History
The Base Set is the foundational expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, marking the global debut of the phenomenon in 1999. Opening a sealed booster from this first edition is a true journey back in time, immersing collectors in the dawn of the Pokémon craze. Each pack holds the promise of discovering one of the iconic cards that defined the franchise, including the starter Pokémon and legendary creatures.
This specific booster, from the 1st Edition and known as "heavy," offers an increased probability of containing a rare holographic card, such as the powerful Blastoise. Blastoise, the final evolution of Squirtle, is one of the three original starter Pokémon, and its holographic Base Set card is a cornerstone for many collectors. Ken Sugimori's classic artwork for Blastoise in this edition perfectly captures its imposing stature and characteristic hydro cannons, making this card a timeless symbol of the first generation.
Fun facts
- The Base Set 1st Edition is the very first series of Pokémon TCG cards released in English, making it a historical cornerstone for collectors.
- A "heavy" booster is a collector's term for a sealed pack whose weight suggests the presence of a holographic card, as holo cards are slightly heavier.
- Blastoise is one of the three Kanto region starter Pokémon, alongside Charizard and Venusaur, and its holographic Base Set card is one of the most sought-after.