strategic gameplay. This card is a Rare, six-mana Horror creature that commands the board with a formidable 6/5 power and toughness stat line. Its black mana identity makes it a staple for aggressive strategies that prioritize immediate impact. The creature possesses the Flying ability, allowing it to bypass ground-based blockers, while its enters-the-battlefield trigger forces opponents to lose 5 life. This combination of evasion and direct damage potential makes it a memorable piece for Magic: The Gathering trading card game card collectors. Artists and designers of the Portal era focused on clarity and power, ensuring that cards like this Dread Reaper offered straightforward yet potent effects. For investors and hobbyists, owning a piece of this foundational release provides a tangible connection to the game's evolution. The Portal brand continues to hold a nostalgic place in the community, and cards such as this one are essential for completing set collections or building themed decks. Whether you are a seasoned strategist or a new enthusiast, the Dread Reaper offers a classic example of early Magic design philosophy.