Posted in: Card Games, Games, Pokémon TCG, Tabletop | Tagged: blastoise, pokemon, Pokémon Card 151, pokemon cards, Pokemon TCG

Pokémon TCG Reveals Pokémon Card 151: Blastoise Illustration Rare

Pokémon TCG reveals one of the top cards from the upcoming Japanese set Pokémon Card 151: Blastoise Special Illustration Rare ex.

Pokémon TCG Japan has revealed details for the upcoming set Pokémon Card 151, an expansion based on the original 151 Pokémon introduced in the Kanto region. This set is notable in that it will be the first time we have seen a new Kadabra card in 21 years. Kadabra has been absent from the Pokémon TCG ever since magician Uri Geller sued the company for Kadabra's design, which he felt was inspired by his spoon-bending technique. Just three years ago, Geller withdrew his complaint and publicly apologized to Pokémon fans for the limits that had been placed on the use of Kadabra due to this highly popularized lawsuit. Outside of the return of Kadabra, this expansion is notable in that it will be in Pokédex order, where normal sets are ordered by type first and foremost. This set will be released on June 16th in Japan, and there are currently no details regarding the English-language release. I tend to think that this will be the first special set of the Scarlet & Violet era for English-language collectors, but as of now, there is no way to tell how Pokémon Card 151 will show up in the States. Today, let's take a look at look at one of the major hits from this set.

It was a stroke of genius to put Mitsuhiro Arita on the Blastoise line of Illustration Rares, which culminate here in this Blastoise Special Illustration Rare ex. In the original Base Set, Arita illustrated Venusaur and, of course, Charizard, the latter of which went on to become the most iconic trade card ever produced. It is notable that Blastoise was the only Starter final evolution illustration in Base Set that Arita didn't draw. Now, we get this gorgeous Arita-drawn Blastoise which, in my opinion, easily outdoes this set's Charizard Illustration Rare ex. It may also be because the first holographic card I personally pulled from Base Set was Blastoise, but this is my chase card for the 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 Scarlet & Violet cards as well as updates on everything Pokémon TCG right here at Bleeding Cool.

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