Author: General Ops

Collector’s Guide: Shellder (Fossil #54)
Collector’s Guide: Shellder (Fossil #54)

Quick Facts

Shellder from the Fossil set is a Basic Water-type Pokémon card with 30 HP. It features two attacks: Supersonic, which may confuse the opponent’s Pokémon, and Hide in Shell, which can prevent damage to Shellder during the next turn if a coin flip is successful. This card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Lightning-type attacks (×2). It carries no abilities or resistances. The card’s flavor text highlights Shellder’s hard shell as its main defense, vulnerable only when open.

Key Printings
- Set: Fossil
- Card Number: 54
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Stage: Basic
- Types: Water
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base3 and card number 54. The card is part of the original Fossil series and is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Fossil Shellder 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
- Fossil: Shellder #54 is a common Basic Water-type Pokémon card featuring defensive and status-inflicting attacks. It fits the Fossil set’s theme of prehistoric and ancient Pokémon, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 54 Common 30 Mitsuhiro Arita

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Slowpoke (Fossil #55)
Slowpoke (Fossil 55) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Slowpoke
- HP: 50
- Type: Psychic
- Stage: Basic
- Set: Fossil (base3)
- Card Number: 55
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Miki Tanaka
- Legality: unknown
Slowpoke from the Fossil set is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon with 50 HP. It features two attacks: Spacing Out, which can remove damage counters if a coin flip is heads, and Scavenge, which allows retrieval of a Trainer card from the discard pile by discarding a Psychic Energy attached to Slowpoke.

Key Printings

This exact printing appears only in the Fossil set, identified by set code “base3” and card number 55. It has no evolutions printed on this card and no abilities.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants for this card.
- The card is identified by its set name “Fossil,” number 55, and illustrator Miki Tanaka.
- The card has a retreat cost of 1 Colorless Energy and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2).
- Flavor text: “Incredibly slow and dopey. It takes 5 seconds for it to feel pain when under attack.”
Care & Storage Tips
- As a common card from the Fossil set, preserving the card’s edges and surface is key to maintaining value.
- Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Avoid moisture and extreme temperatures to preserve the card’s condition.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil (base3): This set introduced several fan-favorite Pokémon from the Fossil era, including Slowpoke. The card maintains a simple design with basic attacks and no abilities, reflecting the early era of the Pokémon TCG.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 55 Common 50 Miki Tanaka

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Tentacool (Fossil #56)
Collector’s Guide: Tentacool (Fossil #56)

Quick Facts

Tentacool from the Fossil set is a Basic Water-type Pokémon card with 30 HP. It features the Pokémon Power Cowardice, allowing you to return Tentacool to your hand during your turn (discarding all attached cards), except on the turn it is played or if it is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed. Its single attack, Acid, deals 10 damage and requires one Water Energy. Tentacool has a weakness to Lightning (×2) and no retreat cost.

Key Printings
- Set: Fossil (base3)
- Card Number: 56
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
- Stage: Basic
- Types: Water
- HP: 30
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing of Tentacool has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base3” and card number 56. The card’s artwork is by Kagemaru Himeno, a notable illustrator for early Pokémon TCG sets.

Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil Set: Tentacool #56 is a common Basic Water-type Pokémon featuring the unique Cowardice ability, which adds tactical flexibility by allowing it to be returned to hand. The Fossil set is known for introducing several classic Pokémon with thematic ties to prehistoric creatures and aquatic types.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 56 Common 30 Kagemaru Himeno

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Zubat (Fossil #57)
Collector’s Guide: Zubat (Fossil #57)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Zubat
- Set: Fossil (base3)
- Card Number: 57
- Rarity: Common
- HP: 40
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
- Legality: unknown
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Weakness: Psychic ×2
- Resistance: Fighting -30
- Flavor Text: Forms colonies in perpetually dark places. Uses ultrasonic waves to identify and approach targets.
Key Printings

This exact printing of Zubat is from the Fossil set, identified by the set code “base3” and card number 57. It features a Grass-type Zubat with two attacks:
– Supersonic: Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon becomes Confused.
– Leech Life: Deals 10 damage and heals Zubat by removing damage counters equal to the damage dealt.

No abilities are present on this card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
– Set name: Fossil
– Card number: 57
– Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
– Type: Grass (unusual for Zubat, which is typically a Darkness or Poison type in other printings)
– No regulation mark or release date is provided.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 57 Common 40 Kagemaru Himeno

Care & Storage Tips
- Store the card in a protective sleeve to prevent surface scratches and edge wear.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
- Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
- Use top loaders or binders with rigid pages for long-term preservation.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil Set: This Zubat printing is part of the Fossil expansion, notable for featuring Pokémon revived from fossils and other prehistoric themes. The card’s Grass typing and unique attacks distinguish it from other Zubat printings. The Fossil set is a classic base-era expansion, but this card’s legality status is unknown, and it is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
This guide covers the exact Fossil set printing of Zubat (#57) illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. For collectors, its common rarity and unique Grass typing make it a distinctive piece within the Fossil set.

