Cheapest priced copy (Tenth Edition): $0.35 at Card Kingdom, near mint, their price list as of .
Essence Drain 
Sorcery · Common · Darksteel · #43
Essence Drain deals 3 damage to any target and you gain 3 life.
Legal inCommanderModernLegacyVintagePauper
Not legal inBrawlStandardPioneer
5 printings · $0.35 to $0.49 at Card Kingdom
| Set | Number | Rarity | Card Kingdom | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenth Edition | 141 | Common | $0.35 | $0.49 |
| Duels of the Planeswalkers | 24 | Common | $0.35 | — |
| Darksteel | 43 | Common | $0.35 | $0.49 |
| Magic 2013 | 93 | Common | $0.35 | $0.49 |
| Salvat 2011 | 68 | Common | — | — |
One ruling from Wizards of the Coast
- 1 July 2012If the target permanent or player is an illegal target when Essence Drain tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t gain 3 life.