The Painiac card from Magic: The Gathering's 2017 Unstable expansion. This common Brainiac creature offers unique dice-based mechanics for casual and competitive play.
Painiac
2017 • Magic: The Gathering • Unstable
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Price History
$0.08
Description
Painiac is a notable card from the Magic: The Gathering Unstable expansion, released in 2017. Identified as card number 91 in the set, this Common rarity creature belongs to the Brainiac subtype and costs three mana to cast, specifically two generic and one red mana. Designed with a mana value of three, it enters the battlefield as a 0/3 creature, reflecting its role as a utility piece rather than a direct combat threat. The card’s primary appeal lies in its dynamic ability, which introduces an element of chance to gameplay. At the beginning of your upkeep, you roll a six-sided die to determine its power for that turn. This mechanic allows the creature to grow significantly stronger or remain weak depending on the roll, making it a fun and unpredictable addition to any red deck. The flavor text, "You're about to be struck by a brilliant idea!", adds a layer of humor typical of the Unstable set's design philosophy, which often parodies traditional Magic mechanics. Collectors and players alike appreciate Painiac for its creative interaction and the variety it brings to the table. Whether you are building a casual deck focused on randomness or simply looking to complete the Unstable set, this card offers a unique experience. The artwork by McLean Kendree complements the card's whimsical nature, though the mechanical depth is what truly sets it apart in the Magic: The Gathering universe. As part of the Unstable series, Painiac represents the innovative and experimental spirit of the set, appealing to those who enjoy strategic unpredictability. Including Painiac in your collection allows you to experience the distinct flavor of the 2017 Unstable release. It serves as a reminder of the game's ability to evolve and surprise, offering endless possibilities with each roll of the die. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering, this card is a testament to the creativity and diversity found within the game's vast array of expansions.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
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
Painiac
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
McLean Kendree
Card Stock
English
{2}{R}
Creature — Brainiac
0 / 3
R
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
At the beginning of your upkeep, roll a six-sided die. This creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the result.
"You're about to be struck by a brilliant idea!"







