I am really enjoying your posts and updates. These individual updates and thoughts really gives you a closer in depth look on Starmie as a species and the cards it has. Thank you always for the writeups. I appreciate them.
Cheers!
I am really enjoying your posts and updates. These individual updates and thoughts really gives you a closer in depth look on Starmie as a species and the cards it has. Thank you always for the writeups. I appreciate them.
Cheers!
Thank you for your kind words, it is nice to know that you appreciate the posts. I try to put at least some of my thoughts into them, because just posting the cards without any additional information feels a bit empty. There is much more to come in the future, especially non TCG stuff.
Released as part of the Holon Research Tower Water Quarter Deck on October 7, 2005, this artwork is truly grotesque. Upon closer inspection, you can see machinery in the background that evokes the impression it might be used to extract Starmie’s diamond. The entire artwork is dark and gloomy, setting it apart. What makes this piece particularly unique is its departure into a distinctly darker and more unsettling direction compared to all the other artworks. Bizarre.
Best,
orannge
This card is part of the Bandai Pokémon Kid’s Cards series, released in July 1997 as “Part 4”. The series was distributed alongside Pokémon products that included toys and food.
The card features a blue and grey background with Starmie’s pale purple body, creating a distinct design which I quite like. These cards are also notable as some of the earliest official Pokémon releases dating back to 1997.
For more information about these cards, refer to this guide by @rainbow: link
Best,
orannge
In 1999, the so-called Action Flipz Series One was released, which is, contrary to its name, the second installment of the Action Flipz series by Artbox. The Flipz display different images when tilted up or down. I was never a fan of this kind of merchandise because the images always appear grainy. Nevertheless, the concept is quite interesting, especially considering their original purpose as children’s toys. The artwork is relatively simple and nothing to write home about, even though it is altogether okay.
Best,
orannge
1997 saw the release of the Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Blue Part 4. Compared to the 1996 Green and Red versions, this edition features different artwork. For some, it may appear more dynamic than the artwork from Parts 1 and 2, but for me, the older design remains my favorite of the two. The illustrated water attack seems overly stylized to underline the impression of an engaged Pokémon.
Unfortunately, Part 3 of the series did not feature Starmie, so the Carddass series only has three differently colored cards, with the yellow one missing.
Happy New Year!!!
Best,
orannge
In 2002, the Panini Pokémon Staks Johto League Championship series was released. It featured small magnets that you would throw onto a magnetic wall to collect Staks and compete against your friends.
Unfortunately, I only managed to get a very rough Stak at the time, and it’s in poor condition. Nevertheless, I’m happy to have it as part of my collection. The magnets aren’t too hard to find, so I might upgrade it in the future. However, since I don’t focus too much on grades for items I’m not actively hunting, I may just leave it as it is and enjoy having my copy.
Best,
orannge
To spice things a bit up, I started a little side collection called Hidden Depths. It will feature ungraded full art cards of underwater scenes.
Let the lovely artworks speak for themselves.
Best,
orannge
On November 23, 2000, the Neo Revelation set was released, featuring one of Starmie’s most iconic and perhaps best-known artworks. It appears to be inspired by the 1997 Carddass Part 4 artwork (see here), where Starmie is depicted shooting a beam of water. However, this time, the art feels more dynamic and vibrant. The style, composition, and colors are stunning, making it truly stand out in my opinion.
Best regards,
orannge
The Trainer Battle Deck: Kasumi of Hanada City Gym features a holo version of Misty’s Water Manipulation, which includes Starmie as a cameo. The Battle Deck was released on January 25, 2019, as part of the High Class Pack GX Ultra Shiny extension, originally released on November 2, 2018. The artwork depicts Misty possibly throwing a Pokéball, with Starmie racing behind her against an abstract yet intriguing background. The artwork could have been stunning if Misty’s hand weren’t so cut off and mangled. Unfortunately, this detracts significantly from the overall image, making it hard to enjoy the card without feeling a bit uneasy.
Best,
orannge
Skinnydip London is a British wholesaler that partnered with Pokémon to release a merchandise series of protective mobile phone cases in 2024, featuring various Pokémon, including Starmie. The cases are printed on demand and come in a wide range of options to suit different phone models. I don’t find it reasonable to collect every possible variant, so I chose one at random and decided to stick with just that. The specific model is called: PTO Subtle Holo Shock iPhone Case with Clear Camera Hole iPhone 16 Pro Max Case. The quality is excellent, and the artwork looks fantastic on the case. I particularly love the pixelated “#0121,” which is a nostalgic nod to the early days of the franchise. I’m genuinely thrilled they released such a great product.
Best,
orannge
Split Earth is the title of the expansion released on August 23, 2002. The iconic card design of the e-Card Series features a holo version of Starmie that is widely recognized. In my opinion, it is one of the most creative depictions of Starmie, surrounded by a stone circle reminiscent of Stonehenge. The artwork is both mysterious and soothing, making it the crown jewel of all Starmie artworks.
Best,
orannge
I really love this artwork, although after reading your posts I realize that it is not my favorite Starmie artwork. My interpretation is that Starmie is almost in space becoming a literal Star and the pillars of light in the background are the fellow Starmie also lifting up. Although, I am not sure what would make a Starmie do that, it is indeed a mysterious and magnificent artwork.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!
That is a fantastic interpretation. Never would have thought of it. Makes the artwork even more intriguing.
What is your favorite artwork then?
Definitely the HGSS interpretation on Starmie edges out this one for me. I think the HGSS Starmie is pure vibe and just seem like a fresh outlook on Sarmie as a Pokemon. Vibrant and beautiful.
Cheers!
I previously wrote about this artwork see here in relation to the 2023 release of the Play! Pokémon Prize Pack Series Three. However, this version, which was released on May 27, 2022, as part of the Astral Radiance expansion, is the original artwork. As I mentioned earlier, the computer-generated graphics work exceptionally well here, and I really appreciate the dynamism and liveliness of this Starmie artwork.
Best,
orannge
I recently added this gem to my collection: a sealed Trainer Battle Deck: Kasumi of Hanada City Gym, released on January 25, 2019, as a Pokémon Center exclusive. This deck is inspired by the original Standard Deck Hanada City Gym Kasumi, which debuted on April 26, 1998.
I think this box is beautifully designed—the contents are amazing and look incredibly fresh. Someday, I hope to get my hands on a sealed original deck, but for now, I’m more than thrilled to have added this fantastic piece to my collection.
Best,
orannge
This was obsviously meant for you hahaha, I love it too!
Updated the photos of the last posts, sorry for the bad lighting. Should look good now.
The Pokémon Center Japan launched a merchandise series called Oceanic Operetta on July 6, 2019, featuring a wide range of items (see list).
I am thrilled to have found the sealed acrylic keychain items in pristine condition. The artwork is stunning, and the presentation is beautifully executed. Alongside Starmie, there is Vaporeon, while the other two plates showcase Milotic and Primarina (see below).
Best regards,
orannge