The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade, takes you into the land of Kitakami. When there, be on the lookout: you might encounter Pokémon like the Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon, as well as Bloodmoon Ursaluna and Sinistcha. Certainly, though, they’re not the only Pokémon to be found as you open your Pokémon TCG booster packs. Join us for a look at some of the cards that stand out in this collection.
Art by Teeziro
As an artist, Teeziro has an incredible range that allows their cards to evoke different feelings. Take, for example, their Torkoal and Wattrel cards. The large areas of flat colors give the backgrounds (and in Wattrel’s case, the Pokémon) a sharp, angular look. Because of this, the artwork has a relatively childlike and cartoony feel. Contrast that with Applin, who—along with its environment—features more elaborate shading, which creates an organic vibe. The low angle and depth of field also do an incredible job of bringing the viewer up close and personal with the Apple Core Pokémon. Then there’s Kieran’s special illustration rare card. The intricate detail, contrast of light and dark, and the blurred background figures create a bustling scene that makes us feel like we’re at a festival alongside our favorite Ogerpon fan.
Art by Dsuke
Dsuke’s art style is consistent across the cards that they illustrated in this expansion, but that doesn’t make them any less stunning. As you can see on Dsuke’s Farigiraf, Aggron, and Lairon cards, there appears to be a strong manga influence on their work. Note the thin, delicate linework and ample use of hatching to provide shading on both the Pokémon and the backgrounds. To add even more texture to the artwork, you’ll also find lots of screentone being used throughout—those are the uniform dots you see that help give the cards that comic-book flair. Combine those fine lines and shading with the bright, rich colors, and you have a trio of cards that wonderfully showcase the artist’s style.
A Perfect Match
A Pokémon TCG artist will sometimes illustrate multiple cards that together tell a story or depict a single scene, and there are a couple instances of this in the Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade expansion. Volbeat and Illumise, the two Firefly Pokémon (illus. Orca), are closely related; they’re frequently mentioned in each other’s Pokédex entries, after all. So it’s only natural that their two cards are connected somehow. In this case, it’s a simple matter of the artwork on their cards lining up so when they’re placed next to each other, the two Pokémon are seemingly frolicking together. At first glance, Hisuian Growlithe (illus. GIDORA) might appear to simply depict the adorable Pokémon staring cheerfully up at the viewer. Until, that is, you notice the pair of denim-clad legs that it is bracing itself against. Those legs belong to Perrin (illus. GIDORA), and on her card, you realize that Hisuian Growlithe is actually looking at the enthusiastic photographer. Judging by the reflection in her camera lens, Perrin is ready to capture the Scout Pokémon—on film, of course!
These Reflect Well
As much as we like to look at Pokémon TCG art and reflect on the incredible skill displayed by the artists, sometimes the cards do some reflecting on their own. We were quite impressed by this Applin card (illus. OKUBO)—the little Pokémon is hiding among a collection of dishes, including a bowl that’s clearly been polished to a mirror sheen. Check out the awesome warped reflection of the Pokémon, striped tablecloth, and plate on the bowl. Although Applin doesn’t seem too concerned with its reflection, Poliwag (illus. Kedamahadaitai Yawarakai) appears enamored with the one it sees in the water. The thick, wavy brush strokes on this piece give the Tadpole Pokémon’s reflection a very serene feel, which quite suits the liquid surface. Goldeen’s card (illus. saino misaki) also uses water as a reflective surface, but instead of seeing the Pokémon again, we’re treated to a gorgeous fireworks show in the sky and on the ground. Certainly, Goldeen must be leaping with excitement here—the explosions of color on display make us want to do the same.
In the Pale Moonlight
Moons make fine props in Pokémon TCG artwork that can dramatically change the mood of the piece depending on how the artist chooses to depict them. On Phantump’s card (illus. Katsunori Sato), a moon is only barely visible in the background, casting a gentle glow on the lake and surrounding trees below. It generates a mood that, judging by the Pokémon’s smile, is quite relaxing (although maybe it’s because Phantump seems to have found a new friend in that tree stump…). Infernape (illus. Takumi Wada) looks far more dramatic as it swings in front of a moon so large that it takes up nearly the entire frame. Alakazam’s card (illus. Masako Tomii) is rather action-packed, with the airborne Pokémon preparing an attack amid a wildly colored forest with a moon looming in the sky above. The bright white of this celestial object nicely complements the glow of Alakazam’s attack and provides a nice central point for the curving tree line.
There are plenty more beautiful cards to discover in the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade expansion. Have fun finding your new favorites!
