Strength of Unity

Strength of Unity was released in 2000 as part of the Invasion expansion for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. This set marked a significant milestone for Wizards of the Coast, as it was the first expansion set designed with a multi-colored theme, emphasizing the cooperation between the five colors of the game. The card itself reflects this thematic focus on alliance, depicting a scene of collective defense that aligns with the set's narrative of the plane of Dominaria uniting against the invading Phyrexian forces.

The card’s artwork was illustrated by Val Mayerik, a veteran comic book artist known for his work on characters like Howard the Duck. Mayerik utilized a bold, illustrative style that prioritized the action and unity of the depicted figures, aiming to visually communicate the card’s mechanical benefit of scaling strength based on the number of creatures on the battlefield. At the time of release, the card was received as a functional, mid-level utility spell for limited formats, appreciated by players for its ability to stabilize a board during the complex, multi-colored environment of the Invasion block.