Collector’s Guide: Rocket’s Zapdos ex (Team Rocket Returns 106)

Character Intro

Rocket’s Zapdos ex is a Rare Holo EX from the Team Rocket Returns set, card number 106. This Darkness-type Basic ex Pokémon has 100 HP, the Poké-Body Darkness Guard for extra defense, and two attacks—Plasma and Raging Thunder—that enable both energy recursion and high damage output.

Quick Facts

• Type: Darkness
• Stage: Basic, ex
• Retreat Cost: 1
• Weakness: Lightning ×2
• Poké-Body: Darkness Guard reduces damage by 10 if Darkness Energy is attached
• Attacks:
• Plasma: Search discard pile for a Lightning Energy and attach it (10 damage)
• Raging Thunder: Deals 60 damage but also 30 damage to one of your own Pokémon
• Rules: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards
• Image: /images/ex7/ex7-106.jpg

Key Printings

Printed only in Team Rocket Returns as card number 106. It is a Rare Holo EX, with no alternate printings or reprints documented.

Variants & Identifiers

No known print variants. Identification is straightforward via set code “ex7-106,” rarity, and illustrator credit to Ryo Ueda. Its Darkness typing and the unique Poké-Body help distinguish it from other Zapdos cards.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It features the typical Pokémon-ex rule where the opponent takes 2 Prize cards upon knockout, which is a critical strategic consideration.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holofoil and Ryo Ueda’s artwork, store in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. Use a top-loader or a binder with rigid pages to prevent bending and surface scratches. Given its rarity and unknown release date, keeping it in high-grade condition is important for long-term value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Team Rocket Returns: Rocket’s Zapdos ex debuts as a powerful Darkness-type Basic ex with a defensive Poké-Body and an energy-recycling attack, fitting the set’s theme of Team Rocket’s shadowy Pokémon. No further printings or variants are known beyond this set.