Tag: Collector’s Guide

Collector’s Guide: Cubone (Team Rocket Returns #51)
Cubone – Team Rocket Returns (ex7-51) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Cubone from the Team Rocket Returns set is a Common card numbered 51. This lively Pokémon has 50 HP and features the attack Bonemerang. Its straightforward design makes it a notable addition for collectors focusing on this set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 51 Common 50 Kouki Saitou
- Type: Fighting
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
- Weakness: Grass ×2
- Abilities: None
- Attacks:
- Look for Friends: Reveals cards from your deck until a Basic Pokémon is found to add to your hand.
- Bonemerang: Flip 2 coins; this attack does 10 damage times the number of heads.
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Regulation Mark: None
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Team Rocket Returns set, identified by set code ex7 and card number 51. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Kouki Saitou, notable for its simple, effective portrayal of a Fighting-type Cubone.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by:
– Card number (51)
– Set code (ex7)
– Artwork by Kouki Saitou
– Fighting type and Basic stage classification

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its playability in official tournaments is therefore uncertain.

Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain condition. Given its unknown legality, collectors may prioritize preservation over play use.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set revisits the iconic Team Rocket theme with a mix of Dark and Fighting-type Pokémon. Cubone ex7-51 fits into this theme as a Basic Fighting-type with straightforward attacks, adding nostalgic value for collectors of the era.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dratini (Team Rocket Returns #53)
Dratini (Team Rocket Returns 53) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Dratini from the Team Rocket Returns set is a Common card numbered 53. This sleek Pokémon has 50 HP and features the attacks Dragon Song and Tail Strike. Its straightforward design makes it a notable addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns unknown 53 Common 50 Atsuko Nishida
- Type: Colorless
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Colorless ×2
- Resistances: Grass -30, Fighting -30
- Attacks:
- Dragon Song: Each Defending Pokémon is now Asleep.
- Tail Strike: Flip a coin; if heads, this attack does 20 damage plus 10 more damage.
Attack Notes
- Dragon Song can put both Defending Pokémon to Sleep.
- Tail Strike hits for 20 damage, with a coin flip to reach up to 30 damage.
Key Printings

This Dratini card is from the “ex” series, specifically the Team Rocket Returns set (ex7). It is a Common rarity card, making it relatively accessible but still a valued piece for fans of this series and character.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “ex7” and card number 53. The illustrator’s signature style by Atsuko Nishida is a key visual identifier.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, limiting its use to casual or collector play rather than competitive tournaments.

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, maintaining mint condition can enhance its collectible value, especially with the detailed artwork by Atsuko Nishida.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set reintroduces classic Team Rocket themes with a mix of Dark and Colorless Pokémon. Dratini’s inclusion adds a versatile Basic Pokémon option with sleep-inducing and damage-dealing attacks, fitting well within the set’s strategic diversity.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Drowzee (Team Rocket Returns #54)
Drowzee (Team Rocket Returns 54) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Drowzee from the Team Rocket Returns set is a common card numbered 54 with 50 HP. It features the ability Insomnia and the attack Soothing Wave. This card offers a straightforward yet intriguing addition for collectors focused on classic Team Rocket themes.

Why it stands out

A simple kit—sleep prevention plus a coin-flip sleep attack—fits the set’s disruption flavor while showcasing Midori Harada’s art style.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 54 Common 50 Midori Harada
- Type: Psychic
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Psychic ×2
- Abilities: Insomnia (Drowzee can’t be Asleep)
- Attack: Soothing Wave (10 damage; flip a coin to potentially put Defending Pokémon Asleep)
- Evolves From: None
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Image URL: /images/ex7/ex7-54.jpg
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the “Team Rocket Returns” set, identified as card number 54. It is a common rarity card and features artwork by Midori Harada. No alternate printings or reprints of this exact card are noted.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identification relies on the set code “ex7,” card number 54, and the illustrator credit to Midori Harada. The card’s Psychic type and unique Insomnia Poké-Body also help distinguish it.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data.
Insomnia can be tactically valuable to prevent sleep status, while Soothing Wave offers a chance to disrupt opponents by inducing sleep.

Care & Storage Tips

As a common card from an older set, preserving condition matters. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the integrity of the artwork and card stock. Avoid bending or exposure to extreme temperatures.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set reintroduces classic Team Rocket themes with a mix of dark and psychic Pokémon. Drowzee’s inclusion as a Psychic-type with a sleep-prevention ability fits the set’s strategic and thematic design. The card complements the set’s focus on disruption and status effects.
This Drowzee card remains a notable piece for collectors interested in the ex series and Team Rocket-themed decks.

