# 1997 Magic: The Gathering Portal #173

> The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Portal set featuring Monstrous Growth (#173), a powerful green sorcery card designed to boost creature power.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 1997
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Portal
- **Card number**: #173
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Monstrous Growth, card number 173 from the 1997 Magic: The Gathering Portal set, represents a foundational element of early collector interest in the franchise. Designed for accessibility, Portal introduced simplified rules that allowed a new generation of players to engage with the trading card game without prior experience. This green sorcery card allows a target creature to gain significant power and toughness until the end of the turn, making it a staple for aggressive strategies in casual play. The card features artwork by Dan Frazier, whose style helped define the visual identity of the Portal expansion. Collectors often seek out Portal cards for their nostalgic value and historical significance in the game's evolution. As a common rarity, Monstrous Growth serves as an excellent entry point for new enthusiasts looking to build their first Magic: The Gathering collection. The card's straightforward mechanics and enduring utility make it a recognizable piece of TCG history. Whether you are completing a Portal set or simply appreciating the game's early design philosophy, this card holds a unique place in the lore of trading cards. The Portal series remains a beloved chapter for many veteran players who started their journey here.

## FAQ

### What is the Portal set in Magic: The Gathering?

The Portal set is a 1997 release designed to introduce new players to Magic: The Gathering with simplified rules and familiar fantasy themes. It is a foundational set that helped expand the game's global audience.

### What does the Monstrous Growth card do?

Monstrous Growth is a green sorcery that gives a target creature +4/+4 until the end of the turn. This effect significantly increases the creature's power and toughness for combat.

### Who illustrated the Monstrous Growth card?

The card features artwork by Dan Frazier, a prominent artist in the early years of Magic: The Gathering who contributed to many key sets during the 1990s.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.