The Diminished Returner, card number 9 from Magic: The Gathering's 2022 Alchemy: Dominaria expansion. This uncommon Phyrexian Skeleton creature features unique graveyard recursion mechanics designed by Bruno Biazotto.
Diminished Returner
2022 • Magic: The Gathering • Alchemy: Dominaria
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Description
The Diminished Returner stands as a distinctive creature card within Magic: The Gathering's 2022 Alchemy: Dominaria digital expansion. Identified as card number 9 in the YDMU set code, this uncommon Phyrexian Skeleton brings a unique strategic layer to the game through its specific graveyard interactions. Designed by artist Bruno Biazotto, the card captures the dark aesthetic typical of Phyrexian-themed content while offering players a mechanical puzzle to solve during gameplay. As a black creature with a mana cost of one generic and two black mana, the Diminished Returner enters the battlefield tapped, requiring careful timing for deployment. Its primary ability allows players to pay two black mana to permanently reduce its own power and toughness by one, then return it from the graveyard to the battlefield. This activation is only possible when the creature is already in the graveyard and possesses a toughness of two or greater, creating a dynamic cycle of decay and resurrection that rewards resource management. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering trading cards often seek out Alchemy: Dominaria cards for their unique digital exclusivity and innovative mechanics. The Diminished Returner appeals to those interested in graveyard-centric strategies and the intricate design philosophy of the Alchemy series. Its status as an uncommon card makes it an accessible addition to any collection, while its complex rules text provides depth for competitive and casual play alike. For investors and hobbyists, the Alchemy: Dominaria set represents a significant chapter in Magic's digital evolution. The Diminished Returner exemplifies the set's focus on reimagining classic mechanics for the digital format. Its enduring appeal lies in its clever design, which challenges players to think creatively about resource allocation and board state management. Whether you are building a deck around graveyard recursion or simply appreciating the artistry of card design, this card offers a compelling experience for Magic enthusiasts.
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Card Details
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Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Diminished Returner
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Uncommon
Bruno Biazotto
Card Stock
English
{1}{B}{B}
Creature — Phyrexian Skeleton
4 / 3
B
Card Text
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Diminished Returner enters tapped. {B}{B}: Diminished Returner perpetually gets -1/-1, then return it to the battlefield. Activate only if Diminished Returner is in your graveyard and its toughness is 2 or greater.










