Category: Dark Explorers

  • Collector’s Guide: Blaziken (Dark Explorers #17)

    Collector’s Guide: Blaziken (Dark Explorers #17)

    Blaziken — Dark Explorers #17 Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Blaziken #17 from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo with 140 HP and the powerful Flamethrower attack, vividly showcasing Blaziken’s fiery strength.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 17 Rare Holo 140 TOKIYA
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Combusken)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Blaze Kick: Flip a coin; heads adds 30 damage, tails burns the Defending Pokémon. Base damage 40+.
    • Flamethrower: Deals 130 damage and requires discarding an Energy attached to Blaziken.
    • Flavor Text: Flames spout from its wrists, enveloping its knuckles. Its punches scorch its foes.
    • Illustrator: TOKIYA
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Black & White series set “Dark Explorers,” card number 17. It is a Rare Holo variant featuring detailed artwork by TOKIYA. The card’s high HP and powerful attacks make it a notable representation of Blaziken in this era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants.
    • Set code: “bw5”
    • Card number: 17
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • No regulation mark
    • Market reference query: “Blaziken Dark Explorers 17”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil surface and vibrant artwork, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a top loader or binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or scratching. Handle with clean hands to avoid oils and dirt.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features a variety of Pokémon with dynamic artwork and powerful attacks. Blaziken #17 stands out as a strong Fire-type Stage 2 with a Rare Holo finish, embodying the set’s theme of intense battle prowess. The set’s release date is unknown.

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    Blaziken (Dark Explorers) #17

  • Collector’s Guide: Larvesta (Dark Explorers #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Larvesta (Dark Explorers #21)

    Larvesta (Dark Explorers 21) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Larvesta from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 21 with 60 HP. This fiery Pokémon features the attack Super Singe, showcasing its blazing potential in battle. Its straightforward design fits well within the dynamic Dark Explorers lineup.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 21 Common 60 Kouki Saitou
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Attack: Super Singe — Deals 10 damage and burns the Defending Pokémon
    • Flavor Text: The base of volcanoes is where they make their homes. They shoot fire from their five horns to repel attacking enemies.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Larvesta card from the Black & White series set “Dark Explorers,” card number 21. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate versions of this Larvesta card. Identification is straightforward via its set code “bw5” and card number 21.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this Larvesta 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

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Larvesta as a Basic Fire-type Pokémon with a simple but effective attack that inflicts burn status. It fits well into early-stage decks focusing on Fire-type strategies. The set’s artwork and design emphasize the volcanic theme inherent to Larvesta’s character.

    This Larvesta card is a solid collectible for fans of Fire-type Pokémon and those completing the Dark Explorers set.

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    Larvesta (Dark Explorers) #21

  • Collector’s Guide: Torkoal (Dark Explorers #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Torkoal (Dark Explorers #18)

    Torkoal (Dark Explorers 18) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Torkoal from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon Basic Fire-type card with 90 HP. It features the Heat Blast attack alongside utility from Flame Cloak. As card number 18, it’s a solid, thematic addition to Black & White–era collections.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 18 Uncommon 90 Masakazu Fukuda
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Flavor Text: It burns coal inside its shell for energy. It blows out black soot if it is endangered.
    • Attacks:
    • Flame Cloak: Flip a coin; if heads, attach a Fire Energy card from your discard pile to this Pokémon. Deals 10 damage.
    • Heat Blast: Deals 60 damage.

    Key Printings

    This printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 18. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Masakazu Fukuda. No release date is specified for this printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “bw5” and the card ID “bw5-18”. The Pokémon is Basic and has no evolutions listed.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain condition, store this Torkoal in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, careful handling is recommended to retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Torkoal appears as a Basic Fire-type Pokémon with the energy-recovery Flame Cloak and a solid Heat Blast attack. Its flavor text and sturdy HP make it a memorable piece in the Black & White series.

