Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Lillipup (Dark Explorers #86)

    Collector’s Guide: Lillipup (Dark Explorers #86)

    Lillipup Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #86

    Character Intro

    Lillipup from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 86. This lively Pokémon has 50 HP and features the attack Take Down. Its straightforward design makes it a charming addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 86 Common 50 Kyoko Umemoto
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Tackle: Deals 10 damage with a single Colorless energy.
    • Take Down: Deals 30 damage with two Colorless energies but causes 10 damage to itself.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Dark Explorers set, card number 86. It is a common rarity card illustrated by Kyoko Umemoto. No release date is available for this printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “bw5” and the card number 86. The card’s market reference query is “Lillipup Dark Explorers 86.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special print variants, standard protective sleeves and storage in a cool, dry place are recommended to preserve the card’s condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the vividness of Kyoko Umemoto’s illustration.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes the Lillipup card as a basic, common Colorless-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a modest HP, emphasizing its sensory abilities through flavor text rather than gameplay mechanics.

    Lillipup (Dark Explorers) #86

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    Lillipup (Dark Explorers) #86

  • Collector’s Guide: Herdier (Dark Explorers #87)

    Collector’s Guide: Herdier (Dark Explorers #87)

    Herdier Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #87

    Character Intro

    Herdier from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon Pokémon card with 80 HP. Numbered 87, it features the straightforward attack Tackle, making it a solid choice for early gameplay. Herdier offers a balanced presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 87 Uncommon 80 Naoyo Kimura
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Lillipup)
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Flavor Text: It has a black, cape-like fur that is very hard and decreases the amount of damage it receives.
    • Attacks:
    • Roar: Forces the opponent to switch their Defending Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon (cost: 1 Colorless).
    • Tackle: Deals 30 damage (cost: 2 Colorless).

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Herdier appears in the Black & White series set Dark Explorers, card number 87. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Naoyo Kimura. The card does not feature any special abilities beyond its attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants exist for this Herdier card. It is identified by the set code bw5 and the card number 87. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/bw5/bw5-87.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality status: unknown.
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data.
    • While it has no special abilities, Roar offers tactical utility to disrupt opponents.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain the integrity of the artwork and card stock.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Herdier is a solid Stage 1 Colorless-type Pokémon with a focus on tactical switching and moderate damage output. It fits well into decks that benefit from disruption and consistent Colorless energy use. The set’s artwork and design highlight Herdier’s protective fur and sturdy build.

    This Herdier printing is a dependable choice for collectors interested in the Black & White era and those who appreciate Pokémon with defensive traits.

    Herdier (Dark Explorers) #87

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    Herdier (Dark Explorers) #87

  • Collector’s Guide: Stoutland (Dark Explorers #88)

    Collector’s Guide: Stoutland (Dark Explorers #88)

    Stoutland Collector’s Guide (Dark Explorers #88)

    Character Intro

    Stoutland from Dark Explorers is a rare card with 130 HP, highlighted by the attack Ferocious Bellow. It’s numbered 88 in the collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 88 Rare 130 Atsuko Nishida
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Herdier)
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Flavor Text: It rescues people stranded by blizzards in the mountains. Its shaggy fur shields it from the cold.
    • Attacks:
    • Special Fang: Deals 40 damage plus 40 more if a Special Energy is attached.
    • Ferocious Bellow: Deals 60 damage and reduces damage from the Defending Pokémon’s attacks by 30 during the opponent’s next turn.

    Key Printings

    This card is from the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5), numbered 88. It is a rare card illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, featuring Stoutland with a strong 130 HP and two impactful attacks. The card’s artwork and stats make it a desirable piece for collectors focusing on the Black & White era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing. The card can be identified by its set symbol for Dark Explorers, the number 88, and the illustrator credit to Atsuko Nishida. The card’s image is available at /images/bw5/bw5-88.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its play viability is limited by this status, but it remains a collectible piece for fans of the Black & White series.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed illustration, handling with clean hands and storing in a rigid top-loader or binder is recommended to maintain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features a variety of Pokémon with intriguing artwork and solid gameplay mechanics. Stoutland #88 stands out as a rare, high-HP Stage 2 Colorless Pokémon with unique attack effects, fitting well into collections emphasizing powerful evolutions from the Black & White era.

