Tag: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Flareon (Team Rocket #35)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Flareon (Team Rocket #35)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Flareon (Team Rocket #35)

    Dark Flareon

    Quick Facts

    Dark Flareon is a Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 35. It evolves from Eevee and has 50 HP. This card features two attacks: Rage, which deals increasing damage based on damage counters on Dark Flareon, and Playing with Fire, which can deal extra damage if Fire Energy is attached but requires a coin flip. It has a Water-type weakness and a retreat cost of 1. The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Uncommon.

    • HP: 50
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
    • Attacks: Rage, Playing with Fire
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Team Rocket expansion of the Base series, identified by set code base5 and card number 35. It is notable for its classic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and its thematic design as a “dark” variant of Flareon, reflecting the Team Rocket set’s focus on shadowy Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:

    • Set Name: Team Rocket
    • Set Code: base5
    • Card Number: 35
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced “Dark” Pokémon variants, including Dark Flareon, emphasizing a darker theme and unique mechanics. Dark Flareon stands out with its fiery temperament and attacks that reward strategic energy management.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 35 Uncommon 50 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Flareon (Team Rocket) #35

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Gloom (Team Rocket #36)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Gloom (Team Rocket #36)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Gloom (Team Rocket #36)

    Dark Gloom

    Quick Facts

    Dark Gloom is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket expansion of the Base series. It has 50 HP and features the Pokémon Power Pollen Stench, which can confuse either the Defending Pokémon or your Active Pokémon depending on a coin flip, with restrictions if Dark Gloom is already affected by a status condition. Its attack, Poisonpowder, deals 10 damage and poisons the opponent’s Active Pokémon. The card is illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno and is classified as Uncommon.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (Base series)
    • Card Number: 36
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • HP: 50
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Oddish)
    • Type: Grass
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Legal Status: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by its set code base5-36 and the Team Rocket expansion symbol. The card’s unique ability and attack text, along with its illustrator credit, help confirm authenticity.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 36 Uncommon 50 Kagemaru Himeno

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Gloom card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (Base Series): This set introduced Dark Pokémon and featured darker, more mischievous versions of familiar Pokémon. Dark Gloom fits the theme with its confusing pollen ability and poison attack, reflecting the set’s focus on disruptive gameplay mechanics.

    Note: The exact release date and detailed legality status for tournament play are unknown for this printing.

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    Dark Gloom (Team Rocket) #36

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Golduck (Team Rocket #37)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Golduck (Team Rocket #37)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Golduck (Team Rocket #37)

    Dark Golduck

    Quick Facts

    Dark Golduck is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 37. It evolves from Psyduck and features 60 HP. This card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as Uncommon rarity. It has a retreat cost of 2 and a weakness to Lightning-type attacks (×2). The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing of Dark Golduck from the Team Rocket expansion, identified by the set code base5 and card number 37. It is notable for its Psychic-type attacks, including “Third Eye,” which allows discarding an Energy card to draw up to 3 cards, and “Super Psy,” which deals 50 damage.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Set Name: Team Rocket
    – Card Number: 37
    – Rarity: Uncommon
    – Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    – Types: Water
    – Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Psyduck)
    – Attacks: Third Eye (Psychic cost, card draw mechanic), Super Psy (50 damage)

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition of this Uncommon card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated area by Mitsuhiro Arita. Proper storage will help maintain its collector value and visual appeal.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon variants, including Dark Golduck, which features a blend of Water-type attributes with Psychic attacks. The set is known for its thematic focus on darker, more aggressive Pokémon and unique artwork styles.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 37 Uncommon 60 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Golduck (Team Rocket) #37

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Jolteon (Team Rocket #38)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Jolteon (Team Rocket #38)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Jolteon (Team Rocket #38)

    Dark Jolteon

    Quick Facts

    Dark Jolteon is a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 38. It evolves from Eevee and features 50 HP. The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as Uncommon rarity. It has two attacks: Lightning Flash, which can potentially nullify the Defending Pokémon’s attack on the opponent’s next turn, and Thunder Attack, which can paralyze the Defending Pokémon but risks self-damage. The card has a Fighting-type weakness (×2) and a retreat cost of 1. Its flavor text describes Dark Jolteon as a dangerous Pokémon that likes to shock people playfully.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 38
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • HP: 50
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base5” and the card number 38. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 38 Uncommon 50 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Jolteon card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, and handle it with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): Dark Jolteon #38 is part of the Team Rocket expansion, which introduced “Dark” Pokémon variants with unique attacks and darker themes. This card exemplifies the set’s focus on disruptive and risky strategies, with attacks that can hinder opponents but may also backfire.

