Author: General Ops

  • Collector’s Guide: Seaking (BREAKthrough #28)

    Seaking BREAKthrough Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Seaking from the BREAKthrough set is an uncommon card numbered 28 with 90 HP. This vibrant Pokémon features the attack Reckless Charge, offering a straightforward offensive option. Its balanced stats make it a solid addition to many decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 28 Uncommon 90 Kyoko Umemoto
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Goldeen)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Soaking Horn: Deals 10+ damage, with an additional 80 damage if Seaking was healed this turn.
    • Reckless Charge: Deals 40 damage but inflicts 10 damage to itself.
    • Flavor Text: “It makes its nest by hollowing out boulders in streams with its horn. It defends its eggs with its life.”
    • Illustrator: Kyoko Umemoto
    • Set: BREAKthrough (xy8)
    • Card Number: 28

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the BREAKthrough set (xy8), numbered 28, and classified as an Uncommon card. It features no special print variants and is illustrated by Kyoko Umemoto.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Seaking card. Identifiers include its set code (xy8), card number (28), and the unique artwork by Kyoko Umemoto. The card’s attacks and retreat cost also help distinguish it from other Seaking printings.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    This Seaking card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its attacks offer a mix of healing synergy and self-damage risk, which could influence deck strategies if legality changes.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (xy8): This set includes the featured Seaking card, showcasing a Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon with balanced HP and versatile attacks. The set is known for its dynamic artwork and strategic gameplay elements.
    • Other Sets: Unknown if this exact printing appears elsewhere.

    Seaking (BREAKthrough) #28

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    Seaking (BREAKthrough) #28

  • Collector’s Guide: Staryu (BREAKthrough #29)

    Staryu (BREAKthrough 29) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Staryu from the BREAKthrough set is a common Pokémon card numbered 29. It has 60 HP and features the attack Continuous Spin. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 29 Common 60 Shigenori Negishi
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Attack: Continuous Spin — Flip a coin until tails; does 10 damage per heads.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing from the XY BREAKthrough set, card number 29. It is a common rarity card featuring Staryu with no evolutions or abilities, making it a straightforward choice for collectors interested in the Water-type lineup from this series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “xy8-29,” common rarity, and the unique artwork by Shigenori Negishi. The card’s flavor text and attack name “Continuous Spin” also help distinguish it.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Its simple attack and basic stage status make it more of a collector’s item than a competitive staple.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is accessible but still benefits from careful handling to retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (XY8): This set features a diverse range of Pokémon with dynamic artwork and unique attacks. Staryu stands out as a basic Water-type with a coin-flip based attack, fitting well into the aquatic theme of the set. The set’s focus on evolution and battle mechanics contrasts with Staryu’s straightforward design, making it a charming collectible.

    Staryu (BREAKthrough) #29

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    Staryu (BREAKthrough) #29

  • Collector’s Guide: Pinsir (BREAKthrough #3)

    Pinsir (BREAKthrough XY8-3) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Pinsir from the BREAKthrough set is an Uncommon, number 3, with 100 HP. It features the attacks Overhead Throw and Heavy Suplex, offering straightforward, tactical play and easy collectibility.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    BREAKthrough 3 Uncommon 100 Satoshi Shirai
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • No resistances
    • No abilities
    • Attacks:
    • Overhead Throw: Deals 30 damage and 20 damage to one of your Benched Pokémon.
    • Heavy Suplex: Deals 40+ damage, increasing by 20 for each Colorless in opponent’s Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost.
    • Flavor Text: “It swings its long antlers wildly to attack. During cold periods, it hides deep in forests.”
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Legal Status: unknown
    • Image: Pinsir BREAKthrough XY8-3

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the XY BREAKthrough expansion, card number 3. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Satoshi Shirai. No other printings or reprints of this exact card are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “xy8-3,” rarity as Uncommon, and the unique Grass typing for Pinsir in this set.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its play viability is limited by its Grass typing and lack of abilities, but its attacks offer strategic bench damage and retreat cost exploitation.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this Uncommon card’s vibrant artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially around the edges and corners.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • BREAKthrough (XY8): Pinsir appears as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with solid HP and two attacks emphasizing tactical bench damage and retreat cost manipulation. This set focuses on dynamic battle strategies, and Pinsir fits as a versatile, though not tournament-legal, option.

    This guide covers all known details for the Pinsir card from the BREAKthrough set, providing collectors and players with essential information for identification and care.

