Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Elesa’s Sparkle (Crown Zenith #147)

    Elesa’s Sparkle Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Elesa’s Sparkle is a Rare Ultra card from the Crown Zenith set, numbered 147. This striking card captures Elesa’s vibrant energy and is a notable pickup for collectors focused on this set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Crown Zenith 147 Rare Ultra Megumi Mizutani
    • Card Name: Elesa’s Sparkle
    • Set: Crown Zenith (swsh12pt5)
    • Card Number: 147
    • Rarity: Rare Ultra
    • Stage: Fusion Strike, Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: Megumi Mizutani
    • Image: Elesa's Sparkle

    Key Printings

    Printed exclusively in the Crown Zenith set as a Rare Ultra variant. No other printings or reprints are currently documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    Elesa’s Sparkle has no known print variants.

    • Identifiers: set code swsh12pt5-147; regulation mark “E.”
    • Categorization: Fusion Strike and Supporter subtypes.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Effect

    Choose up to two of your Fusion Strike Pokémon and attach Fusion Strike Energy cards from your deck to them, then shuffle your deck. You may play only one Supporter card during your turn.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card in a sleeve or toploader and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Rare Ultra status, maintaining mint condition is essential for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Crown Zenith: Elesa’s Sparkle debuts as a strategic Supporter card enhancing Fusion Strike decks. Its elegant design and unique effect make it a valuable asset for collectors focusing on the Fusion Strike theme.

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    Elesa's Sparkle (Crown Zenith) #147

  • Collector’s Guide: Stantler (Fusion Strike #208)

    Collector’s Guide: Stantler (Fusion Strike #208)

    Stantler Collector’s Guide: Fusion Strike #208

    Character Intro

    Stantler from the Fusion Strike set is an uncommon card with 110 HP. It features the attack Wild Dive, adding strategic variety to gameplay. This card is numbered 208 in the set, making it a distinctive addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Fusion Strike 208 Uncommon 110 Shibuzoh.
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: E
    • Flavor Text: “The curved antlers subtly change the flow of air to create a strange space where reality is distorted.”

    Key Printings

    This exact Stantler card appears in the Fusion Strike set, numbered 208.

    • Attacks:
    • Rear Kick — deals 20 damage for one Colorless Energy.
    • Wild Dive — does 30 damage times the number of Energy attached to the opponent’s Active Pokémon, requiring two Colorless Energy.
    • There are no abilities on this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code swsh8 and card number 208. The illustrator credit goes to Shibuzoh., and the card’s regulation mark is E.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s uncommon rarity and detailed artwork, store it 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

    • Fusion Strike: This set includes Stantler as a Basic Colorless Pokémon with a unique flavor text emphasizing its reality-distorting antlers. It offers simple but potentially strategic attacks, fitting well into casual decks or collectors’ portfolios.

    Stantler (Fusion Strike) #208

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    Stantler (Fusion Strike) #208

  • Collector’s Guide: Smeargle (Fusion Strike #209)

    Smeargle Collector’s Guide: Fusion Strike #209

    Character Intro

    Smeargle from the Fusion Strike set is a common Pokémon card numbered 209. It has 70 HP and features the attacks Sketching Trash and Tail Whap. This card offers a straightforward, agile presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Fusion Strike 209 Common 70 Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Sketching Trash: Retrieve up to 2 Fusion Strike Trainer cards from your discard pile.
    • Tail Whap: Deals 80 damage with a cost of three Colorless energies.
    • Flavor Text: It draws symbols with the fluid that oozes from the tip of its tail. Depending on the symbol, Smeargle fanatics will pay big money for them.
    • Regulation Mark: E

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Fusion Strike set, card number 209. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “swsh8” and card number 209. The illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita is a notable identifier for collectors.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant illustration and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is accessible but still benefits from careful handling to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Fusion Strike: Introduced Smeargle as a Basic Fusion Strike Pokémon with unique Trainer card retrieval capabilities and a solid damage attack, enriching the set’s strategic options.

