Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Carnivine (Dark Explorers #5)

    Collector’s Guide: Carnivine (Dark Explorers #5)

    Carnivine Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #5

    Character Intro

    Carnivine from the Dark Explorers set is a rare card numbered 5. It has 90 HP and features the attack Lure Poison. This vibrant Pokémon stands out with its unique design and solid stats.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 5 Rare 90 Yukiko Baba
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Resistance: Water (-20)
    • Flavor Text: It binds itself to trees on marshes. It attracts prey with its sweet-smelling drool and gulps them down.
    • Illustrator: Yukiko Baba
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set, card number 5. It is a rare Basic Pokémon card featuring two attacks:

    • Lure Poison: switches the opponent’s Defending Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon and poisons it.
    • Spit Squall: forces the opponent to return the Defending Pokémon and all attached cards to their hand.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It can be identified by its set code “bw5,” card number 5, and the distinctive illustration by Yukiko Baba. The card’s rarity is marked as Rare, and it carries no regulation mark.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique attacks offer strategic disruption by manipulating the opponent’s board state, though its playability in official formats is uncertain.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant artwork and rare status, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures to maintain card integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Carnivine as a rare Basic Grass-type Pokémon, showcasing unique disruptive attacks and detailed art by Yukiko Baba. The set focuses on intriguing Pokémon from the Black & White era, with Carnivine standing out for its thematic flavor and tactical potential.

    This guide covers the exact Dark Explorers printing of Carnivine, card number 5, a collectible piece for fans of the Black & White series.

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    Carnivine (Dark Explorers) #5

  • Collector’s Guide: Woobat (Dark Explorers #50)

    Collector’s Guide: Woobat (Dark Explorers #50)

    Woobat Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #50

    Character Intro

    Woobat from the Dark Explorers set (#50) is a Common, Basic Psychic-type Pokémon with 50 HP. With its straightforward design and the attack Heart Stamp, it’s a charming, easy add to any Black & White-era collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 50 Common 50 Kagemaru Himeno
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -20
    • Attacks:
    • Supersonic: Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Confused.
    • Heart Stamp: Deals 20 damage.
    • Flavor Text: Suction from its nostrils enables it to stick to cave walls during sleep. It leaves a heart-shaped mark behind.
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Woobat appears in the Black & White series set Dark Explorers as card number 50. As a Common, it’s relatively accessible for collectors focusing on this set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Woobat. It is identified by set code “bw5” and card number 50, featuring the Psychic type and Basic stage.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before including it in decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common with delicate artwork by Kagemaru Himeno, store this Woobat in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve color and condition.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Features Woobat as a Basic Psychic-type with straightforward attacks and flavor text highlighting its cave-dwelling behavior—ideal for Black & White-era common Pokémon collections.

    This Woobat card is a solid addition for collectors interested in Psychic-type Pokémon or the Dark Explorers set, offering charming artwork and simple gameplay mechanics.

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    Woobat (Dark Explorers) #50

  • Collector’s Guide: Yamask (Dark Explorers #51)

    Collector’s Guide: Yamask (Dark Explorers #51)

    Yamask (Dark Explorers 51) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Yamask from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 51 with 60 HP. This intriguing Pokémon features the attack Astonish, adding a subtle strategic element to gameplay. Its modest stats make it a unique addition for collectors focusing on this set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 51 Uncommon 60 Aya Kusube
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Evolves From: None

    Key Printings

    This Yamask is the Dark Explorers printing with set code bw5-51. It is an uncommon card with no known alternate print variants. Its single attack, Astonish, costs one Colorless energy, deals 10 damage, and can disrupt the opponent’s hand.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or special editions of this Yamask card. It is identified by its set code bw5-51 and the illustrator Aya Kusube. The card’s Psychic typing and Basic stage classification help distinguish it from other Yamask cards in different sets.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before including it in decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s detailed artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity, maintaining mint condition can help retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Yamask as a Basic Psychic-type with a unique attack that can disrupt opponents by shuffling a revealed card from their hand back into their deck. The set’s dark theme complements Yamask’s eerie lore and design.

