Latest Posts

  • Collector’s Guide: Joltik (Dark Explorers #41)

    Collector’s Guide: Joltik (Dark Explorers #41)

    Joltik (Dark Explorers 41) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Joltik from the Black & White—Dark Explorers set (card 41) is a Common Basic Lightning-type with 30 HP. Featuring straightforward attacks—Ram and Bug Bite—it’s an easy, low-complexity addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 41 Common 30 MAHOU
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless energy
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Attacks:
    • Ram (10 damage, 1 Colorless energy)
    • Bug Bite (20 damage, 2 Colorless energy)
    • Abilities: None
    • Evolves From: None
    • Flavor Text: They attach themselves to large-bodied Pokémon and absorb static electricity, which they store in an electric pouch.
    • Set Code: bw5
    • Card Number: 41

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Joltik appears in the Black & White series set “Dark Explorers” with the card number 41. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by MAHOU. No alternate printings or special editions are noted for this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “bw5” and card number 41. The card’s artwork and layout are consistent with the Dark Explorers set style. The image for this printing can be viewed at: /images/bw5/bw5-41.jpg.

    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

    As a Common card with a single retreat cost and no special abilities, this Joltik card should be stored in a protective sleeve to preserve its condition. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the vibrant artwork by MAHOU. Proper storage will help retain its collector value over time.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Joltik as a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a low HP, fitting the early-stage Pokémon profile. It contributes to the set’s theme of exploring darker, mysterious Pokémon environments.

    Joltik (Dark Explorers) #41

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Joltik Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Joltik (Dark Explorers) #41

  • Collector’s Guide: Minun (Dark Explorers #40)

    Collector’s Guide: Minun (Dark Explorers #40)

    Minun (Dark Explorers 40) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Minun from the Dark Explorers set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 40. It has 60 HP and features the attack Negative Ion. A straightforward addition to any collection, it pairs simple design with modest stats.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 40 Common 60 Naoki Saito
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Negative Ion: Reduces damage from the Defending Pokémon’s attacks by 30 during your opponent’s next turn.
    • Electrishower: Deals 10 damage to each of your opponent’s Pokémon.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Dark Explorers printing, card number 40, illustrated by Naoki Saito. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or promotional variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or special identifiers for this card. The card is identified by its set code “bw5-40” and the artwork by Naoki Saito.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its attacks offer strategic utility by reducing incoming damage and spreading minor damage across the opponent’s board.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface; while it is a Common card, condition still matters to collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Features Minun as a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon with supportive attacks. The set is known for Pokémon with unique abilities and tactical moves, and Minun fits this theme by providing damage mitigation and multi-target damage. The exact release date of this set is unknown.

    Minun (Dark Explorers) #40

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Minun Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Minun (Dark Explorers) #40

  • Collector’s Guide: Espeon (Dark Explorers #48)

    Collector’s Guide: Espeon (Dark Explorers #48)

    Espeon (Dark Explorers 48) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Espeon from the Dark Explorers set is a rare Stage 1 Psychic-type card with 90 HP. It features the ability Solar Revelation and the attack Psy Report. This sleek Pokémon holds a unique place as card number 48 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 48 Rare 90 Mizue
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
    • Type: Psychic
    • HP: 90
    • Ability: Solar Revelation — Prevents all effects of opponent’s attacks except damage on your Pokémon with Energy attached.
    • Attack: Psy Report — Deals 60 damage and forces your opponent to reveal their hand.
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Flavor Text: Its fur is so sensitive, it can sense minute shifts in the air and predict the weather.
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Mizue
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Espeon is from Dark Explorers, identified by number 48. It is a rare Stage 1 Psychic-type with a defensive ability that prevents status effects from opponent’s attacks on Energy-attached Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact Espeon card. It can be identified by its set code “bw5,” card number 48, and the illustrator Mizue’s distinctive artwork style.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its ability to prevent effects other than damage can be strategically valuable, but tournament use depends on format legality.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this rare card’s condition, 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 by Mizue, to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Espeon as a rare Psychic-type Stage 1 Pokémon with a defensive ability and a revealing attack, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and discovery. The card’s sensitive and perceptive nature is well represented in both gameplay and artwork.