    Stoutland (Dark Explorers) #88

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    Stoutland (Dark Explorers) #88

  • Collector’s Guide: Haxorus (Dark Explorers #89)

    Collector’s Guide: Haxorus (Dark Explorers #89)

    Haxorus (Dark Explorers 89) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Haxorus from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo card numbered 89 with 140 HP. Featuring the powerful attack Stunning Uppercut, its vivid design makes it a standout addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 89 Rare Holo 140 Akira Komayama
    • HP: 140
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Fraxure)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weaknesses: None listed
    • Resistances: None listed

    Key Printings

    This Haxorus card is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5). It is a Rare Holo card, making it a visually striking and sought-after piece for collectors focusing on this era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. It can be identified by its card number 89 in the Dark Explorers set and the illustrator credit to Akira Komayama. The card’s market reference query is “Haxorus Dark Explorers 89.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its playability status in other formats or casual play is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s holofoil and artwork, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and stage, careful handling is recommended to maintain its condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Haxorus as a powerful Stage 2 Colorless-type Pokémon with two attacks: Guillotine (60 damage) and Stunning Uppercut (80 damage with a coin flip effect that can paralyze). The card’s flavor text highlights Haxorus’s durable tusks and armored body, emphasizing its strength and resilience.

    Haxorus Dark Explorers 89

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    Haxorus (Dark Explorers) #89

  • Collector’s Guide: Karrablast (Dark Explorers #9)

    Collector’s Guide: Karrablast (Dark Explorers #9)

    Karrablast Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #9

    Character Intro

    Karrablast from the Dark Explorers set is a common card numbered 9 with 60 HP. This lively Pokémon features the attack Reckless Charge, adding a dynamic edge to gameplay. Its straightforward design makes it a solid choice for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 9 Common 60 Kagemaru Himeno
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Beat — Deals 10 damage for 1 Colorless energy.
    • Reckless Charge — Deals 40 damage for 3 Colorless energies but causes 10 damage to itself.
    • Abilities: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Print Variants: None listed

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers expansion, card number 9. It is a common rarity card with no alternate print variants noted.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants or special editions are recorded for this card. Identification relies on the set code “bw5,” card number “9,” and the illustrator credit to Kagemaru Himeno. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/bw5/bw5-9.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special variants, standard protective sleeves and storage in a binder or card box are recommended to preserve condition. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight to maintain the card’s vibrant illustration by Kagemaru Himeno.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Karrablast as a basic Grass-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a unique flavor text hinting at its evolutionary mystery. It fits well into collections focusing on early Black & White era cards and common Pokémon with interesting lore snippets.

    This guide covers all known details for the Dark Explorers printing of Karrablast, card number 9.

    Karrablast (Dark Explorers) #9

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    Karrablast (Dark Explorers) #9

  • Collector’s Guide: Tornadus-EX (Dark Explorers #90)

    Collector’s Guide: Tornadus-EX (Dark Explorers #90)

    Tornadus-EX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Tornadus-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX card numbered 90. With 170 HP and the standout attack Power Blast, it’s both visually striking and reliably sturdy in play. Its vivid design and solid stats make it a memorable pull for collectors and a practical option for players.

    Quick Facts

    • HP: 170
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -20
    • Attacks: Blow Through (30+ damage), Power Blast (100 damage)
    • Illustrator: Shizurow
    • Rarity: Rare Holo EX
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Card Number: 90
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 90 Rare Holo EX 170 Shizurow

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Tornadus-EX appears in the Dark Explorers set, identified by the set code bw5-90. It is a Rare Holo EX card, notable for its high HP and powerful attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its card number 90 in the Dark Explorers set and the illustrator Shizurow. The card features the Pokémon-EX rule, which awards the opponent two Prize cards upon Knock Out.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Gameplay Snapshot

    • Blow Through: Deals 30+ damage and hits harder if a Stadium card is in play.
    • Power Blast: Deals 100 damage, with a coin-flip risk of discarding an Energy on tails.
    • Mobility: A retreat cost of 1 keeps switching options flexible.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the holo finish and edges by sleeving the card and keeping it away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching, especially around the edges and illustrated surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set includes Tornadus-EX as a Rare Holo EX card, showcasing its powerful attacks and high HP. The set is known for featuring strong EX Pokémon with unique abilities and artwork.

    Tornadus-EX

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    Tornadus-EX (Dark Explorers) #90

  • Collector’s Guide: Cheren (Dark Explorers #91)

    Collector’s Guide: Cheren (Dark Explorers #91)

    Cheren (Dark Explorers 91) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Cheren is an Uncommon card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 91. A straightforward add for collections centered on this expansion, its presentation aligns with the thematic elements of Dark Explorers.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 91 Uncommon Kanako Eo
    • Card ID: bw5-91
    • Pokémon: Cheren
    • Stage: Supporter
    • Subtypes: Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rules: Draw 3 cards. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).
    • No abilities or attacks
    • No weaknesses or resistances
    • No evolution from any Pokémon
    • Image URL: /images/bw5/bw5-91.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Cheren appears solely in the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5). It is an Uncommon rarity card, making it moderately accessible yet still appealing for collectors focusing on Supporter cards from the Black & White era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Cheren card. Identification is straightforward via its set number (91), rarity (Uncommon), and illustrator (Kanako Eo). The card’s lack of HP, attacks, and abilities further distinguishes it from typical Pokémon cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    This Cheren card functions as a Supporter with the rule: “Draw 3 cards. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).”

