Category: sword_shield

Collector’s Guide: Cynthia’s Ambition (Brilliant Stars #169)
Cynthia’s Ambition (Brilliant Stars #169) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Cynthia’s Ambition is a Rare Ultra card from Brilliant Stars, numbered 169. With vivid artwork that captures Cynthia’s character, it stands out as a desirable pick for collectors seeking marquee cards from the set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 169 Rare Ultra Megumi Mizutani
- Card Name: Cynthia’s Ambition
- Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
- Card Number: 169
- Type: Supporter
- Stage: Supporter
- Rarity: Rare Ultra
- Illustrator: Megumi Mizutani
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: F
- Abilities/Attacks: None
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- HP: Unknown
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
Key Printings

This card is printed solely in the Brilliant Stars expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is identified as card number 169 and classified as a Rare Ultra, making it a valuable addition for collectors focusing on high-rarity Supporter cards.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for Cynthia’s Ambition in this set. It is identified by set code “swsh9-169,” the regulation mark “F,” and Megumi Mizutani’s distinctive illustration.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Rules text: Draw cards until you have 5 cards in hand, or 8 if any of your Pokémon were Knocked Out during your opponent’s last turn. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the artwork and maintain its Rare Ultra condition, store Cynthia’s Ambition in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars: Cynthia’s Ambition debuts as a strategic Supporter with a flexible card-draw effect, illustrated by Megumi Mizutani. It holds a Rare Ultra rarity in the ninth Sword & Shield expansion, adding depth to Supporter options in the set.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Charizard V (Brilliant Stars #17)
Charizard V Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Charizard V from the Brilliant Stars set is a striking Rare Holo V card featuring 220 HP. Numbered 17, it stands out with vivid artwork and a strong presence. Wielding the powerful Heat Blast attack, it’s a dynamic addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 17 Rare Holo V 220 N-DESIGN Inc.
- Pokémon: Charizard V
- Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
- Card Number: 17
- HP: 220
- Type: Fire
- Stage: Basic,V
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Regulation Mark: F
- Attacks:
- Incinerate (90 damage): Discards all Pokémon Tools from opponent’s Active Pokémon before dealing damage.
- Heat Blast (180 damage): No additional effect text.
- Rules: V rule applies—when this Pokémon V is Knocked Out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Key Printings

This exact printing of Charizard V appears in the Brilliant Stars expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is identified as card number 17 and classified as a Rare Holo V, making it a notable collectible for fans of powerful Fire-type Pokémon.

Variants & Identifiers

No print variants are documented for this card. Key identifiers include its set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” and the illustrator credit to N-DESIGN Inc. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh9/swsh9-17.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The V rule applies, meaning if Charizard V is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s Rare Holo V finish and vibrant artwork, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Charizard V as a powerful Basic V Pokémon with strong Fire-type attacks and strategic utility through its Incinerate move. The set emphasizes dynamic artwork and competitive V cards, with this Charizard standing out due to its high HP and impactful attacks.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Kindler (Brilliant Stars #170)
Kindler (Brilliant Stars 170) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Kindler is a Rare Ultra card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 170. Its striking design captures attention among collectors and adds a vibrant touch to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 170 Rare Ultra Hitoshi Ariga
- Card ID: swsh9-170
- Stage: Supporter
- Subtypes: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: F
- Types: None
- Evolves From: None
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
Key Printings

This exact printing of Kindler is from the Brilliant Stars set, identified by set code swsh9 and card number 170. It is a Rare Ultra rarity card, making it a notable find for collectors focusing on high-rarity Supporter cards.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants for this card
- Card ID: swsh9-170
- Illustrator: Hitoshi Ariga
- Image path: /images/swsh9/swsh9-170.jpg
Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
Rules text:
“You can use this card only if you discard a Fire Energy card from your hand. Look at the top 7 cards of your deck and put up to 2 of them into your hand. Shuffle the other cards back into your deck. | You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.”

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve condition and value, sleeve the card and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Rare Ultra status and unique artwork, store it flat in a clean, stable environment and avoid excessive handling to keep the surface pristine.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Includes Kindler as a Rare Ultra Supporter card, notable for its strategic Supporter effect and distinctive illustration. The set focuses on dynamic gameplay elements and visually appealing cards, with Kindler fitting well into this theme.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Marnie’s Pride (Brilliant Stars #171)
Marnie’s Pride Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Marnie’s Pride is a Rare Ultra Supporter from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 171. Its striking design captures Marnie’s personality with vivid detail, making it a standout for Brilliant Stars-focused collections.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 171 Rare Ultra Souichirou Gunjima
- Card Number: 171
- Set Code: swsh9
- Card Type: Supporter
- Stage: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: F
- Abilities/Attacks: None
- Weaknesses/Resistances: None
- Rules Text: Attach a basic Energy card from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Pokémon. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
Key Printings

Marnie’s Pride appears exclusively in Brilliant Stars as card number 171. It is printed as a Rare Ultra variant, a desirable slot for collectors targeting high-rarity Sword & Shield cards.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants exist. It is identified by set code “swsh9” and regulation mark “F.” The official market reference query is “Marnie’s Pride Brilliant Stars 171.”

