Tag: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Hitmontop (Brilliant Stars #72)

    Hitmontop Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #72

    Character Intro

    Hitmontop from the Brilliant Stars set is an Uncommon card numbered 72. This agile Pokémon boasts 100 HP and features the dynamic Cyclone Kick attack. Its design captures a balanced blend of strength and motion.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 72 Uncommon 100 ryoma uratsuka
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: It launches kicks while spinning. If it spins at high speed, it may bore its way into the ground.

    Key Printings

    This exact Hitmontop card appears only in the Brilliant Stars set, identified by set code swsh9 and card number 72. It is an uncommon rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Hitmontop card. Key identifiers include its Fighting type, Basic stage, and the illustrator ryoma uratsuka.

    Attacks

    • Spinning Draw: allows drawing a card and deals 20 damage
    • Cyclone Kick: deals 100 damage

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its straightforward attack set and moderate HP make it a simple but effective choice for casual play or collection.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the artwork and condition by sleeving the card and keeping it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface—uncommon cards like this can be desirable to collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set introduced Hitmontop as a Basic Fighting-type with a unique spinning kick motif. It stands out for its clean design and balanced stats, fitting well into Fighting-type decks or collections focused on the Sword & Shield series.

    Hitmontop Brilliant Stars 72

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    Hitmontop (Brilliant Stars) #72

  • Collector’s Guide: Nosepass (Brilliant Stars #73)

    Nosepass Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #73

    Overview

    Nosepass from the Brilliant Stars set is a common Pokémon card numbered 73. It has 90 HP and features the straightforward attack Ram. This sturdy card offers a solid presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 73 Common 90 miki kudo

    Card Stats

    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 4 Colorless
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attack: Ram (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “It hunts without twitching a muscle by pulling in its prey with powerful magnetism. But sometimes it pulls natural enemies in close.”
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Set Code: swsh9
    • Image:

    Key Printing

    This exact printing of Nosepass appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion as card number 73. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or special abilities, making it a straightforward addition to Fighting-type collections.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Nosepass card. Identification is straightforward via its set code (swsh9), card number (73), and regulation mark (F).

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork by miki kudo and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for both casual collectors and those building Fighting-type decks.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Features Nosepass as a solid Basic Fighting-type with a simple but effective attack. The set emphasizes dynamic artwork and balanced gameplay options. This card fits well into collections focusing on the Sword & Shield era.

    This Nosepass card offers collectors a durable and visually appealing Fighting-type Pokémon from the Brilliant Stars set, with straightforward gameplay utility and clear identifiers for easy cataloging.

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    Nosepass (Brilliant Stars) #73

  • Collector’s Guide: Trapinch (Brilliant Stars #74)

    Trapinch (Brilliant Stars 74) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Trapinch is a Common Pokémon card from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 74. It has 60 HP and features the attack Rising Lunge. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 74 Common 60 zig
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attack: Rising Lunge (Flip a coin; if heads, does 10 more damage)
    • Flavor Text: Its nest is a sloped, bowl-like pit in the desert. Once something has fallen in, there is no escape.
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Set Code: swsh9
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Trapinch card from the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion, card number 74. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities, making it a straightforward addition for collectors interested in Fighting-type Pokémon or the Brilliant Stars set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Trapinch card. Identifiers include its set code (swsh9), regulation mark (F), and its common rarity status. The illustrator zig is a key signature for this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This Trapinch 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

    To preserve this common card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for bulk storage but still benefits from standard card care to maintain its artwork and surface quality.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars: Introduced Trapinch as a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with a unique desert nest flavor text and a simple coin-flip attack. This set highlights Trapinch’s rugged survival traits and adds to the diverse Fighting-type lineup.

    This Trapinch printing is a solid collectible for fans of the Brilliant Stars set or those focusing on Fighting-type Pokémon.

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    Trapinch (Brilliant Stars) #74

  • Collector’s Guide: Vibrava (Brilliant Stars #75)

    Vibrava (Brilliant Stars 75) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Vibrava from the Brilliant Stars set is an Uncommon card numbered 75. With 90 HP and the straightforward attack Razor Wing, it offers a balanced presence for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 75 Uncommon 90 Tomokazu Komiya
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Trapinch)
    • Attack: Razor Wing (30 damage, costs 1 Fighting energy)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: The ultrasonic waves it generates by rubbing its two wings together cause severe headaches.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This printing appears in the Sword & Shield series, specifically the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 75. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Tomokazu Komiya.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh9” and number 75, along with its Fighting type and Stage 1 subtype.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Vibrava appears as a solid Stage 1 Fighting-type with a simple but effective attack and a unique flavor text highlighting its ultrasonic abilities. The card is Uncommon and features artwork by Tomokazu Komiya.

