Artist Collectors of e4 - General Thread

[tropiustodd]

@Llyrwenne

I suppose I should finally make a proper post here. Illustrator collections are all I do! It started with Yuka Morii’s clay cards, then Sekio’s storybook-like artwork, and now I’ve put together sowsow and Asako Ito collections as well. My collections consist of all English prints of the respective illustrator’s work and the base print of any Japan-exclusive artwork. I spent a lot of work on my spreadsheets to make them compact and pretty, and all that work makes me reluctant to share them here - they feel personal to me and my collection despite all the information being publicly available. Below picture is of my Sekio spreadsheet. The Yuka Morii spreadsheet is quite the behemoth by now, even with my efforts to keep things compact. There’s a lot of small tricks I’ve picked up to really make these spreadsheets work - conditional formatting, self-updating numbers, etc., and I’d be glad to share some if anyone’s interested.

Speaking of Sekio, this newly revealed Ledian is absolutely stunning;

I absolutely low sowsow artwork, thank you so much for making this!! The Tropius instantly become my favourite artwork ever when it was released would love to get it an a 10 one day and a signed copy.
I might start a sowsow binder

[tropiustodd]

@seelovittt

Okay I finished a Naoyo Kimura Spreadsheet. All you have to do the check them off is click the dropdown and then click yes. If anyone wants to join me on the huge (and expensive) journey, feel free to use this spreadsheet: Web VersionI may have missed a few obscure promos, and I will try and update the spreadsheet if and when I find them, as well as when more cards are released.

Also while I was making this list I was in awe at some of these artworks, for some reason these two wurmple cards roaming around Fortree City really stood out to me so I figured I’d share them.

Edit: This version requires you to make a copy on your google drive but it will allow you to edit the spreadsheet if you want to make any changes or fill it out as you go: Editable Link

I love fortree city cards, the Tropius from roaring skies inspired me to collect a master Tropius set, would be cool if he was flying in the background of these wurmple cards.

[Quuador]

I’m not an artist collector, but figured this was a nice place to add this. All 25 illustrators of the Pikachu V-UNION card added a short description of the Pikachu artwork and/or another memorable artwork they’ve created in the past.
I just added this to my English ‘Pikachu around the World’ collection part as well (I’m in the process of updating all existing parts one by one with new releases/additions I added after I originally made the part).
This is still my favorite SwSh era card.

Released on October 8th, 2021 were the Celebrations Special Collection - Pikachu V-UNION and Celebrations Premium Playmat Collection - Pikachu V-UNION boxes, which both contained both a Jumbo and four loose Pikachu V-UNION cards. The loose Pikachu V-UNION cards were numbered SWSH139 (top-right); SWSH140 (top-left); SWSH141 (bottom-left); and SWSH142 (bottom-right) and the Jumbo had all four of these promo numbers on the same card.
What made this Pikachu card so special, is that the artwork depictured 25 different Pikachu, created by 25 different Pokémon TCG illustrators. Each of them also said something about their individual illustrations, which I’ve added down below.

