Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Rainbow Energy (Team Rocket #17)

    Collector’s Guide: Rainbow Energy (Team Rocket #17)

    Collector’s Guide: Rainbow Energy (Team Rocket #17)

    Rainbow Energy


    Quick Facts

    Rainbow Energy from the Team Rocket set is a Special Energy card known for its unique ability to provide every type of basic Energy simultaneously, though it only supplies one Energy at a time. This card is classified as a Rare Holo and features artwork by Takumi Akabane. It has no HP, attacks, or abilities in the traditional sense but carries a notable drawback: when attached from the hand, it deals 10 damage to the Pokémon it is attached to, ignoring Weakness and Resistance.

    • Card Name: Rainbow Energy
    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 17
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Type: Special Energy
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: Takumi Akabane
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing of Rainbow Energy from the Team Rocket set, identified by set code “base5” and card number 17. This printing is notable for its holofoil treatment and classic Team Rocket styling.


    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants are documented for this exact printing. Key identifiers include:

    • Set code: base5
    • Card number: 17
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Takumi Akabane
    • Special subtype classification

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a holofoil card, Rainbow Energy should be stored in a protective sleeve and kept away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures to maintain card integrity. Given its rarity and holo status, consider using a top-loader or a rigid card holder for long-term preservation.


    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced the Rainbow Energy card as a versatile Special Energy option, enhancing deck-building strategies by providing all basic Energy types at once. Its inclusion in the set complements the darker, villain-themed cards and adds strategic depth.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 17 Rare Holo Takumi Akabane

    Note: The exact release date and HP for this card are unknown. The card’s tournament legality status is unknown.

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    Rainbow Energy (Team Rocket) #17

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Alakazam (Team Rocket #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Alakazam (Team Rocket #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Alakazam (Team Rocket #18)

    Dark Alakazam

    Quick Facts

    Dark Alakazam is a Stage 2 Psychic-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set. It has 60 HP and features two attacks: Teleport Blast, which deals 30 damage and allows you to switch Dark Alakazam with a Benched Pokémon after dealing damage, and Mind Shock, which deals 40 damage while ignoring Weakness and Resistance effects. The card has a retreat cost of 3 and a Psychic-type weakness. It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Rare.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 18
    • Rarity: Rare
    • HP: 60
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Dark Kadabra)
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known variants or alternate printings. It is identified by its set code base5-18 and the Team Rocket logo. The card’s flavor text reads:
    “Almost as if it were being controlled by something else, it never changes expressions, even in the middle of battle.”

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Alakazam card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, and consider using a top loader or binder for additional protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket: This set introduced the “Dark” Pokémon theme, featuring corrupted versions of popular Pokémon. Dark Alakazam stands out as a Psychic-type Stage 2 with unique attacks that emphasize strategic switching and damage ignoring Weakness/Resistance.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 18 Rare 60 Ken Sugimori

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    Dark Alakazam (Team Rocket) #18

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Arbok (Team Rocket #19)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Arbok (Team Rocket #19)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Arbok (Team Rocket #19)

    Dark Arbok


    Quick Facts

    Dark Arbok is a Stage 1 Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. It has 60 HP and is classified as a Grass-type, with a Psychic weakness and no listed resistances. This card features two attacks: Stare, which can disable an opponent’s Pokémon Power temporarily, and Poison Vapor, which poisons the Defending Pokémon and damages all Benched Pokémon. It has a retreat cost of two Grass Energy.

    • HP: 60
    • Type: Grass
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Ekans)
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing of Dark Arbok from the Team Rocket set, card number 19. No alternate print variants are known for this specific card.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Team Rocket
    • Set Code: base5
    • Card Number: 19
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Grass
    • Subtypes: Stage 1
    • Series: base
    • Image URL: /images/base5/base5-19.jpg
    • Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of your Dark Arbok card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated front by Mitsuhiro Arita. Proper storage in a rigid top-loader or binder is recommended.


    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    Team Rocket (base5)

    The Team Rocket set introduced Dark Pokémon cards, including Dark Arbok, which features unique attacks that disrupt opponent strategies, such as disabling Pokémon Powers and poisoning multiple targets. This card is notable for its strategic utility and classic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita.