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    Vibrava (Brilliant Stars) #75

  • Collector’s Guide: Flygon (Brilliant Stars #76)

    Flygon Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #76

    Character Intro

    Flygon from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare card numbered 76. It has 150 HP and features the dynamic attack Blasting Wind—an eye-catching addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 76 Rare 150 Shin Nagasawa
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Vibrava)
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F

    Key Printings

    This exact Flygon card appears in the Sword & Shield series, specifically in the Brilliant Stars set as card number 76.

    Attacks

    • Desert Pillar: Deals 50 damage times the opponent’s Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost in Colorless energy.
    • Blasting Wind: Deals 110 damage.

    Flavor

    The card’s flavor text highlights Flygon’s secretive behavior in sandstorms.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code swsh9 and the card number 76. The illustrator credited is Shin Nagasawa. The card’s rarity is classified as Rare, and it carries the regulation mark “F”.
    Flygon

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality status: unknown.
    • There are no official notes on tournament legality or play restrictions for this card.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the artwork and maintain condition, store this Flygon in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Flygon is a Fighting-type Stage 2 with attacks that leverage the opponent’s retreat costs. With high HP and straightforward damage, it’s a notable inclusion in the set.

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    Flygon (Brilliant Stars) #76

  • Collector’s Guide: Wormadam (Brilliant Stars #77)

    Collector’s Guide: Wormadam (Brilliant Stars #77)

    Wormadam Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #77

    Character Intro

    Wormadam from the Brilliant Stars set is a rare card numbered 77 with 110 HP. It features the distinctive attack Bind Down, adding strategic value to gameplay. This card’s vibrant design stands out in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 77 Rare 110 Lee HyunJung
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Burmy)
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Flavor Text: When Burmy evolved, its cloak became a part of this Pokémon’s body. The cloak is never shed.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Wormadam appears in the Sword & Shield “Brilliant Stars” set as card number 77. It features two attacks:
    – Matron’s Anger — deals 30+ damage plus an additional 10 damage for each Pokémon in your discard pile.
    – Bind Down — deals 80 damage and prevents the Defending Pokémon from retreating during your opponent’s next turn.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and the card number 77. The illustrator credit goes to Lee HyunJung. The card’s image can be found at /images/swsh9/swsh9-77.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this Wormadam in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity status, handle with clean hands and use a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set includes the rare Wormadam card (#77), showcasing its Fighting-type prowess and unique attacks. The set focuses on dynamic Pokémon from the Sword & Shield era, with this card standing out due to its strategic attack options and distinctive design.

    This guide covers the exact Wormadam printing from Brilliant Stars, providing collectors and players with essential details for identification and care.

    Wormadam (Brilliant Stars) #77

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    Wormadam (Brilliant Stars) #77

  • Collector’s Guide: Golurk (Brilliant Stars #83)

    Golurk Collector’s Guide: Brilliant Stars #83

    Overview

    Golurk from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare card numbered 83. It has 150 HP and includes the attack Mega Punch, giving it a sturdy presence in any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 83 Rare 150 Aya Kusube
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Golett)
    • Retreat Cost: 4 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: F

    Key Printings

    Printed in Brilliant Stars (set code: swsh9) as card number 83.

    Attacks:
    – Big Hand — 30+ damage, plus an additional 10 damage for each card in your hand.
    – Mega Punch — 120 damage; requires Fighting and Colorless energy.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Identified as swsh9-83.
    • Rare; no special subtypes beyond Stage 1.
    • No known print variants for this exact Golurk.
    • Illustrator: Aya Kusube, whose signature style is a key visual identifier.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the artwork and condition, store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its 4 retreat cost and high HP, it is a valuable collector’s piece rather than a competitive staple.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): This set features Golurk as a powerful Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with a unique energy beam artillery theme. The card stands out for its high HP and versatile attacks, making it a notable inclusion for collectors of the Sword & Shield series.

