Giovanni’s Magikarp Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Giovanni’s Magikarp is a Common card (#73) from the Gym Challenge set. This lively Basic Pokémon comes with 30 HP and the headline attack Ancestral Memory. Its pared-back, swingy design makes it a neat pickup for collectors focused on classic Gym-era cards.

Quick Facts

• Type: Water
• Stage: Basic
• Retreat Cost: 1
• Weakness: Lightning (×2)
• Attacks:
• Ancestral Memory: Flip a coin; if tails, no damage and the attack cannot be used again while Giovanni’s Magikarp is in play. Deals 40 damage on heads.
• Flail Around: Flip 3 coins; deals 10 damage times the number of heads.
• Abilities: None
• Flavor Text: Unknown
• Regulation Mark: None

Key Printings

This card appears exclusively in Gym Challenge, identified by set code “gym2” and card number 73. As a Common, it’s more accessible than rare or holo cards yet remains a solid piece for a focused Gym Challenge collection.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants or alternate artworks exist for this exact printing. Key identifiers include its Water typing, Basic stage, and the unique attack restriction on Ancestral Memory. Ken Sugimori’s clean, iconic illustration style is a hallmark here.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality status: unknown.
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

• Gameplay: Both attacks are chance-driven. Ancestral Memory can hit hard but locks itself out on a tails result while this card stays in play, creating risk-reward decisions in casual or themed decks.

Care & Storage Tips

Keep the card sleeved and stored away from sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and warping. Given its common rarity but classic artwork, maintaining clean edges and surfaces supports long-term appeal. Minimize handling to avoid scratches and whitening.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Gym Challenge: Giovanni’s Magikarp appears as a straightforward Basic Water-type with simple yet chance-driven attacks. It fits well within the Gym Challenge theme, emphasizing Gym Leaders’ Pokémon with unique gameplay quirks. This set is known for its nostalgic appeal and classic art style.