    Torkoal Dark Explorers 18

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    Torkoal (Dark Explorers) #18

  • Collector’s Guide: Heatmor (Dark Explorers #19)

    Collector’s Guide: Heatmor (Dark Explorers #19)

    Heatmor Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #19

    Character Intro

    Heatmor from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Pokémon card numbered 19. It has 90 HP and features the striking attack Firebreathing. A fiery pick for collectors seeking a distinctive Black & White–era Basic Fire-type.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 19 Rare 90 Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Hot Lick: Deals 10 damage, with an additional 50 damage if the Defending Pokémon is Durant.
    • Firebreathing: Deals 50+ damage; flip a coin to add 20 more damage on heads.
    • Flavor Text: Using their very hot, flame-covered tongues, they burn through Durant’s steel bodies and consume their insides.
    • Legal Status: unknown
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    The only known printing of this Heatmor card is from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 19. It is classified as a Rare card and features no evolutions from previous stages.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This Heatmor card has no known print variants or alternate versions. It is identified by its set code “bw5-19” and the unique artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita. The card does not have a regulation mark, and no special subtypes beyond “Basic” are listed.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players and collectors should verify tournament rules before use.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain card condition, store this Heatmor card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with acid-free pages to prevent bending and surface wear.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Heatmor as a Rare Basic Fire-type Pokémon, showcasing its unique attacks and flavor text. It is a notable card for collectors interested in the Black & White series, especially those focusing on Fire-type Pokémon.

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    Heatmor (Dark Explorers) #19

  • Collector’s Guide: Ivysaur (Dark Explorers #2)

    Collector’s Guide: Ivysaur (Dark Explorers #2)

    Ivysaur (Dark Explorers 2) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Ivysaur from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon card numbered 2. It has a sturdy 90 HP and features the attack Poison Powder. This card offers a balanced presence for collectors interested in mid-stage Pokémon.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 2 Uncommon 90 sui
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Bulbasaur)
    • Attacks:
    • Sleep Powder: Puts the Defending Pokémon to Sleep, dealing 20 damage.
    • Poison Powder: Poisons the Defending Pokémon, dealing 50 damage.
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Water -20
    • Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless Energy
    • Flavor Text: “When the bud on its back starts swelling, a sweet aroma wafts to indicate the flower’s coming bloom.”
    • Illustrator: sui
    • Card Number: 2/108 (Dark Explorers)
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Dark Explorers set, identified as card number 2. It is an Uncommon rarity card, making it moderately accessible for collectors focusing on the Black & White era.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No alternate print variants are documented for this card. Key identifiers include its set code “bw5,” the absence of a regulation mark, and its unique illustrator signature by sui. The card is a Stage 1 Grass-type with a notable retreat cost of 3.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its moderate rarity, maintaining mint condition can enhance its collectible value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Ivysaur as a reliable Stage 1 Grass-type with dual status-inflicting attacks, emphasizing strategic play and thematic design consistent with the Black & White series.

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    Ivysaur (Dark Explorers) #2

  • Collector’s Guide: Larvesta (Dark Explorers #20)

    Collector’s Guide: Larvesta (Dark Explorers #20)

    Larvesta Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #20

    Character Intro

    Larvesta from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 20 with 80 HP. This vibrant Pokémon features the attack Flare, adding a fiery touch to gameplay. Its straightforward design makes it a solid choice for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 20 Common 80 match
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Ram (20 damage, 2 Colorless energy)
    • Flare (40 damage, 2 Fire + 1 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “This Pokémon was believed to have been born from the sun. When it evolves, its entire body is engulfed in flames.”
    • Regulation Mark: None

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Larvesta card from the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5), numbered 20. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or promotional versions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate art versions for this Larvesta card. Identification is straightforward via the set code bw5 and card number 20. The illustrator credited is match, and the card’s image can be referenced at /images/bw5/bw5-20.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats as per the provided data. No special rules or abilities are associated with this card beyond its two straightforward attacks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card with moderate retreat cost and no special abilities, Larvesta should be stored in a protective sleeve to preserve its vibrant artwork by match. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain card integrity, especially given its collectible value within the Dark Explorers set.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Larvesta appears as a Basic Fire-type Pokémon with solid HP and two simple attacks. This set highlights Larvesta’s fiery origins and evolutionary potential through its flavor text and design. No additional print variants or special editions are noted for this card.

    Larvesta (Dark Explorers) #20

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    Larvesta (Dark Explorers) #20

  • 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