History
Marowak, the evolved form of Cubone, is an iconic Ground-type Pokémon, recognizable by the bone it wields and the skull it wears, often associated with the memory of its lost mother. This poignant backstory gives it a particular emotional depth, making it a fan favorite since its debut in the first generation of games.
The Marowak 39/64 card comes from the Jungle expansion, the second main series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in 1999. This expansion introduced 48 new Pokémon to the TCG, significantly expanding the pool of creatures available after the Base Set. Jungle is also famous for its rare holographic cards and, for unlimited versions, the production error where the expansion symbol was missing on some cards.
The artwork for this card, by CR CG gangs, depicts Marowak in a rocky, desert environment, true to its Ground typing. The illustration captures the Pokémon's determination, highlighting its robust appearance and its connection to battle. As a non-holographic, uncommon rarity card, it is a perfect example of the artistic style of the early expansions, offering a window into the original aesthetic of the Pokémon TCG.
Fun facts
- Marowak 39/64 is a non-holographic card of 'Uncommon' rarity, making it more accessible than the rare holographics from the Jungle expansion.
- The Jungle expansion is famous for the 'no-symbol' error on unlimited print cards, but this 1st Edition card correctly features the distinctive first print symbol.
- The Pokédex often describes Marowak as wearing the skull of its deceased mother, a poignant backstory that has resonated with many Pokémon fans.
Collector's tip
For collectors, the Marowak 39/64 1st Edition card is a piece of Pokémon TCG history. It's crucial to verify the authenticity of the '1st Edition' logo located below the Pokémon's artwork. The card's condition is paramount for its value: look for cards free of creases, scratches, or whitening on the edges. While less sought after than the holographic cards, a 'gem mint' version of this uncommon card can still be a valuable addition to a dedicated first edition collection. Compare prices of certified cards to estimate its current market value.
