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Tag: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Metapod (Neo Discovery #42)

    Collector’s Guide: Metapod (Neo Discovery #42)

    Metapod (Neo Discovery 42) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Metapod from the Neo Discovery set is an uncommon card numbered 42. It has a sturdy 70 HP and features the attack Harden, capturing Metapod’s defensive nature with a simple yet effective ability.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 42 Uncommon 70 Sumiyoshi Kizuki
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Caterpie)
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless Energy
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Harden: Prevents 20 or less damage during opponent’s next turn.
    • Hatch: Flip a coin; if heads, remove all damage counters and evolve Metapod by attaching a card that evolves from it.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Neo Discovery set as card number 42. It is an Uncommon rarity card featuring artwork by Sumiyoshi Kizuki. The card is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon with two distinct attacks that emphasize defense and evolution.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants
    • Set code: “neo2”
    • Card number: 42
    • Image: /images/neo2/neo2-42.jpg

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
      Its defensive Harden attack and Hatch evolution mechanic offer strategic options in casual play, but official tournament legality is not established.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially given the detailed artwork by Sumiyoshi Kizuki. For long-term collection, use a rigid top-loader or a binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduces Metapod as a Stage 1 Grass-type with defensive and evolution-focused attacks, complementing the evolving gameplay style of the Neo series. The card’s flavor text and illustration highlight its transitional nature inside the shell.

    Metapod (Neo Discovery) #42

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    Metapod (Neo Discovery) #42

  • Collector’s Guide: Omastar (Neo Discovery #43)

    Collector’s Guide: Omastar (Neo Discovery #43)

    Omastar (Neo Discovery 43) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Omastar from the Neo Discovery set is an uncommon card numbered 43 with 80 HP. This classic Pokémon features the attack Spike Barrage, offering a straightforward offensive option. Its design captures the ancient, spiral-shelled creature in vivid detail.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 43 Uncommon 80 Shin-ichi Yoshida
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Omanyte)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Squeeze: Flip a coin; heads deal 30 damage and Paralyze the opponent, tails deal 10 damage.
    • Spike Barrage: Flip coins equal to Water Energy attached; base 20 damage plus 20 more per heads.
    • Flavor Text: “Apparently, it cracked Shellder’s shell with its sharp fangs and sucked out the insides.”
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Neo Discovery printing of Omastar, card number 43—an uncommon card with no known alternate or promotional versions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Omastar card. Identification is straightforward via the set code “neo2,” card number 43, and the illustration by Shin-ichi Yoshida.

    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 vivid artwork and maintain condition, store Omastar in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity, a binder page or a top-loader is a sensible long-term choice.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Omastar appears as a Stage 2 Fighting-type with coin flip–driven attacks that highlight chance and strategy. The set expands the Neo era with distinctive Pokémon and artwork, including this detailed piece by Shin-ichi Yoshida.

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    Omastar (Neo Discovery) #43

  • Collector’s Guide: Poliwhirl (Neo Discovery #44)

    Collector’s Guide: Poliwhirl (Neo Discovery #44)

    Poliwhirl (Neo Discovery 44) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Poliwhirl from the Neo Discovery set is an Uncommon card numbered 44. This lively Pokémon has 70 HP and features the Water Gun attack. Its straightforward design makes it a notable pick for collectors focusing on early Neo series cards.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 44 Uncommon 70 Kagemaru Himeno
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Poliwag)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Belly Drum: Place 3 damage counters on Poliwhirl; if it survives, attach 2 Basic Energy cards from your deck.
    • Water Gun: Deals 30 damage plus up to 20 additional damage depending on extra Water Energy attached.
    • Flavor Text: “The swirl on its belly undulates. Staring at it may gradually cause drowsiness.”
    • Image URL: /images/neo2/neo2-44.jpg

    Key Printings

    Printed exclusively in the Neo Discovery set as card number 44; it is an Uncommon card featuring artwork by Kagemaru Himeno, known for his detailed and atmospheric style.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Poliwhirl card. It can be identified by its set code “neo2” and its unique card number 44 within the Neo Discovery series.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the artwork and condition.
    • Given its age and rarity, use a rigid top-loader or a binder with acid-free pages.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: This set introduced a variety of Neo-era Pokémon with unique abilities and attacks. Poliwhirl stands out with its strategic Belly Drum attack and scalable Water Gun damage, reflecting the evolving mechanics of the time.