    Golurk Brilliant Stars 83

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    Golurk (Brilliant Stars) #83

  • Collector’s Guide: Grimer (Brilliant Stars #84)

    Grimer (Brilliant Stars 84) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Grimer from the Brilliant Stars set is a Common card numbered 84 with 80 HP. This slimy Pokémon features the attack Poison Gas, adding a toxic edge to your deck. Its straightforward design makes it an accessible choice for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 84 Common 80 Masakazu Fukuda
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Attack: Poison Gas (Poisons opponent’s Active Pokémon)
    • Flavor Text: “The wastewater coming from factories is clean these days, so Grimer have nothing to eat. They’re said to be on the verge of extinction.”
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Illustrator: Masakazu Fukuda
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This printing appears in the Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars expansion as card number 84. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities, focusing on a single Poison Gas attack that poisons the opponent’s Active Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Grimer card. It is identified by its set code “swsh9” and card number 84. The card’s regulation mark is “F,” which helps identify its legality and rotation status within formats.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is currently not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attack and moderate HP make it a basic option for casual play or collection rather than competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve condition, store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Common rarity, it’s accessible but still benefits from careful handling to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars: Grimer appears as a straightforward Basic Darkness-type Pokémon with a single Poison Gas attack. The set highlights it with clean, detailed artwork and flavor text emphasizing environmental changes affecting its survival. This card fits well into collections focusing on the Sword & Shield era or Poison-themed decks.

    This Grimer printing offers collectors a glimpse into the evolving world of Pokémon TCG with a card that balances simplicity and thematic depth.

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    Grimer (Brilliant Stars) #84

  • Collector’s Guide: Muk (Brilliant Stars #85)

    Muk (Brilliant Stars 85) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Muk from the Brilliant Stars set is a Rare Pokémon card with 130 HP. It features the ability Sludge Street and the attack Shrieking Poison. This card is numbered 85 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 85 Rare 130 Scav
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Grimer)
    • Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Ability: Sludge Street – increases Retreat Cost of opponent’s Poisoned Pokémon by 1 Colorless
    • Attack: Shrieking Poison (90 damage) – Confuses and Poisons opponent’s Active Pokémon
    • Flavor Text: Because they scatter germs everywhere, they’ve long been targeted for extermination, leading to a steep decline in their population.
    • Illustrator: Scav
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Muk appears in the Brilliant Stars expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is identified by card number 85, classified as a Rare card, with artwork by Scav that captures Muk’s grimy essence.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Muk card. Key identifiers include its set code “swsh9,” regulation mark “F,” the ability Sludge Street, a retreat cost of 3, and Darkness typing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This Muk card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. Its ability to increase retreat costs for Poisoned Pokémon and its dual status-inflicting attack make it a tactically interesting card, though its tournament viability is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this Rare card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially the illustrated area by Scav. Keeping it in a rigid top-loader or binder is recommended for long-term collection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars: Muk appears as a solid Stage 1 Darkness-type with a unique ability that hinders opponents’ retreat options when their Pokémon are Poisoned. It combines decent HP with a disruptive attack that inflicts both Confusion and Poison, fitting well into poison-themed decks.

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    Muk (Brilliant Stars) #85

  • Collector’s Guide: Riolu (Brilliant Stars #78)

    Collector’s Guide: Riolu (Brilliant Stars #78)

    Riolu (Brilliant Stars 78) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Riolu is a Common Pokémon from the Brilliant Stars set, numbered 78. With 60 HP and a single attack, Low Kick, it offers straightforward gameplay for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Brilliant Stars 78 Common 60 Teeziro
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: F
    • Evolves From: None
    • Flavor Text: “It’s exceedingly energetic, with enough stamina to keep running all through the night. Taking it for walks can be a challenging experience.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Riolu appears in the Sword & Shield set “Brilliant Stars” as card number 78. It features the attack “Low Kick,” which costs two Fighting Energy and deals 50 damage. There are no abilities or additional attacks on this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Riolu card. It is identified by the set code “swsh9” and the card number 78. The illustrator credit goes to Teeziro. The card image can be referenced at: /images/swsh9/swsh9-78.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
      This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. No specific tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special variants, standard protective sleeves and storage in a binder or card box are recommended to preserve its condition. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight to maintain the card’s vibrant artwork by Teeziro.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Brilliant Stars (swsh9): Riolu appears as a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack, “Low Kick,” emphasizing simplicity and energetic character traits. The card fits well into collections focusing on Fighting-type Pokémon or the Brilliant Stars set theme.

    Riolu (Brilliant Stars) #78

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    Riolu (Brilliant Stars) #78