Ancient and Future Pokémon continue to arrive in the Pokémon Trading Card Game in Scarlet & Violet—Temporal Forces. Of course, these powerful Pokémon removed from time are just a few of the cards that you’ll discover in this collection. Let’s look at some of the impressive artwork that leaped out at us from this latest expansion.
Art by MINAMINAMI Take
Illustrator MINAMINAMI Take may be relatively new to the Pokémon TCG, but they’ve already made their presence known. Their two cards in this expansion, Totodile and Mudsdale, share distinctive traits: They both feature bold colors with black outlines that makes the artwork look like stills from an animated movie, and they’re both chock full of intricate detail. That attention to detail is especially noticeable in the Totodile card, with its multiple small plants sitting on the water’s surface. The water itself also looks amazing—its contrasting colors emphasize the light reflecting off it. The Mudsdale card is likewise rich with detail. Just check out the fine lines in the weathered wagon and the shading that creates texture in the hay that Mudsdale is working with. We also gotta show our appreciation for little Mudbray, who is absolutely giving one-hundred-percent.
Defend Yourself
When engaging in a Pokémon battle, you need to have a good defense as well as a good offense. Take Grotle (illus. Uninori) here—judging from the dust being kicked up around its feet and the rooster tail of dirt left in its wake, it seems as if Grotle has just absorbed a powerful blow but was merely pushed back rather than knocked over. Iron Valiant (illus. chibi) doesn’t appear to have taken a hit yet, but with its strong stance and blades at the ready, this Future Pokémon is clearly ready for whatever comes at it. Eri (illus. GOSSAN), one of Team Star’s bosses, might not be engaging in a battle directly, but her aggressive stance and fierce snarl show that even if she’s not going to be delivering any attacks, she’s still prepared in case she needs to.
Charge!
While a good defense is necessary in battle, it’s also important to know when to push an attack. Scyther (illus. Dsuke) and Nuzleaf (illus. Lee HyunJung) waste no time barreling headfirst into the fray. You’d better believe that both know that running with arms trailing behind you is the coolest way to join a battle. Carvanha (illus. Souichirou Gunjima) looks particularly frightening as it breaks away from a school of its fellow Pokémon to attack. Those vicious fangs sure make us glad we’re just seeing this scene on a Pokémon TCG card instead of in person! Looking at this Great Tusk (illus. Mitsuhiro Arita) card inspires a similar feeling. The blurred lines on the ground depict this Ancient Pokémon charging at incredible speed, and those massive tusks are no joke. What were we just saying about the need to have a good defense?
A Gorgeous Glow
If you’re like us, Pokémon light up your life. With Pokémon TCG cards like these, how could they not? Magcargo (illus. Mitsuhiro Arita) looks mighty impressive thanks to the contrast between the darkened sky and the flames sparking out of its shell. We love the detail in the glowing embers and the way the fire reflects off the Pokémon. The glow surrounding Keldeo (illus. satoma) comes not from the Pokémon but from the sun that’s sitting just above the horizon. The intensity of the glow almost washes out the background, causing us to focus entirely on the card’s subject, the Mythical Pokémon that can dash across the water. Gastly (illus. Fujimoto Gold), of course, seems to emit an eerie glow of its own, making its journey through this darkened house extra spooky. This otherworldly shimmer beautifully highlights the worn stairs and railing. No matter the light source, a good glow up can help a Pokémon get noticed.
Goin’ for a Stroll
When not battling, it’s good for a Pokémon to get out and stretch its legs (or whatever appendages it uses to move around). Taking a relaxing walk is a good way to stay limber and ready for the next challenge that lies ahead. As Snom (illus. Orca) wanders through the wilderness, it seems content to carve its own long and winding road through the snow. Judging from the vantage point, Pikachu (illus. Kodama) appears to be taking a walk with its Trainer. If we had that sweet smile shining up at us when we went out, we’d take more walks! Look out when Mr. Mime (illus. Nelnal) steps out! This eccentric Pokémon keeps on truckin’ as it boldly bounds through town. The Barrier Pokémon’s relatively simple style helps it stand out against the highly detailed background. Not that Mr. Mime really needs much help standing out, mind you.
There are more cool cards to discover in the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Temporal Forces expansion. Have fun finding your new favorites!
