Tag: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Blaine’s Vulpix (Gym Heroes #65)

    Blaine’s Vulpix Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Blaine’s Vulpix from the Gym Heroes set is a common card numbered 65 with 40 HP. It features the ability Natural Healing and the attack Tail Fan. This card captures the fiery spirit of Vulpix in a compact, strategic form.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes unknown 65 Common 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Abilities: Natural Healing (removes 1 damage counter once per turn unless asleep, confused, or paralyzed)
    • Attack: Tail Fan (20 damage; flip a coin to confuse the Defending Pokémon)

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Blaine’s Vulpix is from the Gym Heroes set, identified by the card number 65. This printing is notable for its clean artwork by Ken Sugimori and its straightforward gameplay mechanics. It is a Common rarity card, making it accessible yet collectible for fans of the Gym series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • There are no known print variants for this card.
    • Identified by the set code “gym1” and the card number 65.
    • Features the subtype “Basic” and the Pokémon Power “Natural Healing,” which is a distinctive ability for this printing.
    • Image: /images/gym1/gym1-65.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its gameplay revolves around its healing ability and the chance-based Tail Fan attack, which can disrupt opponents by causing confusion.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid Ken Sugimori illustration and maintain card condition, store Blaine’s Vulpix in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, and keep it in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or fading.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Blaine’s Vulpix appears as a Basic Fire-type card with a unique healing ability and a coin-flip attack that can confuse opponents. It fits well into the Gym-themed lineup, showcasing classic Pokémon art and gameplay mechanics.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Geodude (Gym Heroes #66)

    Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Geodude (Gym Heroes #66)

    Brock’s Geodude Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Brock’s Geodude from the Gym Heroes set is a common card numbered 66. This sturdy Pokémon has 40 HP and features the attack Hook Shot. Its straightforward design reflects the classic style of the Gym Heroes series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 66 Common 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Call for Friend: Flip a coin to search your deck for a Basic Pokémon card with Brock in its name and put it onto your Bench if heads.
    • Hook Shot: Deals 20 damage and ignores Resistance effects.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Brock’s Geodude is from the Gym Heroes set, identified by set code “gym1” and card number 66. This Common rarity card features Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It’s identified by its Fighting type, Basic stage, and the “Call for Friend” attack that searches for Brock-named Basic Pokémon, with artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Even with common rarity, maintaining centering and surface quality helps preserve collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Brock’s Geodude appears as a Basic Fighting-type card with a unique bench-supporting attack and a simple damage-dealing move. It fits well into thematic decks centered around Brock and his Pokémon. The set itself is known for featuring Gym Leader-themed cards with distinctive artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    Brock's Geodude

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    Brock's Geodude (Gym Heroes) #66

  • Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Mankey (Gym Heroes #67)

    Brock’s Mankey Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Brock’s Mankey is a Common card from the Gym Heroes set, numbered 67. This lively Pokémon has 40 HP and features the attack Light Kick. It captures the energetic spirit of Mankey with a straightforward design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 67 Common 40 Atsuko Nishida
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Taunt (Colorless): If your opponent has any Benched Pokémon, choose one and switch it with the Defending Pokémon.
    • Light Kick (Fighting): Deals 10 damage.
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Brock’s Mankey is from the Gym Heroes set, identified by the set code “gym1” and card number 67. This printing is classified as Common rarity and is a Basic Pokémon card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “gym1,” card number 67, and the illustrator Atsuko Nishida. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/gym1/gym1-67.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attack set and low HP suggest it was designed for early gameplay rather than competitive play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its age and common rarity, keeping the surface and edges clean and unmarred will help retain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Brock’s Mankey appears as a straightforward Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with tactical switching capability through its Taunt attack. It fits well within the Gym Heroes theme, representing Brock’s team with a simple yet functional design.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Mankey (Gym Heroes #68)

    Brock’s Mankey Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Brock’s Mankey from the Gym Heroes set is a common card numbered 68. This lively Pokémon has 40 HP and features the attacks Fidget and Karate Chop. Its straightforward design and Ken Sugimori artwork make it a classic addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 68 Common 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Fidget: Shuffle your deck (cost: 1 Colorless)
    • Karate Chop: Does 40 damage minus 10 for each damage counter on Brock’s Mankey (cost: 1 Fighting, 1 Colorless)
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Brock’s Mankey is from the Gym Heroes set, identified by card number 68. It’s notable for clean Ken Sugimori artwork and a straightforward Fighting-type design. No other print variants are documented for this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate versions of Brock’s Mankey from Gym Heroes. The card can be identified by its set code “gym1” and its common rarity status. The card image can be referenced at: /images/gym1/gym1-68.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Its gameplay impact is limited by its low HP and simple attacks, making it more of a collector’s item than a competitive choice.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid Ken Sugimori illustration and maintain the card’s condition, store Brock’s Mankey in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to keep its common rarity value intact.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Brock’s Mankey appears as a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with simple but thematic attacks. It fits well within the Gym Heroes’ focus on Gym Leader-themed Pokémon, offering collectors a glimpse into Brock’s team with classic artwork and straightforward mechanics.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Onix (Gym Heroes #69)