5ban Graphics元気いっぱいで強くてカッコイイ！そんなピカチュウの一面が表現できたらと思いながら制作しました。カードにはたくさんの個性溢れるピカチュウがいるので、お気に入りのピカチュウを見つけて欲しいです。私達はチームですが、これからも各々がポケモンの魅力を最大限に伝えられるようなカードイラストを作っていきたいと思っております。このような貴重な企画に参加できて、とても光栄です。ありがとうございました。Energetic, strong and cool! I made it with the hope that I could express one side of Pikachu. There are many unique Pikachu on the card, so I want you to find your favorite Pikachu. We are a team, but I would like to continue to make card illustrations that convey the charm of Pokémon to the maximum. It is a great honor to be able to participate in such a valuable project. Thank you very much.	Taira Akitsu25周年のアニバーサリーなカードのイラストに参加できる事が嬉しくて楽しみながら描きました。思いつくままにいくつかのピカチュウのラフを描きましたが、結果的に天真爛漫で快活なピカチュウの様子が描ければと思って描いた最初の1枚が採用されました。過去を振り返るとゴース(S1W）のイラストも印象に残っています。自分が担当したカードの中では最初の方に描いたものです。ベロを出した姿がお気に入りです。I was happy to be able to participate in the illustration of the 25th anniversary card, and I enjoyed drawing it. I drew some rough Pikachu as I could think of, but as a result, the first one I drew was adopted because I wanted to draw an innocent and cheerful appearance of Pikachu. Looking back on the past, the illustration of Gastly (S1W) is also impressive. This is the first card I was in charge with. I like the appearance of the tongue.	Hitoshi ArigaピカチュウV-UNIONは、同じピカチュウでもみんなちょっとずつ違っていて、ポケモンカードの魅力がギュギュっと詰まった一枚だと思います！今まで担当したカードの中で特に思い入れが強いのはムウマです。それまでポケモンのゲームやグッズなどの仕事の一環で、ポケモンカードの大会ポスターやデッキシールドなどを描いていたのですがカード自体は描いておらず、お話をいただけた時は、めちゃくちゃ嬉しかったです。Pikachu V-UNION is a little different, even if it’s the same Pikachu, and I think it’s a piece that is packed with the charm of Pokémon cards! Of all the cards I’ve been in charge with, the one I’m particularly fond of is Misdreavus. Until then, as part of my work on Pokémon games and goods, I had drawn Pokémon card tournament posters and deck shields, but I didn’t draw the cards themselves, and I was very happy to hear from you.	Mitsuhiro AritaピカチュウV-UNIONでは、たくさんのピカチュウたちの中心に自分のイラストを配置していただけて大変恐縮です。ポケモンカードでイラストレーターとして仕事を始めた時は25周年など想像すらしていませんでした。これまでたくさんの商品に携わらせていただき、TAG TEAMではプロモーションに登場するほとんどすべてのカードやパッケージを描き切ったことも印象深いです。いつも応援いただきありがとうございます。At Pikachu V-UNION, I am very sorry that my illustration is placed in the center of many Pikachu. When I started working as an illustrator with Pokémon cards, I never imagined the 25th anniversary. I’ve been involved in many products so far, and it is also impressive that I’ve been able to draw almost all the cards and packages that appear in the TAG TEAM promotion. Thank you for your continued support.	AKIRA EGAWA25年の間共に歩んだピカチュウの旅路。それは楽しく綺麗なだけではなく、多くの葛藤や戦いを背負い、しかし傷ついても何度でも立ち上がり美しい雷の花を散らす旅路。そんな思いを込め描きました。カードに描かれたポケモン達は個性豊かにストーリーを持ち、月日を経ても色あせず日々の思い出をそこに刻んでいます。昔、両親に買ってもらった記念ファイルのカードも、今もなお綺麗な輝きで私を笑顔にし、魅力的に感じさせるのです。The journey of Pikachu that we have walked together for 25 years. Not only is it fun and beautiful, but it also carries many conflicts and battles. But even if it gets hurt, it stands up many times and scatters beautiful thunder flowers. I drew it with such thoughts in mind. The Pokémon drawn on the card have a unique story, and even after the passage of time, they do not fade and carve daily memories there. The commemorative file card that my parents bought in the past still makes me smile and makes me feel attractive with its beautiful brilliance.