    This guide covers all known details for the Espeon card from Dark Explorers, number 48. Release date and additional variants remain unknown.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Espeon Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Espeon (Dark Explorers) #48

  • Collector’s Guide: Eelektross (Dark Explorers #47)

    Collector’s Guide: Eelektross (Dark Explorers #47)

    Eelektross Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #47

    Character Intro

    Eelektross from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo card numbered 47 with a robust 140 HP. Its standout attack, Suction Heal, adds strategic depth by sustaining board presence. The vivid artwork and solid stats make it a notable Stage 2 Lightning-type evolution.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 47 Rare Holo 140 kawayoo
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Eelektrik)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Flavor Text: With their sucker mouths, they suck in prey. Then they use their fangs to shock the prey with electricity.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Dark Explorers set as card number 47. It features two attacks:
    – Suction Heal: heals damage equal to the damage dealt to the opponent’s Pokémon.
    – Slurp Shakedown: switches the opponent’s Active Pokémon with a Benched one and deals damage to the new Active Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants.
    • Set code: “bw5”; card number: 47.
    • Rarity: Rare Holo.
    • Illustrator: kawayoo.
    • Regulation mark: unknown; release date: unknown.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the holofoil surface by sleeving the card and keeping it away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching to maintain condition and collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Features Eelektross as a powerful Stage 2 Lightning-type with healing and switching attacks, emphasizing strategic play and durability.

    Eelektross Dark Explorers 47

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Eelektross Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Eelektross (Dark Explorers) #47

  • Collector’s Guide: Eelektrik (Dark Explorers #46)

    Collector’s Guide: Eelektrik (Dark Explorers #46)

    Eelektrik (Dark Explorers 46) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Eelektrik from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon card with 90 HP and the hard-hitting Shock Bolt attack. It is card number 46 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 46 Uncommon 90 Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Tynamo)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Headbutt (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless Energy)
    • Shock Bolt (80 damage, costs 2 Lightning + 1 Colorless Energy; discards all Lightning Energy attached to Eelektrik)
    • Flavor Text: “These Pokémon have a big appetite. When they spot their prey, they attack it and paralyze it with electricity.”
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Image: Eelektrik

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Eelektrik appears in the Black & White series set “Dark Explorers” with the card number 46. It is classified as an Uncommon card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “bw5” and the unique card number 46. The artwork by Kagemaru Himeno is a distinctive feature.

    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

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Eelektrik as a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon, continuing the evolutionary line from Tynamo. It features solid mid-range HP and a mix of energy costs for its attacks, reflecting its electric nature and strategic playstyle.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Eelektrik Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Eelektrik (Dark Explorers) #46

  • Collector’s Guide: Tynamo (Dark Explorers #45)

    Collector’s Guide: Tynamo (Dark Explorers #45)

    Tynamo Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #45

    Character Intro

    Tynamo is a Common Pokémon card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 45. It has 40 HP and features the attack Spark. This modest card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 45 Common 40 Akira Komayama
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Attack: Spark — Deals 10 damage to one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon without applying Weakness or Resistance.
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Flavor Text: “These Pokémon move in schools. They have an electricity-generating organ, so they discharge electricity if in danger.”
    • Image URL: /images/bw5/bw5-45.jpg

    Key Printings

    The Dark Explorers set printing of Tynamo (#45) is the only known printing with this exact combination of artwork, HP, and attack. It is a common card, making it accessible for collectors focusing on the Black & White series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via its set code “bw5-45,” common rarity, and illustrator Akira Komayama’s distinctive art style.

    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 decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special print variants, standard protective sleeves and storage binders are recommended to preserve the card’s condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the vibrancy of the artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Tynamo as a basic Lightning-type Pokémon with a unique attack targeting benched Pokémon, fitting the set’s theme of exploring darker, electric-themed Pokémon. The card’s simple mechanics and common rarity make it a staple for collectors completing the set.

    Tynamo (Dark Explorers) #45

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Tynamo Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Tynamo (Dark Explorers) #45

  • Collector’s Guide: Tynamo (Dark Explorers #44)

    Collector’s Guide: Tynamo (Dark Explorers #44)

    Tynamo (Dark Explorers #44) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Tynamo is a Common Pokémon card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 44. It has a modest 40 HP and features the attack Charge Beam. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 44 Common 40 Midori Harada
    • HP: 40
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Attack: Charge Beam (10 damage) — Flip a coin; if heads, attach an Energy card from your discard pile to this Pokémon.
    • Flavor Text: “These Pokémon move in schools. They have an electricity-generating organ, so they discharge electricity if in danger.”
    • Illustrator: Midori Harada
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the Dark Explorers set printing of Tynamo, card number 44. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities listed. The card’s single attack, Charge Beam, offers a strategic energy recovery mechanic.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “bw5” and the card number “44.” The card is classified as a Basic Pokémon with the Lightning type and a Fighting weakness.

