Japanese Pokémon TCG players have gotten their hands on the latest set, Black Bolt White Flair, and have been sharing the spoils on social media. It’s the first chance for Western fans to get a glimpse at the Secret Illustration Rares in the set, and there’s a lot to look forward to when it gets an English language release, starting with a truly gorgeous Reshiram ex.
New ‘Black White Rare’ variants of Reshiram ex and Zekrom ex were revealed for the Japanese Pokémon TCG about a month ago, with stripped back monochrome art. While the BWR variants are sure to be the most expensive rare Pokemon cards in the set, the SIR version is a much more dynamic and characterful representation of this iconic legendary Pokémon.
The SIR version of the Supporter card for Hilda (Tōko in Japanese) is another highlight. It’s so common for Supporter SIRs to be basic portraits – this one shows her striding into the arena with a Pignite and Zebstrika. Just what you want for the actual protagonist of Black and White!
Loads more cards have been spread all over Japanese social media – we’re particularly grateful to Japanese YouTuber Hiro who compiled a massive video roll with dozens of the cards.
But as the newest Pokémon set will feature an Illustrator Rare and a Secret Illustrator Rare for every card in the set, even this isn’t comprehensive!
Which do you think are the best Pokémon cards in Black Bolt and White Flare? Are you going to import some Japanese packs to try and get them early? Let us know what you’re excited for in the official wargamer Discord community!
Black Bolt and White Flare is the final set in the Scarlet and Violet era, and it sure is an impressive way to close the cycle! If only all Pokémon sets were this flashy…
Source: Wargamer
