It's not bad. I think it would be better as a 1/3, but being able to block bears and survive may have raised the CMC or ability activation cost. As is, this probably misses a lot of cubes.
If this could trigger off artifacts, too, it would be soooooo much better. As is, I think it's a little too limited. I could see games where the ability just doesn't matter. In those cases, you have a 2/5 for 3. That's OK and all, but it's not winning you many games.
I'd be really said if an FTK or Burst Lightning (or any other removal) killed this before I could transform it. It's strong, but I prefer the reliability of the planeswalker versions (and run God-Pharoah).
Like probably everyone else, I play the jellyish, and I don't think they're either-or. In smaller cubes, you can probably only have one. In larger cubes, though, why not both?
FWIW, Aether Adept is still potentially relevant because the UU in its cost is good if you support blue devotion.
This isn't bad, but I think it's best in larger cubes (probably 630+), or those that feature a strong Zombie tribal theme. Probably a miss for me at 540.
While the activation cost is a little limiting, I think this still has good potential. Sacking a disposable creature for the chance to find something better is strong. I'll give this one a try.
I think this is a bit behind three of the black 3's currently in my cube (Drana, Flesh Carver, Ophiomancer). It may be better than Mardu Strike Leader. Either way, this merits a look. Even if you're mostly black, there are some very spicy reanimation targets later in the game.
Great writeup. I agree that this is not a great set for many cube managers, but I love the set overall. It's definitely reminiscent of the early days of Magic, just with fewer cards that actively suck. But hey, we all thought Craw Wurm was good at some point, right?
Also, I hate to be That Guy, but in your writeup for #17, you want Breeding Pit, not Breeding Pool. Man, I remember when the Pit was savage tech to keep your Lord of the Pit happy. Hooray for progress.
If I'm in W/B, this will make my deck. If I'm not, this goes in the sideboard in the hopes that I can bring it in for game 2. This isn't a bad card, but the floor is low, and I think that will confine it to large and/or peasant cubes.
FWIW, Aether Adept is still potentially relevant because the UU in its cost is good if you support blue devotion.
Also, I hate to be That Guy, but in your writeup for #17, you want Breeding Pit, not Breeding Pool. Man, I remember when the Pit was savage tech to keep your Lord of the Pit happy. Hooray for progress.