    Collector’s Guide: Brock’s Onix (Gym Heroes #69)

    Brock’s Onix Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Brock’s Onix from the Gym Heroes set is a sturdy Common card numbered 69. With 100 HP, this Basic Fighting-type Pokémon emphasizes durability. Its attacks—Bellow and Rock Throw—capture the essence of Brock’s iconic Onix in a straightforward, no-frills design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 69 Common 100 Ken Sugimori
    • Pokémon: Brock’s Onix
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Bellow: Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed.
    • Rock Throw: Deals 30 damage.

    Key Printings

    This card is printed exclusively in the Gym Heroes set with the set code gym1 and card number 69. It is classified as a Common rarity card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identify it by its Fighting type, 100 HP, and the attack pair “Bellow” and “Rock Throw.” The Ken Sugimori illustrator credit and the number 69 in the Gym Heroes set further aid identification.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    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 common rarity, maintaining its vibrant Ken Sugimori artwork is key for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: Brock’s Onix appears as a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with solid HP and a mix of status and damage attacks, fitting the set’s theme of Gym Leader Pokémon. The card’s common rarity and straightforward design make it accessible for collectors focusing on this classic set.

    Brock's Onix

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    Brock's Onix (Gym Heroes) #69

  • Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Fearow (Gym Heroes #7)

    Collector’s Guide: Lt. Surge’s Fearow (Gym Heroes #7)

    Lt. Surge’s Fearow Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Lt. Surge’s Fearow is a Rare Holo card numbered 7 in the Gym Heroes set. This energetic Pokémon has 70 HP and features the attack Clutch. Its vivid design captures Fearow’s swift, fierce nature in battle.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Heroes 7 Rare Holo 70 Ken Sugimori
    • Pokémon: Lt. Surge’s Fearow
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Lt. Surge’s Spearow)
    • Type: Colorless
    • HP: 70
    • Attacks:
    • Repeating Drill: Flip 5 coins; does 10 damage times the number of heads.
    • Clutch: Deals 30 damage and prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn.
    • Weakness: Lightning (×2)
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Set: Gym Heroes (gym1)
    • Card Number: 7

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Lt. Surge’s Fearow is from the Gym Heroes set, identified by the set code gym1 and card number 7. This Rare Holo card is notable for its holofoil treatment and classic Ken Sugimori artwork, making it a desirable piece for collectors focusing on Gym Leader-themed cards.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. You can identify it by:
    – Its holofoil rarity
    – The absence of a regulation mark
    – Its unique attacks “Repeating Drill” and “Clutch”
    – A retreat cost of zero
    – Fighting resistance

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • Its playability in current tournament settings is therefore uncertain.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil surface and maintain condition, store Lt. Surge’s Fearow in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card, and consider a top loader or a binder with individual pockets for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Heroes: A Gym Leader-themed set where Lt. Surge’s Fearow stands out as a Rare Holo Stage 1 Pokémon. Its blend of coin-flip damage and control effects reflects the set’s strategic depth, while the classic Ken Sugimori art adds nostalgic appeal.

    Lt. Surge's Fearow

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    Lt. Surge's Fearow (Gym Heroes) #7

  • Collector’s Guide: Fire Energy (Gym Challenge #128)

    Collector’s Guide: Fire Energy (Gym Challenge #128)

    Fire Energy (Gym Challenge 128) Collectors Guide

    Card Overview

    Fire Energy from the Gym Challenge set is a vibrant, foundational card for powering Fire-type Pokémon. Numbered 128, it highlights its core purpose in gameplay with a clean, straightforward design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 128 Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card ID: gym2-128
    • Type: Basic Energy (Fire)
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Series: Gym
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Evolves From: None
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Fire Energy was exclusively printed in the Gym Challenge set (set code “gym2”), with card number 128. As a basic energy card, it’s a fundamental resource for Fire-type decks within the Gym series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants exist for this card. Identifiers include the illustrator, Keiji Kinebuchi, and the unique number 128 within Gym Challenge. The card has no regulation mark or rarity designation.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data. As a basic energy, it serves as a resource rather than a strategic attacker or defender.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card’s vivid look and condition with sleeves and storage away from sunlight and moisture. Focus on avoiding bends, whitening, or scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Includes Fire Energy as a core resource for Fire-type decks. Its simple design and essential role make it a staple for collectors focused on the Gym series. No additional print variants or special editions are noted for this card within the set.

