Very impressive!!! Many of my favorite starter artworks in those binder pages!
1 Like
I adore Pikachu. Such a great design and well deserving of the franchise mascot. From running around with Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow to throwing down with him in Super Smash, my affection for the electric mouse started early. And to this day, I still get a smile when new Pikachu promos are released.
Below I have 7 binder pages to commemorate different artworks of Pikachu. I’ll highlight a few of my selections.
2016’s 20th Anniversary Festa Pikachu:- What more could I ask for. All three starters with Pikachu in the artwork. The sleek modern depiction. Love this card!
2006’s Gold Star Pikachu:
- I grew away from Pokémon in 2002. The Neo sets were what I last remembered from the TCG. In 2015, I rediscovered my love for Pokémon. I had been working after graduating college and I decided to go into my local game store to see what cards they had from my childhood. To my surprise, the cards they had in their special spinning display case wasn’t Base Set cards. No, it was a Shining Mewtwo and a Gold Star Pikachu. What were these cards? The poses in the art were strong and menacing. I loved how powerful the Pokémon looked. Pikachu standing proudly with crossed arms behind a backdrop of lightning. This purchase brought me back into the hobby.
2014’s Warm Pikachu Promos:
- Learned about these from E4 back in my lurker days. I was on a hunt for unique art and some rarity. These ticked both of those boxes. The happiness of these winter dress-up Pikachus sold me.
2007’s POP Series 5 Pikachu:
- For a time I was curious about error prints. The backside of this Pikachu card was printed with the Pokéball upside down. This is the corrected version. The art captured me, love seeing Pikachu out at sea surfing atop a Wailmer.
2014’s Team Japan’s Pikachu:
- I’m a huge soccer fan and when Japan adopted Pikachu for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, it made for the perfect mix of my favorite sport with my most cherished hobby.
9 Likes
Mew and Mewtwo are some of my favorite legendary Pokémon. They’re both genetically connected but share very different personalities. Mew is mysterious and nimble spending most of its time playing or investigating. Mewtwo is powerful and determined typically depicted with a human-like posture and focus. Both designs are S-tier in my book.
The artwork in the TCG faithfully represents these character traits. I’ve highlighted some of the art in the pictures below.
I have an English and Japanese page for both Mew and Mewtwo. Some of the art was limited to just one language and I wanted those to be represented.
2007’s POP Series 5 Mew δ:- Fukuda is back at it. This fire delta species depiction captures Mew’s power and playfulness. With a shy hand over the mouth and engulfed in flame, Mew is almost oblivious to how strong he really is.
2012’s Dragons Exalted Mew Full Art:- This is one of my favorite full art cards. The pouncing posture and wrapped tail reminds me of cat. The open arms suggest Mew is ready to attack, but something about the eyes indicates just a warning glare.
2002’s McDonald’s Sunset Mew:
- My favorite Mew artwork. Standing up in a windswept field as the sun sets in the distance, curiously gazing. Head alert similar to a prairie dog listening for approaching sounds. Ready to take action if needed. Kusajima’s watercolor palette and soft touch really bring this artwork to life.
2002’s Expedition Mewtwo:
- Defiantly flying through a lightning storm. Mewtwo’s rising arms make it look as if he’s conjuring the storm himself. The holo really makes this art pop.
2002’s Legendary Collection Reverse Holo Mewtwo:- Christopher Rush is the late American artist who’s most famous for his Magic: The Gathering illustrations, namely the Black Lotus. He first completed the art for Mewtwo #12 as a Black Star Promo in 2000 for the Nintendo Power Magazine. Interestingly, with this Mewtwo illustration, Rush became the first artist outside of Japan to illustrate an official Pokémon card. A great honor. I selected the Legendary Collection Mewtwo to commemorate him.
13 Likes
Awesome cards dude, many many gems in there!
2 Likes
An update before ringing in 2021. Happy New Year!
I decided to take the plunge and grade my Art Academy cards. I was initially hesitant but I believe I made the right decision. I found PSA’s process to be smooth and professional, albeit expensive. I purchased the ungraded cards directly from the owners. I had them tucked away amongst other Mew and Pikachu artworks, each acting as a unique momento paying homage to Pokémon’s history. When the extra copies began to surface, I had the opportunity to collect the whole non-Japanese set. I briefly contemplated putting all 12 cards into a 3x4 binder, but better judgement prevailed.
It’s been a five year journey gathering these cards. I’m happy to share the conclusion of that journey. Enjoy. 
