Slumbering Tora

Slumbering Tora was released in 2005 as part of the Betrayers of Kamigawa set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. The set explored the second chapter of the Kamigawa block, a narrative heavily inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore, shifting the focus toward the conflict between the mortal world and the spirit realm known as the Kami. In the game's mechanics, this card represents the 'flip' card design philosophy prevalent in the block, where a permanent card is rotated 180 degrees to transform into a more powerful form once specific conditions are met.

The card was illustrated by Japanese artist Ittoku Kuwazawa, who contributed numerous pieces to the Kamigawa block. His design for Slumbering Tora captures the essence of the setting's aesthetic, depicting the tiger-like spirit as a dormant, stone-like entity before its awakening. While the card is often discussed by players for its unique logistical requirements in gameplay, it remains a notable example of the creative risks Wizards of the Coast took during this era to integrate flavor and mechanics through transformational card designs.