Academy Elite
Commander 2016 81 • rare
- Set
- Commander 2016
- Collector number
- 81
- Rarity
- Rare
- Mana cost
- 3 generic mana blue mana
- Type
- Creature
- Colors
- Blue
- Artist
- Volkan Baǵa
- Market price
- $0.28
What it does
This creature enters with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the number of instant and sorcery cards in all graveyards.
2 generic mana blue mana, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Draw a card, then discard a card.
Where you can play it
- StandardNot legal
- PioneerNot legal
- ModernNot legal
- LegacyLegal
- VintageLegal
- CommanderLegal
- PauperNot legal
- BrawlNot legal
- HistoricNot legal
- TimelessNot legal
- Penny DreadfulLegal
- OathbreakerLegal
Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. As of the last catalogue refresh.
Where to find one
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Where it came from
Academy Elite was released in 2016 as part of the Commander 2016 set, a collection specifically designed for the Magic: The Gathering Commander format. The card represents a departure from traditional competitive play, focusing instead on the multiplayer, social gameplay environment that defines the Commander format. It was created during a period when Wizards of the Coast was expanding the depth of non-legendary support cards to enhance the strategic viability of four-color commander decks, which were the primary theme of the 2016 release.
The card features artwork by illustrator Anna Steinbauer, who is recognized for her ethereal and detailed contributions to the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Her work on Academy Elite leans into the high-fantasy aesthetic of the Izzet League, utilizing vibrant blues and oranges to signify the frantic, intellectual energy associated with the wizarding schools of Ravnica. Upon its release, the card was viewed by players as a specialized tool for draw-heavy decks, appreciated for its ability to reward players who maintain a strong presence on the battlefield, reflecting the broader design goal of encouraging interactive, creature-focused play.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
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About Academy Elite
Academy Elite is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. Commander 2016 81 • rare. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
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