    For collectors interested in Neo-era Water-type Pokémon, this Poliwhirl card offers a charming and strategic addition to their collection.

    Poliwhirl (Neo Discovery) #44

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    Poliwhirl (Neo Discovery) #44

  • Collector’s Guide: Pupitar (Neo Discovery #45)

    Collector’s Guide: Pupitar (Neo Discovery #45)

    Pupitar Collector’s Guide: Neo Discovery #45

    Character Intro

    Pupitar from the Neo Discovery set is an Uncommon, number 45. It has 70 HP and features the attack Skull Bash. Straightforward and engaging, it’s a clean addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 45 Uncommon 70 Hironobu Yoshida
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Larvitar)
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Resistance: Lightning (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Attacks:
    • Skull Bash: Deals 20 damage with a cost of two Colorless energies.
    • Dust Devil: Costs two Fighting energies; deals 10 damage to each non-Fighting Pokémon in play without applying Weakness or Resistance.
    • Flavor Text: “Its shell is as hard as sheet rock, and it is also very strong. Its thrashing can topple a mountain.”
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Set: Neo Discovery (neo2)
    • Card Number: 45
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Neo Discovery printing of Pupitar, card number 45. It features the original artwork by Hironobu Yoshida and is classified as an Uncommon card in the Neo series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Pupitar card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “neo2” and card number 45.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its Dust Devil attack can affect multiple Pokémon on the field, making it tactically interesting despite its rarity status.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its age and rarity, a rigid top-loader or a binder with acid-free pages is recommended to preserve condition, value, and artwork integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduces Pupitar as a Stage 1 Fighting-type with a distinctive multi-target attack, Dust Devil. The set is known for detailed artwork and expanding the Neo series’ roster with strong, thematic Pokémon cards.

    This Pupitar is a solid collectible for Neo series fans and Fighting-type enthusiasts, offering nostalgic appeal and unique gameplay elements.

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    Pupitar (Neo Discovery) #45

  • Collector’s Guide: Scyther (Neo Discovery #46)

    Collector’s Guide: Scyther (Neo Discovery #46)

    Scyther (Neo Discovery 46) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Scyther from the Neo Discovery set is an Uncommon card numbered 46. A Basic Grass-type with 60 HP, it features the coin-flip attack Fury Cutter—a straightforward, dynamic addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery unknown 46 Uncommon 60 Kimiya Masago
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fire (×2)
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Attack: Fury Cutter — Flip 4 coins; damage increases based on the number of heads flipped, starting at 10 damage plus additional increments.
    • Abilities: None
    • Flavor Text: “It slashes through grass with its sharp scythes, moving too fast for the human eye to track.”
    • Set Code: neo2
    • Card ID: neo2-46
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This Scyther card appears exclusively in Neo Discovery as card 46. It is Uncommon and does not evolve from a previous form.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. Notable identifiers include its Grass typing, the Fury Cutter coin-flip damage mechanic, and Kimiya Masago’s artwork.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its playability in casual or other formats is unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated front.
    • Proper storage will maintain its collector value and visual appeal.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduces Scyther as a Basic Grass-type with a dynamic, coin-flip-driven attack. The artwork and mechanics align with the set’s theme of newly discovered Pokémon and unique gameplay elements.