14 Likes
The Legendary Birds. Titans of fire, ice and lightning. Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres are the original legendary trio. Collecting these winged titans is a joy. Their quintessential colors really make a binder page pop. Not to mention they fill out a 9-pocket sleeve sheet so well.
Below I’ve highlighted some of my favorites. One page I decided to create off-the-cuff to showcase Fossil Zapdos, the Gym Set Birds and the Supreme Victor’s Trio. Typically, I’ve kept these cards with their sets, but it was hard to omit such great illustrations.
1998’s Quick Starter Gift Set Trio:
- Incredible artwork on all three birds. Really captures their personalities. Zapdos unleashing a ferocious lightning display. And fittingly, the Power Plant in the background as a tribute to the original games. Moltres in a controlled blaze of fire. And Articuno perched elegantly atop a rock. Beautiful set.
2003’s Skyridge Trio:
- The Skyridge aesthetic is beloved by many; and here the 3D design and anime-esque features do the Legendary Trio proud. Zapdos fully charged and on the brink of unleashing an electric storm. Moltres flying through the mountains, fiery body on full display. Articuno cooling the evening air as it passes over stone architecture.
2001’s Web Series Trio:
- Love the holo blasts from Articuno and Moltres. Happy to have holographic versions of the iconic black star promo artwork.
2019’s Stained Glass SM Promo:
- Great way to pay tribute to the Legendary Birds. The art style is steeped in history. The mosaic pairs the ancient history of stained glass with the mythos of the legendary trio. Along with the Hidden Fates Full Arts, the Sun & Moon promo makes for a lovely four card set.
11 Likes
I feel kinda stupid always repeating me, but again you show some god tier binder pages here.
The Quick Starter and Web holos are some of my favorite cards ever.
Collecting the birds is so satisfying. Every trio feels like a mini set within the set!
This has to be one of the most underappreciated collection threads on e4.
Every single post of yours so far deserves 50+ likes!
5 Likes
I appreciate that. I’m just happy to share. It’s nice to have a place to document and reflect on my collection.
Sometimes I feel like we are in the same room flipping through binders. Regardless of time or place, I know @muk is one of the first to check out my post. 
4 Likes
If you keep posting quality cards and I keep maintaining my unhealthy sleep and internet routine, you can bet yo’ ass it’ll stay this way brother haha!
2 Likes
absolutely! sooooo awesome!
2 Likes
Dragonite is beloved. A quiet, intelligent and powerful Pokémon. Strong yet so adorable. However, don’t let Dragonite’s cuddly appearance dissuade you from its immense strength. Dragonite was always a staple in my six member Pokémon team. He could fly effortlessly around Kanto and Johto. And when you were in a pinch, he could fire off a devastating Hyper Beam. I always saw Dragonite as this quasi-legendary Pokémon.
The whole evolution line is memorable. Dratini is a cute little serpent always growing. This small water noodle has so much potential. As Dratini sheds, its molting process begins a great transformation. Second comes Dragonair, a long elegant serpentine Pokémon which exudes a mystical-like appearance. Dragonair can take to the air or swim in the sea, elusively moving from region to region. And finally, in most bewildering fashion, Dragonair transforms into a plump orange Dragonite. Whether you remember him from the games as a powerful companion/foe or from the movies as a trusty messenger, it’s safe to say Dragonite has created his own legend, one that is unique and personal to all of us.
2002’s Legendary Collection Dark Dragonite:
-
Arita’s illustration makes a subtle statement on what it would be like under Team Rocket’s tutelage. Dragonite’s stern expression, body reeling away from the foreground. Wings projected and antae disconcertedly searching. It evokes anxiety and fear, opposite to the joyful expressiveness Dragonite usually conveys. Love this art.
-
In fact, I love this art so much, you’ll see several examples in the images below. I really enjoy the Legendary Collection copies. The firework pattern’s flash helps to dull the text and bring attention to the illustration. For this reason, many of my binder pages of other Pokémon, I have also opted for the LC versions. Plus, many of the first appearances I’ve kept with their respective sets.
2004’s EX Team Rocket Returns Dark Dragonite:
- A worthy encore appearance. This whole set produced many spectacular artworks, and Dragonite is no exception. Dark shadowed features amongst a brightly lit evening moon. Eyes menacing and ready to attack. Wonderful depiction and a great way to theme the dark Pokémon.
2008’s Legends Awakened Dragonite:
- Arita just gets it. Soaring through the air, a dragon at flight among the clouds. This is how I like to think of Dragonite. Happily drifting through the sky without a care in the world.
2000’s Gym Heroes Erika’s Dratini and Erika’s Dragonair:- Will there ever be Erika’s Dragonite?