    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 19 Rare 60 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Arbok (Team Rocket) #19

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Blastoise (Team Rocket #20)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Blastoise (Team Rocket #20)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Blastoise (Team Rocket #20)

    Dark Blastoise

    Quick Facts

    Dark Blastoise is a Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. It has 70 HP and features two attacks: Hydrocannon, which deals 30 damage plus up to 40 additional damage depending on attached Water Energy, and Rocket Tackle, which deals 40 damage but causes Dark Blastoise to take 10 damage itself and can prevent damage on the next opponent’s turn if a coin flip is heads. This card evolves from Dark Wartortle and has a retreat cost of 2. It is weak to Lightning-type attacks with a ×2 multiplier. The card is classified as Rare.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 20
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • HP: 70
    • Stage: Stage 2
    • Type: Water
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base5-20 and the card name Dark Blastoise. The card features the classic Team Rocket styling and artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 20 Rare 70 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this rare Dark Blastoise card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Using a top loader or a graded case is recommended for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket: This set introduced the “Dark” Pokémon theme, featuring shadowy versions of popular Pokémon. Dark Blastoise stands out as a powerful Water-type Stage 2 with a unique damage-scaling attack and a self-damaging tackle that can provide defensive benefits.

    Legality: unknown

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    Dark Blastoise (Team Rocket) #20

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Charizard (Team Rocket #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Charizard (Team Rocket #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Charizard (Team Rocket #21)

    Dark Charizard

    Quick Facts

    Dark Charizard from the Team Rocket set is a Stage 2 Fire-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card features two attacks: Nail Flick, which deals 10 damage for a single Colorless Energy, and Continuous Fireball, a more complex attack that requires two Fire Energies and involves flipping coins to determine damage output and energy discard. The card has a Fighting resistance (-30) and a Water weakness (×2), with a retreat cost of 3. Its flavor text describes it as “Seemingly possessed, it spews fire like a volcano, trying to burn all it sees.”

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 21
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Dark Charmeleon)
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing does not have any known variants. It is identified by its set code “base5-21” and is part of the original Team Rocket expansion. The card is notable for its classic artwork and unique attack mechanics involving coin flips and energy management.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 21 Rare 80 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition of this rare card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially the illustrated area. Use a rigid top-loader or a magnetic case for long-term storage to maintain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket: This set introduced Dark Pokémon, including Dark Charizard, which brought a darker theme and unique gameplay mechanics to the Pokémon TCG. Dark Charizard’s attacks emphasize risk and reward through coin flips and energy discard, reflecting the aggressive and unpredictable nature of the Dark Pokémon archetype.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base5/base5-21.jpg

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    Dark Charizard (Team Rocket) #21

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Dragonite (Team Rocket #22)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Dragonite (Team Rocket #22)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Dragonite (Team Rocket #22)

    Dark Dragonite

    Quick Facts

    Dark Dragonite is a Stage 2 Colorless-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set. It features 70 HP and is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. This card is classified as Rare and has a retreat cost of 2. It has a Fighting-type resistance (-30) but no listed weaknesses. The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 22
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Dark Dragonair)
    • HP: 70

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It can be identified by its set code “base5-22” and the Team Rocket logo. The card’s unique ability, “Summon Minions,” allows you to search your deck for up to 2 Basic Pokémon and put them onto your Bench when you play Dark Dragonite from your hand. Its attack “Giant Tail” requires four Colorless energy and deals 70 damage but depends on a coin flip to succeed.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this rare card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon cards, including Dark Dragonite, which features unique abilities and darker artwork. Dark Dragonite stands out with its powerful “Summon Minions” ability and thematic flavor text referencing its nickname, “The God of Destruction.”

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 22 Rare 70 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Dragonite (Team Rocket) #22

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Dugtrio (Team Rocket #23)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Dugtrio (Team Rocket #23)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Dugtrio (Team Rocket #23)

    Dark Dugtrio

    Quick Facts

    Dark Dugtrio is a Stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 23. It has 50 HP and features the Pokémon Power Sinkhole, which can damage an opponent’s Active Pokémon when it retreats. Its attack, Knock Down, deals variable damage based on a coin flip. The card has a rarity of Rare and was illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. It has a weakness to Grass (×2), resistance to Lightning (-30), and a retreat cost of 2.

    • Pokémon Power (Sinkhole): When the opponent’s Active Pokémon retreats, a coin flip may cause 20 damage to that Pokémon unless Dark Dugtrio is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
    • Attack (Knock Down): Flip a coin; tails deals 40 damage, heads deals 20 damage.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (Base series)
    • Card Number: 23
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 50
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Diglett)

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Dark Dugtrio does not have known print variants. It is identified by its set code base5-23 and the Team Rocket logo. The card’s Fighting type and unique Sinkhole ability distinguish it within the set.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 23 Rare 50 Kagemaru Himeno

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Dugtrio card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket: Dark Dugtrio appears as a rare Stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon with a unique ability that punishes opponent retreats, fitting the set’s theme of “dark” and “shadow” Pokémon. Its combination of moderate HP and strategic power makes it a notable card for collectors interested in early Team Rocket mechanics.