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Mr. Fuji (Fossil #58)
Collector’s Guide: Mr. Fuji (Fossil #58)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Mr. Fuji
- Set: Fossil (base3)
- Card Number: 58
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Abilities/Attacks: None
- Rules Text: “Choose a Pokémon on your Bench. Shuffle it and any cards attached to it into your deck.”
- Legality: unknown
Key Printings

This Mr. Fuji card is from the Fossil expansion of the original Base Set series, identified by the set code “base3.” It is an Uncommon Trainer card featuring no HP, attacks, or abilities, but with a unique effect that allows recycling a benched Pokémon and its attachments back into the deck.

Variants & Identifiers
- This printing has no known print variants.
- No regulation mark is present.
- The card is identified by number 58 in the Fossil set.
- The card type is Trainer (subtypes unknown).
- Illustrator credited is Ken Sugimori, a notable artist for early Pokémon TCG cards.
Care & Storage Tips
- As an Uncommon card from the Fossil set, preserving the card’s edges and surface is important to maintain value.
- Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Avoid bending or exposure to moisture to preserve the card’s condition.
- Given the card’s age and potential collector interest, consider using a rigid top-loader or a graded card holder for long-term storage.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil Set: This set introduced several iconic Pokémon and Trainer cards themed around prehistoric Pokémon and related characters. Mr. Fuji serves as a strategic Trainer card with a recycling effect, fitting the set’s theme of resource management and tactical play.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 58 Uncommon Ken Sugimori

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Energy Search (Fossil #59)
Collector’s Guide: Energy Search (Fossil #59)

Quick Facts

Energy Search is a Trainer card from the Fossil expansion of the Base series. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi. This card allows players to search their deck for a basic Energy card and add it to their hand, then shuffle the deck. It has no HP, attacks, abilities, or weaknesses, and requires no retreat cost.
- Card Name: Energy Search
- Set: Fossil (Base series)
- Card Number: 59
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- Legality: unknown
- Retreat Cost: 0
Key Printings

This guide covers the exact printing of Energy Search from the Fossil set, identified by set code “base3” and card number 59. No alternate print variants are documented for this card.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Name: Fossil
- Set Code: base3
- Card Number: 59
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Print Variants: None known
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition of your Energy Search card, especially given its Common rarity and age, consider the following:
- Store in a protective sleeve or top-loader to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
- Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
- Maintain a stable, dry environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
- Avoid excessive handling to preserve the card’s surface and corners.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil (Base series): Released as the third expansion in the Base series, Fossil introduced new Trainer cards like Energy Search that enhance deck consistency by allowing players to fetch basic Energy cards directly from their deck. Energy Search is a staple utility card in this set, valued for its straightforward effect and ease of use.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 59 Common Keiji Kinebuchi

Legality: unknown
Image URL: /images/base3/base3-59.jpg

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Gambler (Fossil #60)
Collector’s Guide: Gambler (Fossil #60)

Quick Facts

Gambler is a Common card from the Fossil set (set code: base3), illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi. It features a unique game effect: you shuffle your hand into your deck, then flip a coin to draw either 8 cards on heads or 1 card on tails. This card has no HP, types, abilities, or attacks, and it does not evolve from any other Pokémon. Its retreat cost is 0, and it has no weaknesses or resistances. The card’s legality status is unknown.

Key Printings
- Set: Fossil (base3)
- Card Number: 60
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants or alternate versions. It is identified by its set code “base3” and card number “60.” The card lacks a regulation mark and does not belong to any stage or subtype.

Care & Storage Tips

As a Common card from an older set, Gambler should be stored in a protective sleeve and kept away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its condition. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated area by Keiji Kinebuchi. Proper storage in a binder or card box designed for Pokémon cards is recommended.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil (base3): Gambler #60 is part of the Fossil expansion, known for introducing prehistoric Pokémon and unique gameplay effects. This card stands out for its hand-shuffling mechanic and coin flip draw, offering strategic variability despite lacking traditional attacks or HP.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 60 Common Keiji Kinebuchi

Legality: unknown

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Recycle (Fossil #61)
Collector’s Guide: Recycle (Fossil #61)

Quick Facts
- Name: Recycle
- Set: Fossil (Base Set 3)
- Card Number: 61
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- HP: Unknown
- Stage: None (Trainer card)
- Type: None specified
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Rules Text: Flip a coin. If heads, put a card in your discard pile on top of your deck.
- Legality: unknown
Key Printings

This exact printing of Recycle is from the Fossil set, identified as card number 61. It features artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi and is classified as a Common card. The card does not have any attacks or abilities but provides a simple effect that can recycle cards from the discard pile back to the deck, contingent on a coin flip.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It does not have a regulation mark, and no alternate versions or promotional printings are documented.

