Jhessian Zombies MTG Card
2009-04-30 - Number 22
2011-09-02 - Number 56
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie |
| Abilities | Cycling,Fear,Islandcycling,Landcycling,Swampcycling |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Fear Islandcycling , swampcycling (, Discard this card: Search your library for an Island or Swamp card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then shuffle your library.)
Understanding Jhessian Zombies in MTG
In the realm of Magic the Gathering, creature cards form the backbone of many strategic plays, and the Jhessian Zombies card stands out as a formidable option in decks that aim to utilize graveyard and control strategies. The card joins the ranks of the undead creatures, offering some interesting comparison points with its counterparts.
Cards like Jhessian Zombies
Jhessian Zombies are part of a versatile family of cards that meld mana flexibility with utility. Their standout feature is unearth which allows them to be brought back from the graveyard for a single turn. When comparing them to other zombies, such as Drowned, which also operates smoothly from the graveyard yet lacks the unearth ability, the versatility of Jhessian Zombies shines through.
Another apt comparison is with Twisted Abomination. While the Abomination may boast higher strength and the useful swamp cycling ability, it doesn’t provide the same level of tempo advantage that the Jhessian Zombies’ unearth feature can offer in the late game. Furthermore, cards like Ghoulraiser present an alternative by potentially returning other zombie cards to the hand, yet this at the cost of being limited to random selection.
Through analyzing their utility and adaptability, Jhessian Zombies prove to be a solid inclusion for graveyard-centric decks seeking to maintain board presence and apply pressure, even from beyond the grave.
Cards similar to Jhessian Zombies by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Jhessian Zombies provides strategic flexibility by being a card that can be cycled away to draw a new card. This can be crucial when looking for more immediate answers or digging deeper into your deck to access key pieces in tense moments of gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: Despite its initial casting cost, these zombies offer a late-game benefit by being a sizeable threat that can be played from the graveyard with Unearth. This effectively gives you an extra creature without spending a card from your hand, optimizing your resource use.
Instant Speed: The cycling ability of Jhessian Zombies can be activated at instant speed. This allows players to remain responsive and versatile, adapting to the dynamic game state while potentially disrupting the opponent’s expectations and plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside to Jhessian Zombies is the discard element required to unleash its potential. In moments when you’re already at a card disadvantage, this precondition can further deplete your hand, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Building a deck around Jhessian Zombies can be challenging because of its specific mana cost. Requiring both blue and black mana, this card demands a commitment to a two-color deck, which potentially restricts its compatibility and the variety of decks it can be optimally played in.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of six mana, Jhessian Zombies come in on the higher end of the curve. This can be taxing, especially since there are alternative creatures available that might bring similar or more impactful effects onto the battlefield for less investment, leaving room in your mana pool for other actions.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Jhessian Zombies offer a dynamic role in decks that capitalize on graveyard mechanics or need reliable blockers. Their ability to enter the battlefield tapped can also be a strategic asset in decks designed around enter-the-battlefield triggers or effects that utilize tapped creatures.
Combo Potential: These zombies can become an integral part of combos, particularly in a Dimir deck where reanimation and control strategies are prevalent. Their unearth ability provides a surprise element that could unexpectedly tip the scales in your favor during a game.
Meta-Relevance: Given their resilience and unearth, Jhessian Zombies can be a strong sideboard option against aggressive decks that falter in the later game stages. Their value increases in a meta where stabilizing the board is key to outlasting your opponent.
How to beat
Jhessian Zombies stand out in the realm of blue and black creature cards. Their presence in Magic: The Gathering reflects the combination of control and tempo that can be crucial to certain game strategies. The card offers both landcycling and a hefty body, providing strategic flexibility. When squaring off against Jhessian Zombies, it’s important to consider removal spells that chip away at resources without investing too much.
One of Jhessian Zombies’ drawbacks is its mana cost. At six mana, two of which are colored, it’s slower to hit the board. Exploit this. Aggressive decks can race against such a late-game creature, while control decks might employ counterspells or removals like Doom Blade to prevent it from ever influencing the board state. It’s key to maintain pressure and not let the tempo swing in their favor.
Landcycling ability of Jhessian Zombies can also be mitigated. Cards that restrict graveyard plays or shuffle the graveyard back into the library can neutralize this advantage. In essence, keeping the pace swift and your options versatile will ensure these undeath warriors have little sway over the match’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Jhessian Zombies MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Jhessian Zombies and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Jhessian Zombies Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-04-30 and 2011-09-02. Illustrated by Ash Wood.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-04-30 | Alara Reborn | ARB | 22 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ash Wood | |
| 2 | 2011-09-02 | Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas | DDH | 56 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ash Wood |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Jhessian Zombies has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Jhessian Zombies card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-05-01 | A landcycling ability lets you search for any card in your library with the stated land type. It doesn’t have to be a basic land. |
| 2009-05-01 | Landcycling is a form of cycling. Any ability that triggers on a card being cycled also triggers on a card being landcycled. Any ability that stops a cycling ability from being activated also stops a landcycling ability from being activated. |
| 2009-05-01 | Unlike the normal cycling ability, landcycling doesn’t allow you to draw a card. Instead, it lets you search your library for a land card of the specified land type, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library. |
| 2009-05-01 | You can choose to find any card with the appropriate land type, including nonbasic lands. You can also choose not to find a card, even if there is a land card with the appropriate type in your library. |
| 2009-05-01 | You may only activate one landcycling ability at a time. You must specify which landcycling ability you are activating as you cycle this card, not as the ability resolves. |