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

Pokémon TCG Japan: VSTAR Universe Preview: Charizard VSTAR SAR

After a few revealing leaks, Pokémon TCG Japan's high-class set VSTAR Universe has finally been revealed. VSTAR Universe will drop in Japan this December and is thought to be 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 thought to be 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. 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 Special Art Rare from the set.

Does this card look familiar to you? If you got lucky enough to find a Charizard Ultra Premium Collection in stores, it definitely should. English-language collectors actually got this card first as an Alternate Art before we even knew the distinction between that card type and VSTAR Universe's Special Art Rares. This likely means that not only the Charizard VSTAR but also the Charizard V and Charizard VMAX Special Art Rares from the English-language Charizard Ultra Premium Collection will be in VSTAR Universe for Japanese collectors. This card shows the other side of the battle displayed in the Mewtwo VSTAR Special Art Rare. Artist KIYOTAKA OSHIYAMA illustrates this card. He is likely best known for contributing the Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX Alternate Art to his first-ever set, Sword & Shield – Battle Styles. Other notable cards include Medicham V Alternate Art from Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies and Corviknight V 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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