    Legality: unknown

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    Dark Dugtrio (Team Rocket) #23

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Golbat (Team Rocket #24)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Golbat (Team Rocket #24)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Golbat (Team Rocket #24)

    Dark Golbat

    Quick Facts

    Dark Golbat is a Stage 1 Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. It has 50 HP and features a unique Grass type, which is unusual for Golbat. The card is classified as Rare and carries the card number 24 in the set. Its abilities include the Pokémon Power “Sneak Attack,” allowing it to deal 10 damage to an opponent’s Pokémon when played from the hand, and the attack “Flitter,” which deals 20 damage to an opponent’s Pokémon without applying Weakness or Resistance. Dark Golbat has a Fighting resistance (-30) and a Psychic weakness (×2). Its retreat cost is zero.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 24
    • Rarity: Rare
    • HP: 50
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Zubat)
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Dark Golbat does not have any known print variants. It is identified by its unique Grass typing and the “Sneak Attack” Pokémon Power. The card is part of the original Team Rocket expansion, often recognized by collectors for its distinctive dark-themed Pokémon.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 24 Rare 50 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Golbat card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Avoid bending or exposing the card to moisture. Given its rarity and age, handling with clean hands or gloves is recommended to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket: Dark Golbat (#24) stands out in this set with its unique Grass typing and the “Sneak Attack” ability, fitting the dark and mischievous theme of the expansion. It is a rare Stage 1 card that evolves from Zubat and offers strategic options with its attack and ability.

    Legality: unknown

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    Dark Golbat (Team Rocket) #24

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket #25)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket #25)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket #25)

    Dark Gyarados

    Quick Facts

    Dark Gyarados is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 25. It has 70 HP and features the Pokémon Power Final Beam, which can deal damage to the opponent’s Pokémon when Dark Gyarados is Knocked Out, depending on a coin flip and attached Water Energy. Its attack, Ice Beam, deals 30 damage and may Paralyze the Defending Pokémon on a successful coin flip. The card has a retreat cost of 2, a weakness to Grass (×2), and resistance to Fighting (-30). The card’s flavor text notes that Dark Gyarados, normally found in deep ocean waters, has recently been seen in shallow waters.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 25
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Magikarp)
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Dark Gyarados does not have known print variants. It is identified by its set code base5-25 and the Team Rocket logo. The card is part of the original Team Rocket expansion, recognizable by its dark-themed artwork and the Water-type symbol.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this rare card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the illustration by Kagemaru Himeno.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): Introduced Dark Pokémon and featured darker, more villainous themes. Dark Gyarados stands out as a powerful Water-type with a unique Pokémon Power and a strong attack, fitting the set’s theme of shadowy and corrupted Pokémon.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 25 Rare 70 Kagemaru Himeno

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    Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket) #25

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Hypno (Team Rocket #26)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Hypno (Team Rocket #26)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Hypno (Team Rocket #26)

    Dark Hypno

    Quick Facts

    Dark Hypno is a Stage 1 Psychic-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket expansion of the Base series. It has 60 HP and features two attacks: Psypunch, dealing 20 damage for one Psychic energy, and Bench Manipulation, which can deal variable damage based on coin flips relative to the opponent’s Bench size. The card is illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno and is classified as Rare. It has a retreat cost of two and a Psychic-type weakness (×2). Notably, it carries flavor text describing its pendulum and typical appearances near less-traveled roads and schools at dusk.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (Base series)
    • Card Number: 26
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Drowzee)
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing does not have any known print variants. It is identified by its set code “base5-26” and the Team Rocket logo. The card is part of the original Team Rocket expansion, distinguished by its dark-themed artwork and the “Dark” prefix in the Pokémon’s name.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Hypno card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
    – Maintain in a cool, dry environment to avoid warping or moisture damage.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from degrading the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (Base series): Introduced Dark Pokémon, including Dark Hypno, featuring darker artwork and unique mechanics. This set is notable for its thematic focus on the villainous Team Rocket and introduced new gameplay elements that expanded the Base series.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 26 Rare 60 Kagemaru Himeno

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    Dark Hypno (Team Rocket) #26