Iconic Pokémon, Characters, and Cards
Last updated
Last updated
The world of Pokémon is filled with iconic characters and legendary cards that have become synonymous with the franchise. Some Pokémon are so influencial that they’ve become household names, while certain cards have reached near-mythical status due to their rarity and value. In this section, we’ll explore the Pokémon and characters that have defined the franchise, along with the cards that collectors dream of owning.
Pikachu is not just the face of the Pokémon franchise but also a global pop culture icon. As the loyal partner of Ash Ketchum in the anime, Pikachu is known for its powerful electric attacks and endearing personality. Its role as the mascot for Pokémon games, merchandise, and movies makes it instantly recognizable worldwide.
Type: Electric
Species: Mouse Pokémon
Height: 0.4 meters
Abilities: Static, Lightning Rod (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: Pikapika (Japanese for a ‘sparkle’ sound), Chu (Japanese for a ‘squeak’ sound)
Evolution Line: Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu (or Alolan Raichu)
Charizard has long been one of the most popular and recognizable Pokémon, especially among collectors. Its fierce dragon-like appearance and powerful fire-based attacks have made it a fan favorite in both the games and the trading card world. Charizard cards often rank among the most valuable due to high demand.
Type: Fire/Flying
Species: Flame Pokémon
Height: 1.7 meters
Abilities: Blaze, Solar Power (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: A combination of the words "Char" (to burn) and "Lizard."
Evolution Line: Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
As one of the original legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo has long been a symbol of strength and mystery in the Pokémon universe. Created through genetic manipulation, Mewtwo’s powerful psychic abilities have made it a central figure in the games, movies, and TCG. Collectors and fans alike are drawn to its deep lore and its portrayal as one of the most powerful Pokémon in the series.
Type: Psychic
Species: Genetic Pokémon
Height: 2.0 meters
Abilities: Pressure, Unnerve (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: Derived from "Mew," as Mewtwo is a genetic clone of the original Mew.
Evolution Line: No evolution (Legendary Pokémon)
Eevee is beloved for its versatility, able to evolve into multiple forms, each with its own unique type and abilities. Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, and more recent additions like Sylveon and Umbreon have all captured fans' hearts. Collectors often aim to gather every card featuring Eevee and its evolutions, across various sets and generations, making Eeveelutions a key focus in the TCG.
Type: Normal
Species: Evolution Pokémon
Height: 0.3 meters
Abilities: Run Away, Adaptability, Anticipation (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: A play on the word evolve due to Eevee’s multiple evolutionary paths.
Evolution Line: Eevee → Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Sylveon
While not a Pokémon, Ash Ketchum has been the face of the Pokémon anime for decades. His journey to become a Pokémon Master, alongside Pikachu, has made him a central figure in the Pokémon world. While Ash has appeared on a few special Pokémon cards, he is not a playable Pokémon in the TCG. His connection to Pikachu has solidified him as a character that Pokémon fans, young and old, continue to follow and cheer for.
Bulbasaur is one of the original starter Pokémon from the Kanto region and is known for its loyalty and plant-based powers. With its friendly design and role in both the anime and games, Bulbasaur has been a fan favorite since the very beginning of the franchise.
Type: Grass/Poison
Species: Seed Pokémon
Height: 0.7 meters
Abilities: Overgrow, Chlorophyll (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: A combination of "bulb" (referring to the plant bulb on its back) and "saur" (Greek for lizard).
Evolution Line: Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur.
Known for its mischievous and ghostly nature, Gengar is one of the most recognizable Ghost-type Pokémon. With its shadowy abilities and playful malevolence, Gengar has remained a fan-favorite since its debut. It’s also featured prominently in the TCG and remains highly popular for both casual players and competitive battlers.
Type: Ghost/Poison
Species: Shadow Pokémon
Height: 1.5 meters
Abilities: Cursed Body, Levitate (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: Likely a play on "Doppelgänger," referring to Gengar's ghostly nature.
