The Zabulous CosplayerHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Transformation Works

The Zabulous Cosplayer has a replacement effect as it enters the battlefield and a triggered ability at the start of your upkeep. You must use a search engine's 'random' feature to find a tournament-legal permanent card that isn't an Aura. Once selected, The Zabulous Cosplayer loses its own characteristics and gains those of the random card, though it crucially retains its ability to keep changing every upkeep. Because it becomes a copy 'as it enters', it will trigger any 'enters the battlefield' abilities of the card it copied.

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. As The Zabulous Cosplayer is entering the battlefield, or when its upkeep trigger resolves, you use a search engine to select a random permanent card. 2. The Zabulous Cosplayer immediately takes on the name, mana cost, types, text, power, and toughness of that card. 3. If it is entering the battlefield, it enters as that card, meaning it will trigger its own newly acquired 'enters' abilities. 4. During your next upkeep, the process repeats, and it will lose the attributes of the previous card to become a new one.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is forgetting that The Zabulous Cosplayer keeps its own copy ability. Even if it transforms into a land or a non-creature artifact, the ability remains part of its text, meaning it will continue to transform every upkeep regardless of its current card type. Additionally, remember that it cannot become an Aura. If your random search hits an Enchantment — Aura, you must skip it and roll again until you find a valid permanent type.

When to Play The Zabulous Cosplayer

This card is best used in casual formats where the variance of the entire Magic card pool can be embraced. Since it changes every upkeep, it is difficult for opponents to plan for, but it also means you cannot rely on it to stay a specific useful card for long. Play it when you want to generate unexpected value or simply to see what the 'random' button provides!

Interaction examples

Automated Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If you play The Zabulous Cosplayer and your random search results in Solemn Simulacrum, the Cosplayer enters the battlefield as the Simulacrum. Because it enters as a copy, the 'enters' ability triggers, allowing you to search for a basic land. If the Cosplayer is destroyed later that turn, the 'dies' ability will also trigger, letting you draw a card.

Type Selection Synergy

Roaming Throne

If The Zabulous Cosplayer becomes a copy of Roaming Throne as it enters, you will choose a creature type. If you choose 'Human', and later the Cosplayer (which is now a Human Golem) triggers its upkeep ability to transform again, Roaming Throne's replacement effect will not apply to itself, but it will have the Ward {2} protection until the next upkeep.