Care & Storage Tips
- As a Common card from the Fossil set, maintaining the card’s condition is essential for collectors.
- Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi.
- Avoid bending or exposure to moisture to preserve the card’s integrity.
- Given the card’s simple design and lack of complex text, focus on preserving the centering and edges for best collector value.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil (Base Set 3): This set is known for introducing cards related to prehistoric Pokémon and associated Trainer cards. Recycle fits into this theme by providing a utility effect that can help players retrieve cards from their discard pile, supporting deck sustainability.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 61 Common Keiji Kinebuchi

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Mysterious Fossil (Fossil #62)
Collector’s Guide: Mysterious Fossil (Fossil Set #62)

Quick Facts
- Pokémon Name: Mysterious Fossil
- Set: Fossil (Base Set 3)
- Card Number: 62
- Rarity: Common
- HP: 10
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- Stage: None (Played as a Basic Pokémon)
- Type: None (No type specified)
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
- Abilities/Attacks: None
- Rules Summary:
  Mysterious Fossil is played as if it were a Basic Pokémon. It has no attacks, cannot retreat, and cannot be affected by status conditions such as Asleep, Confused, Paralyzed, or Poisoned. If knocked out, it does not count as a Knocked Out Pokémon but is discarded. It can be discarded from play at any time during your turn before attacking.
- Legality: unknown
Key Printings

This guide covers the exact printing of Mysterious Fossil from the Fossil set, card number 62. There are no known alternate print variants for this card.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Code: base3
- Set Name: Fossil
- Number: 62
- Rarity: Common
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- Regulation Mark: None
- Print Variants: None known
Care & Storage Tips
- As a common card with low HP and no attacks, Mysterious Fossil is primarily a collector’s item rather than a competitive card.
- Protect the card from bending and surface scratches by using sleeves or top loaders.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the card’s color and integrity.
- Given its unique rules text and role in gameplay, maintaining the card in near-mint condition can enhance its collector value.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Fossil Set: Mysterious Fossil is a unique card designed to simulate a fossilized Pokémon in play. It functions as a Basic Pokémon but lacks attacks and typical Pokémon vulnerabilities. Its role is more thematic and strategic, allowing players to discard it to evolve into other fossil Pokémon in the set.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Fossil 62 Common 10 Keiji Kinebuchi

Legality: unknown

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Clefable (Jungle #1)
Collector’s Guide: Clefable (Jungle 1) – Base Set 2

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Clefable
- Set: Jungle (Base Set 2)
- Card Number: 1
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- HP: 70
- Type: Colorless
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Clefairy)
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Legality: unknown
Clefable from the Jungle expansion is a classic Stage 1 Pokémon card featuring two attacks: Metronome, which copies an attack from the Defending Pokémon without requiring its energy costs, and Minimize, which reduces damage taken during the opponent’s next turn by 20. It has a Fighting-type weakness (×2) and Psychic resistance (-30), with a retreat cost of two Colorless energies.

Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Jungle set, the first card in the set, and is a Rare Holo variant. It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, known for his iconic artwork in early Pokémon TCG sets. The card’s flavor text describes Clefable as “A timid Fairy Pokémon that is rarely seen. It will run and hide the moment it senses people.”

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Code: base2
- Card Number: 1
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Type: Colorless
- Stage: Stage 1
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Print Variants: None listed for this exact printing
- Regulation Mark: None (unknown)
Collectors can identify this card by its holofoil treatment, the Jungle set symbol, and the unique artwork by Arita. The card’s attacks and text are consistent with the Jungle expansion’s style and mechanics.

Care & Storage Tips
- Protective Sleeves: Use penny sleeves to prevent surface scratches.
- Toploaders or Card Savers: For long-term storage, rigid holders help maintain card condition.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can fade the holofoil and card colors.
- Humidity Control: Store in a dry environment to prevent warping or mold.
- Handle with Clean Hands: Oils and dirt can degrade card surfaces over time.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Jungle (Base Set 2): Released as an early expansion to the Base Set, Jungle introduced many fan-favorite Pokémon and featured the first holofoil cards for several species. Clefable #1 is a standout Rare Holo card from this set, showcasing a versatile attack in Metronome and solid defensive capabilities with Minimize.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Jungle 1 Rare Holo 70 Mitsuhiro Arita

This Clefable card remains a sought-after collectible for fans of the Jungle expansion and early Pokémon TCG history. Its combination of unique gameplay mechanics and classic artwork make it a valuable piece for collectors and players alike.

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September 24, 2025