Not Dead After All — Magic: The Gathering card

Not Dead After All

{B}
Instant

Until end of turn, target creature you control gains "When this creature dies, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control, then create a Wicked Role token attached to it." (Enchanted creature gets +1/+1. When this token is put into a graveyard, each opponent loses 1 life.)

Set Wilds of Eldraine
Rarity Common
Mana Value 1
Artist Randy Vargas
Collector # 101
Scryfall

Why Play Not Dead After All

At just one mana, this instant provides incredible value by turning any creature into a persistent threat that's difficult to remove permanently. Aggressive decks can use it to push through the final points of damage when opponents try to stabilize with removal spells, while midrange strategies appreciate the card advantage of getting their threats back with a bonus Role token. The spell works best when cast proactively on creatures about to die in combat or reactively in response to targeted removal, essentially turning a one-for-one trade into a two-for-one in your favor.

Format Notes

Pauper represents the format where this card shines brightest, as one-mana protection spells have historically been powerful in the format's removal-heavy environment. Standard and Historic also provide solid homes for the card in creature-based aggressive decks that need ways to maintain pressure through board wipes and spot removal. The card sees occasional Commander play in sacrifice-themed decks, though the single-target nature limits its impact in multiplayer games.

Combos & Synergies

Sacrifice outlets like Viscera Seer create immediate value by letting you sacrifice the enchanted creature to trigger the death ability while gaining additional benefits. Creatures with powerful enters-the-battlefield effects such as Ravenous Chupacabra become even more threatening when opponents know removing them just brings them back. The Wicked Role token synergizes well with enchantment-matters cards and provides additional reach in aggressive strategies through its life-loss trigger.

Learn More

Instant Token Standard Modern Pioneer