Lightning-type Pokémon like Pikachu ex—appearing here as a Stellar Tera Pokémon ex—are the feature attraction in Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks. They’re joined in this latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion by a parade of draconic Pokémon, new ACE SPEC cards, and more. There are over 250 cards to be found in the expansion, which means there’s a bounty of incredible new artwork to enjoy. Let’s take a look at a few of these impressive pieces.
Art by miki kudo
If we had to choose one word to describe these illustrations by artist miki kudo, it would have to be charming. Just look at their Helioptile card! How sweet is that little Pokémon? And that doe-eyed stare combined with a silly little V-shaped smile? It’s too much! When Helioptile’s frills are spread, it’s generating electrical power, but here that crackling energy just looks like cute sparkles. Dare we go in for a hug? A cuddle with kudo’s Spheal is probably a safer option, although we might have trouble navigating the ice floes that provide the setting for their frolicking. Still, these roly-poly friends seem worth the risk. The storybook illustration style that kudo uses to depict these Pokémon gives them a whimsical quality that is truly irresistible.
Art by Narano
A new artist to the Pokémon TCG, Narano has immediately captivated us with their unique style. Their Togekiss card serves as a good example of their technique: Black lines separate the bold, bright colors used in the piece, gifting the illustration with an energetic feel. The technique is even more apparent on Narano’s Castform Sunny Form illustration rare card. The outlines make everything pop, from the different color tones on the Pokémon to every billow on the clouds to the many (many) tiny landmarks on the ground below. Even the blue sky overhead is transformed into a maze of intricate detail. We could stare at this card for hours!
A Moment of Peace
Pokémon battles are awesome, but sometimes you need to take a moment to relax and center yourself. These Pokémon all seem to be tapping into that feeling, allowing all their worries to be whisked away. Alolan Dugtrio (illus. Dsuke) has (almost!) all its eyes closed, meditating as the breeze flows through its luxurious locks. This shockingly realistic Vivillon (illus. REND) illustration rare card instantly transports us into a dense forest. The delicate Pokémon throughout the serene scene imparts a sense of quiet—if we listen closely enough, we just might be able to hear Vivillon’s wings gently flapping. Sprawled out in a grassy field, Slakoth (illus. Mékayu) appears to be experiencing pure bliss on its illustration rare card. Maybe it’s not as contemplative as the others, but dang, does it ever look relaxed! Take It Easy, indeed!
Cozycore
These cards continue the feel-good vibes with settings and situations that are simply…cozy. Take, for instance, Indeedee (illus. Sekio), who’s investigating a bookshelf. Are we in a bookstore? Is this someone’s personal library? Whatever the case, the packed shelves and carved wooden supports create an environment that any bibliophile would love to get lost in. And if you have a Pokémon partner who can use its psychic powers to hand you the perfect book? Well, that’s just icing on the cake! It seems Eevee (illus. Naoyo Kimura) prefers an outdoor setting, and given the beauty of the flowery field and verdant mountains, who can blame it? We’d cozy up there too. Olivine City Gym Leader Jasmine seems to enjoy a cozy café aesthetic on her Jasmine’s Gaze (illus. Fujimoto Gold) special illustration rare card. It’s such a lovely little restaurant, and those piles of food look absolutely delish. Note how Jasmine is holding out her little finger as she shoves that big ol’ sandwich into her mouth. That’s how you know she’s elegant.
Encroaching Darkness
OK, we’ve seen a lot of sweet cards here—it’s time to grim things up a bit. Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks also includes cards that have a more foreboding tone to them. Wo-Chien (illus. danciao), the Ruinous Pokémon, is especially intimidating on its card. The dark, churning clouds combine with the dead leaves that comprise Wo-Chien’s body to create a mood befitting a Pokémon that can turn forests to withered husks. Volcarona (illus. matazo) looks rather fearsome on its card. We love the way its body acts as a barrier between the peaceful setting sun and the raging lighting storm. Eternatus (illus. AKIRA EGAWA) is also looming in the sky, but given the Legendary Pokémon’s immense size, it feels less fearsome and more “Oh, this is the end of the world, isn’t it?” The light above Eternatus gives the impression that the sky darkens as it approaches whatever unfortunate people or Pokémon are in its path.
That’s just a sample of the over 250 cards that can be found in the Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks expansion. As you open your new booster packs, be sure to pay attention to the artwork you discover. You’re bound to find some awesome art that connects with you!
