Posted in: Card Games, Games, Pokémon TCG, Tabletop | Tagged: Charizard, Obsidian Flames, pokemon, pokemon cards

Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Obsidian Flames Part 39: Charizard Illustration

Why is the gorgeous AKIRA EGAWA-illustrated Tera Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare from Pokémon TCG: Obsidian Flames so underrated?

With Sword & Shield officially concluded, the Scarlet & Violet era of the Pokémon TCG kicked off in March 2023 with a focus on the ninth generation of Pokémon games and the new region: Paldea. It all began with the Scarlet & Violet base set, which introduced major, lasting changes to the hobby. Now, the borders of the cards have become silver, matching the Japanese releases. Another major change is that now, each pack culminates in at least a holo-rare and two reverse holos. The major mechanic of this era is the lowercase ex, which features a double holographic pattern of a horizontal shine and a starry sparkle. Full Art exs now use a green, foil outline around the Pokémon. The Secret Rare section of expansions going forward features Full Arts, Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rare exs, Full Art Trainers, Special Illustration Rare Trainers, and Gold Hyper Rares. On August 11, 2023, the Pokémon TCG released the third set of this era, Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames, which introduced Tera Pokémon with a Tera type differing from their base type. The chase card is a Dark-type Tera Charizard ex. In today's installment of this Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames art spotlight, we continue with the Special Illustration Rares.

This is the chase card of Sword & Shield – Obsidian Flames.

This is the Special Illustration Rare of the Tera Charizard ex, illustrated in a gorgeous painterly style by AKIRA EGAWA. EGAWA came to the Pokémon TCG with the intention of being bold. That has certainly been the case, as EGAWA's art style is immediately visually distinct, even though they have only contributed for a few years. EGAWA's first-ever credit was in Sun & Moon – Unified Minds.

This gorgeous and painterly Charizard is currently one of the least expensive chase cards to pick up, which is surprising to me, considering it features Charizard. It could be the lukewarm reaction to the Tera Crown Jewel depicted on these Pokémon during the Scarlet & Violet era, but I can't help but compare this beautiful illustration positively to the more computer-generated style Charizard chase cards of the past.

Stay tuned for the journey through this special set as we continue to spotlight the cards and artwork of Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames. Next time, the spotlight continues with the Secret Rare section of the set. You can read more about this iconic trading card game right here at Bleeding Cool.

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