    Yamask Dark Explorers 51

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    Yamask (Dark Explorers) #51

  • Collector’s Guide: Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers #52)

    Collector’s Guide: Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers #52)

    Cofagrigus Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #52

    Character Intro

    Cofagrigus is a Rare Psychic-type Stage 1 from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 52. With 100 HP and the attack Chuck, this striking kawayoo-illustrated card adds a distinctive presence to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 52 Rare 100 kawayoo
    • HP: 100
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Yamask)
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • No resistances or abilities
    • Attacks:
    • Chuck: Discard any number of Pokémon Tool cards from your hand to deal 40 damage per card discarded.
    • Lock Up: Deals 40 damage and prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn.
    • Flavor Text: “It has been said that they swallow those who get too close and turn them into mummies. They like to eat gold nuggets.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 52. It is a rare Psychic-type Stage 1 card illustrated by kawayoo. The card does not have a regulation mark or release date listed.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by set code “bw5” and card number 52. The card’s market reference query is “Cofagrigus Dark Explorers 52.” The image for this printing is available at /images/bw5/bw5-52.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Its unique attacks provide tactical options, especially the “Chuck” attack which scales with discarded Pokémon Tool cards, and “Lock Up,” which restricts opponent movement.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s rare status and vibrant illustration by kawayoo, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Cofagrigus as a rare Psychic-type Stage 1 card with strategic attacks and a haunting flavor text. It fits well into decks that utilize Pokémon Tool cards and control tactics.

    Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers) #52

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    Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers) #52

  • Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers 53) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Aerodactyl from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card with 90 HP. It features the striking ability Ancient Scream and a powerful Wing Attack. This card is numbered 53 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 53 Rare 90 Naoyo Kimura
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Restored
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Ability: Ancient Scream — boosts your Pokémon’s attacks by 10 damage against the Active Pokémon before Weakness and Resistance apply.
    • Attack: Wing Attack — deals 40 damage with a cost of three Colorless energies.
    • Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades.”
    • Rules: Can only be put onto your Bench with the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Key Printings

    Focus: the Aerodactyl card from the Dark Explorers set, card number 53. It is a Rare card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Aerodactyl card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “bw5” and card number 53. The card features the subtype “Restored,” linking it to its evolutionary origin from Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It has a specific play rule requiring it to be placed on the Bench only through the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique evolutionary mechanic, keeping it in a binder or top-loader is recommended to avoid edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Aerodactyl as a Restored Pokémon, emphasizing prehistoric themes and unique evolutionary mechanics. The card’s Fighting type and Ancient Scream ability make it a distinctive addition to the set’s roster.

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

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    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

  • Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Groudon-EX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Groudon-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX with a commanding presence. It has 180 HP and the standout attack Giant Claw. As card number 54 in the set, it’s a noteworthy pull for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 54 Rare Holo EX 180 Shizurow
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Attacks:
    • Tromp: Deals 20 damage and 10 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
    • Giant Claw: Deals 80+ damage, with an additional 40 damage if the Defending Pokémon already has 2 or more damage counters.
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the single known printing of Groudon-EX from Dark Explorers, card number 54. It is a Rare Holo EX with no evolutions and no special abilities beyond its attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. It is identified by set code “bw5-54” and illustrator Shizurow. The card’s image can be found at:
    Groudon-EX

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its high retreat cost and the Pokémon-EX rule make it a strategic choice in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve to preserve the Rare Holo EX finish and detailed artwork.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Groudon-EX appears as a powerful Basic EX Fighting-type Pokémon with strong bench-targeting and high-damage attacks, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and strength. The set’s release date is unknown.

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    Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers) #54

  • Collector’s Guide: Drilbur (Dark Explorers #55)

    Collector’s Guide: Drilbur (Dark Explorers #55)

    Drilbur Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #55

    Character Intro

    Drilbur from the Dark Explorers set is a Common, number 55, with 70 HP. This energetic Basic Fighting-type features the straightforward attack Scratch, making it a clean, early-stage pickup for collectors who appreciate simple, classic designs.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 55 Common 70 Tomokazu Komiya
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • HP: 70
    • Attack: Scratch (30 damage, costs 2 Fighting Energy)
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Resistance: Lightning (-20)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Flavor Text: It makes its way swiftly through the soil by putting both claws together and rotating at high speed.
    • Illustrator: Tomokazu Komiya
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Dark Explorers printing of Drilbur, card number 55. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities, featuring a single attack named Scratch that deals 30 damage.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Drilbur card. Identifiers include the set code “bw5” and the card number “55.” The card is classified as a Basic Pokémon with Fighting type and Basic subtype.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. No additional tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Handle gently to avoid bending or surface wear—especially relevant for commons that see frequent handling.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Drilbur as a Common Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with a simple but effective attack. The card’s artwork and flavor text emphasize its digging ability, making it a thematic fit for the set’s exploration motif.

