Tag: Collector’s Guide

Collector’s Guide: Tympole (Dark Explorers #31)
Tympole Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #31

Character Intro

Tympole is a Common Pokémon card from the Dark Explorers set (card 31). It has 60 HP and features the attack Spiral Drain. With its simple, functional design, it offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 31 Common 60 Kouki Saitou
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Grass ×2
- Attack: Spiral Drain (Water + Colorless) — Deals 20 damage and heals 20 damage from Tympole
- Flavor Text: They warn others of danger by vibrating their cheeks to create a high-pitched sound.
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Evolves From: None
Key Printings

This exact printing appears in the Black & White series’ Dark Explorers set as card number 31. It is a common rarity card with no known alternate print variants.

Variants & Identifiers

No print variants or special editions are documented. Identification is straightforward via the set code “bw5” and card number 31. The Kouki Saitou artwork and Water-type symbol further confirm its identity.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

As a common card with delicate artwork, store Tympole in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve card stock and color integrity.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: Tympole appears as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with a healing attack, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and discovery. This set does not provide additional evolutions or abilities for Tympole, focusing on its simple yet effective Spiral Drain attack.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Palpitoad (Dark Explorers #32)
Palpitoad (Dark Explorers 32) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Palpitoad from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon card numbered 32 with 80 HP. This aquatic Pokémon features the attack Bubble Beam, adding a splash of strategy to your deck. Its straightforward design makes it a solid choice for collectors seeking versatile Water-type cards.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 32 Uncommon 80 Kouki Saitou
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Tympole)
- Retreat Cost: 2
- Weakness: Grass ×2
- Resistance: None
- Attack: Bubble Beam (Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed; 30 damage)
- Abilities: None
- Flavor Text: “It lives in the water and on land. It uses its long, sticky tongue to capture prey.”
- Set Code: bw5
- Series: Black & White
- Card Number: 32
Key Printings

This exact printing of Palpitoad appears in the Dark Explorers set, identified by the set code bw5 and card number 32. It is an Uncommon rarity card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Palpitoad card. Key identifiers include the illustrator Kouki Saitou’s artwork and the card’s unique attack, Bubble Beam, which can paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon on a coin flip.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve this card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface, especially around the illustrated area by Kouki Saitou.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Palpitoad as a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon with a useful status effect attack. It fits well into Water-themed decks but is currently not tournament-legal. The set is known for its diverse Pokémon and dynamic artwork styles.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Vanillite (Dark Explorers #33)
Vanillite (Dark Explorers 33) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Vanillite from the Dark Explorers set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 33. It features 50 HP and a single attack, Double Spin. A simple, charming addition to any Black & White-era collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 33 Common 50 Kouki Saitou
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Metal (×2)
- Attack: Double Spin — Flip 2 coins; this attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
- Flavor Text: The temperature of their breath is -58° F. They create snow crystals and make snow fall in the areas surrounding them.
- Illustrator: Kouki Saitou
- Image:
Key Printings

This guide focuses on the Vanillite card from the Dark Explorers set, identified as card number 33. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions printed on this version.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “bw5” and the card number 33. The card features the Water type and is a Basic Pokémon with a single Colorless energy attack.

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 vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this Vanillite card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or exposure to extreme temperatures to keep the card in collectible condition.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: This set includes the Vanillite card as a Common Basic Water-type Pokémon with a straightforward attack and modest HP. It fits well into collections focusing on the Black & White series and features artwork by Kouki Saitou.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Vanillish (Dark Explorers #34)
Vanillish Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #34

Character Intro

Vanillish from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 34. It features 70 HP and Frost Breath among its attacks. This frosty Pokémon offers a cool addition to any collection.

