Essence Backlash
~$0.10 low · ~$0.21 high
Multicolor. Instant
Return to Ravnica #160 · Illustrated by Jung Park
Return to Ravnica #160 · Illustrated by Jung ParkWhat is Essence Backlash worth?
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TCGplayer market prices in USD, updated October 14, 2026. Each price is for one printing and one finish.
Oracle text
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
Format legality
The only printing of Essence Backlash
| Printing | Rarity | Non-foil | Foil | Cardmarket (EUR) | My collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Return to Ravnica rtr #160· 2012common· Cardmarket €0.11 · €0.27 foil | common | $0.10 | $0.21 | €0.11€0.27 foil |
Prices are TCGplayer market prices in USD for each printing and finish, via Scryfall. They are a guide, not an appraisal.
Where to buy Essence Backlash
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Card details
- First printed
- 2012
- Printings
- 1
- Mana value
- 4
- EDHREC rank
- #18,741 on EDHREC (Commander popularity)
- Artist
- Jung Park
Rulings (3)
2012-10-01
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.
2012-10-01
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.
2012-10-01
If the creature’s power is * and it has an ability defining its power, use that ability to determine its power.
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