Masakazu FukudaピカチュウV-UNIONのイラストは、25周年の喜びを全身で目一杯表してみました！という感じです。ポケモンカードの魅力は、眺めているだけで楽しいイラストレーターの皆さんの個性と発想の多様性、これに尽きると思います。ポケモンの世界観を軸にいろんな新しい景色が見られるので、常に発見があって楽しいです。The illustration of Pikachu V-UNION fully expresses the joy of the 25th anniversary! It’s like that. I think that the appeal of Pokémon cards is the variety of individuality and ideas of illustrators, which are fun to just look at. You can see various new scenery around the world of Pokémon, so it’s always fun to discover.	Kagemaru Himenoわあ！あんなピカチュウやこんなピカチュウが大集合！この先、どんなピカチュウに出会えるかな？仲間はたくさん増えるかな？さあ、次のバトルめざして旅立とう！！“どのポケモンにも必ずそのポケモンが大好きなかたがいる”それをずっと胸に思いながらイラストを描き続けています。Wow! A large collection of Pikachu! What kind of Pikachu can you meet in the future? Will there be more friends? Let’s set out for the next battle!!! “Every Pokémon always has someone who loves it.” I keep drawing illustrations with that in mind.	kawayooピカチュウはどう描いても大抵受け止めてもらえる懐の深い可愛さがあり、また今回のピカチュウV-UNIONは色々な画風のピカチュウが集合するイラストという自由さも踏まえて、あまり気負わず描かせて頂きました。制作の際はいつも、ポケモンに存在感が出るよう意識していますが、ポケモンの良さであるシンプルなデザイン部分も同時に活かす事を考えつつ描いています。Pikachu has a deep cuteness that is usually accepted, no matter how you draw it, and this time Pikachu V-UNION was drawn without much hesitation, considering the freedom of illustrations where Pikachu of various styles gather… When I draw, I always try to give Pokémon a presence, but I also think about making the most of the simple design part that is good for Pokémon.	Naoyo Kimuraピカチュウ描くのには独特の難しさがある気がしてます。参加させていただけて幸せでした。ポケモンカード25周年おめでとうございます。ポケモンカードには、ゲームにもカード自体にも多様な楽しみ方を受け入れてくれる懐の広さ深さがあると感じます。これからも長く愛されていってほしいと願っております。I feel that there is an unique difficulty in drawing Pikachu. I was happy to be able to participate. Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Pokémon Card. I feel that Pokémon cards have the breadth and depth to accept a variety of ways to enjoy both the game and the card itself. I hope that you will continue to be loved for a long time.	kirisAkiピカチュウは今までもカードで何回か描かせていただいたのですが、今回のピカチュウV-UNIONでは思いっきり個性を出してもよいとの事で「自分が一緒に生活したいピカチュウ」をそのまま表現しました。ぽてぽてもっちりしたピカチュウ、ぜひ見つけてあげてください！I have drawn Pikachu several times with a card, but with this Pikachu V-UNION, I can express my personality as much as I can, so I wanted to express “a Pikachu I want to live with”, which I did. Please find a Pikachu that is fluffy and chewy!
Tomokazu Komiya長い間中心に立ち続けるピカチュウ。凄まじいプレッシャーと疲労感、想像を絶するものがあるはず。しかし微塵も感じさせずに今日もいつも通りであり続ける。その勢いをピカチュウV-UNIONで描きました。ポケモン達がどんな思いで生きているのか。楽しいのか、辛いのか、悲しいのか。でも表で見せる顔ではなく、より素直な内面の表情を描きたい。イラストを描くときは常にそんな思いを持っています。Pikachu has been in the center for a long time. There must be tremendous pressure, tiredness, and unimaginable things. However, it continues to be as usual today, without making me feel any dust. I drew that momentum with Pikachu V-UNION. How do Pokémon live? Is it joyful, in pain, or sad? However, I want to draw a more straightforward inner expression, instead of the face shown on the front. I always have that feeling when I draw illustrations.	Ryudai MurayamaピカチュウV-UNIONは色んな作家さんのピカチュウたちがいるので、賑やかな一枚にふさわしい元気いっぱいなピカチュウにしてみました！ピカチュウのふわっとした肌触りを表現したくて線画の柔らかさを意識しました。ポケモンカードのイラストを描く際は、実際にそのポケモンが存在するように、そしてどんな様子なのかを一枚一枚考えています。一枚の絵として気に入ってもらえるイラストになればいいなと思って描いています。Pikachu V-UNION has various illustrators’ Pikachu, so I tried to make it a lively Pikachu, suitable for a lively piece! I wanted to express the fluffy texture of Pikachu, so I was conscious of the softness when drawing. When I draw an illustration of a Pokémon card, I think about how the Pokémon actually exists and what it looks like, for each and every one. I’m drawing it with the hope that it will be an illustration that people will like as a single picture.	Atsuko Nishidaもう25周年！あっという間でした。これからも末長くピカチュウを可愛がってもらえますように～！私がポケモンカードのイラストを描く際は、ポケモンの住んでいる世界とポケモンの個性が出せたら良いなと思って描いています。これからもそんなポケモン達と一緒に頑張ります！イラストを見て少しでも元気になってもらえたら嬉しいです。よろしくお願い致します！