History
The Brock's Rhydon card is an iconic testament to the Gym Challenge expansion, released in 2000. This set highlights Kanto's Gym Leaders and their most loyal Pokémon, offering collectors the chance to relive the challenges of the Gyms. Rhydon, a first-generation Ground/Rock-type Pokémon, is featured here as a powerful partner of Brock, the first Gym Leader players encounter in the Pokémon Red and Blue video games.
Daisuke Ito's artwork perfectly captures Rhydon's raw power. It is depicted in an imposing pose, its massive muscles and menacing horn clearly visible, reflecting its unyielding nature and its ability to withstand and deliver devastating blows. The holographic finish of this card adds a dimension of prestige, making the Pokémon stand out with a captivating shimmer that was highly sought after then and still is today.
This card not only represents a strong Pokémon but also the unbreakable bond between a Trainer and their creature, a central theme of the Pokémon universe. It is a nostalgic piece for many, recalling the early days of the Pokémon TCG and the golden era where cards showcased iconic characters from the anime and games.
Fun facts
- Rhydon holds the record for being the very first Pokémon ever designed by Ken Sugimori, even before Pikachu or Charizard.
- The Gym Challenge expansion is the second of three 'Gym' sets (Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge, Gym Challenge Japanese) that focus on the Kanto Gym Leaders.
- Brock's Rhydon 2/132 is a Rare Holo card, meaning it was one of the harder cards to pull from Gym Challenge booster packs.
Collector's tip
For collectors, the holographic Brock's Rhydon card from the Gym Challenge expansion is a sought-after piece. It is crucial to check the overall condition of the card, especially the holographic surface which is prone to micro-scratches, as well as the edges and corners. Although this card is a 'Standard' variant, the Gym Challenge expansion had both 1st Edition and Unlimited print runs; 1st Edition cards are significantly more valuable. To maximize value and preservation, considering professional grading services like PSA or BGS is an excellent strategy, especially if the card is in excellent condition.