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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Ekans (Team Rocket Returns #55)
Ekans (Team Rocket Returns 55) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Ekans is a Common from the Team Rocket Returns set, numbered 55. It has 60 HP and a single attack, Tail Wrap. Its straightforward design makes it a recognizable pickup for collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 55 Common 60 Atsuko Nishida
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Psychic ×2
- Attack: Tail Wrap — Flip a coin; if heads, the Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed. Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
- Abilities: None
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Regulation Mark: None
Key Printings

This printing is card number 55 in Team Rocket Returns (ex7). It’s a Common Ekans with a single attack, Tail Wrap, which can paralyze the Defending Pokémon on a successful coin flip. The Atsuko Nishida artwork is a notable highlight.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by the set code “ex7” and card number “55”. Its Grass typing is somewhat unusual for Ekans, which is traditionally Poison-type in other contexts.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. With a simple attack and low HP, it’s better suited to casual play or collection goals than competitive decks.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the Atsuko Nishida illustration and maintain condition, store the card in a sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Even as a Common, careful handling helps retain collector appeal.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): Features Ekans as a Basic Grass-type with a straightforward paralyzing attack. It aligns with Team Rocket’s mischievous theme, offering a tactical coin-flip element.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Grimer (Team Rocket Returns #56)
Grimer (Team Rocket Returns 56) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Grimer from the Team Rocket Returns set is a Common Pokémon card numbered 56. It has 50 HP and features the attack Spit Poison. The straightforward design matches Grimer’s toxic flavor and simple gameplay role.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 56 Common 50 Aya Kusube
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
- Weakness: Psychic ×2
- Abilities: None
- Attacks:
- Taunt: Switches one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with the Defending Pokémon, with the opponent choosing the switch.
- Spit Poison: Deals 10 damage and poisons the Defending Pokémon.
Key Printings

This exact printing is identified as card number 56 in the Team Rocket Returns set (ex7). It is a Common rarity card featuring no evolutions or special abilities, making it a straightforward but useful addition for collectors focusing on this set or character.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “ex7-56” and the illustrator Aya Kusube’s signature style. The card’s Grass typing and the unusual combination of attacks make it stand out among other Grimer cards.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality status: unknown.
According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its tactical attacks like Taunt and Spit Poison offer disruption and status effects but may be limited by its low HP and retreat cost.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vibrant illustration by Aya Kusube and maintain 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 it is a Common card that may be more prone to wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set reintroduces classic Team Rocket Pokémon with updated artwork and mechanics. Grimer’s inclusion as a Grass-type Basic Pokémon with tactical attacks fits the set’s theme of strategic disruption and status effects.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Hoppip (Team Rocket Returns #57)
Hoppip Collector’s Guide: Team Rocket Returns #57

Character Intro

Hoppip from Team Rocket Returns is a Common card, number 57, with 30 HP. It features the Buffer Poké-Body and the Miracle Powder attack—a simple, charming pickup for Grass-type collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 57 Common 30 Kyoko Umemoto
- Type: Grass
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Fire (×2)
- Resistance: Water (-30)
- Ability: Buffer (Poké-Body)
- Attack: Miracle Powder (cost: 1 Colorless)
- Set Code: ex7
- Series: ex
- Image URL: /images/ex7/ex7-57.jpg
Key Printings

This exact printing appears in Team Rocket Returns as card number 57. As a Common, it’s accessible for set builders and Grass-type enthusiasts. The Buffer ability and Miracle Powder attack add a touch of strategy despite the low HP.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Hoppip. Identify it by set code “ex7,” number 57, and Kyoko Umemoto’s illustration. Its Grass typing, Buffer Poké-Body, and Miracle Powder attack are clear gameplay identifiers.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its play viability is limited by 30 HP and the coin-flip nature of both its ability and attack, but it may hold nostalgic or collector appeal.

Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve away from sunlight and moisture. With an unknown release date and potential rarity in high grade, preserving condition is important.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): Introduced Hoppip with a unique Buffer ability that can save it from being Knocked Out, adding a defensive twist to a low-HP Basic. The set revisits Team Rocket themes with engaging mechanics.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Horsea (Team Rocket Returns #58)
Horsea (Team Rocket Returns 58) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Horsea is a Common Pokémon card from the Team Rocket Returns set, numbered 58. With 50 HP and the attack Swift, it’s a straightforward addition to collections focused on this set.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 58 Common 50 Kagemaru Himeno
- Type: Water
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
- Weakness: Lightning ×2
- Resistance: None
- Regulation Mark: Unknown
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Team Rocket Returns set, identified by the set code ex7 and card number 58. It is a Common rarity card featuring two attacks:
– Water Plant: Recovers Water Energy from the discard pile.
– Swift: Deals 30 damage, unaffected by most defensive effects.