    Legality: unknown

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    Dark Jolteon (Team Rocket) #38

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Kadabra (Team Rocket #39)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Kadabra (Team Rocket #39)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Kadabra (Team Rocket #39)

    Dark Kadabra

    Quick Facts

    Dark Kadabra is a Stage 1 Psychic-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket expansion of the Pokémon TCG. It evolves from Abra and features 50 HP. This card is illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno and is classified as Uncommon. It has a retreat cost of two and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks with a ×2 multiplier. The card includes the Pokémon Power “Matter Exchange,” allowing you to discard a card to draw a new one once per turn unless Dark Kadabra is affected by a special condition. Its attack, “Mind Shock,” deals 30 damage and ignores Weakness and Resistance effects.

    • HP: 50
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Abra)
    • Ability: Matter Exchange (discard a card to draw one, once per turn)
    • Attack: Mind Shock (30 damage, ignores Weakness and Resistance)
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    • Team Rocket #39: The original and only known printing of Dark Kadabra in the Team Rocket set. No release date is documented for this printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants or alternate versions. It is identified by the set code “base5” and card number 39 within the Team Rocket expansion.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 39 Uncommon 50 Kagemaru Himeno

    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the condition and value of your Dark Kadabra card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Given its age and rarity, preserving the card in near-mint condition is recommended for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): Dark Kadabra appears as a Stage 1 Psychic-type Pokémon with a unique ability and attack that emphasize strategic hand management and damage dealing without Weakness or Resistance modifiers. This set introduced darker-themed Pokémon cards, and Dark Kadabra fits this motif with its “dark” variant and mysterious flavor text referencing its role in unexplained events.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base5/base5-39.jpg

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    Dark Kadabra (Team Rocket) #39

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Machoke (Team Rocket #40)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Machoke (Team Rocket #40)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Machoke (Team Rocket #40)

    Dark Machoke

    Quick Facts

    Dark Machoke is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 40. It has 60 HP and is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. This card features two attacks: Drag Off, which allows you to switch your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon before dealing 20 damage, and Knock Back, which deals 30 damage and forces your opponent to switch their Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon. The card’s flavor text notes that while Machoke is usually peaceful, incidents involving cruel Machokes are increasing.

    • HP: 60
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Machop)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Dark Machoke appears only in the Team Rocket set (set code: base5). It is a non-holo uncommon card, featuring classic Mitsuhiro Arita artwork.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:

    • Card Number: 40
    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Type: Fighting
    • No regulation mark present

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Machoke card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): Introduced Dark Pokémon with a darker theme and unique artwork. Dark Machoke fits the set’s motif as a powerful Fighting-type with disruptive attacks that manipulate the opponent’s board state.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 40 Uncommon 60 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Machoke (Team Rocket) #40

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Muk (Team Rocket #41)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Muk (Team Rocket #41)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Muk (Team Rocket #41)

    Dark Muk

    Quick Facts

    Dark Muk is a Stage 1 Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 41. It has 60 HP and is illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. This card features the Pokémon Power “Sticky Goo,” which increases the retreat cost for your opponent’s Active Pokémon while Dark Muk is active, unless it is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed. Its attack, “Sludge Punch,” deals 20 damage and poisons the Defending Pokémon. Dark Muk evolves from Grimer and has a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It has a retreat cost of 2 and is classified as a Grass-type Pokémon in this printing.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 41
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 60
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Grimer)
    • Type: Grass
    • Abilities: Sticky Goo (Pokémon Power)
    • Attack: Sludge Punch (20 damage, poisons Defending Pokémon)
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base5” and card number 41. The card is part of the Team Rocket series and is an Uncommon rarity card.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 41 Uncommon 60 Kagemaru Himeno

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Muk card:
    – Store it in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon cards, including Dark Muk, featuring unique abilities and attacks that reflect their darker nature. Dark Muk stands out with its disruptive Pokémon Power “Sticky Goo” and its ability to poison opponents, fitting the theme of spreading sludge and panic as described in its flavor text.

