History
Magikarp, the Fish Pokémon, is famous in the Pokémon universe for its apparent weakness and incredible evolutionary potential. Often mocked for its ability to only "Splash," it embodies perseverance, as it transforms into the impressive Gyarados. This duality between its innocuous nature and its future mythical power makes it a cult character and a beloved meme among fans worldwide.
The Magikarp 35/102 card comes from the iconic Base Set, the very first expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in 1999. As part of the highly sought-after 1st Edition, this non-holographic "Uncommon" rarity card represents a piece of TCG history. Its "Splash" attack costs one Water Energy and deals no damage, faithfully reflecting the Pokémon's inability to defend itself in the early video games, but it was also a humorous nod to players.
Mitsuhiro Arita's artwork perfectly captures the essence of Magikarp, showing it peacefully floating in water with its characteristic expression. Arita is one of the most prolific and respected artists from the early days of the TCG, having designed many of the most iconic Base Set cards, including the famous Charizard. His distinctive style helped define the visual aesthetic that captivated millions of collectors and players around the world.
Fun facts
- This card's "Splash" attack deals no damage, faithfully reflecting one of Magikarp's weakest abilities in the video games.
- Mitsuhiro Arita is an iconic artist who illustrated many Base Set cards, including the famous holographic Charizard.
- Despite its "Uncommon" rarity, the 1st Edition version of this card is highly valued by collectors due to its status as a Base Set icon.
Collector's tip
For collectors, the Magikarp 35/102 Base Set 1st Edition card is a true treasure. It is crucial to check for the presence and integrity of the small "Edition 1" stamp below the illustration