Quick Facts
- HP: 70
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Vanillite)
- Attacks: Triple Spin (20× damage based on coin flips), Frost Breath (50 damage)
- Weakness: Metal (×2)
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Rarity: Uncommon
- Illustrator: Kouki Saitou
- Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
- Number: 34
set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 34 Uncommon 70 Kouki Saitou

Key Printings

This printing is from the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5-34). It features the Water-type Vanillish with two attacks: Triple Spin, which relies on coin flips for damage, and Frost Breath, a straightforward 50 damage attack. The artwork by Kouki Saitou captures the icy essence of this Pokémon.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code bw5-34 and the artwork credited to Kouki Saitou. The card’s rarity is Uncommon, and it has no special regulation mark.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- No additional tournament or play notes are available.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the crisp artwork and maintain the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder to avoid edge wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: Includes Vanillish as a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon evolving from Vanillite. The set emphasizes icy and dark-themed Pokémon, with Vanillish’s attacks reflecting its chilly nature and strategic coin-flip mechanic.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Ducklett (Dark Explorers #35)
Ducklett (Dark Explorers 35) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Ducklett is a common Pokémon card from the Dark Explorers set, numbered 35. It has 60 HP and features the attack Water Pulse. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 35 Common 60 sui
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Lightning (×2)
- Resistance: Fighting (-20)
- Attack: Water Pulse (20 damage; causes Defending Pokémon to fall Asleep)
- Flavor Text: “These bird Pokémon are excellent divers. They swim around in the water eating their favorite food—peat moss.”
- Set Code: bw5
- Card ID: bw5-35
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact Ducklett card appears only in the Black & White series’ Dark Explorers set, numbered 35. It is a common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Ducklett card. Key identifiers include the set code “bw5” and the illustrator signature “sui.” The card is a Basic Pokémon with the subtype “Basic” and features the Water type symbol.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve and keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain condition, especially since there are no special print variants.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers (bw5): Includes Ducklett as a straightforward Basic Water-type with a single attack that can induce sleep. It suits casual, status-focused builds but lacks abilities or evolutions.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Swanna (Dark Explorers #36)
Swanna Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #36

Character Intro

Swanna from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card numbered 36 with 90 HP. This elegant Pokémon features the attack Incessant Peck, adding a dynamic edge to gameplay. Graceful yet determined artwork enhances its presence.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 36 Rare 90 Mizue
- Type: Water
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Ducklett)
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: Fighting -20
- Retreat Cost: 1
Key Printings

This exact printing of Swanna appears in the Black & White series set “Dark Explorers” with the set code bw5-36.

Attacks
- Healing Dance: heals 30 damage from each of your Pokémon.
- Incessant Peck: deals 60+ damage with potential increments based on coin flips.
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code bw5-36 and the illustrator Mizue’s distinctive artwork. The card’s rarity is Rare, and it carries no regulation mark.

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 the card’s vivid artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity, handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: This set includes Swanna as a rare Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon with healing and variable damage attacks, emphasizing strategic play and team support.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Jolteon (Dark Explorers #37)
Jolteon (Dark Explorers 37) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Jolteon from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 37 with 90 HP. Its moves include Pin Missile, and the card brings vibrant artwork to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 37 Uncommon 90 Sumiyoshi Kizuki
- HP: 90
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
- Retreat Cost: 0
- Weakness: Fighting (×2)
- Resistances: None
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
Key Printings

This Jolteon is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set (set code bw5). It is an uncommon card.
- Attacks: Electrigun can increase damage by discarding a Lightning Energy, and Pin Missile deals variable damage based on coin flips.
Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the card number 37 in the Dark Explorers set and the set code bw5. The illustrator is Sumiyoshi Kizuki, whose artwork is a key identifier for this printing. The market reference query for this card is “Jolteon Dark Explorers 37.”

