Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Hitmontop (Brilliant Stars #72)

    Hitmontop Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #72

    Character Intro

    Hitmontop from the Brilliant Stars set is an Uncommon card numbered 72. This agile Pokémon boasts 100 HP and features the dynamic Cyclone Kick attack. Its design captures a balanced blend of strength and motion.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 72 Uncommon 100 ryoma uratsuka
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.

    Key Printings

    This exact Hitmontop card appears only in the Brilliant Stars set, identified by set code swsh9 and card number 72. It is an uncommon rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Hitmontop card. Key identifiers include its Fighting type, Basic stage, and the illustrator ryoma uratsuka.

    Attacks

    • Spinning Draw: allows drawing a card and deals 20 damage
    • Cyclone Kick: deals 100 damage

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its straightforward attack set and moderate HP make it a simple but effective choice for casual play or collection.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the artwork and condition by sleeving the card and keeping it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface—uncommon cards like this can be desirable to collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set introduced Hitmontop as a Basic Fighting-type with a unique spinning kick motif. It stands out for its clean design and balanced stats, fitting well into Fighting-type decks or collections focused on the Sword & Shield series.

    Hitmontop Brilliant Stars 72

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    Hitmontop (Brilliant Stars) #72

  • Collector’s Guide: Nosepass (Brilliant Stars #73)

    Nosepass Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #73

    Overview

    Nosepass from the Brilliant Stars set is a common Pokémon card numbered 73. It has 90 HP and features the straightforward attack Ram. This sturdy card offers a solid presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 73 Common 90 miki kudo

    Card Stats

    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 4 Colorless
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attack: Ram (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “It hunts without twitching a muscle by pulling in its prey with powerful magnetism. But sometimes it pulls natural enemies in close.”
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Set Code: swsh9
    • Image:

    Key Printing

    This exact printing of Nosepass appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion as card number 73. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or special abilities, making it a straightforward addition to Fighting-type collections.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Nosepass card. Identification is straightforward via its set code (swsh9), card number (73), and regulation mark (F).

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork by miki kudo and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for both casual collectors and those building Fighting-type decks.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Nosepass as a solid Basic Fighting-type with a simple but effective attack. The set emphasizes dynamic artwork and balanced gameplay options. This card fits well into collections focusing on the Sword & Shield era.

    This Nosepass card offers collectors a durable and visually appealing Fighting-type Pokémon from the Brilliant Stars set, with straightforward gameplay utility and clear identifiers for easy cataloging.

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    Nosepass (Brilliant Stars) #73

  • Collector’s Guide: Trapinch (Brilliant Stars #74)

    Trapinch (Brilliant Stars 74) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Trapinch is a Common Pokémon card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 74. It has 60 HP and features the attack Rising Lunge. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 74 Common 60 zig
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attack: Rising Lunge (Flip a coin; if heads, does 10 more damage)
    • Flavor Text: Its nest is a sloped, bowl-like pit in the desert. Once something has fallen in, there is no escape.
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Set Code: swsh9
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Trapinch card from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion, card number 74. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities, making it a straightforward addition for collectors interested in Fighting-type Pokémon or the Brilliant Stars set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Trapinch card. Identifiers include its set code (swsh9), regulation mark (F), and its common rarity status. The illustrator zig is a key signature for this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This Trapinch card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attack and low HP suggest it is more suited for casual play or collection rather than competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this common card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for bulk storage but still benefits from standard card care to maintain its artwork and surface quality.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars: Introduced Trapinch as a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with a unique desert nest flavor text and a simple coin-flip attack. This set highlights Trapinch’s rugged survival traits and adds to the diverse Fighting-type lineup.

    This Trapinch printing is a solid collectible for fans of the Brilliant Stars set or those focusing on Fighting-type Pokémon.