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It functions as a Supporter with a useful energy-retrieval effect, attaching a basic Energy from the discard pile to a Benched Pokémon.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vivid artwork and Rare Ultra finish, store the card in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching to maintain collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Marnie’s Pride debuts as a Rare Ultra Supporter with a unique energy-recovery effect and a striking illustration by Souichirou Gunjima. No other sets or reprints are currently known.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Magmar (Brilliant Stars #19)
Magmar (Brilliant Stars 19) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Magmar from Brilliant Stars is a Common, Basic Fire-type card numbered 19 with 90 HP. Featuring the attack Fiery Punch, its clean, straightforward design makes it an easy pick for both players and collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 19 Common 90 Shinji Kanda
- HP: 90
- Type: Fire
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Regulation Mark: F
- Evolves From: None
- Flavor Text: “Magmar dispatches its prey with fire. But it regrets this habit once it realizes that it has burned its intended prey to a charred crisp.”
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars set, card number 19. It features two attacks: Low Kick (20 damage) requiring two Colorless energies, and Fiery Punch (70 damage) requiring two Fire and one Colorless energy. The card has no abilities.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “swsh9-19” and the regulation mark “F.” The illustrator credit goes to Shinji Kanda. The card’s image can be found at /images/swsh9/swsh9-19.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

As a common card with a moderate retreat cost and no special abilities, preserving condition is key. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the vibrant artwork and prevent warping.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Magmar appears as a straightforward Basic Fire-type Pokémon with solid attack options but no abilities. It fits well into casual play and collecting due to its common rarity and iconic fiery theme.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Cynthia’s Ambition (Brilliant Stars #178)
Cynthia’s Ambition (Brilliant Stars #178) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Cynthia’s Ambition is a Rare Rainbow card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 178. This striking card captures the essence of Cynthia’s determined spirit. Its vibrant design makes it a notable addition for collectors seeking unique and colorful cards.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 178 Rare Rainbow Megumi Mizutani
- Card ID: swsh9-178
- Stage: Supporter
- Subtypes: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: F
- Series: Sword & Shield
- Pokémon: Cynthia’s Ambition
- Weaknesses: None
- Resistances: None
- Evolves From: None
Key Printings

This card is exclusively printed in the Brilliant Stars expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is identified as card number 178 and is classified as a Rare Rainbow rarity, making it a visually appealing and collectible piece.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. The illustrator credited is Megumi Mizutani, whose artwork adds a distinctive flair. The card’s market reference query is “Cynthia’s Ambition Brilliant Stars 178,” useful for collectors and traders.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Effect Summary

The card’s rules text allows the player to draw cards until they have five cards in hand, or eight if any of their Pokémon were knocked out during the opponent’s last turn. Only one Supporter card may be played per turn, aligning with standard Supporter card mechanics.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s rare rainbow foil and detailed artwork, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface damage.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set introduced Cynthia’s Ambition as a Supporter card with a powerful card draw effect, illustrated by Megumi Mizutani. It is a rare rainbow card that enhances deck consistency and strategic options in gameplay.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Kindler (Brilliant Stars #179)
Kindler Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Kindler is a Rare Rainbow card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 179. Its vibrant design makes it a distinctive addition for collectors focusing on this series. Despite the lack of specified HP, ability, or attack details, its rarity and set placement highlight its appeal.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 179 Rare Rainbow Hitoshi Ariga
- Card ID: swsh9-179
- Stage: Supporter
- Subtype: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Evolves From: None
- Types: None
- Weaknesses: None
- Resistances: None
Key Printings

Kindler appears exclusively as card number 179 in the Brilliant Stars set. It is printed as a Rare Rainbow variant, making it a visually appealing and collectible piece for fans of the Sword & Shield series.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants
- Set code: “swsh9”
- Card number: 179
- Illustrator: Hitoshi Ariga
Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown

Rules on the card specify: “You can use this card only if you discard a Fire Energy card from your hand. Look at the top 7 cards of your deck and put up to 2 of them into your hand. Shuffle the other cards back into your deck. | You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.”