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    Drilbur (Dark Explorers) #55

  • Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #56)

    Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #56)

    Excadrill Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #56

    Character Intro

    Excadrill from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card numbered 56, boasting a solid 120 HP. This sturdy Pokémon features the attack Dig Uppercut, adding a dynamic edge to its gameplay. Its design captures the essence of a powerful underground digger.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 56 Rare 120 Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Drilbur)
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Flavor Text: More than 300 feet below the surface, they build mazelike nests. Their activity can be destructive to subway tunnels.

    Key Printings

    This card is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set (set code: bw5).

    Attacks

    • Tunnel Strike: Deals 30 damage to an opponent’s Benched Pokémon without applying Weakness or Resistance.
    • Dig Uppercut: Deals 50 damage and allows you to retrieve a card from your discard pile.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the card number 56 in the Dark Explorers set and has no regulation mark. The illustrator is Mitsuhiro Arita, whose artwork is a notable feature of this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No additional tournament play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant illustration and maintain its condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed artwork, handling with clean hands or gloves is recommended.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Excadrill as a powerful Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with versatile attacks that support both offense and resource recovery. The card’s design emphasizes its underground, tunnel-digging nature, fitting the set’s darker theme.

    Excadrill Dark Explorers 56

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    Excadrill (Dark Explorers) #56

  • Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #57)

    Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #57)

    Excadrill Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #57

    Character Intro

    Excadrill from the Dark Explorers set is a rare card numbered 57 with 120 HP. This sturdy Pokémon features the dynamic attack Mach Claw, emphasizing its powerful digging abilities and the theme of a fierce underground explorer.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 57 Rare 120 Masakazu Fukuda
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Drilbur)
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Attacks:
    • Reinforced Drill: Does 50+ damage, with an additional 30 damage if a Pokémon Tool card is attached.
    • Mach Claw: Deals 70 damage and ignores Resistance.
    • Flavor Text: It can help in tunnel construction. Its drill has evolved into steel strong enough to bore through iron plates.
    • Card Number: bw5-57
    • Set: Dark Explorers (Black & White series)
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Excadrill card is exclusively printed in the Dark Explorers set, identified by the code bw5-57. It is a rare card featuring artwork by Masakazu Fukuda, making it a notable piece for collectors interested in Fighting-type Pokémon or the Black & White series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set symbol, card number 57, and the illustrator’s signature. The lack of a regulation mark and release date means collectors rely on the set code and artwork for authentication.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to available data. Its high retreat cost and specific attack conditions make it more of a collector’s item than a competitive staple.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed artwork, a flat, stable environment helps prevent warping or fading.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features a variety of Pokémon with thematic ties to exploration and excavation, with Excadrill bw5-57 standing out as a robust Fighting-type with strong attack options and a unique steel drill motif.

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    Excadrill (Dark Explorers) #57

  • Collector’s Guide: Timburr (Dark Explorers #58)

    Collector’s Guide: Timburr (Dark Explorers #58)

    Timburr Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #58

    Overview

    Timburr from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 58 with 60 HP. This sturdy Basic Fighting-type showcases a straightforward battling style with Low Kick and Hammer In, making it a solid addition to collections focused on early-stage fighters.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 58 Common 60 Mizue
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Low Kick (10 damage, 1 Colorless energy)
    • Hammer In (30 damage, 1 Fighting + 2 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “These Pokémon appear at building sites and help out with construction. They always carry squared logs.”
    • Illustrator: Mizue
    • Image URL: /images/bw5/bw5-58.jpg

    Key Printings

    This Timburr card is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers expansion. It is a common rarity card and does not evolve from any other Pokémon. The card is identified by the set code “bw5” and card number 58.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are known for this exact printing. The card can be identified by its Fighting type, common rarity, and the unique artwork by Mizue. The card’s market reference query is “Timburr Dark Explorers 58.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No special rules or abilities are associated with this printing.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this common card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collectible value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Timburr appears as a reliable Basic Fighting-type Pokémon, emphasizing its role in construction with straightforward attacks and modest HP. This set focuses on exploring darker themes within the Black & White series, with this card fitting the practical, hardworking motif.

    Timburr (Dark Explorers) #58

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    Timburr (Dark Explorers) #58