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Decktrove
Essence Backlash
RTR · Return to Ravnica #160 · Common · released 2012-10-05
{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
Essence Backlash is a common red-blue instant from Return to Ravnica (2012). Recent market prices range from $0.10 to $0.21 depending on printing and finish. It is legal in Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Pauper, Oathbreaker and Penny Dreadful.
USD$0.09
USD Foil$0.21
Format legality
Where you can play Essence Backlash in sanctioned and popular formats.
StandardNot legal
PioneerLegal
ModernLegal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperLegal
OathbreakerLegal
HistoricNot legal
BrawlNot legal
Penny DreadfulLegal
All printings
Prices range from $0.10 to $0.21 across finishes. Cheapest printing: Return to Ravnica at $0.10.
| Set | No. | Rarity | Price | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return to Ravnica This page | 160 | Common | $0.10 | $0.21 |
More from Return to Ravnica
Rulings
Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (3).
- 2012-10-01Essence 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.
- 2012-10-01If the creature’s power is * and it has an ability defining its power, use that ability to determine its power.
- 2012-10-01Abilities 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Essence Backlash legal in Commander?
Yes — Essence Backlash is legal in Commander (EDH).
What formats is Essence Backlash legal in?
Essence Backlash is legal in Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Pauper, Oathbreaker and Penny Dreadful.
How many times has Essence Backlash been printed?
Essence Backlash has a single printing, released in 2012.
What is the cheapest printing of Essence Backlash?
The cheapest printing is Return to Ravnica (#160) at about $0.10.
Who illustrated Essence Backlash?
This printing of Essence Backlash was illustrated by Jung Park.