History
The Raticate 40/102 from the Base Set is an iconic card from the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Representing the swift evolution of Rattata, this Normal-type Pokémon is known for its speed and powerful incisors, traits faithfully captured by the initial TCG illustrations. As a Base Set card, it belongs to the very first expansion ever released, marking the beginning of a passion for millions of collectors and players worldwide.
The artwork for this card is by Ken Sugimori, one of the original Pokémon designers and the artist behind most illustrations in the early expansions. His distinctive and instantly recognizable style gives this Raticate a classic yet dynamic appearance, reflecting the aesthetic of the Pokémon Red and Blue video games. Raticate's poised stance, ready to pounce, emphasizes its nature as a fast and agile rodent.
As a 1st Edition card from the Base Set, this version of Raticate holds particular historical value. Cards from this edition were the very first to be printed with the small "1st Edition" logo beneath the illustration, distinguishing them from the Unlimited versions and granting them a unique collector's status for purists and those nostalgic for the early days.
