In addition to the main collection of cards in the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance, there’s a special 30-card subset dubbed the Trainer Gallery, complete with its own numbering system (look for the “TG” prefix in the card number). As the name suggests, these cards focus on exploring and celebrating the beauty of the relationships between Trainers and their Pokémon. As you can tell from the different tones and styles of these cards, no two Trainers and Pokémon are quite the same. Here are some of the cards that caught our attention for their humor, poignancy, and style. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for additional Trainer Gallery cards as you open your Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance booster packs.
Flapple
The leader of Galar’s Turffield Gym is known for two things: his love of Grass-type Pokémon and his kind, laid-back personality. As the first Gym Leader new Trainers face in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Milo always has an encouraging word for Trainers and Pokémon alike. Both of Milo’s best-known qualities are on display as he and his Flapple harvest apples together. Milo developed his skills as a Pokémon Trainer by working on the farm with his Pokémon, and it’s obvious that the experience has only served to strengthen the bond between Milo and Flapple. The expression of pride and contentment on Milo’s face as he watches the Grass-type Pokémon work speaks volumes about Milo and about their relationship.
Kingdra
Going for a ride on a ferocious Kingdra surely requires courage in spades, but Clair’s expression suggests she couldn’t be happier. While the Dragon Pokémon’s Pokédex entries are filled with warnings about its immense power causing whirlpools and even tornadoes, it’s no surprise that Johto’s Blessed User of Dragon Pokémon is exactly where she belongs. The blue of the Blackthorn Gym Leader’s hair almost seems to meld into the branches protruding from Kingdra’s head as it churns powerfully through the water. And while Clair’s strength and ferocity as a Trainer and Gym Leader are never in doubt—she’s capable of holding her own against the Elite Four, after all—it’s always nice to see the obvious affection between a powerful Gym Leader and her equally strong Pokémon.
Gardevoir
Gardevoir are known and beloved for their incredible loyalty to their Trainers, to the point that a Gardevoir will sacrifice itself to protect its Trainer. In this case, Gardevoir seems to be displaying its loyalty by cleaning and organizing while its Trainer, a Doctor, works on the computer. Judging by the Embrace Pokémon’s expression of affection, Gardevoir knows that its Trainer plays a vital role in keeping Pokémon healthy and happy. While the domestic scene might be simple, it’s filled with warmth, purpose, and pride.
Falinks
It’s rare to see Bea without a stern expression on her face. The Gym Leader of Galar’s Stow-on-Side Gym is known for the strict training regimen she and her Fighting-type Pokémon endure to be their very best at all times. The Trainer spends so much time working out and battling that the sight of her and Falinks doing something as ordinary as running errands almost makes you do a double take. It’s no surprise that Bea, who is also a careful and thoughtful strategist, decided to bring along the Formation Pokémon, which is known for excelling at teamwork. It’s also no surprise that the Trainer and her Fighting-type Pokémon would require a hefty haul of groceries for a hearty meal after a long day of training.
Kleavor
The Axe Pokémon doesn’t appear to be in a complete frenzy judging by its normal coloring, but Clan Warden Lian is keeping his distance just the same. It’s possible that this noble Pokémon from the Hisui region and the young Trainer tasked with caring for it are playing a game. Even a powerful Pokémon with enormous axe arms needs to have fun every now and again, after all. And given Lian’s youth and affection for Kleavor, he’d be thrilled to indulge the Pokémon in a game of hide-and-seek in the Obsidian Fieldlands.
Mightyena
Mightyena is clearly celebrating something, and Trainer Sidney has gone all out to make the Bite Pokémon feel special on its big day. The mouthwatering display of treats include bone- and Poké Ball-shaped snacks—and a cake shaped like Mightyena’s head, which appears to have delighted the Pokémon. There’s a good chance those desserts are about to experience the savage bite that the Darkness-type Pokémon is known for, although it might not be able to bring itself to ruin the beautiful cake. Sidney, a Dark-type Trainer and member of the Hoenn Elite Four, appears somewhat embarrassed by the amount of effort that went into Mightyena’s party—or maybe, given his punk look and attitude, he just didn’t want anyone to find out about the whimsical pastel colors of his living room.
Galarian Obstagoon
Piers and Obstagoon are in perfect harmony, whether staging a concert or battling at the Spikemuth Gym. In addition to being a Gym Leader in Galar, Piers is a performer who loves to write and sing songs. This makes Galarian Obstagoon the perfect partner for Piers, because these Pokémon are known for having a voice capable of truly staggering volumes. On the battlefield, Obstagoon use this quality to intimidate and overwhelm foes. But Piers and Obstagoon obviously love to put on any kind of show with their shared dramatic flair and theatrical presence.
Hoothoot
If you’re going to meditate on top of a remote mountain, Hoothoot is a solid choice of companion. The Owl Pokémon is known for having an internal organ that tracks the earth’s rotation, ensuring that it always knows the time. This allows the Sage to peacefully focus while Hoothoot stands guard over its Trainer. While it’s difficult not to imagine the arduous climb required to get there, the views through atmospheric mist at the stunning mountain peaks were well worth the effort. Hoothoot and its Sage Trainer aren’t exactly relaxing together, but the fresh air and peace are certainly essential components to a day of rest and relaxation. The duo will return from their perch feeling restored.
Starmie V
Misty is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in the Pokémon world. As the Gym Leader for the Cerulean Gym and Ash’s longtime traveling companion, Misty has a well-known love of Water-type Pokémon. So it’s no surprise to find Misty and her partner Starmie soaking up the sun in style. The duo train hard, so it makes sense that they would play just as hard. And given that they seem to have thought of everything—a floating feast to snack on while lounging in the pool, a Poké Ball float for Misty, and plenty of pool toys—it’s obvious this isn’t their first poolside vacation.
Galarian Zapdos V
There’s nothing Sonia won’t do in the name of Pokémon research—including, it seems, chasing down a wild Galarian Zapdos. This Legendary Pokémon is known for its impressive speed and powerful kicks, but that fact doesn’t seem to be stopping Sonia from her heated pursuit. Fortunately, the Galar region’s newest Pokémon Professor has a Rotom Bike and, judging by her determined expression, she’s not going to let the Strong Legs Pokémon escape. But Zapdos looks equally resolute, so there’s no telling how this scene will play out, though a bicycle crash does seem like one possible outcome…
Don’t forget: this is just a sampling of the Trainer Gallery cards available in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance expansion.