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Collector’s Guide: Empoleon (Brilliant Stars #37)
Empoleon (Brilliant Stars 37) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Empoleon from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare Holo card numbered 37. This Stage 2 Water-type boasts 160 HP and features the ability Emergency Surfacing. Its attack, Water Arrow, adds a tactical edge to gameplay.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 37 Rare Holo 160 Kouki Saitou
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 2
- Evolves From: Prinplup
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: F
Ability and Attack
- Ability — Emergency Surfacing: If you have no cards in hand, Empoleon can return from the discard pile to the Bench and you draw 3 cards, which can be strategically valuable in casual play.
- Attack — Water Arrow: Offers targeted pressure that complements its utility-focused ability.
Key Printings

This Empoleon card is from the Sword & Shield series, specifically the Brilliant Stars set (swsh9). It is a Rare Holo variant, making it a desirable piece for collectors who focus on holofoil cards from this set.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its card number 37 in the Brilliant Stars set and the unique artwork by Kouki Saitou. The card’s ability, Emergency Surfacing, and its Water Arrow attack are signature features.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
  Its ability allows it to return from the discard pile to the Bench if you have no cards in hand, drawing 3 cards, which can be strategically valuable in casual play.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s Rare Holo finish and vibrant artwork, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it 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): This set features Empoleon as a powerful Stage 2 Water-type with a unique ability and a solid 160 HP, emphasizing strategic play and collector appeal. The card’s design and holofoil rarity make it a standout in the set.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Prinplup (Brilliant Stars #36)
Prinplup Collectors Guide: Brilliant Stars #36

Character Intro

Prinplup from Brilliant Stars is an Uncommon card (#36) with 90 HP and the attack Peck. A straightforward, reliable pick for both collectors and casual players.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 36 Uncommon 90 Kagemaru Himeno
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Piplup)
- Attack: Peck (30 damage, costs 1 Water energy)
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: F
- Flavor Text: “It lives a solitary life. Its wings deliver wicked blows that can snap even the thickest of trees.”
- Image URL: /images/swsh9/swsh9-36.jpg
Key Printings

This exact printing of Prinplup appears in the Brilliant Stars set, identified as card number 36. It features no special abilities, focusing instead on a single attack, Peck, which deals 30 damage. The card’s Uncommon rarity and clean design make it a staple for collectors of the Sword & Shield era.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” and the illustrator credit to Kagemaru Himeno. The card’s simple layout and single Water energy attack make it easily recognizable among other Prinplup cards.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality status: unknown.
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Its straightforward attack and moderate HP suggest it is more suited for casual play or collection rather than competitive tournament use.
Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Prinplup #36 is a solid Stage 1 Water-type with a single reliable attack. It fits well into collections emphasizing the Sword & Shield series and showcases the detailed illustration style of Kagemaru Himeno. No special abilities or variants are present, making it a straightforward collectible from this set.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Piplup (Brilliant Stars #35)
Piplup (Brilliant Stars #35) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Piplup (#35) from Brilliant Stars is a Common Water-type Basic with 60 HP and the attack Bubble. Its clean, approachable design and charming flavor make it an easy, budget-friendly pickup for Piplup fans and Brilliant Stars set builders.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 35 Common 60 Atsushi Furusawa
- HP: 60
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Attack: Bubble — Deals 10 damage; flip a coin, if heads, the opponent’s Active Pokémon is Paralyzed.
- Flavor Text: Because it is very proud, it hates accepting food from people. Its thick down guards it from cold.
- Illustrator: Atsushi Furusawa
- Regulation Mark: F
- Set Code: swsh9
- Legality: unknown
- Image:
Key Printings

This printing of Piplup appears in Brilliant Stars as card number 35. As a Common, it’s widely available for both collectors and players. Its single Water-type attack, Bubble, offers straightforward damage with a disruptive Paralyze chance.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” Common rarity, and the distinctive Atsushi Furusawa illustration.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality for this card is unknown based on the provided data.

Care & Storage Tips
- Use penny sleeves or a deck sleeve to prevent scuffs.
- Store away from direct sunlight and moisture to avoid fading or warping.
- Given its Common rarity, it’s great for casual play and beginning collections—still handle carefully to retain eye appeal.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars: Features Piplup as a Basic Water-type with a simple attack and charming flavor text—an on-theme addition for Sword & Shield era collections.
This Piplup is a tidy inclusion for Brilliant Stars set completion and a fun pick for Water-type enthusiasts.

