Collector’s Guide: Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket #8)

Quick Facts

Dark Gyarados is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, numbered 8. It has 70 HP and is illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. This card features the Pokémon Power “Final Beam,” which can deal damage to the opponent’s Pokémon when Dark Gyarados is Knocked Out, and the attack “Ice Beam,” which deals 30 damage and may paralyze the Defending Pokémon. It has a retreat cost of 2, a weakness to Grass (×2), and resistance to Fighting (-30). The card is classified as a Rare Holo.

Key Printings

• Set: Team Rocket (base5)
• Card Number: 8
• Rarity: Rare Holo
• Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno

Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base5-8” and is part of the base Team Rocket series. The card evolves from Magikarp and is a Stage 1 subtype. The card’s market reference query is “Dark Gyarados Team Rocket 8.”

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holofoil and card condition, store Dark Gyarados 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

• Team Rocket (base5): This set introduced Dark Pokémon cards, including Dark Gyarados, featuring unique abilities and darker themes. Dark Gyarados stands out with its “Final Beam” Pokémon Power and the “Ice Beam” attack, reflecting its menacing presence in the Team Rocket storyline.

Legality

The card’s tournament legality is unknown.

Collector’s Guide: Dark Gyarados (Team Rocket #25)

Quick Facts

Dark Gyarados is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 25. It has 70 HP and features the Pokémon Power Final Beam, which can deal damage to the opponent’s Pokémon when Dark Gyarados is Knocked Out, depending on a coin flip and attached Water Energy. Its attack, Ice Beam, deals 30 damage and may Paralyze the Defending Pokémon on a successful coin flip. The card has a retreat cost of 2, a weakness to Grass (×2), and resistance to Fighting (-30). The card’s flavor text notes that Dark Gyarados, normally found in deep ocean waters, has recently been seen in shallow waters.

Key Printings

• Set: Team Rocket (base5)
• Card Number: 25
• Rarity: Rare
• Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
• Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Magikarp)
• Legality: unknown

Variants & Identifiers

This printing of Dark Gyarados does not have known print variants. It is identified by its set code base5-25 and the Team Rocket logo. The card is part of the original Team Rocket expansion, recognizable by its dark-themed artwork and the Water-type symbol.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this rare card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the illustration by Kagemaru Himeno.
– Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
– Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Team Rocket (base5): Introduced Dark Pokémon and featured darker, more villainous themes. Dark Gyarados stands out as a powerful Water-type with a unique Pokémon Power and a strong attack, fitting the set’s theme of shadowy and corrupted Pokémon.