Variants & Identifiers

No print variants are listed for this card. Key identifiers include:
– Card number: 58
– Set code: ex7
– Illustrator: Kagemaru Himeno
– Image path: /images/ex7/ex7-58.jpg

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its utility lies primarily in casual play or collection rather than competitive tournament use.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve condition, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Common rarity, focus on preventing surface scratches and edge wear to maintain collectible value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set reintroduced classic Team Rocket-themed Pokémon with nostalgic artwork and functional attacks. Horsea #58 fits this theme as a straightforward Water-type Basic Pokémon with energy recovery and a reliable attack.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Team Rocket Returns #59)
Houndour Collector’s Guide: Team Rocket Returns #59

Character Intro

Houndour from Team Rocket Returns is a common card numbered 59. With 50 HP and the attack Smokescreen, it’s a straightforward, lively Basic Pokémon that appeals to set-focused collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 59 Common 50 Naoyo Kimura
- Type: Fire
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Attacks:
- Rear Kick (10 damage, 1 Colorless energy)
- Smokescreen (20 damage, Fire + Colorless energy; may prevent opponent’s next attack on tails)
- Abilities: None
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Regulation Mark: None
Key Printings

This printing of Houndour appears as card number 59 in the Team Rocket Returns set (set code ex7). It is a Common rarity card with no special print variants.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants. Identification is straightforward via the set code (ex7), card number (59), and illustrator credit (Naoyo Kimura). Its Fire type and Basic stage classification further aid recognition.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its simple attacks and low HP make it more suited to casual play or collection than competitive use.
Care & Storage Tips

Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to preserve condition and artwork.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): Reintroduces classic Dark and Fire-type Pokémon with updated artwork and mechanics. Houndour #59 fits as a Basic Fire-type with straightforward attacks, complementing the set’s theme of strategic disruption through moves like Smokescreen.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Dark Hypno (Team Rocket Returns #6)
Dark Hypno Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Dark Hypno from the Team Rocket Returns set is a Rare Holo card numbered 6. This card features 70 HP and the intriguing attack Black Magic. Its design captures the mysterious aura of Hypno in a striking holographic finish.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 6 Rare Holo 70 Kouki Saitou
- Evolves from: Drowzee
- Types: Psychic, Darkness
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Psychic ×2
- Rules: This Pokémon is both Psychic Darkness type.
Key Printings

The key printing of Dark Hypno is from the Team Rocket Returns set (ex7), card number 6. It is a Rare Holo card featuring artwork by Kouki Saitou. No other print variants are known.

Variants & Identifiers

This card has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “ex7” and the card number “6.” The card’s market reference is “Dark Hypno Team Rocket Returns 6.” The image can be found at /images/ex7/ex7-6.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- Dark Hypno has two attacks: “Dark Link,” which can copy an attack from another Dark-named Pokémon you control, and “Black Magic,” which deals damage based on the number of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. Its Psychic Darkness typing and unique attack mechanics offer interesting tactical options, though its tournament legality is unknown.
Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the holofoil surface and vibrant artwork by Kouki Saitou, store Dark Hypno in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card, and keep it in a stable environment to maintain its condition and value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): Dark Hypno debuts as a rare holo Stage 1 card with dual Psychic and Darkness typing. It features unique attack mechanics and a distinctive illustration, adding depth and allure to the set’s Dark-themed lineup.
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October 12, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Team Rocket Returns #60)
Houndour Collector’s Guide: Team Rocket Returns (ex7-60)

Character Intro

Houndour from Team Rocket Returns is a common, 60/109 card with 50 HP. It features the Dark Lift Poké-Body and the Firebreathing attack, highlighting its dark-and-fire theme. A straightforward, engaging pick for ex-era collectors.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Team Rocket Returns 60 Common 50 Tomokazu Komiya
- Pokémon: Houndour
- Type: Fire
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1 (can be reduced to 0 with Dark Lift)
- Weakness: Water ×2
- Abilities: Dark Lift (Poké-Body)
- Attack: Firebreathing (10+ damage, requires 1 Fire Energy)
- Flavor Text: Unknown
- Regulation Mark: None
Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Team Rocket Returns set (ex7), card number 60. It’s a Common rarity card illustrated by Tomokazu Komiya. The Dark Lift ability and Firebreathing attack make it a notable collectible for fans of Fire-type Pokémon and early ex-series cards.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants. Identify it by the set code “ex7,” card number 60, and Tomokazu Komiya’s distinctive artwork. Card image reference: /images/ex7/ex7-60.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes
- Legality: unknown
- This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
- Playability in casual or older format games depends on house rules or specific tournament allowances.
Care & Storage Tips
- Store in a sleeve and keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid bending or scratching; common cards can show wear quickly.
- Use a binder page or top-loader for long-term protection.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Team Rocket Returns (ex7): This set reintroduced Dark-type and Fire-type Pokémon with new abilities and attacks. Houndour’s Dark Lift ability exemplifies the set’s theme of strategic energy management. The set is known for its nostalgic appeal and solid artwork, including this vivid Houndour card.
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October 12, 2025