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s rare Rainbow finish and detailed artwork, store Kindler in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Kindler debuts as a Rare Rainbow Supporter card, adding strategic depth with its energy discard and deck search mechanic. This set is known for its colorful and dynamic cards, with Kindler standing out due to its unique effect and striking illustration.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Charizard VSTAR (Brilliant Stars #18)
Charizard VSTAR Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Charizard VSTAR from the Brilliant Stars set is a striking Rare Holo VSTAR card, numbered 18. It boasts a powerful 280 HP and features the dynamic attack Star Blaze. This card stands out for collectors seeking a vivid addition to their collection.

Quick Facts
- HP: 280
- Type: Fire
- Stage: VSTAR
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Attacks: Explosive Fire (130+ damage), Star Blaze (320 damage)
- Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
- Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
- Card Number: 18
- Rarity: Rare Holo VSTAR
- Regulation Mark: F
- VSTAR Rule: When this Pokémon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 18 Rare Holo VSTAR 280 5ban Graphics

Key Printings

This exact printing of Charizard VSTAR is from the Brilliant Stars set, identified by the set code swsh9-18. It evolves from Charizard V and features two powerful attacks: Explosive Fire, which deals extra damage if the Pokémon has damage counters, and Star Blaze, a high-damage VSTAR Power attack requiring energy discard.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its card number 18 in the Brilliant Stars set and the illustrator credit to 5ban Graphics. The card’s subtype is VSTAR, and it carries the regulation mark F.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The VSTAR rule applies: when your Pokémon VSTAR is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant holofoil and detailed artwork, store Charizard VSTAR in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a top-loader or binder with rigid pages for added protection against bending or surface scratches.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set features Charizard VSTAR as a highlight card, showcasing powerful Fire-type attacks and the VSTAR mechanic. The set is known for its high-quality holofoil finishes and dynamic artwork by 5ban Graphics.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Roseanne’s Backup (Brilliant Stars #180)
Roseanne’s Backup Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Roseanne’s Backup is a Rare Rainbow card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 180. Its vibrant design stands out in the collection and adds a unique flair to any Brilliant Stars lineup.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 180 Rare Rainbow kirisAki
- Card Number: 180
- Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
- Card Type: Supporter
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Regulation Mark: F
- Illustrator: kirisAki
- Image:
Key Printings
- Printed solely in the Brilliant Stars expansion
- Identified as a Rare Rainbow variant
- Does not evolve from any Pokémon and has no HP, attacks, or abilities, focusing entirely on its Supporter role
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by set code “swsh9-180” and its Rare Rainbow rarity.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- Effect: Choose one or more of the following effects — shuffle a Pokémon, a Pokémon Tool card, a Stadium card, or an Energy card from your discard pile back into your deck.
- Play rule: Only one Supporter card may be played during your turn.
Care & Storage Tips
- Use a protective sleeve to preserve its vibrant colors
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Store in a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface damage
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Introduced Roseanne’s Backup as a versatile Supporter card with multiple shuffle options, enhancing deck recycling strategies. The set features this card as a Rare Rainbow variant with striking art by kirisAki.
This card remains a fascinating piece for collectors interested in Supporter cards with strategic utility and eye-catching design.

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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Galarian Articuno V (Brilliant Stars #181)
Galarian Articuno V Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Galarian Articuno V from Brilliant Stars is a Rare Secret card numbered 181. With 210 HP, the ability Reconstitute adds strategic depth, and its Psyray attack pairs well with its resilient design.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 181 Rare Secret 210 5ban Graphics
- Type: Psychic
- Stage: Basic,V
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Darkness ×2
- Resistance: Fighting -30
- Ability: Reconstitute (Discard 2 cards from your hand to draw a card once per turn)
- Attack: Psyray (110 damage; Confuses opponent’s Active Pokémon)
- Regulation Mark: E
- V Rule: When your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Key Printings

This guide focuses on Galarian Articuno V from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion, card number 181. Classified as a Rare Secret, it’s a notable target for collectors of high-rarity Psychic-type V cards.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants. Identified by set code “swsh9-181” with artwork by 5ban Graphics, its Psychic typing and Rare Secret rarity distinguish it within Brilliant Stars.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The V rule applies, meaning if this Pokémon V is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

Care & Storage Tips

Protect with sleeves, avoid sunlight and moisture, and handle with clean hands. As a Rare Secret, consider a rigid top-loader or binder storage to maintain condition and value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Galarian Articuno V as a Rare Secret card with strong Psychic-type abilities and a high HP pool. This set highlights powerful Basic V Pokémon with unique abilities and attacks.
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October 1, 2025