History
Arbok, the evolution of Ekans, is a formidable Poison-type Pokémon recognized by its mesmerizing belly pattern. In the Team Rocket expansion, Arbok takes on a "Dark" form, reflecting the sinister nature of the organization. This card, numbered 2/82, is one of the iconic holographic rares from the set, marking its status as a collector's item.
The Team Rocket expansion, released in 2000, was the first to introduce "Dark" Pokémon, creatures under the evil influence of Team Rocket. These cards often featured more aggressive artwork and abilities than their classic counterparts, bringing a darker dimension and innovative game mechanics to the TCG.
The artwork for this Dark Arbok card is the work of Mitsuhiro Arita, a legendary artist who has illustrated some of the game's most iconic cards, including the base set Charizard. His distinctive style perfectly captures the menace and power of this Arbok, with dark colors and a piercing gaze that emphasize its malevolent nature and affiliation with Team Rocket.
Fun facts
- Dark Arbok is one of the first Pokémon to bear the 'Dark' prefix in the TCG, a unique feature introduced with the Team Rocket expansion.
- Arbok's belly pattern is known to change from region to region in the video game lore, which inspired its 'Hypnosis' attack on some cards.
- Mitsuhiro Arita, the artist for this card, also illustrated the highly famous Base Set Charizard, making him an iconic figure in the TCG.