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and handle with clean hands. Given its uncommon rarity and detailed artwork, careful storage will help retain its collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers (bw5): This set includes a variety of Pokémon from the Black & White era, featuring unique artwork and a mix of common to rare cards. Jolteon stands out as a solid Stage 1 Lightning-type with versatile attacks and a striking illustration by Sumiyoshi Kizuki. The set’s release date is unknown, but it remains a notable entry for collectors of the Black & White series.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Raikou-EX (Dark Explorers #38)
Raikou-EX Collector’s Guide (Dark Explorers #38)

Character Intro

Raikou-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX card numbered 38. This card features 170 HP and the attack Thunder Fang. Its vivid design captures the electric energy of this legendary Pokémon.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 38 Rare Holo EX 170 Shizurow
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Basic, EX
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Rules: When a Pokémon-EX is Knocked Out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
Key Printings

This guide covers the exact printing of Raikou-EX from the Dark Explorers set, card number 38. It is a Rare Holo EX with no known alternate print variants.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants or alternate artwork for this Raikou-EX. The card is identified by its set code “bw5-38” and the illustrator Shizurow.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This Raikou-EX is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s holofoil and surface, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a top loader or binder with acid-free pages for long-term protection.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: This set features Raikou-EX as a powerful Lightning-type Basic EX Pokémon with two attacks: Thunder Fang, which can paralyze the opponent, and Volt Bolt, a high-damage attack that requires discarding all attached Lightning Energy.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Plusle (Dark Explorers #39)
Plusle Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #39

Character Intro

Plusle from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 39. It has 60 HP and features the attack Positive Ion. This lively Pokémon adds a spark of energy to any deck.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 39 Common 60 Naoki Saito
- Type: Lightning
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Flavor Text: It cheers on friends with pom-poms made of sparks. It drains power from telephone poles.
- Attacks:
- Tag Draw: Shuffle your hand into your deck, then draw 4 cards. If Minun is on your Bench, draw 4 more cards.
- Positive Ion: Flip a coin; if heads, this attack does 10 more damage (20+ damage total).
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 39, featuring the artwork by Naoki Saito. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or promotional variants.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no listed print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by set code “bw5” and card number 39. The card’s subtypes include Basic, and it is part of the Black & White series.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
  Its simple attacks and synergy with Minun make it a thematic choice but not a competitive staple.
Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for beginner collectors or those focusing on the Dark Explorers set. Avoid bending or exposure to extreme temperatures to maintain the integrity of the card’s artwork and text.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: This set features Plusle as a supportive Lightning-type Basic Pokémon with synergy mechanics involving Minun. It highlights the Black & White era’s focus on thematic pairs and strategic card draw. The card’s straightforward design and common rarity make it a staple for collectors completing this set.
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October 16, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Scyther (Dark Explorers #4)
Scyther Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #4

Character Intro

Scyther from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon Basic Grass-type, card number 4 with 80 HP. Its single attack, Air Slash, delivers straightforward damage with an energy-management twist, making it an accessible and engaging addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Dark Explorers 4 Uncommon 80 Naoki Saito
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Resistance: None
- Attack: Air Slash (60 damage) — Discards an Energy attached to this Pokémon.
- Abilities: None
- Flavor Text: “The sharp scythes on its forearms become increasingly sharp by cutting through hard objects.”
- Set Code: bw5
- Card ID: bw5-4
- Image:
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers expansion. It is an Uncommon card numbered 4. The card does not evolve from any other Pokémon and has no Abilities, focusing on a single attack that balances damage with Energy management.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via:
– Set code: bw5
– Card number: 4
– Illustrator: Naoki Saito
– Subtype: Basic
– No regulation mark

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.
- Air Slash requires discarding an Energy, which may influence deck-building strategies if used in casual play.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the card’s artwork and Uncommon rarity, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain its collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Dark Explorers: This set includes this Scyther as a Basic Grass-type with a unique attack that combines moderate damage with Energy discard mechanics. It fits well into collections focusing on the Black & White era’s thematic expansions.
This guide covers all known details for the Dark Explorers Scyther #4 printing. Further information such as release date and regulation marks remains unknown.

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October 16, 2025