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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Snorunt (Brilliant Stars #34)
Snorunt Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #34

Character Intro

Snorunt from the Brilliant Stars set is a Common card, number 34, with 60 HP. This chilly Pokémon features the attack Icy Snow, adding a frosty touch to your deck. Its straightforward design makes it a reliable choice for collectors and players alike.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 34 Common 60 HYOGONOSUKE
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Metal ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: E
- Flavor Text: It can only survive in cold areas. It bounces happily around, even in environments as cold as -150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Printings

This exact Snorunt card is from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars set, numbered 34. It features two attacks: Ice Breath, which can paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon on a coin flip, and Icy Snow, dealing 20 damage. The card has no abilities and is classified as Common rarity.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Snorunt card. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and card number 34. The illustrator credit goes to HYOGONOSUKE. The card image is available at /images/swsh9/swsh9-34.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality status: unknown.
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Players should verify tournament rules before including it in decks.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve this Common card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially since it has a moderate retreat cost and could be of interest to collectors focusing on the Brilliant Stars set.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set features Snorunt as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a cold-environment theme. It fits well into collections emphasizing Sword & Shield era cards and showcases the artistic style of HYOGONOSUKE.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Crawdaunt (Brilliant Stars #33)
Crawdaunt Collectors Guide: Brilliant Stars #33

Character Intro

Crawdaunt from the Brilliant Stars set is an Uncommon Pokémon card numbered 33. With 130 HP, it’s a sturdy choice in battle. Crawdaunt’s attack, Crab Impact, delivers a powerful strike to opponents.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 33 Uncommon 130 Shibuzoh.
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Corphish)
- Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless Energy
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: F
- Attacks:
- Corkscrew Punch: 30 damage, costs 1 Colorless Energy
- Crab Impact: 150 damage, costs 1 Water + 2 Colorless Energy, requires discarding 2 Energy from Crawdaunt
Key Printings

This exact Crawdaunt card appears in the Sword & Shield series set “Brilliant Stars” as card number 33. It is classified as an Uncommon rarity and features artwork by Shibuzoh. The card’s image can be viewed at /images/swsh9/swsh9-33.jpg.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Crawdaunt card. Key identifiers include its set code “swsh9” and regulation mark “F.” The card is recognized by its Water type, Stage 1 subtype, and the distinctive attacks “Corkscrew Punch” and “Crab Impact.”

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This Crawdaunt card is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before including it in decks.
Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity and detailed artwork, maintaining a flat, clean environment will help retain its value and visual appeal.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars: Crawdaunt #33 is featured as a solid Stage 1 Water-type with high HP and powerful attacks, fitting well into aggressive or energy-intensive strategies. Its inclusion in this set adds depth to Water-type decks with a balance of offense and durability.
This guide covers the exact printing of Crawdaunt from Brilliant Stars, providing collectors and players with essential information for identification and care.

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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Corphish (Brilliant Stars #32)
Corphish (Brilliant Stars 32) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Corphish from the Brilliant Stars set is a common card numbered 32. It has 70 HP and features the attack Crabhammer. This lively Pokémon brings a splash of aquatic energy to any deck.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 32 Common 70 Sekio
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Lightning (×2)
- Regulation Mark: F
- Flavor Text: “No matter how dirty the water in the river, it will adapt and thrive. It has a strong will to survive.”
- Attacks:
- Water Gun (10 damage, 1 Colorless energy)
- Crabhammer (50 damage, 1 Water + 2 Colorless energies)
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the Corphish card from the Brilliant Stars set, card number 32. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions within this set.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants for this Corphish card
- Set code: “swsh9”
- Card number: 32
- Illustrator: Sekio
- Regulation Mark: F
Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This Corphish card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attack set and moderate HP make it more suited for casual play or collection rather than competitive use.

Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars: This set features Corphish as a Common Basic Water-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a resilient theme, illustrated by Sekio. The card fits well into collections focusing on Water-type Pokémon or the Brilliant Stars series.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Lapras (Brilliant Stars #31)
Lapras (Brilliant Stars 31) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Lapras from the Brilliant Stars set is a rare card numbered 31. It boasts a solid 130 HP and features the striking attack Raging Freeze. This card offers a cool presence for any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 31 Rare 130 Teeziro
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: F
- Evolves From: None
Key Printings

This Lapras card is from the Brilliant Stars set (set code swsh9) and is numbered 31.

