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Collector’s Guide: Growlithe (Base Set #28)
Growlithe (Base Set #28) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Growlithe from the Base Set is a Basic Fire-type Pokémon card with 60 HP. It features a single attack, Flare, which deals 20 damage and requires one Fire and one Colorless Energy. The card is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and is classified as Uncommon rarity. It has a retreat cost of 1 and a Water-type weakness (×2). The card’s flavor text highlights Growlithe’s territorial nature: “Very protective of its territory. It will bark and bite to repel intruders from its space.”

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 28
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Stage: Basic
- Types: Fire
- HP: 60
- Attack: Flare (20 damage)
Variants & Identifiers

This Growlithe card has no known print variants or alternate versions. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 28. There is no regulation mark or additional subtype beyond Basic.

Care & Storage Tips

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

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: This Growlithe card is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori and foundational role in the Pokémon TCG. It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with legality currently unknown.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 28 Uncommon 60 Ken Sugimori

Legality: unknown

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Farfetch’d (Base Set #27)
Farfetch’d (Base Set #27) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Farfetch’d from the Base Set (#27) is a Basic, Colorless-type Pokémon card with 50 HP. It features two attacks: Leek Slap, which requires a coin flip and can only be used once per play, and Pot Smash, a straightforward 30-damage attack. The card has a weakness to Lightning (×2), resistance to Fighting (-30), and a retreat cost of 1. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card is classified as Uncommon.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 27
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- HP: 50
- Type: Colorless
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This printing has no known print variants or alternate art versions. It is identified by the set code “base1” and the card number 27. The card does not have a regulation mark or release date publicly documented.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 27 Uncommon 50 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
– Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
– Avoid excessive handling to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
– Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: Farfetch’d #27 is part of the original Base Set lineup, showcasing classic Ken Sugimori artwork and simple but thematic gameplay mechanics. Its unique Leek Slap attack adds a strategic element with its one-time use limitation.
Legality: unknown
Image URL: /images/base1/base1-27.jpg

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dratini (Base Set #26)
Dratini (Base Set #26) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Dratini is a Basic Colorless-type Pokémon card from the original Base set. It has 40 HP and features a single attack, Pound, which deals 10 damage for one Colorless Energy. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and resists Psychic attacks, reducing damage by 30. It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Uncommon rarity. The card’s flavor text highlights Dratini’s mythical status until a small underwater colony was discovered.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 26
- Rarity: Uncommon
- HP: 40
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Type: Colorless
- Stage: Basic
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card ID “base1-26”. The card does not have a regulation mark or a known release date. Its legality status is unknown.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 26 Uncommon 40 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling the card with dirty or oily hands to prevent damage to the surface and edges.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: Dratini #26 is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG set, featuring classic artwork by Ken Sugimori and simple, straightforward gameplay mechanics. This card represents one of the early depictions of Dratini in the TCG, capturing its lore as a once-mythical Pokémon.
Legality: unknown

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Water Energy (Base Set #102)
Collector’s Guide: Water Energy (Base Set #102)

Quick Facts
- Name: Water Energy
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 102
- Type: Basic Energy
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
- Legality: unknown
This card represents the Water Energy from the original Base set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It provides Water-type energy necessary for Water Pokémon attacks but does not have HP, attacks, or abilities.

Key Printings

This specific printing is from the Base set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 102. It features classic artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi, consistent with the original 1999 Base set style.

Variants & Identifiers
- No known print variants exist for this card.
- The card is classified as a Basic Energy subtype.
- It has no rarity symbol or regulation mark.
- The card has no weaknesses or resistances.
- Retreat cost is 0, typical for Energy cards.
Care & Storage Tips
- Store in a protective sleeve or energy card binder to prevent edge wear.
- Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve card integrity and artwork.
- Avoid bending or folding, as Energy cards are often thinner and more prone to damage.
- Maintain a stable temperature environment to prevent warping.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original set that launched the Pokémon TCG, featuring the foundational Energy cards including this Water Energy. This card is essential for building Water-type decks and remains a staple for collectors of the Base set.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 102 Keiji Kinebuchi

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September 24, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Clefairy (Base Set #5)
Clefairy (Base Set #5) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Clefairy from the Base set (#5) is a Basic, Colorless-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features two attacks: Sing, which may put the Defending Pokémon to sleep, and Metronome, which copies one of the opponent’s attacks regardless of type but ignores energy costs and other requirements. This card has a retreat cost of 1, a Fighting-type weakness (×2), and Psychic resistance (-30). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 5
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- HP: 40
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and the card number 5. The card’s subtype is Basic, and it does not evolve from any other Pokémon.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 5 Rare Holo 40 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Rare Holo Clefairy card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
– Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
– Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the holofoil surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: This Clefairy is part of the original Base set, known for its iconic artwork and foundational role in the Pokémon TCG. It is notable for its unique Metronome attack, which allows strategic copying of opponent attacks, making it a versatile card despite its low HP.
Legality: unknown

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Hitmonchan (Base Set #7)
Hitmonchan (Base Set #7) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Hitmonchan from the Base Set (#7) is a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon card featuring 70 HP. It has two attacks: Jab, dealing 20 damage for one Fighting Energy, and Special Punch, dealing 40 damage for two Fighting and one Colorless Energy. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo. The card’s flavor text reads:
“While seeming to do nothing, it fires punches in lightning-fast volleys that are impossible to see.”

