The rare foil Academy Elite card (VMA #55) from Magic: The Gathering's 2014 Vintage Masters release, featuring a Human Wizard with graveyard-based power scaling.
Academy Elite
2014 • Magic: The Gathering • Vintage Masters
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Description
Academy Elite stands out in Magic: The Gathering's 2014 Vintage Masters set as a compelling Human Wizard creature. Carrying the card number 55 and designated as a rare foil, this card appeals to collectors who appreciate the intricate mechanics of the trading card game. Designed by Volkan Baǵa, the card serves as a distinct entry in the Vintage Masters collection, which focuses on reprints from the game's most significant historical sets. The card's strategic identity centers on its interaction with graveyard resources. As a Human Wizard with a mana cost of {3}{U} and a mana value of 4, Academy Elite enters the battlefield with power and toughness equal to the number of instant and sorcery cards in all graveyards. This mechanic rewards players who build decks around casting spells, transforming the card into a formidable presence proportional to the game's history. Its activated ability allows players to remove a +1/+1 counter to draw a card and then discard one, offering a flexible resource exchange that fits into various control or tempo strategies. For collectors, the foil treatment adds a layer of visual appeal that distinguishes this version from standard prints. The Vintage Masters set itself holds a unique place in Magic history, curating powerful cards that defined earlier eras of competitive play. Academy Elite represents this curation by bringing a versatile creature into a format where graveyard synergy is often key. Collectors seeking to complete the Vintage Masters set or build thematic collections around wizards and graveyard tactics will find this card an essential component. Whether you are expanding your Vintage Masters collection or exploring the strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering, Academy Elite offers both aesthetic and mechanical value. The card’s design and rules text reflect the creativity of the game’s development, making it a noteworthy piece for any serious collector’s inventory.
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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
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Featured
Academy Elite
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Volkan Baǵa
Card Stock
English
Foil
{3}{U}
Creature — Human Wizard
0 / 0
U
Card Text
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This creature enters with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the number of instant and sorcery cards in all graveyards. {2}{U}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Draw a card, then discard a card.