25th anniversary! It arrived in no time. I hope you will continue to love Pikachu for a long time! When I draw an illustration of a Pokémon card, I wish I could show the world in which the Pokémon lives and the individuality of the Pokémon. I will continue to do my best with such Pokémon! I hope you will feel better after seeing the illustrations. Thank you!	Yuu Nishidaまさかピカチュウを描くことができるなんて、しかも素敵な皆様と共に!?と光栄で嬉しかったです。ピカチュウも周りを見て嬉しい楽しい気持ちなのかな…と思いながら描きつつ、正直ド緊張していて「一緒に頑張ろうねピカチュウ…！」とピカチュウぬいぐるみを傍に置いていました。緊張と言えば、初めてお仕事として描いた＆人物SRカードの「モミ」は悩みながら描き、発売日にはドキドキしたのも覚えています。（毎回ですが）I was honored and happy to be able to draw Pikachu with all these wonderful people! While drawing, I kept thinking that Pikachu would be joyful, and happy to see its surroundings. I was honestly nervous and put a Pikachu stuffed animal beside me, saying, “Let’s do our best together, Pikachu…!”. Speaking of tension, I remember drawing the “fir tree” of the person SR card that I drew for the first time as a job as well as worrying, and I was thrilled when it was released (and am thrilled every time).	OOYAMA今回、ピカチュウV-UNIONのイラストの話をいただいたので、昔自分が描いた「オーヤマのピカチュウ」を元に描きました。僕は、元々はポケモンカードゲームのゲームルールを作っていたんですが、「オーヤマのピカチュウ」を描いた事で、後にカードイラストを頼まれるようになったんです（あれはオマケの遊びカードでしたが）。なので、絵描きが本職ではないので、イラストレーターと言うのはおこがましいんですけどね（笑）This time, I was told about the illustration of Pikachu V-UNION, so I drew it based on the "Ooyama’s Pikachu " that I drew a long time ago. Originally, I was making game rules for Pokémon card games, but by drawing “Ooyama’s Pikachu”, I was later asked for a card illustration (though that was a bonus play card). Since I’m not a professional painter, it was awkward to be an illustrator (laughs).
Sanosuke Sakuma25周年記念に25人の作家が25匹のピカチュウを描くなんて、楽しすぎる～！嬉しすぎる～！ということで、ピカチュウに全身で「楽しい～！嬉しい～！」の気持ちを表現してもらいました。ファンの「好き！」を代弁できるようなイラストを提供できるよう毎回意識していますので、このカードも手にする皆さんにとって、楽しくて嬉しいカードになるよう願っています！It’s too much fun for 25 illustrators to draw 25 Pikachu, to commemorate the 25th anniversary! I’m too happy! So, I tried to express Pikachu with a feeling of “fun! I’m happy!” with its whole body. Every time I try to provide illustrations that can represent the fans’ “likes!”, I hope it will be a fun and happy card for everyone who also has this card!	Naoki Saitoいつも僕らに元気をプレゼントしてくれるピカチュウ。そんなピカチュウに25年分のありがとう！を込めて、元気で楽しいイメージで描きました！これまで担当したカードを振り返ると、「サン＆ムーン」シリーズの「かんこうきゃく」の三枚が印象深いです。SRのカードはもちろんですが、自撮り風のショットと、それを第三者目線で見ているショット、という面白い趣向になっている二枚のカードも凄く気に入っています。Pikachu always gives us energy. Thank you for 25 years of Pikachu! I drew it with a lively and fun artwork! Looking back on the cards I was in charge with so far, the three “Sightseer” in the “Sun & Moon” series are impressive. Not to mention the SR card, I also really like the other two versions of the card that have an interesting taste: a selfie-style shot and a shot looking at it from a third-party perspective.	Kouki Saitou祝•ポケカ25周年!!今回のピカチュウV-UNIONの担当作家の一人に選出していただけたのが光栄で緊張しました。スペースが限られている事もあり、普段よりも頭身低めの幼さが残るピカチュウになっちゃいました(笑)過去の仕事を振り返ると、台湾で行われたポケモンカード公式サイン会に向かう機内で観た安全ビデオの「歌舞伎」にインスパイアされ、出張中にラフ作業をしたガオガエン（SD）のイラストが思い出深いです。Celebration • Pokémon 25th Anniversary!! I was honored and nervous to be selected as one of the artists in charge of Pikachu V-UNION this time. Due to the limited space, I ended up with a Pikachu that is younger than usual (laughs). Looking back on my past work, I was heading to the official Pokémon Card autograph session in Taiwan. The illustration of Incineroar (SD), who was inspired by the safety video “Kabuki” that I watched in Taiwan and did during work while on a business trip, is memorable.	