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

Pokémon TCG Japan: VSTAR Universe Preview: Arceus VSTAR 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 at a Gold Alternate Art from the set.

This gorgeous Arceus, which I previously reported on when it arrived as a brand new card type, is one of four connecting Gold Alternate Arts from VSTAR Universe by artist AKIRA EGAWA. EGAWA has become one of the hobby's top artists due to his detailed, painterly style since his debut in Sun & Moon – Unified Minds. Some of the more memorable EGAWA cards are Blaziken V and Celebi V from Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign, Umbreon VMAX from Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies, Chandelure VMAX and Mew VMAX Alternate Art from Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike, Zekrom Character Rare from Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars, and Ho-Oh V and Duraludon VMAX Character Super Rare from Sword & Shield – Silver Tempest.

EGAWA's stunning Arceus card will connect to Gold Alternate Arts featuring Origin Forme Dialga, Origin Forme Palkia, and Giratina.

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.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!