    Additional Information

    • Flavor Text: “Muks appear suddenly, spreading sludge everywhere. Whenever one appears in a city, panic ensues.”
    • Legality: unknown

    This Dark Muk card is a notable collectible for fans of the Team Rocket set and those interested in the early Dark Pokémon mechanics.

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    Dark Muk (Team Rocket) #41

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Persian (Team Rocket #42)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Persian (Team Rocket #42)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Persian (Team Rocket #42)

    Dark Persian

    Quick Facts

    Dark Persian is a Stage 1 Colorless Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 42. It has 60 HP, a Fighting-type weakness, and Psychic resistance. This card features two attacks: Fascinate, which can switch the opponent’s Active Pokémon with a Benched one, and Poison Claws, which deals 10 damage and may poison the opponent’s Active Pokémon. The card has no abilities and requires no retreat cost. It is illustrated by Shin-ichi Yoshida and classified as Uncommon.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 42
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • HP: 60
    • Illustrator: Shin-ichi Yoshida
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Dark Persian has no known print variants. It evolves from Meowth and is identified by the set code “base5” and the number 42. The card’s subtype is Stage 1, and it belongs to the Colorless type. It is notable for its flavor text referencing its popularity with women and its connection to the Rocket leader.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Persian card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Given its Uncommon rarity and vintage status, maintaining mint or near-mint condition is ideal for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon and featured darker, more villainous themes. Dark Persian fits the set’s motif as a member of the Rocket team’s lineup, combining strategic attacks with moderate HP and useful resistances.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 42 Uncommon 60 Shin-ichi Yoshida

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    Dark Persian (Team Rocket) #42

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Primeape (Team Rocket #43)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Primeape (Team Rocket #43)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Primeape (Team Rocket #43)

    Dark Primeape

    Quick Facts

    Dark Primeape is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 43. It evolves from Mankey and features 60 HP. This card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and has an Uncommon rarity. It has a unique Pokémon Power called “Frenzy,” which increases damage output when Dark Primeape is Confused, and an attack named “Frenzied Attack” that causes confusion after dealing damage. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). Its flavor text notes that Primeapes have become more vicious and frenzied recently.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 43
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • HP: 60
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Mankey)
    • Type: Fighting
    • Abilities: Frenzy (Pokémon Power)
    • Attack: Frenzied Attack (40 damage, causes Confusion)

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Dark Primeape. The card can be identified by its set code “base5,” number 43, and the Team Rocket logo. The lack of a regulation mark and the absence of a release date are notable.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Primeape card:
    – Store it in a protective sleeve and a rigid top-loader or binder.
    – Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon, including Dark Primeape, which features aggressive abilities and attacks reflecting its frenzied nature. The card’s design and mechanics emphasize confusion and increased damage output under certain conditions.

    Legality

    • Standard: unknown
    • Expanded: unknown
    • Unlimited: unknown

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 43 Uncommon 60 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Dark Primeape (Team Rocket) #43

  • Collector’s Guide: Dark Rapidash (Team Rocket #44)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Rapidash (Team Rocket #44)

    Collector’s Guide: Dark Rapidash (Team Rocket #44)

    Dark Rapidash

    Quick Facts

    Dark Rapidash is a Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. It has 60 HP, no retreat cost, and a Water-type weakness (×2). The card features two attacks: Rear Kick, dealing 20 damage for two Colorless Energy, and Flame Pillar, which deals 30 damage with a Fire Energy cost and can optionally damage an opponent’s Benched Pokémon by discarding a Fire Energy attached to Dark Rapidash.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Team Rocket (base5)
    • Card Number: 44
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Ponyta)
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Fire
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known variants or alternate printings. It is identified by the set code “base5” and card number 44. The card’s flavor text reads: “A wild, uncontrollable Pokémon. When running, it looks like a comet streaking through the sky.”

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Rapidash card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and warping.
    – Handle with clean hands to avoid oils and dirt.
    – Store in a cool, dry place to maintain card integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon variants, including Dark Rapidash, which features a darker, more aggressive design and unique gameplay mechanics. Dark Rapidash stands out with its ability to target Benched Pokémon via Flame Pillar, adding strategic depth.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Team Rocket 44 Uncommon 60 Kagemaru Himeno

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    Dark Rapidash (Team Rocket) #44