History
Ninetales, the elegant nine-tailed Fox Pokémon, is an iconic creature from the first generation, evolving from Vulpix with a Fire Stone. Its majesty and mystical aura, inspired by the legends of the Japanese kitsune, made it a fan favorite from the very beginning of the franchise. This holographic card, bearing the number 12/102, perfectly captures the essence of Ninetales with the iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori, the original Pokémon designer.
The Base Set, launched in 1999, marked the introduction of the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the Western world. As the very first English expansion ever released, it laid the foundations for the global TCG phenomenon we know today. The Ninetales 12/102 card is one of the 16 rare holographic cards from this foundational set, representing a historical milestone for any collector.
Ken Sugimori's artwork is instantly recognizable. His distinctive style, simple yet evocative, brings Ninetales to life in an elegant and powerful pose, highlighting its Fire-type nature and grace. This "1st Edition" version of the card adds a layer of prestige, signifying that it belongs to the very first print run of this historic expansion, making it particularly sought after by purists and nostalgic collectors.
Fun facts
- Ninetales is directly inspired by the kitsune, a mythological Japanese fox spirit known for its wisdom, longevity, and magical powers.
- In the Pokédex, it is often stated that Ninetales' nine tails are imbued with mystical power and that it can cast a 1000-year curse on anyone who grabs one of them.
- The Ninetales 12/102 card is one of the 16 rare holographic cards from the Base Set, highly coveted by collectors for their shiny finish and pioneering status.