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    Scyther (Neo Discovery) #46

  • Collector’s Guide: Unown [D] (Neo Discovery #47)

    Collector’s Guide: Unown [D] (Neo Discovery #47)

    Unown [D] Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Unown [D] from the Neo Discovery set is an Uncommon Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features the unique Pokémon Power [Darkness] and a single attack called Hidden Power. This intriguing card is numbered 47 in its set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 47 Uncommon 40 CR CG gangs
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Ability: [Darkness] Pokémon Power reduces damage from Darkness Pokémon by 30, with specific conditions.
    • Attack: Hidden Power (10 damage, costs 1 Psychic Energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.”
    • Rules: Up to 4 Basic Pokémon cards with Unown in their names allowed per deck.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Unown [D] is from Neo Discovery, identified as card number 47. It is an Uncommon Psychic-type card featuring the [Darkness] Pokémon Power. The artwork by CR CG gangs captures the enigmatic essence of Unown.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by set code neo2-47, its Psychic type, and a single Psychic Energy attack. The unique Pokémon Power and flavor text further distinguish it from other Unown cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • You may have up to 4 Basic Pokémon cards in your deck with Unown in their names.
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Handle with clean hands to preserve surface and edges.
    • Avoid extreme temperatures to maintain condition and collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduced Unown [D] as a Basic Psychic Pokémon with a special damage-reducing Pokémon Power, adding strategic depth and thematic flavor to the set. This set is notable for its ancient and mysterious motifs reflected in the card designs.

    Unown [D]

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    Unown [D] (Neo Discovery) #47

  • Collector’s Guide: Unown [F] (Neo Discovery #48)

    Collector’s Guide: Unown [F] (Neo Discovery #48)

    Unown [F] Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Unown [F] from the Neo Discovery set is an uncommon Basic Pokémon with 40 HP. It features the Pokémon Power [Find] and the attack Hidden Power. It holds a unique place as card number 48 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    • HP: 40
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Ability: [Find] — Allows searching your deck for a Trainer card if you have Unown [F], [I], [N], and [D] on your Bench.
    • Attack: Hidden Power (10 damage, costs 1 Psychic energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.”
    • Rules: You may have up to 4 Basic Pokémon cards in your deck with Unown in their names.
    • Legality: unknown
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 48 Uncommon 40 CR CG gangs

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Unown [F] is Neo Discovery 48 (Uncommon). It’s a Psychic-type card with one attack and a Pokémon Power.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants. Identified by set code “neo2” and card number 48. The artwork by CR CG gangs and the Psychic type symbol are distinctive identifiers.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    Pokémon Power [Find] requires Unown [F], [I], [N], and [D] on your Bench to search your deck for a Trainer card, adding strategic depth. The card’s rules allow up to four Basic Pokémon cards with Unown in their names in a deck.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. As an uncommon card with unique artwork, preserving surface and edge quality supports long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduced Unown [F] in a set themed around mysterious and ancient Pokémon. The set emphasized Psychic types and unique abilities, with Unown [F] contributing a strategic searching power to decks.

    Unown [F]

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    Unown [F] (Neo Discovery) #48

  • Collector’s Guide: Unown [M] (Neo Discovery #49)

    Collector’s Guide: Unown [M] (Neo Discovery #49)

    Unown [M] Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Unown [M] from Neo Discovery is an Uncommon, 40 HP Basic Psychic Pokémon. It features the [Metal] Pokémon Power and the attack Hidden Power. Its hieroglyph-inspired design makes it a distinctive addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 49 Uncommon 40 CR CG gangs
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Ability: [Metal] Pokémon Power reduces damage from Metal Pokémon by 30, but stops if more than one Unown [M] is in play.
    • Attack: Hidden Power (10 damage, costs 1 Psychic energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.”
    • Rules: Up to 4 Basic Pokémon cards with Unown in their names can be included in a deck.