    Smeargle Fusion Strike 209

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    Smeargle (Fusion Strike) #209

  • Collector’s Guide: Tsareena V (Fusion Strike #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Tsareena V (Fusion Strike #21)

    Tsareena V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Tsareena V is a Rare Holo V from the Fusion Strike set, card number 21. With 200 HP and the attack Queen’s Orders, it stands out visually and mechanically, making it a strong pick for Fusion Strike-focused collections.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Fusion Strike 21 Rare Holo V 200 PLANETA Mochizuki
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Attack: Queen’s Orders — Discard any number of your Benched Pokémon to increase damage by 40 for each discarded, base damage 20+
    • Rules: V rule applies — when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards
    • Illustrator: PLANETA Mochizuki
    • Image URL: /images/swsh8/swsh8-21.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Tsareena V is from Fusion Strike, card number 21. It is a Rare Holo V notable for its high HP and Queen’s Orders, which scales with the number of Benched Pokémon you discard.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh8” and the regulation mark “E.” The card’s market reference query is “Tsareena V Fusion Strike 21.”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To protect the vibrant holofoil and PLANETA Mochizuki artwork, store Tsareena V in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching to maintain condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Fusion Strike: Tsareena V appears as a powerful Grass-type Basic Pokémon with a strategic attack that rewards bench management. Its Rare Holo V rarity and high HP make it a standout in this set. Release date is unknown in the provided data.

    Tsareena V (Fusion Strike) #21

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    Tsareena V (Fusion Strike) #21

  • Collector’s Guide: Baltoy (Brilliant Stars #58)

    Collector’s Guide: Baltoy (Brilliant Stars #58)

    Baltoy (Brilliant Stars 58) Collectors Guide

    Overview

    Baltoy is a Common Pokémon card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 58. It has 50 HP and features the attack Triple Spin. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection with its simple yet distinctive design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 58 Common 50 Kyoko Umemoto

    Card Stats & Flavor

    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Attack: Triple Spin (Flip 3 coins; 20 damage per heads; costs 2 Colorless)
    • Flavor Text: “It moves while spinning around on its single foot. Some Baltoy have been seen spinning on their heads.”
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Evolves From: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Baltoy appears in the Sword & Shield “Brilliant Stars” set, card number 58. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Kyoko Umemoto. The card features the attack “Triple Spin,” which deals variable damage based on coin flips.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants are known for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” and the card number 58. The card image can be referenced at /images/swsh9/swsh9-58.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This 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 battling.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant illustration and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially since it is a Common card that may be handled frequently.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Baltoy as a Basic Psychic-type with a unique spinning-themed attack. This set highlights a variety of Pokémon with dynamic illustrations and gameplay mechanics.

    Baltoy (Brilliant Stars) #58

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    Baltoy (Brilliant Stars) #58

  • Collector’s Guide: Claydol (Brilliant Stars #59)

    Claydol Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #59

    Character Intro

    Claydol from the Brilliant Stars set is an uncommon Pokémon card with 110 HP. It features the intriguing attack Coinciding Figures. This card is numbered 59 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 59 Uncommon 110 Kazuma Koda
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Baltoy)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Regulation Mark: F

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Claydol appears in the Sword & Shield “Brilliant Stars” set as card number 59. The card is classified as Uncommon rarity.

    Attacks

    • “Spinning Attack”: 40 damage for two Colorless energies.
    • “Coinciding Figures”: 90+ damage if both players have the same number of Benched Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh9-59,” the Psychic type, and the distinctive illustration by Kazuma Koda. The card’s regulation mark is “F,” and it has no special abilities.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique attack condition on “Coinciding Figures” may offer strategic value in casual play but is not tournament-legal based on available data.

    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 Uncommon rarity and detailed illustration, maintaining its surface free from scratches will help retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set includes Claydol as an Uncommon Stage 1 Psychic Pokémon with a thematic connection to ancient clay figurines. It complements the set’s focus on powerful and visually striking Pokémon.

    Claydol Brilliant Stars 59

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    Claydol (Brilliant Stars) #59

  • Collector’s Guide: Turtwig (Brilliant Stars #6)

    Collector’s Guide: Turtwig (Brilliant Stars #6)

    Turtwig Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #6

    Character Intro

    Turtwig from the Brilliant Stars set is a common Basic Grass-type, card number 6, with 80 HP. Its straightforward design and the playful Headbutt Bounce attack make it an accessible pick for both collectors and casual players.

    Quick Facts

    • HP: 80
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Attacks: Bite (10 damage), Headbutt Bounce (20 damage)
    • Illustrator: Narumi Sato
    • Rarity: Common
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
    • Card Number: 6
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 6 Common 80 Narumi Sato

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion as card number 6. It has no abilities and two simple attacks—Bite and Headbutt Bounce—reflecting a clean, straightforward design.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers:
    – Set code: “swsh9”
    – Regulation mark: “F”
    – Rarity: Common
    – Image reference: /images/swsh9/swsh9-6.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

    As a common card with no special print variants, use standard sleeves and store in a binder or card box. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant illustration by Narumi Sato.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Introduces Turtwig as a Basic Grass-type with modest HP and straightforward attacks, capturing its naturalistic traits through flavor text and art. No special abilities or variants are included in this set.

