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Essence Backlash

Essence Backlash

{2}{U}{R}

Instant

Counter target creature spell. Essence Backlash deals damage equal to that spell's power to its controller.

"The other guilds will learn the hard way not to interfere with our investigations." —Bori Andon, Izzet blastseeker

Illustrated by

Return to RavnicaReturn to Ravnica#160·Common·English
Oct 22, 2026
Market$0.11
Median$0.20
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Legality

LegalCommanderNot legalStandardLegalModernNot legalPremodernLegalLegacyLegalVintageNot legalBrawlLegalPioneer
LegalOathbreaker
LegalPauperNot legalHistoric
Not legalTimeless

Rulings

Oct 1, 2012

Essence Backlash can target a creature spell that can’t be countered. If Essence Backlash resolves, it won’t counter the spell but it will still deal damage.

Oct 1, 2012

If the creature’s power is * and it has an ability defining its power, use that ability to determine its power.

Oct 1, 2012

Abilities that change the power of a creature (such as the one of Collective Blessing) affect only creatures on the battlefield. They won’t change a creature spell’s power on the stack.