Evolution Line: Gastly → Haunter → Gengar
Rayquaza is one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon from the Hoenn region. Known for its majestic and powerful appearance, Rayquaza is a key figure in Pokémon lore, often associated with calming conflicts between other Legendary Pokémon. Its Dragon/Flying typing and powerful stats make it a prized card in any collection.
Type: Dragon/Flying
Species: Sky High Pokémon
Height: 7.0 meters
Abilities: Air Lock
Name Origin: Derived from "ray" and the Japanese word kuukazan meaning "air volcano."
Evolution Line: No evolution (Legendary Pokémon)
Lucario is a fan-favorite Pokémon, known for its mastery of aura and its ability to read the thoughts and movements of its opponents. It has appeared in multiple Pokémon games, films, and the Super Smash Bros. series. Its popularity has grown thanks to its cool, canine-like design and its versatile role in battle.
Type: Fighting/Steel
Species: Aura Pokémon
Height: 1.2 meters
Abilities: Steadfast, Inner Focus, Justified (Hidden Ability)
Name Origin: Based on the Japanese words Ruka (Latin: lux, "light") and Or (gold).
Evolution Line: Riolu → Lucario
The holy grail of Pokémon TCG collecting, the 1st Edition Charizard from the Base Set has become a symbol of the Pokémon card craze. Its value has skyrocketed over the years, with PSA 10 graded versions fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The card’s iconic artwork, rarity, and nostalgic connection to the franchise make it one of the most sought-after items in the TCG.
Often regarded as the rarest Pokémon card ever, the Pikachu Illustrator card was awarded to winners of an illustration contest in Japan in 1998. With only a handful of these cards in existence, its value has soared, with recent sales reaching over $5 million. The card’s unique design and limited print run make it a legendary piece in Pokémon TCG history.
The Shiny Charizard GX from Hidden Fates has become one of the most coveted modern cards, thanks to its stunning artwork featuring Charizard in its shiny form. This card has been the center of attention in the modern Pokémon TCG, often selling for high prices due to its rarity and fan-favorite status.
Blastoise stands out as a beloved icon in the Pokémon universe, particularly in the realm of collectors. The Shadowless Blastoise card from the Base Set is especially coveted due to its rarity, as it was part of the first print run that lacked the shadowed border found in later editions. This unique feature makes it a must-have for die-hard collectors.
Fun fact: In addition to its collectible status, Blastoise was one of the first Pokémon to receive a Mega Evolution in the games, showcasing its enduring popularity and relevance in the Pokémon franchise!
Released as a promotional card for Pokémon: The Movie 2000, Ancient Mew became iconic for its mysterious, hieroglyphic-style design. While not the most valuable card in monetary terms, its connection to the movie and unique look have made it a fan favorite. For many, it holds nostalgic value as one of the most memorable promo cards ever released.
Gold Star cards are known for featuring shiny Pokémon, and Gold Star Rayquaza is one of the most valuable among them. Released in the EX Deoxys set, this card features Rayquaza in its shiny black form and is highly coveted due to its rarity and striking artwork. Its value has continued to climb over the years, making it a prized possession for serious collectors. A PSA 10 Rayquaza Gold Star can command prices well over $40,000, and it continues to rise in value due to its rarity and fan-favorite status.
Venusaur, the final evolution of Bulbasaur, is another key card from the Base Set. While Charizard and Blastoise often overshadow it, the 1st Edition Venusaur remains a highly valuable card, especially in mint condition. Collectors cherish it for its connection to the original starter trio and its nostalgic artwork.
The Tropical Mega Battle cards were awarded to participants of the 1999 Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii, making them incredibly rare. Only a small number of these cards were ever printed, and their exclusivity and historical significance make them some of the most valuable and elusive cards in the Pokémon TCG.
As we’ve seen, certain Pokémon and cards have achieved legendary status in the Pokémon world. But what exactly makes a Pokémon card stand out? To truly appreciate and understand these iconic cards, it's essential to break down their structure and features. In the next section, we’ll dive into the anatomy of a Pokémon card, exploring each part and what it means for both players and collectors.
