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  • Collector’s Guide: Volcarona (Dark Explorers #22)

    Collector’s Guide: Volcarona (Dark Explorers #22)

    Volcarona Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #22

    Character Intro

    Volcarona from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo card numbered 22 with 110 HP. It features the ability Scorching Scales and the attack Burning Wind. This card offers a vivid addition to any collection with its fiery theme.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 22 Rare Holo 110 Shin Nagasawa
    • HP: 110
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Larvesta)
    • Ability: Scorching Scales — increases burn damage counters from 2 to 4 on opponent’s Burned Pokémon between turns
    • Attack: Burning Wind — 70 damage; may discard an Energy to Burn the Defending Pokémon
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Flavor Text: “A sea of fire engulfs the surroundings of their battles, since they use their six wings to scatter their ember scales.”
    • Set: Black & White – Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Card Number: 22
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Shin Nagasawa
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Volcarona card is exclusively printed in the Dark Explorers set of the Black & White series. It is identified as card number 22 and is a Rare Holo variant. No other printings or reprints of this exact card are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Volcarona card. It can be identified by:
    – Set code “bw5-22”
    – Rare Holo rarity
    – Artwork by Shin Nagasawa
    – 3 retreat cost and no resistances

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify current tournament rules before including it in decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil surface and vibrant artwork, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Volcarona as a Rare Holo Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon with a unique burn-enhancing ability and a powerful attack that can inflict the Burn condition. The set is known for its thematic focus on dark and fiery Pokémon, with Volcarona standing out due to its intense burn mechanics and striking illustration.

    This Volcarona card remains a visually captivating and strategically interesting piece for collectors and players interested in burn-focused Fire-type Pokémon.

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    Volcarona (Dark Explorers) #22

  • Collector’s Guide: Slowpoke (Dark Explorers #23)

    Collector’s Guide: Slowpoke (Dark Explorers #23)

    Slowpoke (Dark Explorers 23) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Slowpoke from the Dark Explorers set is a Common Pokémon card with 70 HP. It features the attack “Shot in the Dark,” offering a straightforward option for gameplay. This card is numbered 23 in the set, making it a recognizable piece for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 23 Common 70 MAHOU
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Flavor Text: Although slow, it is skilled at fishing with its tail. It does not feel pain if its tail is bitten.
    • Attacks:
    • Big Yawn: Both this Pokémon and the Defending Pokémon become Asleep.
    • Shot in the Dark: Flip 2 coins; if either is tails, the attack does nothing. Deals 20 damage otherwise.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, identified by set code bw5 and card number 23. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set symbol, number 23 in the Dark Explorers set, and the illustrator credit to MAHOU. The card features a Water type symbol and a retreat cost of three.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its moderate HP and disruptive “Big Yawn” attack may offer tactical value in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Slowpoke as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with sleep-inducing and coin-flip-based attacks. It fits the set’s theme of exploration and discovery with a subtle but strategic playstyle. The card’s artwork and flavor text emphasize Slowpoke’s unique fishing skill and resilience.

    Slowpoke (Dark Explorers) #23

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    Slowpoke (Dark Explorers) #23

  • Collector’s Guide: Slowbro (Dark Explorers #24)

    Collector’s Guide: Slowbro (Dark Explorers #24)

    Slowbro (Dark Explorers 24) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Slowbro from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon Stage 1 Water-type with 100 HP. It features the quirky Ability Airhead and the attack Lazy Headbutt. This card is numbered 24 in its set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 24 Uncommon 100 Kouki Saitou
    • Ability: Airhead — Prevents attacking if you have 2, 4, or 6 Prize Cards left.
    • Attack: Lazy Headbutt — Deals 80 damage and causes Slowbro to fall Asleep.
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Slowpoke)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Flavor Text: “Though usually dim witted, it seems to become inspired if the Shellder on its tail bites down.”
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the single known printing of Slowbro from the Dark Explorers set, card number 24. It is classified as an Uncommon card and features artwork by Kouki Saitou.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants are known for this card. Identifiers include the set code “bw5” and the card number “24.” The card is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon with the subtypes “Stage 1.”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    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 detailed artwork, maintaining its surface and edges is essential for long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Slowbro appears as an Uncommon Stage 1 Water-type with a unique ability that restricts attacking based on Prize Cards remaining. Its attack inflicts Sleep status, adding strategic depth despite its moderate HP and retreat cost.

