Illusion // Reality

Illusion // Reality was originally printed as a split card in the 2001 Invasion expansion for Magic: The Gathering, designed to offer players flexible utility by choosing between two distinct effects on a single card. Its inclusion in the 2023 Dominaria Remastered set marked a return to this mechanic, featuring updated visual presentation while honoring the set's focus on historical highlights from the plane of Dominaria. The card embodies the tactical depth of the Invasion block, where split cards first introduced the concept of modular spellcasting.

The artwork for this version credits John Avon and David Martin, reflecting a collaborative approach to the split card format where two distinct artistic styles meet to represent opposing magical concepts. John Avon is widely recognized for his atmospheric land illustrations, while David Martin provided the surreal, figurative elements that define the dual nature of the card. The piece was received by the community as a nostalgic inclusion that preserved the mechanical integrity of the original while benefiting from the refined card frame treatments typical of modern remaster sets.