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    Pinsir (BREAKthrough) #3

  • Collector’s Guide: Snivy (Black White #1)

    Collector’s Guide: Snivy (Black White #1)

    Snivy Collector’s Guide: Black White Set #1

    Character Intro

    Snivy is a Common Pokémon card from the Black White set, numbered 1. With 60 HP and the attack Vine Whip, it’s a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 1 Common 60 Kagemaru Himeno
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Resistance: Water (-20)
    • Attacks:
    • Tackle (10 damage, costs 1 Grass energy)
    • Vine Whip (20 damage, costs 1 Grass + 1 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “They photosynthesize by bathing their tails in sunlight. When they are not feeling well, their tails droop.”
    • Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    As the first card (#1) in the Black White set, this Snivy is a foundational piece for collectors. Its common rarity keeps it accessible while remaining essential for set completion.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Snivy. It is identified by the set code “bw1” and card number “1.” The card has no regulation mark, and no alternate artwork or holofoil versions are documented.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the illustration and condition by storing the card in a sleeve, away from sunlight and moisture. Even as a common, keeping it mint supports overall collection value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White: This set introduced Snivy as a basic Grass-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a modest HP of 60. It serves as an accessible entry point for collectors and players alike, featuring classic artwork by Kagemaru Himeno.

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    Snivy (Black White) #1

  • Collector’s Guide: Lilligant (Black White #10)

    Collector’s Guide: Lilligant (Black White #10)

    Lilligant Collector’s Guide: Black White Set (bw1-10)

    Character Intro

    Lilligant is a Rare card from the Black White set, numbered 10. It has 80 HP and features the vibrant attack Petal Dance. This elegant Pokémon offers a striking addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 10 Rare 80 Atsuko Nishida
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Petilil)
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Resistance: Water (-20)
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
    • Attacks:
    • Petal Dance: Flip 3 coins; does 30 damage per heads, but Lilligant becomes confused.
    • Leaf Storm: Deals 30 damage and heals 20 damage from each of your Grass Pokémon.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Black White set printing, card number 10, featuring Lilligant with no known alternate printings or promotional versions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no listed print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “bw1-10,” the Black White series symbol, and the illustrator’s signature style by Atsuko Nishida.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant illustration, store the card in a protective sleeve, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and avoid exposure to moisture.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White (bw1): Introduced a fresh roster of Pokémon including Lilligant, emphasizing strategic healing and status effects with attacks like Leaf Storm and Petal Dance. This set is notable for its detailed artwork and evolving gameplay mechanics.

    Lilligant Black White 10

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    Lilligant (Black White) #10

  • Collector’s Guide: Potion (Black White #100)

    Collector’s Guide: Potion (Black White #100)

    Potion (Black White 100) Collector’s Guide

    Overview

    Potion is a Common card from the Black White set, numbered 100. This straightforward healing Item provides essential support during battles and fits easily into many decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 100 Common Ayaka Yoshida
    • Card ID: bw1-100
    • Stage: Item
    • Subtype: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Rules: Heal 30 damage from 1 of your Pokémon. You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).
    • Image:

    Printing & Availability

    The Potion card identified as bw1-100 appears exclusively in the Black White base set. As a Common, it is widely accessible and a staple for set completion.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Potion. It is identified by number 100 in the Black White set and features Ayaka Yoshida’s artwork.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It heals 30 damage from one of your Pokémon and benefits from the rule allowing unlimited Item cards to be played during a turn before attacking.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Use protective sleeves to preserve Ayaka Yoshida’s artwork and prevent edge wear. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain condition for play and collection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White: Potion bw1-100 serves as a fundamental healing Item, offering straightforward damage recovery. Its common status and clean design make it a utility staple in the set.

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    Potion (Black White) #100

  • Collector’s Guide: Professor Juniper (Black White #101)

    Collector’s Guide: Professor Juniper (Black White #101)

    Professor Juniper (Black White 101) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Professor Juniper is an Uncommon Supporter card from the Black White set, numbered 101. It’s a distinctive piece of the Black White era with a clean, iconic design and a powerful hand-refresh effect valued by players and collectors alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 101 Uncommon Ken Sugimori
    • Card Number: 101
    • Series: Black White
    • Stage: Supporter
    • Subtypes: Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks: None
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Rules text: “Discard your hand and draw 7 cards. | You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn (before your attack).”

    Key Printings

    This card is printed only in the Black White set (set code: bw1). It is a single printing without any known reprints or alternate versions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via its set code (bw1), card number (101), and the unique illustration by Ken Sugimori.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and lack of print variants, maintaining its crisp edges and vibrant illustration is key for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White (bw1): The sole set featuring this Professor Juniper Supporter card. It plays a vital role in hand management with its draw effect, making it a staple in decks during its era.