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    Slowbro (Dark Explorers) #24

  • Collector’s Guide: Vaporeon (Dark Explorers #25)

    Collector’s Guide: Vaporeon (Dark Explorers #25)

    Vaporeon (Dark Explorers 25) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Vaporeon from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon card numbered 25 with 110 HP. Its standout attack, Spiral Drain, adds strategic depth to gameplay, and the card’s bulk makes it a resilient choice in battle.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 25 Uncommon 110 Akira Komayama
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
    • Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Muddy Water (20 damage to one of opponent’s Benched Pokémon; no Weakness or Resistance applied)
    • Spiral Drain (60 damage; heals 20 damage from itself)
    • Flavor Text: “Its cell composition is similar to water molecules. As a result, it can melt away into water.”
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set, card number 25. It is an Uncommon rarity Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon card evolving from Eevee.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by:
    – Set code “bw5-25”
    – Illustrator Akira Komayama
    – Distinctive attacks “Muddy Water” and “Spiral Drain”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially since it features detailed artwork by Akira Komayama.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Features this Vaporeon as an Uncommon Stage 1 Water-type with a healing attack and the ability to damage Benched Pokémon, aligning with the set’s focus on intriguing Pokémon evolutions and dynamic gameplay options.

    This guide covers all known details for the Dark Explorers Vaporeon card, providing collectors and players with essential information for identification and care.

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    Vaporeon (Dark Explorers) #25

  • Collector’s Guide: Kyogre-EX (Dark Explorers #26)

    Collector’s Guide: Kyogre-EX (Dark Explorers #26)

    Kyogre-EX Collector’s Guide (Dark Explorers #26)

    Character Intro

    Kyogre-EX (#26) from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX Basic Pokémon with 170 HP. Headlined by the pivoting attack Smash Turn, this striking Shizurow-illustrated card is a standout pick for EX collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 26 Rare Holo EX 170 Shizurow
    • Pokémon: Kyogre-EX
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Series: Black & White
    • Set Code: bw5
    • Card ID: bw5-26
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    Printed only in Dark Explorers as number 26. It is a Rare Holo EX with no known alternate print variants for this exact release.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No alternate print variants or special editions are listed for this card.
    • The card is identified by its set code “bw5” and number “26.”
    • Illustrator credit goes to Shizurow, a notable artist for the Black & White series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This Kyogre-EX is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • It features the Pokémon-EX rule: when knocked out, the opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • Attacks include “Smash Turn,” which deals 30 damage and allows switching with a Benched Pokémon, and “Dual Splash,” which can damage two of the opponent’s Pokémon simultaneously.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the holo and card edges by sleeving immediately; keep away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching, and use a top loader or a rigid-page binder for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Features Kyogre-EX as a powerful Water-type Basic EX Pokémon with high HP and versatile attacks. It stands out as a Rare Holo EX card, illustrated by Shizurow, and is a key collectible for fans of the Black & White series. The set’s release date is unknown, but it remains a sought-after piece for collectors focusing on EX cards.

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    Kyogre-EX (Dark Explorers) #26

  • Collector’s Guide: Piplup (Dark Explorers #27)

    Collector’s Guide: Piplup (Dark Explorers #27)

    Piplup (Dark Explorers 27) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Piplup from the Dark Explorers set is a common card numbered 27 with 60 HP. Featuring the attack Fury Attack, it offers straightforward play options. Its modest stats make it an accessible choice for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 27 Common 60 Kouki Saitou
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Attack: Fury Attack — Flip 3 coins; this attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
    • Flavor Text: “A poor walker, it often falls down. However, its strong pride makes it puff up its chest without a care.”
    • Regulation Mark: Unknown
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Piplup appears in the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set, numbered 27. It is a common card with no evolutions or abilities listed.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via the set code “bw5” and card number 27. The artwork by Kouki Saitou is a key visual identifier.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status for this card is unknown. It is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special variants, standard protective sleeves and storage in a cool, dry place are recommended to preserve the card’s condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to maintain the vibrant illustration by Kouki Saitou.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Piplup as a basic Water-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack mechanic. It fits well into beginner decks or collectors focusing on the Black & White era.

    Piplup (Dark Explorers) #27

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    Piplup (Dark Explorers) #27

  • Collector’s Guide: Prinplup (Dark Explorers #28)

    Collector’s Guide: Prinplup (Dark Explorers #28)

    Prinplup Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #28

    Character Intro

    Prinplup from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 28. It features a sturdy 80 HP and the attack Fury Attack. This card offers a solid addition for collectors focusing on this intriguing set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 28 Uncommon 80 Suwama Chiaki
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Piplup)
    • Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Attacks:
    • Razor Wing (20 damage, 1 Colorless Energy)
    • Fury Attack (Flip 3 coins; does 30 damage times heads, costs 1 Water + 2 Colorless Energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Because every Prinplup considers itself to be the most important, they can never form a group.”
    • Illustrator: Suwama Chiaki

    Key Printings

    This Prinplup card is from the Black & White series set Dark Explorers, identified by set code bw5 and card number 28. It is classified as an Uncommon rarity card. No other printings or reprints of this exact card are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Prinplup card. It can be identified by its set code bw5, card number 28, and the unique artwork by Suwama Chiaki. The card’s market reference query is “Prinplup Dark Explorers 28.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before including this card in decks.

