History
Weedle is a Bug/Poison-type Pokémon from the first generation, known for its venomous sting and its ability to evolve into Beedrill. The Weedle 69/102 card is part of the legendary Base Set, the very first expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game to be released in the West in 1999. This set not only introduced the basics of the TCG but also laid the foundations for a global cultural phenomenon, making every card from this collection particularly iconic.
The artwork for this card is the creation of Mitsuhiro Arita, a revered name in the Pokémon TCG community. Arita is famous for illustrating some of the most iconic cards, including the holographic Charizard from the same Base Set. His distinctive style is recognizable here with Weedle depicted in a simple yet captivating forest environment, highlighting the humble yet essential nature of this caterpillar Pokémon at the beginning of the adventure.
This specific version is from the 1st Edition of the Base Set, which gives it a special status. First Edition cards are the initial print runs of an expansion and are identifiable by a small, distinctive logo. They are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance, marking the very beginning of the Pokémon TCG's history.
Fun facts
- The Weedle 69/102 is one of the 102 original cards from the Base Set, the very first expansion that launched the Pokémon TCG in the West.
- Despite being a common card, its artwork is by Mitsuhiro Arita, the legendary artist behind many iconic cards, including the holographic Charizard from the same set.
- Weedle is one of the first Pokémon you can encounter in Viridian Forest in the Pokémon Red and Blue video games, making it a symbol of the franchise's early days.