    Professor Juniper (Black White) #101

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    Professor Juniper (Black White) #101

  • Collector’s Guide: Revive (Black White #102)

    Collector’s Guide: Revive (Black White #102)

    Revive (Black White 102) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Revive is an Uncommon Trainer card from the Black White set, numbered 102. Its straightforward design fits well within the set’s dynamic lineup. Collectors appreciate its role in gameplay despite the lack of HP, abilities, or attacks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 102 Uncommon 5ban Graphics
    • Card Name: Revive
    • Set: Black White (bw1)
    • Card Number: 102
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Stage: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
    • Image: Revive

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Revive appears in the Black White base set, identified by the set code bw1-102. It is an Item card with no HP or attacks, designed purely for strategic use in gameplay. The card’s effect allows players to put a Basic Pokémon from their discard pile onto their Bench, making it a valuable recovery tool.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code bw1-102 and its uncommon rarity. The card does not have a regulation mark or any alternate artwork versions.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    The card’s rules text states: “Put a Basic Pokémon from your discard pile onto your Bench. | You may play as many Item cards as you like during your turn (before your attack).” This makes Revive a flexible and useful Item card in various deck strategies, although its current tournament legality is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and clean design, maintaining the card’s edges and surface will help retain its collector value. Avoid excessive handling to prevent wear on the illustrated surface by 5ban Graphics.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White (bw1): Revive debuts as a practical Item card designed to recover Basic Pokémon from the discard pile. Its straightforward effect and zero retreat cost make it a reliable choice for players focusing on bench development and resource management.

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    Revive (Black White) #102

  • Collector’s Guide: Super Scoop Up (Black White #103)

    Collector’s Guide: Super Scoop Up (Black White #103)

    Super Scoop Up (Black White 103) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Super Scoop Up is an uncommon Trainer card from the Black White set, numbered 103. With artwork by Daisuke Iwamoto, it captures a dynamic, tactical feel that reflects the strategic gameplay of the Black White era. This printing offers collectors a clear snapshot of the set’s approach to Item-based utility.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 103 Uncommon Daisuke Iwamoto
    • Card Name: Super Scoop Up
    • Set: Black White (bw1)
    • Card Number: 103
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Stage: Item
    • Subtype: Item
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Illustrator: Daisuke Iwamoto
    • Image URL: /images/bw1/bw1-103.jpg

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Super Scoop Up appears only in the Black White base set (bw1). There are no known alternate printings or reprints of this card with different artwork or numbering.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “bw1-103,” uncommon rarity, and the distinctive illustration by Daisuke Iwamoto. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its type and HP are not applicable.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Effect: Flip a coin; if heads, return one of your Pokémon and all cards attached to it to your hand.
    • Play note: You may play any number of Item cards during your turn before attacking, making this a versatile support option.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Preserve edges and surface to retain collector appeal, especially given its uncommon rarity and clean artwork.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White (bw1): The original printing of Super Scoop Up, featuring its classic artwork and utility as an Item card. This set introduced it as a useful tool for strategic play without any HP or attacks, focusing solely on its effect.

    Super Scoop Up (Black White) #103

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    Super Scoop Up (Black White) #103

  • Collector’s Guide: Grass Energy (Black White #105)

    Collector’s Guide: Grass Energy (Black White #105)

    Grass Energy (Black White 105) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Grass Energy from the Black White set is a common card numbered 105. This Basic Energy provides Grass Energy to power your Pokémon’s attacks. Its straightforward design makes it a staple in many decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Black White 105 Common
    • Card Number: 105
    • Set: Black White (bw1)
    • Type: Basic Energy
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Common
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown
    • Illustrator: Unknown
    • HP: Unknown
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This printing is from the original Black White expansion, identified by set code bw1 and card number 105. It has no abilities or attacks and functions purely as an Energy provider.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include:
    – Set code: bw1
    – Card number: 105
    – Classification: Basic Energy (Grass type)
    – Image reference: /images/bw1/bw1-105.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data. As a Basic Energy card, it is a fundamental component in decks that require Grass Energy.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in protective sleeves and keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid bending or scratching to preserve condition.
    • Because it’s commonly used in gameplay, consider keeping multiple copies for deck building and trading.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Black White (bw1): The original set where this Grass Energy card was printed. It features a clean, simple design typical of Basic Energy cards, essential for powering Grass-type Pokémon in the Black White series.

    Grass Energy (Black White) #105

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    Grass Energy (Black White) #105