"For example, if one breaks out as a very popular card and we need to reprint an in-world version at some point." Transformers isn't the only popular IP that Magic: The Gathering has partnered with recently, most recently announcing a Warhammer 40K collection
Usually, this two-mana creature goes into decks where most of the cards dont cost that much mana, and where the benefit of having an extra card each turn outweighs the downside of losing life
Having the capability to refill your hand on both attack and block is phenomenal no matter the situation
If an opponent destroys the creature youre targeting before your mutate effect resolves, then the creature you cast in mutate mode simply enters the battlefield as itself
Consider the way Iname, Death Aspect stocks your graveyard with Spirits to recur, to give you fuel for the Spiritcraft fire, while Iname, Life Aspect Regrowths them all to your hand, with its ueber-Spiritcraft ability
