Magic: The Gathering Soul Burn (card 161) from the 1995 Ice Age set is a black sorcery that deals damage to any target while granting life gain based on mana spent.
1995 • Magic: The Gathering • Ice Age
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Soul Burn, identified as card number 161 in the 1995 Ice Age expansion, is a black sorcery card from Magic: The Gathering designed by Rob Alexander. Released under the ICE set code, this card represents the strategic depth of the late 1990s era, where mana efficiency and life total manipulation were critical components of deck construction. The card’s versatility allows players to allocate variable amounts of damage to any target, making it a flexible tool in both aggressive and control-oriented strategies. The mechanics of Soul Burn require the expenditure of black and red mana to determine the value of X, which dictates the amount of damage dealt. Upon dealing this damage, the player gains life equal to the damage dealt, capped by the amount of black mana spent, the target’s life total, a planeswalker’s loyalty, or a creature’s toughness. This unique constraint adds a layer of decision-making, forcing players to weigh the potential life gain against the mana investment. Collecting original Ice Age cards offers a glimpse into the foundational years of Magic: The Gathering. Soul Burn’s straightforward yet potent effect has made it a staple in various formats, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players exploring the game’s history. The card’s enduring relevance in casual play and its significance in the set’s lore make it a valuable addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. Whether you are building a vintage deck or seeking to complete a comprehensive set, Soul Burn stands out as a testament to the creative design of the Ice Age era.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Soul Burn
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Rob Alexander
Card Stock
English
{X}{2}{B}
Sorcery
B
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Spend only black and/or red mana on X. Soul Burn deals X damage to any target. You gain life equal to the damage dealt, but not more than the amount of {B} spent on X, the player's life total before the damage was dealt, the planeswalker's loyalty before the damage was dealt, or the creature's toughness.
FAQ
Soul Burn has a mana cost of {X}{2}{B}, requiring two generic mana, one black mana, and a variable amount of black or red mana determined by the player.
When Soul Burn deals damage to a target, the controller gains life equal to the damage dealt, but the gain is capped by the amount of black mana spent on X, the target's life total, or other specific values.
The artwork for the 1995 Ice Age release of Soul Burn was created by Rob Alexander, contributing to the set’s distinct visual identity.
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