Crystal Golem, although not the crystal we needed was the missing trade holofoil we deserved. It’s not only the best Golem, it ranks as one of Arita’s best and Pokémon’s best that ever did it. This card likely existed because Neo Revelation Graveler just stopped. On the bright side, lucky bastards, having teh Neo base uneedingly over the evolution line to rule them all.
Ponyta’s BACKGROUND. Perhaps the only one afaik to feature the legendary abandoned mansion.
Komiya’s masterful Neo Slowpoke line is a Pokénomicon adaptation to Midsommar.
As much as I love base sets Magnebuchi, the Neo Steel revampmite was such a welcomed surprise at the time that the nostalgia for it hits just harder. Big HOMER3d vibe. The fact that Neo gave chance to revere the prevolutions with the highest category is an irreplaceable moment in time I was grateful to experience growing up with imo, which as a result the risk to choose them alongside the evolved forms as holo became some of the best cards made. Sure there has been McDonald’s promos on but the same level as Neo Discovery Houndour?
Honorable mentions with commentary: Legendary Reversecruel is cool (Himeno). Kusube’s and Arita’s Alolan (Crimson Invasion) dude (Expedition) are silent chill. For the most part, Graveler’s cardography is SOLID.
Hasuno’s english exclusive from Generations is also a golem piece of solid.
Rapidash was surprisingly difficult, perhaps untapped potential. Along with Ninetales, Rapidash is crying for a badass shining rendition. The potential with it’s younger brethren to be a gothic masterpiece.
Slowpoke line was always going to be hard work. Impeccable cardography. This might have to be all of them you sob. Same applies to an extent with Magneline but nowhere near as a severe choice for the cutie drone. Aquapolis (Koike) and Delta Specieston (Himeno). So many artists have tried to emulate the same approach as Kinebuchi for the Magneline and only one has succeeded. I miss him and Masago so much.
Doduo line is dying for a coiling expressive piece by Komiya ala his take on Legendary Treasures’ Hydregion. [EDIT] Imakuni’s Doduo exists of course, would love an Imakuni Trio sequel. Yamaki’s Generationsduo is set lovely.
Grimer line is almost Slowpoke level difficulty. Grimer is the grime cousin to Geodude. Lots of adoration but always hated Poisons depicted as psychic over grass and again now as Dark. I fuk with @muk . Not sure what we’re doing with the alternate same species as plenty have been exceptional.
Thanks to anyone taking the time out to give a care about my opinion as always.
Who doesn’t fuck with Muk?