Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician

Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician was originally introduced in the 2006 Magic: The Gathering set Time Spiral. Designed by Aaron Forsythe, the card reflects the set's thematic focus on nostalgia and the complex history of the game's setting, specifically the chaotic nature of the Goblin race on the plane of Dominaria. The artwork, illustrated by Dan Dos Santos, captures the essence of a tactical yet manic leader, using the character's unique ability to sacrifice goblins to generate damage as a literal manifestation of goblin warfare.

The inclusion of this specific printing in The List is part of a curated initiative by Wizards of the Coast to reintroduce iconic or mechanically interesting cards from throughout the game's long history into modern play environments. By featuring the original Time Spiral frame and art, the card preserves its aesthetic identity while serving as a bridge between the game's past iterations and contemporary collection habits. It is widely regarded by players as a flavorful, high-variance card that encapsulates the strategic risks inherent in red-aligned tribal decks.