    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 vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this Tynamo card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for both casual collectors and players who appreciate electric-type Pokémon.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set includes Tynamo as a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon with a unique energy-recycling attack. The card fits well into electric-themed decks but is not currently legal in major tournament formats.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Tynamo Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Tynamo (Dark Explorers) #44

  • Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Groudon-EX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Groudon-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX with a commanding presence. It has 180 HP and the standout attack Giant Claw. As card number 54 in the set, it’s a noteworthy pull for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 54 Rare Holo EX 180 Shizurow
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Attacks:
    • Tromp: Deals 20 damage and 10 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
    • Giant Claw: Deals 80+ damage, with an additional 40 damage if the Defending Pokémon already has 2 or more damage counters.
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the single known printing of Groudon-EX from Dark Explorers, card number 54. It is a Rare Holo EX with no evolutions and no special abilities beyond its attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. It is identified by set code “bw5-54” and illustrator Shizurow. The card’s image can be found at:
    Groudon-EX

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its high retreat cost and the Pokémon-EX rule make it a strategic choice in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve to preserve the Rare Holo EX finish and detailed artwork.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Groudon-EX appears as a powerful Basic EX Fighting-type Pokémon with strong bench-targeting and high-damage attacks, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and strength. The set’s release date is unknown.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Groudon-EX Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers) #54

  • Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers 53) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Aerodactyl from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card with 90 HP. It features the striking ability Ancient Scream and a powerful Wing Attack. This card is numbered 53 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 53 Rare 90 Naoyo Kimura
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Restored
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Ability: Ancient Scream — boosts your Pokémon’s attacks by 10 damage against the Active Pokémon before Weakness and Resistance apply.
    • Attack: Wing Attack — deals 40 damage with a cost of three Colorless energies.
    • Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades.”
    • Rules: Can only be put onto your Bench with the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Key Printings

    Focus: the Aerodactyl card from the Dark Explorers set, card number 53. It is a Rare card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Aerodactyl card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “bw5” and card number 53. The card features the subtype “Restored,” linking it to its evolutionary origin from Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It has a specific play rule requiring it to be placed on the Bench only through the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique evolutionary mechanic, keeping it in a binder or top-loader is recommended to avoid edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Aerodactyl as a Restored Pokémon, emphasizing prehistoric themes and unique evolutionary mechanics. The card’s Fighting type and Ancient Scream ability make it a distinctive addition to the set’s roster.

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Aerodactyl Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

  • Collector’s Guide: Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers #52)

    Collector’s Guide: Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers #52)

    Cofagrigus Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #52

    Character Intro

    Cofagrigus is a Rare Psychic-type Stage 1 from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 52. With 100 HP and the attack Chuck, this striking kawayoo-illustrated card adds a distinctive presence to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 52 Rare 100 kawayoo
    • HP: 100
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Yamask)
    • Weakness: Darkness ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • No resistances or abilities
    • Attacks:
    • Chuck: Discard any number of Pokémon Tool cards from your hand to deal 40 damage per card discarded.
    • Lock Up: Deals 40 damage and prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn.
    • Flavor Text: “It has been said that they swallow those who get too close and turn them into mummies. They like to eat gold nuggets.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 52. It is a rare Psychic-type Stage 1 card illustrated by kawayoo. The card does not have a regulation mark or release date listed.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by set code “bw5” and card number 52. The card’s market reference query is “Cofagrigus Dark Explorers 52.” The image for this printing is available at /images/bw5/bw5-52.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Its unique attacks provide tactical options, especially the “Chuck” attack which scales with discarded Pokémon Tool cards, and “Lock Up,” which restricts opponent movement.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s rare status and vibrant illustration by kawayoo, 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

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Cofagrigus as a rare Psychic-type Stage 1 card with strategic attacks and a haunting flavor text. It fits well into decks that utilize Pokémon Tool cards and control tactics.

    Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers) #52

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Cofagrigus Dark Explorers.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Cofagrigus (Dark Explorers) #52