History
Starmie, the evolved form of Staryu, is renowned for its incredible speed and mastery of aquatic environments. In the video games, it stands out as a powerful Water and Psychic-type Pokémon, valued for its versatility.
The Starmie 65/102 card hails from the iconic Base Set, the very first expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in the West in 1999. This specific version is a 1st Edition card, recognizable by its distinctive small "1st Edition" stamp located below the artwork. Cards from this edition are highly sought after by collectors for their historical value and rarity.
Keiji Kinebuchi's artwork for this card captures Starmie in dynamic aquatic motion, with its central core gem radiating light. Kinebuchi is a prolific artist from the early days of the TCG, having contributed to many iconic Base Set cards with a recognizable style that often emphasizes the dynamism and natural environment of the Pokémon.
Fun facts
- Starmie is one of the few Pokémon in the Base Set to require two different energy types for one of its attacks (Water and Colorless for "Hydro Jet"), a common but notable mechanic at the time.
- Although Starmie is a Water/Psychic-type Pokémon in the video games, its Base Set card is solely Water-type, a common simplification for early TCG cards.
- Artist Keiji Kinebuchi illustrated 23 cards in the Base Set, including icons like Farfetch'd, Grimer, and Sandshrew, making him a major contributor to the game's original aesthetic.