Jiro Sasumo今回参加させていただいたピカチュウV-UNIONでは、突然画面内に飛び込んでしまったような表情のピカチュウで、25年の今までとこれからの驚き、ワクワクを表現しました！小さな頃から身近にあったポケモンカードをこのような形でお祝いできることを嬉しく思います。25周年おめでとうございます！At Pikachu V-UNION, which I participated in this time, Pikachu with an expression that suddenly jumped into the screen expressed the surprise and excitement of 25 years now and in the future! I am happy to be able to celebrate the Pokémon cards that I have been familiar with since I was little. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!	Narumi Sato25周年を記念する特別なカードに参加することができ、とても嬉しかったです。昔からポケモンを描くのが好きでしたが、中でも一番多く描いたのは、やはり大好きなピカチュウだったと思います。そんな小さい頃からの思いも込めて、今描ける最高のピカチュウを描きたいと思いました。イラストレーターさんそれぞれの思いのこもった個性的なピカチュウ達、ぜひ自分のお気に入りのピカチュウを探してみて下さい。I was very happy to be able to participate in a special card commemorating the 25th anniversary. I’ve always liked to draw Pokémon, but I think the one I drew the most was Pikachu, which I love. With that in mind, from a young age I wanted to draw the best Pikachu I can draw now. Please try to find your favorite Pikachu, each of the illustrators’ unique Pikachu.
Shibuzoh. 25周年カード化にむけて気合十分なピカチュウ。まずは「でんきぶくろ」を揉むところから！揉み心地がよかったのか、タイミングが合わなかったのか、そのままカードになってしまったようです。集合写真でタイミングがずれている感じの人っていますよね。そのままでいてほしいかわいさよ…。Pikachu has enough energy to make a 25th anniversary card. First of all, from the place of rubbing “Electric Cheeks”! It seems that it became a card as it was, whether it was comfortable to massage or the timing did not match. Some people feel that the timing is off in the group photo. I want you it to stay as it is…	sowsow今回のピカチュウは、思わずほっぺを触りたくなる感じを表現してみました。ポケモンカードへのリスペクトを大切に、楽しく自分らしく描きました！作画の際は手に取った方が色々と想像して楽しめる絵にしようと心がけています。例えば過去に描いたニャルマーは「ねこびより」というワザ名も相まって、絵本の１ページのような雰囲気になりお気に入りです。バトルだけでなく様々なシーンのイラストが楽しめるのもポケカの魅力ですね！For this Pikachu, I tried to express the feeling of wanting to touch the cheeks. I valued the respect for Pokémon cards and drew them in a fun and personal way! When drawing, I try to make the artwork more enjoyable and imaginative when picking it up. For example, the Glameow I drew in the past, combined with the trick name “Carefree Cat”, makes it look like one page of a picture book and is my favorite. The appeal of Pokémon is that you can enjoy not only battles, but also illustrations of various scenes!	sui普段からイラストを描く際に、デジタルだけど温かみのある手描き感が出せるように意識して制作しています。ピカチュウV-UNIONでは、にっこり可愛いピカチュウ！を思いっきり前面に出してみました。プクプクほっぺが決め手です。When I usually draw illustrations, I am conscious of creating a digital but warm hand-drawn feeling. At Pikachu V-UNION, a cute Pikachu with a smile! I tried to bring it to the front. Cheep-Cheep cheeks are the decisive factor.	Miki Tanakaポケモンカードとしてはピカチュウを描くのは初めてなので今回の企画に声を掛けて頂き、光栄です。さてポーズをどうしよう？と思い、我が子に「ピカチュウがしそうな可愛いポーズをしてみて」と声をかけ、兄弟に一つずつポーズを取ってもらい、採用されたのが中学生の長男のこのポーズです。親子合作のピカチュウです！This is the first time for me to draw Pikachu as a Pokémon card, so I am honored to hear from you about this project. What should I do with the pose, I though? Thinking, I asked my child: “Try a cute pose that looks like Pikachu”, and I also asked the brothers to pose one by one. And this pose of my eldest son, who is a junior high school student, was adopted. It is a parent-child collaboration Pikachu!	Saya Tsurutaピカチュウを見ると、おもわずにっこりしちゃう！かわいく元気に描きました！もっちりおみみがチャームポイントです♪わたしのカードは、イラスト内に、こっそりモンスターボールを描き入れています（たまに描けないこともあるのですが…！）カードを手に入れたときには探してみてください！When I see Pikachu, I feel like I’m smiling! I drew it cute and energetic! Soft, squishy, and tiny is the charm point. ♪ My card has a Pokéball secretly drawn in the illustration (sometimes I cannot draw it…!) Please look for it when you get the card!!