    Turtwig (Brilliant Stars) #6

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    Turtwig (Brilliant Stars) #6

  • Collector’s Guide: Duskull (Brilliant Stars #60)

    Collector’s Guide: Duskull (Brilliant Stars #60)

    Duskull Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #60

    Character Intro

    Duskull from Brilliant Stars is a Common Basic Psychic-type, card number 60 with 60 HP. Its lone attack, Perplex, adds a simple but thematic disruption option. A straightforward pickup for collectors and casual players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 60 Common 60 SATOSHI NAKAI
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Attack: Perplex (10 damage; may confuse opponent’s Active Pokémon)
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Evolves From: None
    • Flavor Text: “If it finds bad children who won’t listen to their parents, it will spirit them away—or so it’s said.”
    • Illustrator: SATOSHI NAKAI
    • Image URL: /images/swsh9/swsh9-60.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion, card number 60. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or promotional variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants or special editions are documented for this Duskull card. Identification relies on the set code “swsh9,” card number 60, and the illustrator credit to SATOSHI NAKAI.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
      Perplex offers a chance to confuse the opponent’s Active Pokémon, making it a light disruption tool in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for collectors focusing on complete Brilliant Stars sets or fans of Psychic-type Pokémon.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Duskull as a Basic Psychic-type with a simple but thematic attack and a spooky flavor text. This set printing is the primary and only known version of this card.

    This guide covers all known details about the Duskull card from Brilliant Stars #60, providing collectors and players with a concise reference.

    Duskull (Brilliant Stars) #60

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    Duskull (Brilliant Stars) #60

  • Collector’s Guide: Zubat (Silver Tempest #103)

    Collector’s Guide: Zubat (Silver Tempest #103)

    Zubat Collector’s Guide: Silver Tempest #103

    Character Intro

    Zubat is a common Pokémon card from the Silver Tempest set, numbered 103. It has a modest 40 HP and features the straightforward attack Bite. This card offers a simple yet classic addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Silver Tempest 103 Common 40 Shigenori Negishi
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic
    • Attack: Bite (10 damage, costs 1 Darkness energy)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Flavor Text: It emits ultrasonic waves from its mouth to check its surroundings. Even in tight caves, Zubat flies around with skill.
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Abilities: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Sword & Shield series, set code swsh12, titled Silver Tempest. It is card number 103 and classified as Common rarity. The card is illustrated by Shigenori Negishi, whose art emphasizes Zubat’s echolocation abilities in cave environments.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code swsh12 and the regulation mark F. The card’s market reference query is “Zubat Silver Tempest 103.” The image for this printing can be found at: /images/swsh12/swsh12-103.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not 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 use.

    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 direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the vibrant artwork by Shigenori Negishi.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Silver Tempest (swsh12): Introduced Zubat as a straightforward Darkness-type Basic Pokémon with a single attack, Bite, emphasizing simplicity and thematic cave navigation. This set adds a reliable common card for collectors focusing on the Sword & Shield era.

    This guide covers the exact printing of Zubat from Silver Tempest #103, providing collectors with essential details for identification and care.

    Zubat (Silver Tempest) #103

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    Zubat (Silver Tempest) #103

  • Collector’s Guide: Golbat (Silver Tempest #104)

    Golbat Collector’s Guide: Silver Tempest #104

    Character Intro

    An Uncommon Golbat from the Silver Tempest set, card number 104. It sports a modest 70 HP and the straightforward Bite attack. A classic, agile pickup for collectors exploring the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Silver Tempest 104 Uncommon 70 Anesaki Dynamic
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Zubat)
    • Attack: Bite (30 damage, costs 1 Darkness energy)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: It loves to drink other creatures’ blood. It’s said that if it finds others of its kind going hungry, it sometimes shares the blood it’s gathered.
    • Illustrator: Anesaki Dynamic
    • Card Number: 104/Silver Tempest

    Key Printings

    Printed exclusively in the Sword & Shield series set Silver Tempest (set code swsh12). Classified as an Uncommon card with no special print variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Golbat card. It can be identified by its card number 104 in the Silver Tempest set and the unique artwork by Anesaki Dynamic. The card’s Darkness type and Stage 1 subtype further distinguish it.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the vivid artwork and condition with a sleeve, and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, maintaining mint condition can enhance its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Silver Tempest (swsh12): Golbat appears as a Stage 1 Darkness-type with a straightforward Bite attack. It fits thematic Darkness builds but lacks abilities or complex rules text. Notable for evocative flavor text and clean Anesaki Dynamic artwork.

    Golbat Silver Tempest 104

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    Golbat (Silver Tempest) #104