Black Summer

Black Summer is the nickname for the summer of 1996.

During much of 1996, Magic tournaments were dominated by Necropotence-based decks and anti-Necropotence decks like Turbo Stasis. Necropotence decks rose to prominence after Leon Lindback made 3rd place with one at Pro Tour New York 1996 (a.k.a. "Pro Tour #1"). Necropotence had come out with Ice Age in June 1995, but had been initially kept in check by Black Vise. When Black Vise was finally added to the Banned & Restricted List, it allowed Necropotence decks to dominate.