The Best Special Illustrations in Pokemon Pocket’s Genetic Apex Expansion

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Summary

  • Machamp ex A1 #278 stands out with bold, modernistic design inspired by Astral Radiance expansion.
  • Snorlax A1 #250 offers a unique top-down view, potentially inspired by water-themed Snorlax illustrations.
  • Squirtle A1 #232 captivates with adorable swimming art and possibly shares scenery with Sowsow’s illustration.

As a longtime enthusiast of the Pokémon universe and an admirer of artistic expressions, I find myself utterly captivated by the unique charm that each full-art variant brings to the table in Pokemon Pocket. However, among these masterpieces, some truly stand out, tugging at my heartstrings and evoking memories of my childhood.

Nothing beats the thrill of pulling a new rare card in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Since the real rarities (Crown Rarities and Immersive cards) are frustratingly unlikely to appear in casual booster packs, players naturally turn their attention to the next rarest group: the full art variants. The Genetic Apex expansion includes 60 full-art cards, which also feature Gold (Crown), Immersive, and rainbow-bordered cards. The new mini-set, Mythical Island, has expanded this list with additional art variants, but we’ll save those for another list.

The Ranking Criteria

The list below showcases five stunning full art designs from the Pokémon TCG Pocket collection, evaluated solely based on their artistic style. This ranking is unrelated to the competitive performance of these Pokémons; instead, it concentrates exclusively on the aesthetic appeal of the artwork.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that the following list encompasses Exclusive Illustrations hailing from the Genetic Apex extension. Consequently, the mythical island full-art cards were omitted from this compilation.

5. Machamp ex A1 #278 (Rainbow-bordered)

Illustrator: Akira Egawa

  • Rarity: Two-Star
  • Booster Pack: Charizard
  • Possible Inspiration: Machamp VMAX in the Astral Radiance expansion pack designed by N-DESIGN Inc.

This vibrant Machamp trading card, bordered with rainbows, is a striking addition to any collection due to its daring layout. The use of fluorescent hues and chaotic lines gives it a contemporary aesthetic, a departure from the more traditional styles often found in standard Pokemon TCG cards. It’s possible that this design was influenced by Machamp VMAX’s appearance designed by N-DESIGN Inc., which debuted in the Astral Radiance expansion.

Out of all Machamp’s variations in the actual Pokémon Trading Card Game, N-DESIGN’s artwork stands alone for its daring use of colors. The majority of cards depict Machamp in its regular color scheme, giving this full art piece a distinctive touch.

4. Snorlax A1 #250

Illustrator: HYOGONOSUKE

  • Rarity: One-Star
  • Booster Pack: Pikachu
  • Possible Inspiration: 1) 0313’s illustration in the Lost Origin expansion, 2) Gossan’s illustration in the Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards expansion

In many depictions, Snorlax is known for its habitual sleeping and snorting pose, leaving little opportunity for artistic innovation. However, an exceptional instance occurred when the full art variant of Snorlax in the Pokemon TCG Pocket game gained popularity shortly after launch. This was due to a charming discovery: fans noticed that this card presented a top-down view similar to three separate illustrations of Oddish, Bellsprout, and Venonat.

As a devoted Pokémon TCG enthusiast, I can’t help but wonder about the original illustration that inspired this stunning Snorlax full art card. It seems there are two potential candidates: the design of Snorlax (0313) from the Lost Origin expansion and Gossan’s artwork from the Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards expansion. Both cards portray a sleepy Snorlax nestled by a water source, which bears a striking resemblance to the full art version in Pocket, showing a snorting Snorlax on a dockside.

3. Squirtle A1 #232

Illustrator: Taira Akitsu

  • Rarity: One-Star
  • Booster Pack: Pikachu
  • Possible Inspiration: Squirtle illustration in the Pokemon TCG: Pokemon GO expansion by Sowsow.

The captivating artwork on the full card of Squirtle is so cute it’s impossible to look away! This 1-star card provides a peek into this charming character’s everyday routines, focusing on its favorite pastime: Swimming. What sets this version apart is that it seems to mirror the scenery fans recognized in Sowsow’s Squirtle illustration from the Pokemon TCG: Pokemon GO expansion. The river and floral backdrop appear strikingly similar, although the styles of the two cards differ slightly, making a definitive link challenging to establish.

Artist Taira Akitsu, responsible for the illustration of Squirtle A1 #232 in the Pokemon universe, has gained significant recognition within the Pokemon community over the past few years. With more than 50 card illustrations to their credit for the physical Trading Card Game (TCG), they have also showcased three designs in Pokemon Pocket – namely, full-art Squirtle, full-art Brock (A1 #224), and full-art Rapidash, one of the top Fire-Type cards featured in Pokemon Pocket.

2. Porygon A1 #249

Illustrator: Akira Komayama

  • Rarity: One-Star
  • Booster Pack: Mewtwo
  • Possible Inspiration: Porygon’s illustration in the Paradox Rift expansion by Taiga Kayama.

Enthusiasts of the real-world Pokemon Trading Card Game recognize that Porygon’s artwork varies significantly across styles. Yet, the full-art version of this Pokemon in the Pocket series is particularly distinctive due to its unique 2D style and color scheme. This design seems to draw inspiration from Porygon’s Paradox Rift illustration by Taiga Kayama, which also highlights transforming Porygon into a 2D character similar to Disney animation.

In the special edition of Pokemon Pocket, the character Porygon is portrayed as being honored, possibly taking a walkdown or giving a final bow, all while being surrounded by treats and sweets. Although fans are aware that Porygon is an artificial Pokemon that can live without consuming food or drink, the Pokemon universe also suggests that it will accept food if offered to it.

1. Eevee A1 #248

Illustrator: Sowsow

  • Rarity: One-Star
  • Booster Pack: Pikachu
  • Possible Inspiration: Eevee’s illustration in the Twilight Masquerade expansion by Narumi Sato.

In the array of stunning full-art variants within the Pokemon Pocket series, choosing the most beautiful card proves to be quite a daunting task. However, Eevee’s A1 #248 effortlessly takes the crown with its nostalgic artistic flair and comforting ambiance. Sowsow seems to have been influenced by Eevee’s Twilight Masquerade variant from the traditional Pokemon Trading Card Game, replicating a similar style and possibly the same scenic setting.

The distinctiveness of Eevee’s full-art version lies in its hand-crafted, sketchy aesthetic. This card design is exceptional as it maintains the traditional Trading Card Game charm—devoid of digital enhancements such as gloss, sparkle, or elaborate effects. Rather, it highlights the skillful artistry of straightforward yet impressive drawings. Sowsow’s Eevee full-art in Pokemon Pocket evokes a similar nostalgic atmosphere through delicate lines and a coloring technique reminiscent of colored pencils.

Individuals who admire the aesthetic of Eevee A1 #248 may find delight in Tomokazu Komiya’s depiction of Golbat. It retains that comforting, nostalgic feeling yet offers a unique twist to the traditional Pokémon style.

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2024-12-23 16:44