Identify and acquire the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha Drain Life trading card (Card #105), a classic black sorcery from the original Magic: The Gathering set.
1993 • Magic: The Gathering • Limited Edition Alpha
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$65.20 | Guide Estimate | +16.8% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 10, 2026
Drain Life stands as one of the defining black sorceries from the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha release (LEA 105). Designed by Douglas Shuler, this card represents the foundational mechanics of the original Magic: The Gathering trading card game. As a common card, it played a pivotal role in early gameplay, allowing players to deal damage to any target while gaining life equal to the damage dealt, capped by the target's life total or toughness. The card’s design reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the early 1990s TCG era. Its straightforward text box and black mana cost make it a recognizable piece of collectible history for enthusiasts of the franchise. Collectors often seek out original printings like this one to complete set collections or to appreciate the evolution of game design in the trading card game space. For investors and hobbyists alike, cards from the 1993 Limited Edition Alpha hold a unique place in the market. The Drain Life card, with its specific card number and set code, serves as a tangible link to the origins of competitive and casual play. Whether you are building a vintage collection or studying the roots of the game, this card offers a direct connection to the original rules and artwork that defined the genre.
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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
Drain Life
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Douglas Shuler
Card Stock
English
{X}{1}{B}
Sorcery
B
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.
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