Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

Quick Facts

• Pokémon: Arcanine
• Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Growlithe)
• HP: 100
• Type: Fire
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
• Retreat Cost: 3
• Weakness: Water (×2)
• Abilities: None
• Attacks:
• Flamethrower: Deals 50 damage; requires discarding 1 Fire Energy attached to Arcanine.
• Take Down: Deals 80 damage but causes Arcanine to do 30 damage to itself.
• Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that has been long admired for its beauty. It runs gracefully, as if on wings.”
• Legality: unknown

Key Printings

This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Arcanine, card number 23. This is the only known printing with these exact attributes and artwork by Ken Sugimori.

Variants & Identifiers

• Set Name: Base
• Set Code: base1
• Card Number: 23
• Subtype: Stage 1
• Regulation Mark: None
• Print Variants: None known

Care & Storage Tips

To maintain the condition of this vintage card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its age and rarity, handle with clean hands and consider using a top loader or graded case for long-term preservation.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Base Set: The original printing of Arcanine features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and solid Fire-type attacks. It is a Stage 1 evolution with respectable HP and a moderate retreat cost, fitting the early game mechanics of the Base Set. This card is not legal in current Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with legality listed as unknown.

This Arcanine card remains a sought-after piece for collectors of the Base Set era, notable for its iconic artwork and nostalgic value.