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    Trapinch (Brilliant Stars) #74

  • Collector’s Guide: Vibrava (Brilliant Stars #75)

    Vibrava (Brilliant Stars 75) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Vibrava from the Brilliant Stars set is an Uncommon card numbered 75. With 90 HP and the straightforward attack Razor Wing, it offers a balanced presence for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 75 Uncommon 90 Tomokazu Komiya
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Trapinch)
    • Attack: Razor Wing (30 damage, costs 1 Fighting energy)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: The ultrasonic waves it generates by rubbing its two wings together cause severe headaches.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This printing appears in the Sword & Shield series, specifically the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 75. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Tomokazu Komiya.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh9” and number 75, along with its Fighting type and Stage 1 subtype.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and condition, store this Vibrava in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Vibrava appears as a solid Stage 1 Fighting-type with a simple but effective attack and a unique flavor text highlighting its ultrasonic abilities. The card is Uncommon and features artwork by Tomokazu Komiya.

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    Vibrava (Brilliant Stars) #75

  • Collector’s Guide: Flygon (Brilliant Stars #76)

    Flygon Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #76

    Character Intro

    Flygon from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare card numbered 76. It has 150 HP and features the dynamic attack Blasting Wind—an eye-catching addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 76 Rare 150 Shin Nagasawa
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Vibrava)
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F

    Key Printings

    This exact Flygon card appears in the Sword & Shield series, specifically in the Brilliant Stars set as card number 76.

    Attacks

    • Desert Pillar: Deals 50 damage times the opponent’s Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost in Colorless energy.
    • Blasting Wind: Deals 110 damage.

    Flavor

    The card’s flavor text highlights Flygon’s secretive behavior in sandstorms.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code swsh9 and the card number 76. The illustrator credited is Shin Nagasawa. The card’s rarity is classified as Rare, and it carries the regulation mark “F”.
    Flygon

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality status: unknown.
    • There are no official notes on tournament legality or play restrictions for this card.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the artwork and maintain condition, store this Flygon in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Flygon is a Fighting-type Stage 2 with attacks that leverage the opponent’s retreat costs. With high HP and straightforward damage, it’s a notable inclusion in the set.

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    Flygon (Brilliant Stars) #76

  • Collector’s Guide: Wormadam (Brilliant Stars #77)

    Collector’s Guide: Wormadam (Brilliant Stars #77)

    Wormadam Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #77

    Character Intro

    Wormadam from the Brilliant Stars set is a rare card numbered 77 with 110 HP. It features the distinctive attack Bind Down, adding strategic value to gameplay. This card’s vibrant design stands out in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 77 Rare 110 Lee HyunJung
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Burmy)
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: When Burmy evolved, its cloak became a part of this Pokémon’s body. The cloak is never shed.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Wormadam appears in the Sword & Shield “Brilliant Stars” set as card number 77. It features two attacks:
    – Matron’s Anger — deals 30+ damage plus an additional 10 damage for each Pokémon in your discard pile.
    – Bind Down — deals 80 damage and prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and the card number 77. The illustrator credit goes to Lee HyunJung. The card’s image can be found at /images/swsh9/swsh9-77.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this Wormadam in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity status, handle with clean hands and use a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set includes the rare Wormadam card (#77), showcasing its Fighting-type prowess and unique attacks. The set focuses on dynamic Pokémon from the Sword & Shield era, with this card standing out due to its strategic attack options and distinctive design.

    This guide covers the exact Wormadam printing from Brilliant Stars, providing collectors and players with essential details for identification and care.

    Wormadam (Brilliant Stars) #77

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    Wormadam (Brilliant Stars) #77

  • Collector’s Guide: Riolu (Brilliant Stars #78)

    Collector’s Guide: Riolu (Brilliant Stars #78)

    Riolu (Brilliant Stars 78) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Riolu is a Common Pokémon from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 78. With 60 HP and a single attack, Low Kick, it offers straightforward gameplay for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 78 Common 60 Teeziro
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Evolves From: None
    • Flavor Text: “It’s exceedingly energetic, with enough stamina to keep running all through the night. Taking it for walks can be a challenging experience.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Riolu appears in the Sword & Shield set “Brilliant Stars” as card number 78. It features the attack “Low Kick,” which costs two Fighting Energy and deals 50 damage. There are no abilities or additional attacks on this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Riolu card. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and the card number 78. The illustrator credit goes to Teeziro. The card image can be referenced at: /images/swsh9/swsh9-78.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    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 its condition. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight to maintain the card’s vibrant artwork by Teeziro.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Riolu appears as a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack, “Low Kick,” emphasizing simplicity and energetic character traits. The card fits well into collections focusing on Fighting-type Pokémon or the Brilliant Stars set theme.

