Looming Shade MTG Card

Looming Shade scales with mana, converting extra lands into increased combat power. Instant speed activation offers strategic flexibility, posing multiple threats to opponents. While potent, it requires black mana and card discards to boost, demanding careful resource management.

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 139s

Urza's Saga (USG)
1998-10-12 - Number 139

Seventh Edition (7ED)
2001-04-11 - Number 145★

Seventh Edition (7ED)
2001-04-11 - Number 145

Eighth Edition (8ED)
2003-07-28 - Number 140★

Eighth Edition (8ED)
2003-07-28 - Number 140

Ninth Edition (9ED)
2005-07-29 - Number 142

Ninth Edition (9ED)
2005-07-29 - Number 142★

Tenth Edition (10E)
2007-07-13 - Number 153

Magic 2010 (M10)
2009-07-17 - Number 103

Card sets	Released in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Shade
Power	1
Toughness	1

Text of card

: Looming Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Cards like Looming Shade

Looming Shade holds a unique position in the realm of creature cards with ability-based mana sinks. It bears a slight resemblance to cards like Drudge Skeletons which can also spend mana to avoid destruction. However, Looming Shade offers a more offensive advantage by boosting its power for each black mana spent, rather than just surviving combat.

Another card that echoes Looming Shade’s mechanic is Nantuko Shade. Nantuko Shade also has the potential to grow stronger with black mana investment but begins with a more formidable starting power. This gives it an early game edge over Looming Shade, although both share the flexible ability to become significant threats with enough mana available.

Comparatively, Shade of Trokair presents a different flavor by including plains cycling and the ability to pump its toughness. This creates a more defensive variant than Looming Shade, catering to players with a more conservative gameplay style. All in all, when mana is plentiful, Looming Shade is a noteworthy choice for those looking to press an attack and turn the tide of battle in their favor.

Cards similar to Looming Shade by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Looming Shade doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it rewards you for having a plentiful mana base. By using its ability to increase its power, the Shade makes each land you draw inherently more valuable. As you convert excess lands into raw power on the battlefield, you begin to leverage card advantage into field presence.

Resource Acceleration: This is where Looming Shade shines in decks designed around resource acceleration. Paired with cards that untap lands or generate additional mana, the Shade’s power can scale rapidly, turning it into a formidable threat. This synergy allows for efficient utilization of resources, propelling your game to a faster pace.

Instant Speed: The ability to pump Looming Shade at instant speed offers significant strategic versatility. You can pass the turn with untapped lands, thus posing multiple threats to your opponent. Will you cast a spell or boost the Shade’s power? This keeps your adversary guessing and can force them to play inefficiently, all while you efficiently manage your mana and threats.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of Looming Shade is its reliance on discarding cards to power up. Each boost to its strength costs you a card from your hand, potentially leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Looming Shade has an activation cost that specifically requires black mana. This can be limiting, as it necessitates a mana base that can consistently produce enough black mana to make the most of its ability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To get any real benefit from Looming Shade, a significant amount of mana investment is necessary. Other creatures or spells at a similar mana cost might offer immediate impact or come with built-in advantages that do not require additional resource expenditure.

Reasons to Include Looming Shade in Your Collection

Versatility: Looming Shade offers a unique adaptability on the battlefield. Being able to pump it up as needed means it can become a threat at any stage of the game, aptly fitting into various black decks that are mana-rich.

Combo Potential: For enthusiasts who enjoy assembling high synergy decks, this card’s ability to scale with available mana makes it a great piece in combo scenarios. Pairing it with cards that untap lands or provide extra mana can result in a formidable attacker that grows each turn.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where games can stretch into long battles of attrition, Looming Shade can become increasingly dangerous. Its perpetual threat grows as you continuously play lands, making it relevant in formats where establishing a dominant board presence is key.

How to beat

Looming Shade is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering that thrives in decks rich with Swamps. Its power lies in its ability to grow stronger with each black mana invested. As an opponent facing the Looming Shade, the key is to starve it of this resource or remove it before it becomes a threat.

Managing your removal spells effectively can negate the danger posed by Looming Shade. Consider using spells like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization to address it. Another strategy involves limiting the number of Swamps your opponent controls, thereby stifling the Shade’s growth. Land destruction or cards that restrict mana can play a significant role here. Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can act as a deterrent, as the risk of losing the Shade to a single block could discourage your opponent from attacking.

Ultimately, while the Looming Shade has the potential to become a formidable force, strategic play and timely intervention can ensure it remains a shadow on the battlefield rather than an eclipse.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Looming Shade MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Urza's Saga, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Looming Shade and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Looming Shade Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2009-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG	139s	1997	Normal	Black	Vincent Evans
2	1998-10-12	Urza's Saga	USG	139	1997	Normal	Black	Vincent Evans
3	2001-04-11	Seventh Edition	7ED	145★	1997	Normal	Black	Kev Walker
4	2001-04-11	Seventh Edition	7ED	145	1997	Normal	White	Kev Walker
5	2003-07-28	Eighth Edition	8ED	140★	2003	Normal	Black	Kev Walker
6	2003-07-28	Eighth Edition	8ED	140	2003	Normal	White	Kev Walker
7	2005-07-29	Ninth Edition	9ED	142	2003	Normal	White	Kev Walker
8	2005-07-29	Ninth Edition	9ED	142★	2003	Normal	Black	Kev Walker
9	2007-07-13	Tenth Edition	10E	153	2003	Normal	Black	Kev Walker
10	2009-07-17	Magic 2010	M10	103	2003	Normal	Black	Kev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Looming Shade has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal