The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest expansion with this black instant card, Corpse Dance (#116). This versatile spell offers graveyard recursion with the buyback mechanic.
Corpse Dance
1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest
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Market Price Guide
| Condition | Value | Comps | Source | Price Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw / Ungraded | $30.53 | Unknown | Guide Estimate Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) | Source Observation Date Unavailable |
Price HistoryOver the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $30.53 to $30.53 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 4, 2026 and Sep 12, 2026: 0%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts. | ||||
Raw / Ungraded
$30.53- Comps
- Unknown
- Source
Guide Estimate
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)- Price Date
- Source Observation Date Unavailable
Price HistoryOver the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $30.53 to $30.53 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 4, 2026 and Sep 12, 2026: 0%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.
Price History
Description
Among the staples of this set is Corpse Dance, card number 116, a black instant that has earned a lasting reputation among collectors and players for its unique utility. Designed by Brian Snõddy, this card represents the strategic depth of early black mana strategies, focusing on resource recovery and temporary board presence. Corpse Dance allows players to return the top creature from their graveyard to the battlefield with haste, only to exile it at the beginning of the next end step. This temporary reanimation effect is particularly valuable in formats where card advantage and tempo are critical. The card features the buyback mechanic, an optional cost that lets the caster pay an additional mana to keep the card in hand after resolution. This design choice adds a layer of strategic decision-making, rewarding players who can manage their mana efficiently. For collectors, Tempest remains a cornerstone of Magic history, known for its iconic frame and impactful card designs. Corpse Dance stands out as a functional piece of this legacy, bridging the gap between nostalgic collecting and competitive gameplay. Its enduring popularity ensures that it remains a sought-after item for those completing the Tempest set or those who appreciate the innovative mechanics of the late 1990s. Whether you are building a collection of rare spells or studying the evolution of black mana, Corpse Dance offers a compelling glimpse into the game's rich history. By focusing on the identity and historical context of each card, we help collectors appreciate the artistry and mechanics that define these collectibles. Corpse Dance is a testament to the creative vision of the Tempest era, offering both aesthetic appeal and mechanical intrigue.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
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Featured Subject
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Featured
Corpse Dance
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
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Rare
Brian Snõddy
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Instant
B
Card Text
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Buyback {2} (You may pay an additional {2} as you cast this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) Return the top creature card of your graveyard to the battlefield. That creature gains haste until end of turn. Exile it at the beginning of the next end step.










