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

Pokémon TCG Japan: VSTAR Universe Preview: Suicine V 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.

Wow. This is absolutely beautiful and it makes good on what was once perceived by many as a mistake. When the Alternate Arts for the sets that would make up Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies were leaking from Japan, many collectors were hoping for a Suicine Alternate Art that we didn't get. Now, considering that Special Art Rares are essentially Alternate Arts, we are finally getting what we missed to begin with.

This card, which depicts a gorgeous scene of Suicune walking through icy terrain, is illustrated by Atsushi Furusawa. Furusawa has only been contributing to the hobby since Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign but is responsible for some of the most iconic cards of this era. Those cards include Zeraora V Alternate Art from Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign, Dragonite V Alt Art from Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies, Pikachu V Character Super Rare from Sword & Shield – Lost Origin, and Vaporeon VMAX Alt Art from the SWSH Black Star Promos set.

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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