I am blown away! Over the moon! Freakin’ Flabbergasted that I was able to add this Arita Grail to my collection. AND in great shape, and for my target price! Not ONLY did I find it, but I found the “mini binder” Card File version instead of the big 3 ring, to save space.
This is a super consistent, showcase of Arita’s great technique and consistency. Excellent textures and shading, with a touch of line-work remaining…
Now that I have it, I can’t believe I once thought, it was not worth it and passed.
And another new addition! Stumbled across this Heatran Regigigas collection file and couldn’t pass for the price. Still sealed too, but I freed it. Minty
I really love the point of view looking up between two subjects, and the nice shadows and textures on regigigas in the background.
Very nice find, looks really cool. I totally agree, the perspective gives this artwork a unique touch, especially the reflections are well done.
Do you still have the wrapping? I suppose the file was distributed via Pokémon Center at some point?
I have the celophane but it’s odd. There is no PkMn center labelling like I typically have seen. tho, I’ve not seen many from this era, just slightly older…
Ah! Thank you! I remember seeing “Scorching Hot Offense” somewhere… Now whether that was a distributor/retail label, or translated… IDK. edit: found it in my spreadsheets: I’d written “Scorching Offensive” years ago. Seems we’re reached a consensus!
Picked up a few sleeves (1 of which which may or may not be Arita). Love the suicune, and like it more than the zoroark merchandise with suicune that’s been released over the years. This zekrom pikachu illustration is a 3rd version of that card I 'spose, and very interesting to me.
The Tag team sleeve needed its own post because it’s really neat work, with lots of lighting detail, but was super small next to the portrait pictures:
Didn’t think I’d add this to my collection, just because of the price. But I got a nice offer, and couldn’t say “no”. To Go with the Revival of Lugia item series, I’ve added the deck box!
I don’t see any merch from his Rulers of the Heavens illustration with Rayquaza, unless I missed it! I’ve at least seen a couple listings on binders with that artwork. Is that something you’re on the hunt for?
There’s the night/day variant for the binder, and there is an english tin, as well as a JP PkMn Center card sleeve. I don’t have the binders, but the tin and sleeve are caught.
As far as binders I try to go only with mini binders (card files) instead of the 3-ring (collection files). It’s an effort to save space.
I AM hunting for the Red’s pokemon, gen 2 3-ring, with steelix, espeon, and snorlax. I’ve found one… but not the right price. Also, I’m constantly tempted by the dialga palkia 3-ring…
I’m adding more of my favorite arts to my collection. Maybe a little addicted to me spirit animal card…
I also got an ex dragon/rulers of heaven sleeve, since my tin for that art is not easy to display or see.
FIRST, TY for pushing my main collection thread over 50 likes! =) It’s been a life-long endeavor, and I appreciate the continued interest from everyone.
One more of my favorite arts to add. I don’t like spending much on my collection, but sometimes, I find a happy medium.
I recently met one of Arita’s coordinators and he had a bunch of great nostalgia and non-PkMn items. Might grab some more, but I got a few non-PkMn items.
I also finally nabbed this binder from the UK. It was not a grail, but i’ve always liked the odd perspective and shading, and thought, WTHNot? Price seemed pretty good, and it’s been in my cart for a while.
I also wanted to put this thought out there, as I got confirmation from the person I met, that Arita is looking to sunset his work with TPC. There’s no date or deadline, as PkMn still wants him to do work, but he’s apparently getting tired of it, and I can’t blame him.
Still, part of me welcomes an end to new Arita card releases of which I feel like I have to have every one… cuz I’ve come THIS far already.
Arita is doing other things, and honestly, I will probly still add things, but if he stops PkMn, I’d see an end to the journey. It may be many things on my mind, but after 30 years of focus on Arita, I’ve wondered if I’ll have to just call it, or if I’ll be able to tie a nice bow on it… My OCD will be satisfied, but my collecting energies will also be released.
Just a thought on potential futures in my collection. Nothing certain for now.
Other work. As an artist, I completely understand being over something when you are associated with it, but also needing it to pay bills. But there’s no set “I’m done” goal.
Minty
Though nothing anywhere else.