Greetz,
Quuador

[muk]

@quuador that’s awesome, thanks for posting! I always love to hear what thoughts the artists put into their work!
Truly one (/four) remarkable card(s) to celebrate the artistic diversity that Pokemon acquired over the last 25 years.

[franmotard]

Huge job thank you all!!! It will be really helpuful for the arita holo cards id like to get

[xileets]

It’s buyee, but for Arita collectors, here’s a really cool Dialga/Palkia binder. GREAT DEAL, but not right for me at this time… Would love to see someone nab it.
*Edit: trying the yahoo JP link instead

ポケモンカードゲーム 9ポケット バインダー カ... - ヤフオク!

[xileets]

Arita collectors, I posted something for ya on the deal thread.

The New Giant Deal Thread

More Arita Binders available on Buyee. Discovered these with the ポケモンフォルダ search string. Lugia’s revival - Top tier Arita art if you don’t know, check it out. https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/m17608248593?conversionType=service_page_search Zoroark & Legendary Trio - Also great art! https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/m63144247933?conversionType=service_page_search Sinnoh Creation trio https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/m26086428762?conversionType=service_page_search Giratina and Dialga https://buyee.…

[CollectableCardboard]

I’ve recently finished my Yuka Morii binder and spreadsheet so here it is for anyone who needs it :

Yuka Morii Checklist

It is in Japanese released order as that was my goal but I have the English set name/numbers included too.