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the Neo Discovery printing of Unown [M], card number 49, an Uncommon rarity card. The card is a Basic Psychic Pokémon with a unique defensive ability and a simple attack.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing of Unown [M]. The card can be identified by its set code “neo2,” number 49, and the illustrator CR CG gangs. The card’s Psychic type and the [Metal] Pokémon Power are distinctive features.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The Pokémon Power provides a niche defensive benefit against Metal-type attackers, but it ceases to function if more than one Unown [M] is in play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially since the artwork and text are key identifiers. Proper storage will maintain its collectible and gameplay value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduced Unown [M] as a Basic Psychic Pokémon with a unique damage-reducing ability against Metal types. The set emphasizes mysterious and ancient themes, reflected in the card’s flavor text and design.

    Unown [M]

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    Unown [M] (Neo Discovery) #49

  • Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Neo Discovery #5)

    Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Neo Discovery #5)

    Houndour (Neo Discovery 5) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    A Basic Fire-type from the Neo Discovery set, Houndour is a Rare Holo card numbered 5. With 50 HP and the attack Collect Fire, it’s a straightforward yet engaging addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 5 Rare Holo 50 Aya Kusube
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic
    • HP: 50
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Attacks:
    • Smog: Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Poisoned. Deals 10 damage.
    • Collect Fire: Attach a Fire Energy card from your discard pile to Houndour. Deals 20 damage.
    • Flavor Text: “To corner prey, they check each other’s location using barks that only they can understand.”
    • Illustrator: Aya Kusube
    • Set Code: neo2
    • Card Number: 5
    • Rarity: Rare Holo

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Neo Discovery printing of Houndour, identified as card number 5 in the set. It is a Rare Holo card, notable for its clean artwork and strategic Fire-type attacks. No evolutions or alternate printings are associated with this exact card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Houndour card. Key identifiers include its set code “neo2,” card number 5, and the distinctive Rare Holo rarity. The illustrator Aya Kusube’s signature style helps collectors verify authenticity.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
    • No additional tournament legality information is available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Use protective sleeves and store away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the holofoil surface and artwork.
    • Avoid bending or scratching to maintain collector value.
    • For optimal protection, use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduces Houndour as a Basic Fire-type with attacks that blend damage and status effects. The set is known for its early Neo series artwork and mechanics, with Houndour standing out for the strategic “Collect Fire” attack that recycles energy from the discard pile.

    Houndour Neo Discovery 5

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    Houndour (Neo Discovery) #5

  • Collector’s Guide: Unown [N] (Neo Discovery #50)

    Collector’s Guide: Unown [N] (Neo Discovery #50)

    Unown [N] Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Unown [N] from the Neo Discovery set is an uncommon Basic Psychic Pokémon with 40 HP. It features a single attack, Hidden Power. Its straightforward design and modest stats make it a distinctive, minimalist addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Neo Discovery 50 Uncommon 40 CR CG gangs
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Ability: Reduces damage from Colorless Pokémon by 30, but only if you have exactly one Unown [N] in play
    • Attack: Hidden Power (10 damage, costs 1 Psychic Energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.”
    • Rules: You may have up to 4 Basic Pokémon cards in your deck with Unown in their names.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Unown [N] is from the Neo Discovery set, numbered 50. It is illustrated by CR CG gangs and classified as an Uncommon card. This printing is notable for its unique Pokémon Power and simple attack, making it a subtle but interesting addition to Psychic-type decks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. Identifiers include its set code “neo2” and card ID “neo2-50.” The card’s Psychic type, Basic stage, and the distinctive ability tied to Unown [N] are key markers for collectors.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The ability to reduce damage from Colorless Pokémon can be strategically useful but is limited by the rule that it stops working if more than one Unown [N] is in play.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card in a sleeve and store it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its uncommon rarity and unique artwork by CR CG gangs, preserving edges and surface is essential for long-term value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Neo Discovery: Introduced Unown [N] with its distinctive hieroglyph-inspired design and damage-reducing ability. This set is known for expanding the Unown family and adding intriguing Psychic-type cards.

    Unown [N]

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    Unown [N] (Neo Discovery) #50