The card’s legality status is unknown.

Key Printings

This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Hitmonchan, card number 7. No additional print variants or reprints are noted for this exact printing.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Name: Base
- Card Number: 7
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- Stage: Basic
- Type: Fighting
- Subtypes: Basic
- Weakness: Psychic (×2)
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Regulation Mark: None
- Print Variants: None reported
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling the card excessively to prevent wear on the holofoil surface and edges.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original core set that introduced Hitmonchan as a Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with solid attack options and a classic holofoil treatment. This card is a staple for collectors focusing on the foundational era of the Pokémon TCG.
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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Gyarados (Base Set #6)
Collector’s Guide: Gyarados (Base Set #6) Rare Holo

Quick Facts
- Pokémon: Gyarados
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Magikarp)
- HP: 100
- Type: Water
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 6/102
- Legality: unknown
Gyarados is a powerful Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon known for its high HP and strong attacks. It features two attacks: Dragon Rage, dealing 50 damage, and Bubblebeam, which deals 40 damage and has a chance to paralyze the opponent. It has a Fighting-type resistance (-30) and a Grass-type weakness (×2). The card’s flavor text highlights Gyarados’s rarity and destructive rage.

Key Printings

This exact printing is from the original Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 6. It is a Rare Holo variant, featuring the classic holographic foil treatment on the Pokémon image. The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is iconic and highly regarded among collectors.

Variants & Identifiers
- Set Name: Base
- Set Code: base1
- Card Number: 6
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Resistance: Fighting (-30)
- Weakness: Grass (×2)
- Legality: unknown
- Print Variants: None known for this exact printing
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo Gyarados card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the holographic foil and card colors.
– Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
– Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original release featuring classic Pokémon cards. This Gyarados is a standout Stage 1 Water-type with strong attacks and a high HP pool, making it a sought-after card for collectors and nostalgic players alike.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 6 Rare Holo 100 Mitsuhiro Arita

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)
Dragonair (Base Set #18) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

Dragonair from the Base set is a Stage 1 Colorless-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Dratini and features two attacks: Slam, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Hyper Beam, which deals 20 damage and can discard an Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon. This card has a retreat cost of 2 and resistance to Psychic attacks (-30). It does not have any abilities or listed weaknesses.

The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Rare. Its flavor text describes Dragonair as “A mystical Pokémon that exudes a gentle aura. Has the ability to change climate conditions.”

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 18
- Rarity: Rare
- HP: 80
- Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
- Legality: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 18. The card is part of the original Base set, making it a classic collectible for fans of early Pokémon TCG releases.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Dragonair card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and hard case to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
– Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
– Handle with clean hands or use gloves to avoid oils and dirt transfer.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: Dragonair #18 is a staple Stage 1 card from the original Pokémon TCG release. Its combination of moderate HP, versatile attacks, and Psychic resistance made it a useful card in early gameplay. The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is iconic and highly regarded among collectors.
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 18 Rare 80 Mitsuhiro Arita

Legality: unknown

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)
Beedrill (Base Set #17) Collectors Guide

Quick Facts

Beedrill from the Base Set (#17) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Kakuna and features two attacks: Twineedle, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Poison Sting, which deals 40 damage and may poison the opponent’s Pokémon. The card has a Fighting resistance (-30), a Fire weakness (×2), and no retreat cost. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card is classified as Rare.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 17
- Rarity: Rare
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- HP: 80
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Kakuna)
- Legal Status: unknown
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 17. The card’s rarity symbol and artwork are consistent with the original Base Set style.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 17 Rare 80 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
– Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
– Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
– Handle with clean, dry hands to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: Beedrill #17 is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics. This card is a staple for collectors interested in early Grass-type Stage 2 Pokémon.
Legality: unknown

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September 23, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)
Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

Quick Facts

Zapdos is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card from the original Base Set, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It has 90 HP and features two powerful attacks: Thunder, which deals 60 damage but risks self-damage on a tails coin flip, and Thunderbolt, which deals 100 damage at the cost of discarding all attached Energy cards. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and resistance to Fighting-type attacks (-30). It is classified as a Rare Holo card.

Key Printings
- Set: Base
- Card Number: 16
- Rarity: Rare Holo
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
- HP: 90
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Basic
Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 16. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Base 16 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holofoil finish and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Given its age and rarity, consider using a top-loader or a graded case for long-term storage.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Base Set: The original release featuring iconic Pokémon like Zapdos. This set introduced many collectors to the Pokémon TCG and includes the classic Ken Sugimori artwork. Zapdos stands out as a powerful Lightning-type Basic Pokémon with strong attacks but a high retreat cost.
Legality: unknown
Image URL: /images/base1/base1-16.jpg

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September 23, 2025