Matterbending Mage (SOS)

Creature — Human Wizard

When this creature enters, return up to one other target creature to its owner's hand. Whenever you cast a spell with {X} in its mana cost, this creature can't be blocked this turn.

Reliable bounce engine for tempo and control decks. Matterbending Mage offers immediate value on entry while providing evasion upside in decks built around X-spell payoffs like Expansion // Explosion or Aetherspouts. The bounce effect is efficient at three mana and slots naturally into blue's tempo gameplan, though it competes with other instant-speed removal and creature-based bounce options in formats like Pioneer and Modern. Best in Commander shells that lean heavily on X-spell synergies or as a tempo threat in limited.

Secrets of Strixhaven — Uncommon