The collector appeal of Drain Life, card number 132 from the 1995 Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border expansion. This classic black sorcery is a staple for vintage Magic enthusiasts.
Drain Life
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border
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Description
Drain Life stands as a fundamental piece of Magic: The Gathering history, originating from the 1995 Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border release. As card number 132 in this expansion, it represents the core black mana strategy that defined early gameplay. Collectors value this card not just for its mechanical utility but for its place in the foundational era of the trading card game. The card functions as a Sorcery with a mana cost of {X}{1}{B}, allowing players to deal damage to any target while gaining life equal to the damage dealt. This unique mechanic, constrained by the life totals of opponents, creates dynamic decision-making moments that are central to the game's depth. The Foreign Black Border variant is particularly sought after by vintage collectors due to its distinct aesthetic compared to standard domestic prints. For those building a comprehensive collection of Magic: The Gathering cards, this release offers a tangible connection to the game's evolution. Drain Life, with its straightforward yet impactful effect, remains a recognizable title among fans and historians of the hobby. Whether you are a seasoned player or a new collector interested in the game's roots, this card provides insight into the strategic possibilities available in the early days of Magic. Its presence in the catalog highlights the enduring relevance of the Fourth Edition expansion in the broader context of collectible card games.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Drain Life
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{X}{1}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Spend only black mana on X. Drain Life deals X damage to any target. You gain life equal to the damage dealt, but not more life than the player's life total before the damage was dealt, the planeswalker's loyalty before the damage was dealt, or the creature's toughness.
