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The Cards Of Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO Part 7: Squirtle Line

During the Sword & Shield era, the Pokémon TCG has released at least one special expansion every year. A special expansion is a set of cards that does not include the current era's title in its name and is often directly themed to a certain topic. Another feature of special expansions is that they come only in set-specific products rather than booster boxes and individual packs. For example, a main series set would be Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance and Sword & Shield – Lost Origin, while a special set would be Shining Fates, Celebrations, and the topic of this new spotlight series, the Pokémon GO expansion. Released on July 1st, 2022, this special set was made in partnership with Niantic Labs, the mobile developer behind the iconic game Pokémon GO. The set adapts and pays homage to certain elements from the game while also continuing current elements of the TCG including VSTARs, Radiant Pokémon, Alternate Arts, and more. Follow me through a journey through this set as we appreciate the artwork, discuss the card's place in the set, and talk about what certain elements of the expansion may imply for the future of the Pokémon TCG. Today, we begin with the Squirtle line.

Cards of Pokémon GO. Credit: Pokémon TCG
Cards of Pokémon GO. Credit: Pokémon TCG

We continue with the theme of cute Starter illustration and badass ultimate evolution on a holo rare. The Squirtle here is illustrated by sowsow who uses a beautiful watercolor style, which is, of course, apropos. Then, Wartortle has artwork courtesy of kurumitsu, whose style is bright and clear, using confident linework on Wartortle while removing the line art of the background to make the Pokémon pop. Finally, NC Empire contributes the Blastoise holo-rare, which sees Blastoise crouching at the bottom of a waterfall, about to blast out a Hydro Pump attack.

Stay tuned for the continuing journey through Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO. Next time, the spotlight continues with more cards from the main section of this themed expansion.


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Theo DwyerAbout Theo Dwyer

Theo Dwyer writes about comics, film, and games.
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