The 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shadowmoor release features Aphotic Wisps as card number 55. This common foil instant offers a unique strategic effect for collectors and players.
Aphotic Wisps
2008 • Magic: The Gathering • Shadowmoor
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$11.49 | Guide Estimate | +3% | ||
- $11.49
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +3%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Sep 25, 2026
Description
Aphotic Wisps is a common Instant card from the 2008 Magic: The Gathering Shadowmoor set, designated as card number 55. As a single-black mana spell, it provides a versatile tactical option within the game's strategic landscape. The card allows the player to target a creature, changing its color to black and granting it the fear ability until the end of the turn. This mechanical shift significantly impacts gameplay by restricting how opponents can block the targeted creature, allowing it to be blocked only by artifact creatures or other black creatures. Additionally, the spell includes a secondary effect that lets the player draw a card, offering both immediate board control and resource advantage. The card’s flavor text hints at the dark, swampy atmosphere of the Wanderbrine, where merrows are described as skulking in silty bogs with thoughts stained by evil. This narrative detail enhances the immersive experience of the Magic: The Gathering universe, connecting the card’s mechanical function to the broader story of the plane. For collectors, the foil finish of this card adds a layer of visual appeal, distinguishing it from the non-foil versions. The artwork is created by Jim Nelson, whose design contributes to the set's cohesive aesthetic. While Aphotic Wisps is a common rarity, its unique combination of color alteration, fear, and card draw makes it a interesting piece for those who appreciate the strategic nuances of single-color decks. Whether used in casual games or collected for its set identity, this card represents a solid entry in the Shadowmoor collection. The marketplace caters to those who value the history and mechanics of the game, ensuring that collectors can build their libraries with confidence. By focusing on the card's identity and role within the Shadowmoor set, collectors can appreciate the design choices that make Magic: The Gathering a enduring hobby.
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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
Aphotic Wisps
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Common
Jim Nelson
Card Stock
English
Foil
{B}
Instant
B
Card Text
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Target creature becomes black and gains fear until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by artifact creatures and/or black creatures.) Draw a card.
Merrows skulk the silty bogs around the Wanderbrine, their very thoughts stained with evil.