Here is my binder post too:

My Binder

[pfm]

Updated the OP for you

[muk]

Your checklist looks mighty clean, thank you for that! It’s always awesome when spreadsheet creators go the extra mile and include the release dates! It adds a lot of historical context, imo.

Looks like the OP has already been updated without me, but be assured that I will personally include your future checklists if there may ever be some

Do you already have plans for other artist collections?

[muk]

For future reference, please refrain from updating the OP. This is my job.

[CollectableCardboard]

No problem!

Komiya, Ooyama, Kusube and Morii were my main 4 and all done now (besides the pesky Hawaii lucky stadium card ) I plan on doing a Yukiko Baba binder next and then some more recent artists: Hyogonosuke, Sowsow, Tsuruta and Shibuzoh

[muk]

Those are some great accomplishments already, dude! Quite a lot of overlap with my own artist preferences actually! While we’re at the topic of unattainable Ooyama cards, did you manage to secure a New Year’s Present Jumbo for your Komiya collection? Because that one is still a far away goal of myself!

Shibuzoh and Tsuruta are bangers for sure! I don’t really pursue collecting them yet, but I ahve a loose stack of each from all random packs I’ve opened and freebies I got with purchases and such.

[CollectableCardboard]

I did manage to get the New Year Jumbo! It was by far the most expensive Komiya card Keep an eye out on Mercari JP though, they do pop up from time to time.

Tsuruta does have a few expensive Pika promos like the Yokohama ones and the 20th anniversary Magikarp, although the later is much cheaper in English.

[xileets]

I’ve been working on a Kusube, Kusajima, Komiya, Sowsow collection and they actually work pretty well together. This is my favorite page. some great pieces in this set.

[muk]

Holy smokes, that page looks magnificent!!! Them “working well together” is quite the understatement! VS truly has some of the most remarkable artworks from each of your named illustrators, especially Kusube imo!
Edit: also I’m very jelly of your Karen’s Umbreon. Why has this darn black canine to be so freakishly exensive lately

[xileets]

Heh, thanks. and RIGHT?! I got a graded copy years ago, and this jacked up raw copy was 3 times the cost. Couldn’t bare to crack it (like TTar), so I bought this one and plan to sell that one. But it’s nutz how high it is (It’s always been pricey tho.) Truly, a nice card.

[cyberurchin]

I’m working on a Kimura collection myself! From what I read in the Pokémon illustration collection book (the one with Rayquaza and Mewtwo on the front), Naoyo is a woman since they refer to her as “she” in the illustrator info section near the back. Of course Naoyo has no internet presence or social media/photos to go off of lol. But I figure if Pokémon says that, I’ll trust it. Just fyi.

[VinnieCannoli]

Okay this is my favorite thread on e4 now!

Huge fan of Kusube art and it’s one of the reasons why I keep collecting. Her art instantly captured my attention when one day I noticed that there was some connection between certain cards and understood that those were drawn by the same artist.

There is always a feeling of thoughtfulness and isolation in her work. Seems that she really likes portraying pokemon during moments of loneliness, whether it’s raining outside, or a moonlit night has captured the character’s attention.
It’s like you’re looking at these pictures and trying to understand “why” and want to get inside of those frames, it feels like a dream. That very forgotten feeling when a lot of printed books contained mysterious illustrations, and your mind was open to understanding them.

[muk]

Wow! Dude, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Your words were right on point in describing an attribute of her art that I always felt was there, but never really had the words to emphasize it.
Hearing other collectors thoughts on “why” they love a certain artist and what emotions they evoke in them certainly is one of the best parts of this thread!

These first three pages are my personal favorites of the Kusube binder. Her work during the original era was impeccable, especially in the Vending series.

(Btw. in order to have them aligned so nicely, I had to sacrifice the perfect chronology by putting Neo 2 Eeveeon on the next page, just before the ex era cards. Well worth it, though!)