    Riolu (Brilliant Stars) #78

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    Riolu (Brilliant Stars) #78

  • Collector’s Guide: Lucario (Brilliant Stars #79)

    Lucario (Brilliant Stars 79) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Lucario from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare Holo card numbered 79 with 120 HP. It features the ability Roaring Resolve and the attack Aura Sphere Volley. A dynamic addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 79 Rare Holo 120 GIDORA
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Riolu)
    • HP: 120
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: It controls waves known as auras, which are powerful enough to pulverize huge rocks. It uses these waves to take down its prey.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact Lucario card appears in the Sword & Shield series set “Brilliant Stars” as card number 79. It is a Rare Holo variant, featuring the ability “Roaring Resolve,” which allows it to place damage counters on itself to attach Fighting Energy from the deck. Its attack “Aura Sphere Volley” discards all Fighting Energy attached to it and deals increasing damage based on the number discarded.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known alternate print variants. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and card number 79. The card’s illustrator is GIDORA, and it carries the regulation mark “F.” The card’s subtype is Stage 1, and it is classified under the Fighting type.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
      This card’s current tournament legality status is unknown. Players should verify with official sources before using it in competitive play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant holo finish and detailed artwork by GIDORA, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set features Lucario as a Rare Holo Stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon with a unique ability to accelerate energy attachment at the cost of self-damage, and a powerful attack that scales with discarded energy. The card’s design and mechanics highlight Lucario’s aura-based combat style.

    This Lucario printing is a vivid and strategic addition for collectors and players interested in Fighting-type Pokémon with dynamic energy manipulation.

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    Lucario (Brilliant Stars) #79

  • Collector’s Guide: Torterra (Brilliant Stars #8)

    Collector’s Guide: Torterra (Brilliant Stars #8)

    Torterra (Brilliant Stars 8) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Torterra is a Rare Holo from Brilliant Stars, numbered 8. This sturdy Pokémon has 190 HP and features the powerful attack Hammer In. Its vibrant design captures the essence of its formidable presence in battle.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 8 Rare Holo 190 Oswaldo KATO
    • Evolves from: Grotle
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F

    Key Printings

    From the Sword & Shield series’ Brilliant Stars set, this Rare Holo is numbered 8.
    Attacks:
    – Evopress — 50 damage for each of your Evolution Pokémon in play
    – Hammer In — 160 damage

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “swsh9” and the card ID “swsh9-8.” The illustrator is Oswaldo KATO, whose artwork highlights Torterra’s massive form.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its Retreat Cost of 4 and reliance on Evolution Pokémon for Evopress suggest strategic deck building to maximize its potential.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the Rare Holo finish and artwork, store in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. For long-term storage, use a top loader or a binder with rigid pages.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Torterra as a powerful Grass-type Stage 2 with strong attacks and a high HP pool; the set emphasizes evolutionary synergy, showcased by Evopress.

    Torterra (Brilliant Stars) #8

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    Torterra (Brilliant Stars) #8

  • Collector’s Guide: Sawk (Brilliant Stars #81)

    Sawk Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #81

    Character Intro

    Sawk from the Brilliant Stars set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 81. It has 90 HP and features the attack Sweep the Leg. This straightforward fighter offers solid basics for any deck.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 81 Common 90 Shinji Kanda
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attack: Sweep the Leg (30 damage; flip a coin to discard an Energy from opponent’s Active Pokémon if heads)
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Series: Sword & Shield
    • Set Code: swsh9
    • Evolves From: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Resistances: None

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Sawk card from the Brilliant Stars expansion, card number 81. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Sawk card. Identification is straightforward via its set code (swsh9), card number (81), and regulation mark (F).

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It features a simple but strategic attack that can disrupt opponents by discarding Energy cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant artwork and condition, 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

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Introduces Sawk as a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack that can hinder opponents’ Energy resources. The set features dynamic artwork by Shinji Kanda, emphasizing Sawk’s intense training spirit.

    Sawk Brilliant Stars 81

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    Sawk (Brilliant Stars) #81