Growing up with Jurassic Park and Land Before Time helped introduce me to dinosaurs. I fondly remember my first trip to the Natural History Museum in DC sparking my interest. These prehistoric creatures that ruled the Earth millions of years ago, they represent a time lost to history.
My favorite dinosaur is the plesiosaur. And Lapras is the perfect Pokémon representation. The original Gameboy games loved Lapras so much, they used it for all the surfing sprites! Even Mario 64 had Dorrie swimming about in Hazy Maze Cave. But I didn’t know Dorrie, I knew her as Lapras! Following the story of Ash’s Lapras in the movies and the TV show only helped solidify my love for the Pokémon. Thanks for carrying me around all those years.
Love me some Nessie
It should be illegal to have binders that look this good
Raichu has seen more love throughout the years than I expected. From early appearances in Base Set, Fossil and Team Rocket to even seeing its own shining card, I’m bewildered and somewhat pleased to see Raichu getting so much attention. Bewildered because this electric mouse, brother of Pikachu, pales greatly in popularity. From Ash’s evolutionary rejection in the anime to Pikachu being the mascot of Pokémon, Raichu always seemed to be left in Pikachu’s shadow. Raichu’s had his moments though. He received the holographic treatment in Base Set, he’s Lt. Surge’s powerful partner and later got a funky surfing Alolan form. But even with all that, Pikachu still takes the cake. Well Raichu, this is your time in the sun. Here’s my homage to you buddy.
Very tasteful post! Good job!
Lion and cub. Dog and pup. Perhaps a mix of both. Whichever you prefer, Arcanine and Growlithe are two iconic Pokémon. Furry coats and strong flowing manes, this fiery duo is a hot take on what good Pokémon design looks like. Take a real-life animal, accentuate their most prominent features and then provide them a regional typing. This winning characterization was also done in Avatar: The Last Air Bender & Legend of Korra with Appa and Naga. A flying bison and a polar bear dog each typed to their cultural and geographic region of origin. Simple, relatable, and memorable. Arcanine and Growlithe received similar treatment. A dog-like appearance with a lion’s size and mane. Combine this with a tiger’s black stripes and orange coat to give the hint of fire-typing and there you have it. A Pokémon grounded in real life but perfectly suited to the Pokémon universe.
One of those threads where I hit “like” before I even look at the update. And never have I been disappointed.
Edit: but you really (really) have to add the Vending Growlithe
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Same
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(and yes, agreed – seriously, pulp WTF YOU DOIN’ MAN)
Two foxy felines. Vulpix and Ninetales are great compliments to their canine Pokémon friends Growlithe and Arcanine. These fire foxes are both cute and cunning. Vulpix is small with beautiful gradients of red and brown fur. And once evolved, Ninetales sports a lovely golden-white coat with nine long orange-tipped tails. It’s said that Ninetales can live for a thousand years due to the energy in its tails. This incredible longevity is reminiscent of the “cats have nine lives” saying. Fun to see this proverb built into a Pokémon’s design.
Their Alolan forms are even more stunning. A snowy reimagining of Vulpix and Ninetales with luxurious white fur and icy blue eyes. But don’t let their outer beauty blind you from seeing how strong these Pokémon are. Brock’s Vulpix is definitely evidence of this, staving off Team Rocket with fire spins and hot ember. And later Blaine used Ninetales to take down Ash’s Squirtle in their gym battle.
I’ve enjoyed following the progression of Vulpix and Nintetales design over the years. From being honored with cards in Base Set, all the way to the Sword & Shield era, Ninetales and Vulpix have seen plenty of love throughout the TCG’s history. Whether you prefer the pale-white wintery adaptions or the original fire stars, there’s no denying the adoration of these two iconic Pokémon.
@muk and @brendantheclayboy, while Komiya’s Growlithe is cute, Nishida’s Vulpix is more my cup of tea
No conflict there, I LOVE that Vending Vulpix! But at this very point I can’t help to mention that Komiya did an Alolan Vulpix as well (well, he did three, actually). There’s even an French exclusive McDonald’s holo version if you’re into that kind of stuff
With that out of the way, thank you for yet another stunning update! Both are wonderful, iconic Pokemon and Ninetales in particular has to be one of the Pokemon with the highest average artwork quality over the whole TCG! Can’t even begin to tell you which ones I like the most because the list would be way too long!
Keep em coming!
Love the playful snow foxes! I did a search for Komiya hoping to find some art threads. Sure enough, his biggest proponent is no other than E4’s very own @muk ! After looking through some of his Pokémon work, I’m now realizing just how much of his portfolio I’ve collected over the years.
And a very fine cup of tea it is!
As usual, just loving the way your archive is coming together. Dogs 'n then foxes. Wonderful presentation? Check, check.
Imakuni graced us with a Ninetales, and I love him even more for that.
And surely you’ve seen muk’s artist collector thread before, no? MUST BOOKMARK (in zombie voice).

And a very fine cup of tea it is!
As usual, just loving the way your archive is coming together. Dogs 'n then foxes. Wonderful presentation? Check, check.
Imakuni graced us with a Ninetales, and I love him even more for that.
And surely you’ve seen muk’s artist collector thread before, no? MUST BOOKMARK (in zombie voice).
haha I appreciate that. Presentation is so important. Imagine after years of posts, not being able to navigate your own collection thread. It would be a nightmare! Not only would I not be able to find anything, good luck to someone new checking in.
I’m digging your table of contents and color coordination. I love seeing how other people manage their threads.
Credit: Oldhat104
Gen II introduced us to 100 new Pokémon and ushered in the Neo era. New legendary Pokémon, our first baby Pocket Monsters, two fresh eeveelutions, and a brand new world to explore in Johto. Pokémon was reinvigorated! All new video games, movies, and cards alongside the Pokédex additions made for some incredible media. For me, my second generation journey began with the Game Boy Color. What an improvement from the original!
With Silver Version loaded in my turquoise Game Boy Color, I was ready! I had my very own Totodile from Professor Elm and I was off into the tall grass. While the Gen I Starters & Evolutions will always hold a special place in my heart, I spent most of my youth with Gen II. Here’s my ode to the Gen II Starters & Evolutions.
Amazing collection! Congrats
T-Promos, e-Lottery Promos and Intro Pack holos?
Nice.

T-Promos, e-Lottery Promos and Intro Pack holos?
Nice.
Love the exclusive art on the T-Promos. For the future, I think the Champion Road 2000 examples are a few that I would like to add to my collection.
Muk always beats me to what I wanna say, it’s not fair. Mehhhh
The game boy palette was essential for this round. I found it complimented the additions quite nicely.
This is indeed your most rainbowlicious addition yet. The eye appeal is 10/10!

Amazing collection! Congrats
I just realized you were the person who posted their Typhlosion & Evolutions collection yesterday. I appreciated your post, it inspired me to update my thread with the Gen II starters. Can’t wait to see more!