19 Likes
Love seeing your collection updates @pulpyfan!
3 Likes
What an absolute knockout collection. You have some of my favorite cards in here and many more cards that I hope to own.
I love seeing them all in a binder too, they just look so good side by side like that.
Can’t wait to see more of this amazing collection
5 Likes
The original psychic duo, Alakazam and Gengar. Two iconic Pokémon, adored by many and great additions to the Pokémon universe. They might share the same energy type, but Alakazam and Gengar have vastly different personalities. Gengar’s mischievous and frightening. There’s somewhat of a duality about Gengar. Sometimes he is a ghoulish figure lurking in the shadows. Other times he’s smiling with that shit-eating grin. Hauntingly playful. Alakazam is of a different ilk. Sagacious and wise. This mustached spoon-bender resembles a master that’s been honing their abilities for decades. I love them both, and you’d be hard fought to not find one or both of them in my Pokémon party of six.
Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam! What a lovely incantation harkening back to the centuries old magic saying “abracadabra”. Abra, this little guy was usually sleeping but could teleport around the map in style. What a useful travel partner. And Kadabra introduced those characteristic spoons. Unfortunate what happened to him with the Uri Geller controversy. But times have changed, and Kadabra could be slated to return to the TCG.
Gastly and Haunter hold true to the ghost architype. Purplish hazy figures. Gastly was a goofster in the anime, probably where Gengar got his playfulness. Haunter accentuates the creepiness with his devilish licks and stalking behavior. Reminds me of Boo from Mario. The whole evolution line is well designed and the final product of Gengar does feel like the sum of its predecessors.
2009’s Platinum: Arceus Gengar LV.X:
- Stunning card. The red eyes pop and the outside-the-boarder attack is menacing. The LV. X Pokémon really shine in that regard, reminds me of Gold Stars. They really got the holo right on these cards. All that with a smile on his face, classic Gengar.
2002’s Expedition Alakazam:
- Cross legged and slender with a deliberate focus. This captures the essence of Alakazam.
2003’s Skyridge Alakazam:
- Dark and angry. Masago’s use of symmetry in the Pokémon illustrates poise and control. The color red in the bottom right helps balance the blackness. Red also traditionally warns of anger and danger, all of which I feel looking at this art. Boy does Alakazam look hard in this depiction.
2010’s Triumphant Haunter:
- My favorite Haunter artwork. The reaching hand and the haunting grin, all while shrouded in darkness. Haunter looks to be racing toward his next victim.
18 Likes
Eevee and friends! I adore this Pokémon and all of its lovely evolutions. I enjoyed choosing who my partner would be, even though that choice was difficult. It felt similar to Ash not wanting Pikachu to evolve. Looking back on the decision, I was happy to be given the agency. I grew more attached through the consideration of all the possibilities. Flareon because my starter was Squirtle? Vaporeon to take the responsibility of the HMs? Or Jolteon because he looks amazing? Whatever your reason, the choice was yours and you’d have that friend for the rest of your journey.
10 Likes
No surprise here I love your Eeveelutions update! I enjoy the organized chaos of your binder collections so much. It’s great to see different eras and art styles coexisting.
2 Likes
That’s definitely a goal of mine, to have a historical Pokémon collage. It’s amazing to see how engaged people are after a quarter century of releases.
I love your focus on some iconic Pokemon and having a binder or a few pages dedicated to them. Is there a method to your madness?
2 Likes
Haha I’d like to think so!
I think it comes together a bit better in the binder than as single pages. For example, take the Espeon and Umbreon. I have both pages mirroring similar art. Rooftop Umbreons staring back at each other. Corner hyper rare examples. Ex and Gold Stars centered on the page. Etc. You’ll also see many examples where the outer Pokémon on the page face inward.
Other pages I’ll line up the Pokémon to fill out an entire row. The singular color really pops! And the uniformity in the set art style shines.
So, some method, but mostly madness
10 Likes
The ocean is scary. I don’t know if it’s the biodiversity or just the sheer amount of water. Take Challenger Deep, it is over 35,000ft below the surface, completely filled with water. And stuff lives down there! Imagine being in an airplane, flying at cruising altitude, except all the air below you is replaced by water. Absolutely incredible and terrifying.
But more than I fear the ocean, I respect it. How interconnected everything is. How powerful the creatures are who swim in its depths. Which brings me to Gyarados. Our very own Pokémon sea monster. This ocean dragon stood the test of time, battling the elements to stay alive evolving from Magikarp to become this great beast. Who knew such a little guy had such potential. Never underestimate the power of the ocean.
14 Likes