In Scarlet & Violet—Stellar Crown, the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, you’ll find all sorts of new Pokémon ex (including new Stellar Tera Pokémon ex) as well as more ACE SPEC cards that just might change your gameplay strategies. Of course, you’ll also find all sorts of amazing artwork on the 170+ cards that make up the expansion. Let’s dive into some of the illustrations that caught our eye!
Art by GOTO minori
Artist GOTO minori hasn’t created many Pokémon TCG illustrations (yet), but they’re already making a strong impression thanks to wonderful work like we see on their two cards in the Scarlet & Violet—Stellar Crown expansion. The sharp lines on the Veluza card combine with bright colors to create an illustration that looks like a frame from an animation. We also love the dynamic angle of the scene, which pairs perfectly with Kofu’s confident pose. There are similar details in GOTO minori’s Meditite card—well-defined outlines and an interesting view of the action—but with a noticeably darker color palette. This creates a more somber tone that works perfectly for this scene—a Pokémon working on its yoga training high atop a rocky precipice. We’re looking forward to seeing more cards by GOTO minori in the future!
Tasty Treats
Lavishly drawn illustrations of Pokémon are one thing, but have you ever seen truly lavishly drawn illustrations of food? Well, you can get both here! What better combination than an adorable, cuddle-worthy Pokémon and some mouth-watering treats? It should come as no surprise that this Alcremie card (illus. Natsumi Yoshida) gives us the best of both worlds. The Cream Pokémon certainly looks sweet with a spread of sugary confections (just look at that drippy pancake syrup!). Gulpin (illus. Jerky) doesn’t seem too willing to share its dessert on its illustration rare card. We can’t say we blame it, but we suppose we’ve learned to cut a slice for ourselves before Gulpin catches a glimpse of a cake. Lovable Dachsbun ex (illus. Yuu Nishida) almost gets lost amid the many pastries on its special illustration rare card.
It's All About Perspective
Pokémon come in many sizes. But when you’re dealing with Pokémon on the smaller end of the height spectrum, the best way to truly appreciate them is to view the world as they do. These cards place the viewer on the ground with the Pokémon, enabling a better understanding of what they have to offer. Take Lokix (illus. akagi), for example. Sure, it has a powerful kick, but that attack looks positively devastating when you’re no taller than a blade of grass. Charjabug (illus. Makura Tami), in contrast, is shown in a more serene setting. We’re much more inclined to chill out at ground level with this little Pokémon, just relaxing among the flowers as we watch reflections of the clouds drifting by. Standing proudly among the foliage is Cubone (illus. svlt), who looks even more impressive when we have an ant’s-eye view of the Lonely Pokémon. Just glance downward, Cubone: We’re here! We’ll hang out with you!
What’s Your Angle?
We just talked about clever viewing angles in Pokémon TCG card art, but what about clever angles on a Pokémon? We were immediately smitten with this Togedemaru (illus. Rianti Hidayat) card, which takes the traditionally round Pokémon and presents it as though it were a low polygon model. That smile makes us think Togedemaru enjoys this new look—it would look quite at home in a retro video game. Much of Melmetal (illus. Takumi Wada) is rather smooth and flowing, but there’s no ignoring the oversize hex nuts that punctuate this Pokémon’s body. Archaludon (illus. Toshinao Aoki) is another sharp-looking Pokémon thanks to a body that’s comprised of straight lines and, well, sharp angles. But as we can see on its charming illustration rare card, the Alloy Pokémon’s intimidating stature doesn’t make it any less popular with children!
You Gotta Have Friends
Whether it’s people or Pokémon, it’s always fun to spend time with good friends. We see that philosophy in play on a couple cards in this expansion. If this pair of illustration rare cards is anything to go by, Pidgey seems to be a popular pal among Pokémon. Both Bulbasaur (illus. Orca) and Squirtle (illus. Saboteri) like to keep company with the Tiny Bird Pokémon, even if Squirtle does seem to be getting a little too playful with its water attack. On Lacey’s (illus. Souichirou Gunjima) special illustration rare card, we get a peek inside Blueberry Academy, where the BB League Elite Four member appears to be attempting to get some work done. Based on her stern expression and iconic “X” arm gesture, though, her friends Amarys, Crispin, and Drayton aren’t making things easy for her.
These are just a few of the over 170 cards that can be found in the Scarlet & Violet—Stellar Crown expansion. As you open your new booster packs, be sure to pay attention to the artwork you discover. You’re bound to find awesome art that inspires you!