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    Fire Energy (Gym Challenge) #128

  • Collector’s Guide: Grass Energy (Gym Challenge #129)

    Grass Energy (Gym Challenge 129) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Grass Energy from the Gym Challenge set is a Basic Energy card essential for powering Grass-type Pokémon. Numbered 129, it features the classic green leaf symbol trainers rely on to fuel their strategies. It provides steady Energy with no additional effects or abilities—an era-defining staple for Grass decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 129 Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card ID: gym2-129
    • Stage: Basic
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Types: None specified
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Evolves From: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Rules Text: None
    • Image URL: /images/gym2/gym2-129.jpg

    Key Printings

    This Grass Energy card is exclusively printed in the Gym Challenge set (set code: gym2). There are no known alternate printings or reprints of this exact card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via its card number 129 and the illustrator Keiji Kinebuchi’s signature style.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Basic Energy card with no special abilities or rarity, standard protective sleeves and storage in a cool, dry place are recommended to preserve the card’s condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the integrity of the artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: This set includes the Grass Energy card as a fundamental resource for Grass-type Pokémon decks. Its simple design reflects the early era of the Pokémon TCG, focusing on essential gameplay elements rather than complex mechanics.

    This guide covers all known details about the Grass Energy card from Gym Challenge #129, providing collectors and players with a concise reference.

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  • Collector’s Guide: Misty’s Gyarados (Gym Challenge #13)

    Collector’s Guide: Misty’s Gyarados (Gym Challenge #13)

    Misty’s Gyarados Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Misty’s Gyarados is a Rare Holo from the Gym Challenge set with 100 HP. Numbered 13 in the set, it showcases the Pokémon Power Rebellion and the hard-hitting Tidal Wave attack, embodying the fierce spirit of Gyarados under Misty’s command.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge unknown 13 Rare Holo 100 Ken Sugimori
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Series: Gym Challenge
    • Card ID: gym2-13

    Key Printings

    This printing is from Gym Challenge (set code gym2), card number 13. It’s a rare holo—an appealing choice for holofoil collectors and Gym Challenge-focused sets.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Distinguishing identifiers include:
    – Pokémon Power: Rebellion (coin flips determine the attack’s effect)
    – Attack: Tidal Wave — 70 damage
    – Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    – Rarity: Rare Holo

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique Pokémon Power and attack mechanics may offer interesting gameplay but are not currently tournament-legal.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To protect the holofoil and surface, store the card in a sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to avoid bending and scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: Misty’s Gyarados is a rare holo Stage 1 Water-type evolving from Misty’s Magikarp. It features the Pokémon Power Rebellion and the strong Tidal Wave attack, making it a standout in this gym-themed set.

    Misty's Gyarados

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    Misty's Gyarados (Gym Challenge) #13

  • Collector’s Guide: Lightning Energy (Gym Challenge #130)

    Collector’s Guide: Lightning Energy (Gym Challenge #130)

    Lightning Energy (Gym Challenge 130) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Lightning Energy from the Gym Challenge set is a vital card for powering up Electric-type Pokémon. Numbered 130, this card provides the essential energy needed to unleash dynamic attacks. Its straightforward design highlights its fundamental role in gameplay.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Gym Challenge 130 Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card ID: gym2-130
    • Pokémon: Lightning Energy
    • Stage: Basic
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Types: None specified
    • Weaknesses: None
    • Resistances: None
    • Evolves From: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Legal: unknown
    • Set Code: gym2
    • Series: gym
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This card appears exclusively in the Gym Challenge set, identified as card number 130. It is a Basic Energy card specifically for Lightning-type Pokémon, illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi. No other printings or reprints are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Lightning Energy card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “gym2” and card number “130.” The absence of rarity and regulation marks simplifies classification but also leaves some collector details unknown.

    Legality & Play Notes

    The legality status of this card is unknown. It is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. As a Basic Energy card, it does not have attacks or abilities and thus serves purely as an energy resource in gameplay.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its unknown rarity and release date, maintaining its physical quality is essential for potential future value. Avoid bending or exposure to extreme temperatures.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Gym Challenge: This set features the Lightning Energy card as a fundamental resource for Lightning-type decks. The card is Basic and lacks additional gameplay mechanics but is visually distinguished by Keiji Kinebuchi’s illustration. No further expansions or variants are noted for this card within the set.

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    Lightning Energy (Gym Challenge) #130