Use it for black mana early on, then use it to feed something or blocking fodder. Also, extremely cool art.

  -- By mark schaefer from Metro DC on May 20, 2007

it's great in a green black it's cost one green for a 1/1 that gets you swamp when you dont have it. one life isnot much whenyour geting things that cost three on turn 2.

  -- By Anonymous from clevland ohio USA on February 06, 2006

Yes, there are mana converting Elves, and the Urborg Elf has more versatility, but as far as filling a niche as 'tap for black mana', this creature has it in spades. So it does a bit of damage. If you're playing even a splash of black you'll note a lot of self-damaging spells anyway.

  -- By Warfox from Las Vegas, NV USA on February 07, 2004

Its a 1/1 for 1 green mana that taps for black, but you lose life

  -- By MagicMasta from MagicCity on December 17, 2002