Posted in: Card Games, Games, Pokémon TCG, Tabletop | Tagged: Crown Zenith, pokemon, pokemon cards, Pokemon TCG, VSTAR Universe

Pokémon TCG Japan: VSTAR Universe Preview: All Connecting Gold

After a few revealing leaks, Pokémon TCG Japan's high-class set VSTAR Universe has finally been released. VSTAR Universe, which is available in Japan and locations that sell Japanese products, is the basis for the early 2023 English-language special set closing out the Sword & Shield era, Crown Zenith. Like previous special sets VMAX Climax and Shiny Star V, VSTAR Universe is primarily a reprint set with a large Secret Rare section of chase cards. Among these chase cards are what we initially thought were Alternate Art VSTARs, but which we can now reveal as a new card rarity entirely. Pokémon TCG Japan has revealed new Art Rares and Special Art Rares which riff on Character Rares and Alternate (or Special) Arts. Art Rares are Full Art cards without texture that paint a beautiful unique scene using Pokémon. They are essentially Character Rares without Trainers present. Then, Special Art Rares take the same concept and add the V or VSTAR mechanic. This set also includes Special Art Trainer Supporters and, for the first time ever, Gold Alternate Art VSTARs. It is expected that this will be the final set with Pokémon-V and VSTARs, as 2023 will see the launch of the Scarlet & Violet era which returns to the Pokémon ex mechanic. Today, let's take a look how all four of the set's Gold Alternate Art connect to each other.

The connecting set of AKIRA EGAWA-illustrated Gold Secret Rares showcases an Earth-shifting scene with the ancient Legendaries of Sinnoh/Hisui. These cards include Arceus, Origin Forme Dialga, Origin Forme Palkia, and Giratina. This is one of two sets of connecting cards within the set, the other one being a nine-card set which we will spotlight in a future installment.

AKIRA EGAWA was well-chosen for such an epic connecting art, as his cards have been standouts since his first contributions of a painterly Riolu and colorful Lurantis in Sun & Moon – Unified Minds. EGAWA's first Ultra Rare was the Lucario V from Champion's Path, a standout in a relatively boring set. EGAWA would become a staple of Ultra Rares in the second year of Sword & Shield sets with Blaziken VMAX and Celebi V from Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign, Umbreon VMAX from Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies, and Chandelure VMAX from Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike. Some of EGAWA's biggest chase cards are Mew VMAX Alternate Art from Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike, Zekrom Character Rare from Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars, and Duraludon VMAX Character Super Rare from Sword & Shield – Silver Tempest.

Japanese sets often give us early ideas of what the English-language sets may include, so be sure to keep an eye on our coverage. You can stay tuned for previews of VSTAR Universe cards as well as updates on everything Pokémon TCG right here at Bleeding Cool.

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