Xileets' KAWAYOO Collection

Kawayoo ever since making unique and worthy overseas cover art equivalents for the endearingly beautiful HGSS era has always appeared strangely too under-repped to me.

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In some ways, it’s good though. Kinda like Sow Sow, it’s a very unique style, that I hope doesn’t get over-used. Because it can start to feel over-whelming. My Arita collection is kinda like that, except, he frequently uses different styles and totally quirky concepts, that it’s rarely boring. Also, with fewer cards, it’s easier to handle the collection. haha

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@pizzachu,@ferny, Thanks very much! With this collection, I really took the time to get all the reverse holos. Some are not because I actually compared many (reverse and non holo) and a few holos actually highlight the artwork more, so, there ya go. This collection, with those boxes, is one of my favorite things. :grin:

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When you have a unique style that’s half the battle the next half is how it’s contextualised. It’s where I might have went wrong in the art contest. This influence and worship of a style is relative in art movements/ trends and can lead to all spans of results, hopefully this will inspire to help create the next artistic wonders. I wish TPC take some data to in recognition to what modern artists are doing for what individual cards and see what have gained acclaim. Interestingly Arita to me hasn’t changed much since creating fuller landscapes aside the dynamics but he’s also to me the most underrated also within because of the sheer number of perfect moods captured that get unrecognsed (his promo Mimikyu). Similar to how I viewed Kawayoo’s quality be recognised but shrouded more and that’s likely due to how Arita is accepted so frequently that we forget his quantity. Sorry I just wrote this chapter in mind also learning Kentaro Miura author of Berzerk died fuck.

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How did I miss this one from you, @xileets? Absolutely love Kawayoo - a few of my friends were talking about a month back about how their art deserves more praise. Absolutely love their style and see it as a fusion of Nishida’s softness and Kusajima’s dynamic poses with some added torque and intensity.

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Super unique and recognizable style
 Big fan of this collection.

Yeah! “Torque and intensity.” Much of Kawayoo, even his manga and other work, has a sense of distortion. I imagine it’s the frenzy and altered perception in battle.

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I love Kawayoo as well, but I don’t actively collect his cards, because there are so many I missed in his early sets.

There is something about his use contrast that gives his work a dramatic effect. Usually he uses touches of white to highlight the Pokémon in front of a darker background. Often it looks like a thunderstorm is just about to start.

My favorite so far might be his Virizion. With the background it almost looks like a fine art painting.
Oh, and his Shroomish is far too adorable.

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There is a lampent from Phantom Forces, because of the color contrast, and the depth in the background, and Primal Clash ludicolo that are my favorites I think. For me that’s significant because I have a special loathing for the Lotad line, yet, I love the illus.

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This is so true. An amazing illustrator can make you fall in love with a Pokémon that you never liked before.

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There are some recent additions, but I was super excited and wanted to post this before the others! I remember buying another copy of this, raw, for $22 bucks several years ago, and how I wish I could have bought more back then to grade. it’s always been a favorite!

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The sapporos pika is gorgeous, what a great addition!

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Nice thread to see, I love kawayoo’s work as well! I think some of tokiya’s stuff gives very similar vibes and those are some of my favs too.

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managed to get most of the HGSS booster packaging, but this might be my fave.

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I bought these, but I don’t remember what they are. heh It’s been a while, and the listing info is gone.
Anyone who can tell me more, I’d appreciate it.

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The above mini prayer board keychains, as I’ve been told, are part of the Hyaku Poke Yako campaign, 2018 Pokemon Centers Japan. Very fun work, and here is a link to one of many pages with more info and items.
pokevault.com/HyakuPokeYakoCampaign

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I need this card :face_with_spiral_eyes:

You really do. :wink: Always regretted never getting a second years ago
 Remedied THAT problem.

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This card made me realize how most kawayoo illustrations are set in nature. This card feels so fresh. I wouldn’t have recognized the artist at first glance.

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Super stoked to add this gorgeous work to the collection! I did not expect to add this so soon after learning about it, and was surprised to find it in a clear file version (much better for storage) Hyaku Poke Yako - full art PkMn Center clear file 2018.

pokemon center clear file hyaku poke yako

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