Do Names Mean More Than Art? by G.W.

As collectors we aspire to get the cards we desire, the ones that represent us, the ones that represent our experience growing up, but why is it that certain cards are held to a different standard?

Whether you want to talk about the Charizard phenomenon, the Moonbreon debacle, there are cards that by name alone carry more weight than others. Whether it be because of production, pull rates, or more… what goes into deciding what card holds the most value of a set? There are only certain names that currently run the Pokémon market; Charizard, Umbreon, Pikachu and … exactly.

Does this change the essence of what Pokémon collecting is all about?
For better and for worse, yes.

If you love a Charizard, Umbreon or Pikachu, goodluck.
If you love any other Pokémon, the value will never pass these types of cards (yay). 

It’s a battle of understanding the trajectory of Pokémon, and we’ve entered an era where artwork continues to blow people away. Yet some of the most gorgeous cards can be purchased for $2 USD. The work that artists put in evaporates in worth the moment a company decides what is worthwhile. We’ve seen this consistently set after set, with the occasional spice of a new card rising to the top. However, they will never topple the trifecta described, as we constantly see that even if the art doesn’t stand out, the name can hold the value above others. The market for these cards has been decided by a market decision, rather than a stylistic metric.

This does not mean the moonbreon, and charizards are displayed with atrocious artworks. There is just confusion as to why a card with the similar artistic masterclass is held to a lower pedestal. It’s a peculiar way for cards to be determined, as in sports the top and most popular players themselves rise to be the cream of the crop. Pokemon is decided by higher ups, and we just follow suit.

The days of variety are approaching though, as we hope for more in the coming sets, but Prismatic Evolutions has set the Pokémon scene back generations with how Umbreon is being treated. There needs to be justice for the other eeveelutions and Pokémon within the scene. 

Battle Partners and Team Rocket new sets should provide us a change of scenery, allowing other Pokémon to rise to new heights. Some of the proposed artworks are already fantastic and a breath of new air for the many Pokémon that deserve it.