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 blastseekerEssence Backlash
Artwork unavailable- wotc
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.
- wotc
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.
- wotc
If the creature’s power is * and it has an ability defining its power, use that ability to determine its power.
Format legality
Legality follows the dated Scryfall catalog snapshot.
For draft and prerelease, check the event’s release and rules. Missing statuses stay unavailable.
Official Magic rules| Format | Status |
|---|---|
| Standard | Not legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Alchemy | Not legal |
| Historic | Not legal |
| Brawl | Not legal |
| Comp. Brawl | Not legal |
| Timeless | Not legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
For draft and prerelease, check the event’s release and rules.
Viewing this printing
About this printingSet, collector number and language identify this edition. Reference prices are dated snapshots, not live offers or stock. Checked dates show successful price checks; Catalog dates show imported prices. Refresh due means an update is due. USD references come from TCGplayer; EUR references come from Cardmarket, via Scryfall. Missing prices are unavailable.
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View printing on ScryfallReturn to Ravnica
En · Paper · MTGO
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