History
Rayquaza is a legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, revered as the guardian of the skies in the Hoenn region. First introduced in the third generation, it is famous for its role in stopping the conflicts between Groudon and Kyogre. Its elegant, serpentine design, combined with its colossal power, has made it a fan favorite and a staple in the Pokémon TCG.
The Rayquaza 138/185 card comes from the Sword & Shield – Vivid Voltage expansion, released in November 2020. This expansion is known for its vibrant Amazing Pokémon illustrations and for introducing numerous Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX. Rayquaza, while not a Pokémon V in this specific incarnation, brings a touch of legendary majesty to the collection, recalling its constant importance in the Pokémon universe.
The artwork for this holographic card is by 5ban Graphics, an artist collective renowned for its distinctive style, often used for legendary and powerful Pokémon. Here, Rayquaza is depicted in a dynamic, aerial pose, its sinuous body filling the frame, accentuating its nature as master of the skies. The holographic effect highlights its iconic green scales and gives it an aura of energy, perfectly capturing the essence of this mythical Pokémon.
Fun facts
- Rayquaza is the only Pokémon capable of naturally learning the move Dragon Ascent, which is required for its Mega Evolution.
- Rayquaza's design draws inspiration from ancient mythologies, particularly the Orochi, a multi-headed dragon from Japanese folklore, and Quetzalcoatl, a feathered serpent deity from Mesoamerican mythology.
- 5ban Graphics is a prolific artist group known for creating numerous iconic Pokémon TCG artworks, often for powerful legendary and V/VMAX Pokémon, giving them a consistent, dynamic style.
Collector's tip
For collectors, the condition of a holographic card like this Rayquaza is paramount. Carefully check all four corners, edges, the surface for any scratches, and the centering of the artwork. Holographic cards are particularly susceptible to micro-scratches on the shiny surface. To preserve its value and integrity, it is recommended to immediately protect it with a sleeve and toploader, or store it in a suitable binder. Modern expansions like Vivid Voltage generally do not have a distinction between first edition and unlimited, which simplifies the search for this specific card.