    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 detailed artwork, maintaining mint condition will help retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Prinplup as a Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon with balanced HP and versatile attacks. The set focuses on a mix of evolving Pokémon and thematic dark and water types, with Prinplup representing a proud and solitary character within this environment.

    Prinplup Dark Explorers 28

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    Prinplup (Dark Explorers) #28

  • Collector’s Guide: Empoleon (Dark Explorers #29)

    Collector’s Guide: Empoleon (Dark Explorers #29)

    Empoleon Collector’s Guide (Dark Explorers #29)

    Character Intro

    Empoleon (Dark Explorers 29) is a Rare Holo Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon with 140 HP. It features the Ability Diving Draw and the attack Attack Command, offering a solid presence for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 29 Rare Holo 140 Naoki Saito
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Prinplup)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Flavor Text: “If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.”

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Empoleon appears in the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set, identified by card number 29. It is a Rare Holo card with no known alternate print variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Card ID: bw5-29
    • Set Code: bw5
    • Subtypes: Stage 2
    • No known print variants or special editions for this card.
    • Market reference query: “Empoleon Dark Explorers 29”
    • Image available at: /images/bw5/bw5-29.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Ability: Diving Draw allows discarding one card to draw two cards once per turn before attacking, providing useful hand cycling.
    • Attack: Attack Command deals 10 damage times the total number of Pokémon in play, making it potentially powerful in crowded board states.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holo finish and Naoki Saito’s artwork, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Empoleon appears as a Rare Holo Stage 2 Water-type with a unique Ability and a scalable attack, fitting decks that benefit from multiple Pokémon on the field. The set is part of the Black & White series and features a variety of Pokémon with strategic abilities and attacks.

    This Empoleon card is a vivid representation of the Dark Explorers set’s focus on dynamic gameplay and striking artwork.

    Empoleon (Dark Explorers) #29

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    Empoleon (Dark Explorers) #29

  • Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Dark Explorers #3)

    Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Dark Explorers #3)

    Venusaur (Dark Explorers 3) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Venusaur from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo card numbered 3 with 140 HP. It features the Floral Fragrance Ability and the Poison Powder attack, making it a distinctive addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 3 Rare Holo 140 Masakazu Fukuda
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2
    • Evolves From: Ivysaur
    • Ability: Floral Fragrance (search your deck for a Pokémon once per turn)
    • Attack: Poison Powder (70 damage, poisons defending Pokémon)
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Water -20
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Flavor Text: “After a rainy day, the flower on its back smells stronger. The scent attracts other Pokémon.”
    • Set Code: bw5
    • Card Number: 3
    • Rarity: Rare Holo

    Key Printings

    This printing comes from the Black & White series’ Dark Explorers expansion. It is a Rare Holo notable for its high HP and search-support Ability, with artwork by Masakazu Fukuda that delivers a detailed, vibrant Venusaur.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are listed for this card. Identify it by set code “bw5,” card number “3,” and Rare Holo rarity. The card has a retreat cost of 4; regulation mark is unknown.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its high retreat cost and once-per-turn Pokémon search make it more of a collector’s showcase than a competitive staple.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To protect the holofoil and artwork, use a sleeve and store away from sunlight and moisture. For long-term preservation, consider a top loader or a binder with rigid pages.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Features Venusaur as a powerful Grass-type Stage 2 with a useful search Ability and solid attack, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and discovery.

    Venusaur Dark Explorers 3

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    Venusaur (Dark Explorers) #3

  • Collector’s Guide: Glaceon (Dark Explorers #30)

    Collector’s Guide: Glaceon (Dark Explorers #30)

    Glaceon (Dark Explorers 30) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Glaceon from the Dark Explorers set is a rare card numbered 30, boasting 90 HP. This sleek Pokémon features the attack Reflect Energy, adding strategic depth to gameplay. Its cool design fits well within the set’s icy theme.

    Quick Facts

    • HP: 90
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
    • Attacks: Quick Attack (10+ damage), Reflect Energy (40 damage)
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Metal ×2
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Ryo Ueda
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Flavor Text: “By controlling its body heat, it can freeze the atmosphere around it to make a diamond-dust flurry.”
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 30 Rare 90 Ryo Ueda

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, identified by the set code bw5 and card number 30. It features no special print variants and is illustrated by Ryo Ueda. The card’s attacks include Quick Attack, which can deal extra damage on a coin flip, and Reflect Energy, which allows energy manipulation between Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include its Water type, Stage 1 subtype, and the absence of abilities. The card’s weakness to Metal and retreat cost of 1 are consistent with its balanced design. The official market reference query is “Glaceon Dark Explorers 30.”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s detailed artwork and maintain its condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially since it is a rare printing. Proper storage will help retain its value and visual appeal.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Glaceon as a Stage 1 evolution of Eevee, emphasizing energy manipulation and quick strikes. The card fits well within the set’s theme of exploration and discovery, with a focus on elemental powers.

    Glaceon (Dark Explorers) #30

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    Glaceon (Dark Explorers) #30