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity and role as a Supporter card, maintaining crisp edges and preserving Kanako Eo’s vibrant artwork will help retain its collectible value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Cheren appears as a Supporter card with a simple but effective draw effect. It stands out for its clean design and lack of battle stats, emphasizing strategic card draw in gameplay. No other sets or reprints are known for this exact card.

    Cheren (Dark Explorers) #91

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    Cheren (Dark Explorers) #91

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Claw (Dark Explorers #92)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Claw (Dark Explorers #92)

    Dark Claw (bw5-92) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Dark Claw is an Uncommon Pokémon Tool from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 92. Its shadowy aesthetic fits the set’s theme and adds subtle depth to collections focused on distinctive support cards.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 92 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
    • Card ID: bw5-92
    • Stage: Pokémon Tool
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Series: black_white
    • Subtypes: Pokémon Tool
    • Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
    • Image URL: /images/bw5/bw5-92.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears solely in Dark Explorers (bw5) as card 92. It is an Uncommon Pokémon Tool illustrated by 5ban Graphics.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants. Identification is via the set code “bw5-92” and the Dark Explorers expansion. The absence of a regulation mark and the lack of HP or attack stats further distinguish this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    • Dark Claw is a Pokémon Tool that can be attached to one of your Pokémon that does not already have a Pokémon Tool attached.
    • When attached to a Darkness-type Pokémon, it increases each of that Pokémon’s attacks by 20 damage to the Active Pokémon before applying Weakness and Resistance.
    • Players may play as many Item cards as they like during their turn before attacking.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Preserving surface and edges helps retain value, especially given its uncommon rarity and 5ban Graphics artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Debuts as a strategic Pokémon Tool enhancing Darkness-type Pokémon attacks. It stands out for utility and clean design, despite unknown release date and HP details.

    Dark Claw (Dark Explorers) #92

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    Dark Claw (Dark Explorers) #92

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Patch (Dark Explorers #93)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Patch (Dark Explorers #93)

    Dark Patch (bw5-93) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Dark Patch is an Uncommon Item card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 93. Its sleek 5ban Graphics artwork embodies the set’s mysterious tone, and its effect cleanly supports Dark-type strategies without relying on attacks or abilities.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 93 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
    • Card Name: Dark Patch
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Card Number: 93
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Type: Item
    • Stage: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Evolves From: None
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Rules Text: Attach a basic Darkness Energy card from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Darkness Pokémon. You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Legality: unknown
    • Image: /images/bw5/bw5-93.jpg

    Key Printings

    This printing appears in Dark Explorers with set code bw5 and card number 93. As an Uncommon, it’s moderately accessible yet sought after by collectors who focus on Darkness-type support.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification hinges on the bw5 set code, number 93, and the distinctive 5ban Graphics illustration. It is an Item with no regulation mark, helping distinguish it from later reprints or promos.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Dark Patch accelerates basic Darkness Energy from the discard pile to a Benched Darkness Pokémon, enabling efficient recovery and tempo plays. Because you may play multiple Item cards per turn, it can compound its impact in a single turn.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Use a fitted sleeve and store away from light and moisture to protect edges and surface. As an Uncommon with clean 5ban Graphics art, maintaining condition supports long-term collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Debuts as a practical, thematic Item for Darkness decks, fitting the Black & White era’s darker strategic tone and appealing to both players and collectors.

    Dark Patch

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    Dark Patch (Dark Explorers) #93

  • Collector’s Guide: Hooligans Jim & Cas (Dark Explorers #95)

    Collector’s Guide: Hooligans Jim & Cas (Dark Explorers #95)

    Collectors Guide: Hooligans Jim & Cas (Dark Explorers 95)

    Character Intro

    Hooligans Jim & Cas is an Uncommon Supporter card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 95. While it has no attacks or Abilities, its distinctive design and disruptive effect make it a memorable inclusion in the set’s lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 95 Uncommon Masakazu Fukuda

    Card Stats

    • Card ID: bw5-95
    • Stage: Supporter
    • Subtype: Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Types: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Rules Text: Flip a coin. If heads, choose 3 random cards from your opponent’s hand. Your opponent reveals those cards and shuffles them into his or her deck. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).

    Key Printings

    Known from the Dark Explorers set as number 95, with no alternate printings or reprints.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants or alternate versions
    • Set code: “bw5”; number: “95”
    • Artwork by Masakazu Fukuda

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve, kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending and moisture to preserve condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Introduced Hooligans Jim & Cas as a tactical Supporter card with a disruptive hand control effect. The set is known for its diverse Supporter cards and strategic gameplay elements.

    Hooligans Jim & Cas

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    Hooligans Jim & Cas (Dark Explorers) #95