Attack Spotlight: Raging Freeze
- Single attack: Raging Freeze
- Damage: 110
- Effect: Can paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon if any of your Pokémon were knocked out by an opponent’s attack during their last turn.
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. The card can be identified by its set code “swsh9,” number 31, and the illustrator Teeziro. The card image is available at /images/swsh9/swsh9-31.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It has no abilities but features a strong attack with a conditional effect that can disrupt opponents by causing paralysis.

Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set includes the Lapras card as a rare Basic Water-type Pokémon with a notable attack and charming flavor text. The set focuses on vibrant illustrations and strategic gameplay elements.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Staryu (Brilliant Stars #30)
Staryu (Brilliant Stars 30) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Staryu from the Brilliant Stars set is a common Pokémon card numbered 30. It has 60 HP and features the attack Double Spin—a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 30 Common 60 Yuka Morii
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Attack: Double Spin — Flip 2 coins; this attack does 10 damage for each heads.
- Flavor Text: “If you visit a beach at the end of summer, you’ll be able to see groups of Staryu lighting up in a steady rhythm.”
- Regulation Mark: F
- Evolves From: None
Key Printings

This exact printing of Staryu appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars set as card number 30. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Yuka Morii. No alternate printings or special versions are noted for this card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Staryu card. Identifiers include the set code “swsh9” and the regulation mark “F.” The card is a Basic Pokémon with the subtype “Basic” and is part of the Water type group.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for casual collectors or players who appreciate the artwork and flavor text.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Staryu as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with a straightforward coin-flip attack. The set highlights vibrant illustrations and introduces the regulation mark F. This card fits well into beginner decks or collections focused on Water-type Pokémon.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Luxray (Brilliant Stars #51)
Luxray Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #51

Character Intro

Luxray from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare card numbered 51 with 150 HP. Its signature attack, Flash Impact, makes it a notable addition to any collection, and the vibrant artwork captures Luxray’s dynamic energy in battle.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 51 Rare 150 Ayaka Yoshida
- Evolves from: Luxio
- Type: Lightning
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Resistances: None
- Regulation Mark: F
- Attacks:
- Energy Crush: Does 50 damage for each Energy attached to all of your opponent’s Pokémon.
- Flash Impact: Deals 110 damage but also does 30 damage to one of your Benched Pokémon (no Weakness or Resistance applied).
- Flavor Text: “Luxray can see through solid objects. It will instantly spot prey trying to hide behind walls, even if the walls are thick.”
Key Printings

This exact printing of Luxray appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars set as card number 51. It is a Rare card illustrated by Ayaka Yoshida, featuring the Pokémon in its Stage 2 evolution form.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “swsh9” and regulation mark “F.” The card is classified as a Stage 2 Lightning-type Pokémon with a retreat cost of 1.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this Luxray in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to retain collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Luxray #51 is a Rare Stage 2 Lightning-type Pokémon card with powerful attacks that leverage Energy attachments on the opponent’s side. It features detailed artwork by Ayaka Yoshida and carries the regulation mark F. The card’s release date is unknown, and it is not currently legal for tournament play.
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October 1, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Luxio (Brilliant Stars #50)
Luxio (Brilliant Stars 50) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Luxio from the Brilliant Stars set is an uncommon Pokémon card numbered 50. It has 90 HP and features the attack Thunder Shock. This card offers a straightforward yet dynamic addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Brilliant Stars 50 Uncommon 90 kurumitsu
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Shinx)
- Attack: Thunder Shock (30 damage; may paralyze opponent’s Active Pokémon on a coin flip)
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: F
- Set Code: swsh9
- Series: Sword & Shield
- Illustrator: kurumitsu
- Image URL: /images/swsh9/swsh9-50.jpg
Key Printings

This exact printing appears in the Brilliant Stars expansion of the Sword & Shield series as an Uncommon card numbered 50. It features a single attack, Thunder Shock, which deals 30 damage and may paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon on a coin flip.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” and the illustrator kurumitsu. The card’s unique flavor text and single Lightning energy attack also help distinguish it.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- According to the provided data, this card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Luxio appears as an Uncommon Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon with a straightforward but effective attack. Its flavor text adds a unique lore element about sharing electricity with other Luxio, enhancing its thematic appeal within the set.
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October 1, 2025